Segmented Implantable Magnetic Marker for Detectability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable magnetic markers face challenges in providing a strong magnetic field while maintaining a small size, which is essential for accurate localization during medical procedures, as larger markers require larger needles and may not be suitable for all tissues and therapies.
Innovation Solution
The use of two or more permanent magnetic elements connected by a mechanical connector allows for different orientation angles after implantation, reducing the longitudinal extent and increasing the transverse extent, enhancing detectability and allowing smaller needle diameters, along with an enclosure for the magnet to optimize magnetic field strength and biocompatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If larger magnetic markers are used to increase magnetic field strength, then detectability is improved, but the marker size increases requiring larger needle diameters and limiting applicability to certain tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic marker is divided into multiple permanent magnetic elements (first magnetic element, second magnetic element, etc.) connected by mechanical connectors. This segmentation allows the marker to be configured in different orientations (first orientation with smaller transverse extent for implantation, second orientation with larger transverse extent for detection) to resolve the contradiction between detectability and implantation feasibility.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If multiple magnetic elements are used to increase magnetic field strength, then detectability is improved, but the longitudinal extent increases complicating implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connectors are designed to allow the magnetic elements to change orientation dynamically. Before/during implantation, the marker assumes a second orientation with smaller longitudinal extent for easy insertion. After implantation, it transitions to a first orientation with larger transverse extent for enhanced detectability, thus resolving the contradiction between detectability and implantation simplicity.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If larger needle diameters are used to implant larger markers, then marker magnetic field strength is improved, but tissue damage increases and therapy options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The marker is designed to change its effective dimensionality between implantation and detection phases. During implantation, it presents a compact profile (smaller transverse and longitudinal extents) allowing insertion through smaller needles. After implantation, it expands in the transverse dimension to provide stronger magnetic field for detection, thus resolving the contradiction between magnetic field strength and tissue damage.
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 configuration increases the magnetic field strength, improves detectability, and allows for more precise localization with smaller markers, suitable for various tissues and therapies, while minimizing tissue exposure to high energy levels and reducing signal noise.
Implementation Method 1
Implantable magnetic markers (seeds) are also available. These provide a higher degree of flexibility and convenience, but still require considerable effort by the healthcare professional to detect the disposition (localization) of the marker. The magnetic field that a marker provides is determined by the magnetic properties of the materials used
Implementation Method 2
The marker may be configured and arranged to provide one or more predetermined second orientation angles, using the attractive and repulsive magnetic forces to assist in deployment, anchoring and/or increasing the energy of a detectable signal
Data Source
AI summary
Implantable magnetic markers (seeds) provide a higher degree of flexibility and convenience. The magnetic field that a marker provides is determined by the magnetic properties of the materials used and the dimensions of the marker—in general, a larger marker is easier to locate. Larger diameter markers may be used, but they should be much smaller than the average tumor size if they are to provide a useful degree of localization.An implantable magnetic marker is provided with two or more magnetic elements comprising permanent magnets connected by a mechanical connector to resiliently retain a first orientation when deployed and a second orientation before and/or during implantation. This allows complex magnetic configurations to be implanted, while retaining a simplified implantation method independent of the number of magnetic elements used. The transverse extent of the magnetic marker may be significantly reduced for implantation, allowing smaller needle diameters (smaller needle gauges) to be used or a larger number of smaller marker elements. This also allows significantly less longitudinal extents to be used.In addition, the two or more magnetic elements may be aligned to increase the transverse extent by increasing the transverse extent after implantation. This may increase detectability.