Probe Energy Field Projection for Safer Interventional Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for anatomical targets, such as energy delivery to alter tissue conductivity, often inadvertently affect neighboring sensitive tissues due to inadequate targeting and energy control.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining the location of a probe relative to patient anatomy, computing a virtual spatial projection of an energy field, and generating guidance for precise energy delivery to target tissues while avoiding non-target regions, using sensors and navigation systems to adjust parameters in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If energy is applied to ablate target tissue, then treatment efficacy is improved, but neighboring sensitive tissue may be adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary computation of the energy field's spatial projection before actual energy delivery. By calculating where the energy field will be delivered based on probe location and operating parameters, the system allows operators to preview and adjust the treatment plan to avoid sensitive structures, thus preventing collateral injury before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback by displaying the computed spatial projection of the energy field overlaid on anatomical structures. This visual feedback loop enables operators to adjust probe position or operating parameters to ensure the energy field remains within safe boundaries, thereby preventing harm to neighboring tissues while maintaining treatment efficacy.
2Measurement precision
If probe location precision is improved, then energy delivery accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary computational layer that takes probe location data and operating parameters as inputs, then outputs the spatial projection of the energy field. This intermediary computation acts as a mediator between the simple probe positioning and the complex energy delivery planning, allowing precise control without requiring complex hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy or representation of the energy field's spatial distribution through computational modeling. Instead of using complex physical measurement systems, the patent uses a digital model that replicates the energy field's behavior, allowing precise prediction and control of energy delivery while keeping the physical device relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
An example computer-implemented method includes determining a location of a probe relative to patient anatomy, in which the probe includes an emitter adapted to deliver energy. The method also includes computing a virtual spatial projection of an energy field for the emitter based on the location of the probe and at least one operating parameter for the emitter. The method also includes generating guidance for performing an intervention with the probe based on the virtual spatial projection.