Navigation Field Distortion Detection in Electromagnetic Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromagnetic navigation systems face challenges in accurately determining the location of tracking devices due to distortion caused by conducting or magnetic materials within the navigation space, which can lead to improper navigation during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a method to detect and account for field distortions by using multiple tracking devices on instruments, such as flexible catheters, and calculating bending energies to determine probable positions, thereby preventing inaccurate navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electromagnetic field navigation is used to track instruments, then navigation capability is provided, but field distortion occurs due to conducting or magnetic materials
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting potential field distortions before they significantly affect tracking accuracy. The processor continuously monitors tracking device positions and identifies when distortion may be present, allowing the system to alert operators and adjust navigation parameters proactively rather than reactively
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously tracking the positions of multiple tracking devices and comparing expected versus actual positions. When distortion is detected, the system provides feedback to operators through alerts and adjusts navigation calculations to compensate for the distortion, maintaining reliable tracking despite the presence of conducting or magnetic materials
2Measurement precision
If multiple tracking devices are used on flexible instruments, then tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the flexible instrument into multiple segments, each equipped with a tracking device. This segmentation allows the system to capture the complex three-dimensional shape and bending of flexible instruments throughout their length, providing accurate tracking of each segment's position and orientation independently
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from tracking a single point to tracking multiple points in three-dimensional space. By monitoring the positions of multiple tracking devices along the flexible instrument, the system reconstructs the instrument's full spatial configuration, adding dimensional information about the instrument's shape and orientation
3Productivity
If field distortion is not detected, then navigation continues uninterrupted, but inaccurate positioning occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of tracking device positions to detect field distortion. By comparing expected versus actual positions and analyzing changes in tracking data over time, the system identifies when distortion is present and alerts operators, maintaining awareness of positioning accuracy throughout the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
When severe field distortion is detected, the system can skip or pause navigation operations in the affected area. This allows operators to reposition conducting or magnetic materials, recalibrate the system, or use alternative navigation methods before resuming, preventing prolonged inaccurate positioning
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
This approach ensures accurate tracking and navigation by identifying and mitigating distortion effects, ensuring the instrument is properly positioned within the patient, thereby enhancing the precision of medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The EM field can be affected by conducting materials, such as metals or other conducting materials (e.g., conducting polymers or impregnated polymeric materials or devices), and magnetic materials (e.g. soft ferromagnetic iron).
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method and system for navigating an instrument relative to a patient that can be near a field distorting feature. A localizer can generate an electromagnetic field that is sensed by a tracking device to determine a location of the tracking device with the sensed electromagnetic field. The system and related method can assist in determining whether a navigation field is distorted near a tracking device of the instrument.