Electromagnetic Navigation Shield for Surgical Probe Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromagnetic navigation systems face inaccuracies due to metal object distortions in surgical procedures, as metal objects can alter the magnetic field, leading to incorrect probe positioning and conduction effects, and existing mathematical models for field representation are complex and prone to manufacturing inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic navigation system that includes a shield to reduce distortion effects from metal objects, with the shield positioned adjacent to the metal object or integrated into the metal instrument, and a calibration process that accounts for metallic distortions during the navigation of a surgical probe, using a transmitter coil array and wireless communication for ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mathematical models are used to represent electromagnetic fields, then field representation is achieved, but manufacturing inaccuracies and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses physical measurement copies (actual electromagnetic field measurements taken at calibration points) instead of theoretical mathematical models. A calibration sensor physically measures the electromagnetic field strengths at multiple points in space, creating an empirical data set that represents the actual field rather than relying on complex mathematical representations that are prone to manufacturing inaccuracies.
2Power
If transmitter coils are manufactured, then electromagnetic field generation is achieved, but manufacturing inaccuracies cause incorrect field values
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs calibration by measuring the actual electromagnetic field strengths produced by the transmitter coils at multiple calibration points. This measured data provides feedback about the real field characteristics, which then corrects for any manufacturing inaccuracies in the coils. The calibration process adjusts the system based on actual performance rather than relying on theoretical specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs calibration before actual surgical navigation to establish the true electromagnetic field characteristics in advance. By measuring and storing field strengths at multiple calibration points beforehand, the system prepares correction data that compensates for manufacturing variations in the transmitter coils before they affect surgical procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If metal objects are positioned near the electromagnetic field, then surgical equipment functionality is achieved, but field distortion and conduction effects cause navigation inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs calibration with the metal surgical equipment in place before conducting navigation procedures. By measuring the electromagnetic field characteristics in the presence of the metal objects beforehand, the system captures the distorted field pattern and uses this information to correct navigation calculations, thereby compensating for the distortion effects.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides accurate navigation of a surgical probe near metal objects by minimizing distortion effects, enhancing precision and reducing the complexity of field calculations, while allowing for integration with existing surgical equipment and environments.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter coil array that generates an electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 2
sensing the field strength in the first field with the calibration sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for electromagnetic navigation of a surgical probe near a metal object. The electromagnetic navigation system includes a transmitter coil array and a shield. The transmitter coil array has a plurality of transmitter coils and is operable to generate the electromagnetic field to navigate the probe. The shield is positioned adjacent the metal object and is operable to shield the metal object from the electromagnetic field generated by the transmitter coil array, such that the shield substantially reduces distortion of the electromagnetic field by the metal object.