Self-Localizing Medical Device Obstruction Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for localizing medical devices in medical procedures face challenges when obstacles block the line of sight between the transmitter and receiver, leading to difficulties in determining the device's position, as they rely on electromagnetic radiation and are prone to line of sight problems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a supplement detection device to detect the position of a medical device relative to a reference structure, allowing for autonomous localization even when the primary tracking modality is obstructed, by using image-based tracking and combining data from different tracking modalities to determine the device's position in a global coordinate system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromagnetic radiation tracking is used to determine the position of a medical device, then the position can be determined in real-time, but the determination fails when obstacles block the line of sight between transmitter and receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tracking function into two independent segments: a main detection device for normal tracking and a supplement detection device for obstacle compensation. Each device operates independently with its own detection capabilities, allowing the system to switch between them based on line of sight availability without requiring a complete reconfiguration of the tracking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplement detection device acts as an intermediary solution when the main detection device's line of sight is blocked. It provides alternative position determination data that mediates the gap created by obstacles, enabling continuous tracking by filling the information void left by the blocked main detection path.
2Reliability
If parallel tracking modalities are employed to overcome line of sight problems, then position determination can continue during obstructions, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the activation state of the supplement detection device based on real-time assessment of the main detection device's performance. When line of sight is clear, only the main device operates; when obstruction is detected, the supplement device is activated. This dynamic configuration reduces overall system complexity compared to permanently maintaining all tracking modalities active.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes self-diagnostic capabilities that automatically detect when the main detection device is obstructed and trigger the supplement detection device without external intervention. The system monitors its own tracking quality and autonomously switches between detection modes, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a supplement detection device is added to detect position relative to a reference structure, then autonomous localization is enabled during obstructions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supplement detection device is merged with the reference structure in many implementations, where the reference structure itself contains or is integrated with the detection capabilities. This combining of functions reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to detect position relative to the reference structure during obstructions.
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
Enables efficient localization of medical devices in obstructed environments by allowing the device to autonomously track its position relative to a reference structure, improving accuracy and reliability by processing position measurements in series and reducing measurement errors.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, from a perspective of the medical device, position data of the reference structure by means of a supplement detection device
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of determining the position of a medical device to be localized, comprising: a) acquiring main position data comprising reference structure position information which describes the position of a reference structure in a global coordinate system, the main position data having been gathered by a main detection device; b) acquiring supplement position data comprising relative position information which describes the position of the medical device relative to the position of the reference structure in a reference coordinate system, the supplement position data having been gathered by a supplement detection device; c) determining, based on the relative position information and the reference structure position information, medical device position data comprising medical device position information which describes the position of the medical device in the global coordinate system.