Medical Device Sensor Reference Frame Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current localization systems for medical devices within patients rely heavily on X-ray fluoroscopy, which is undesirable due to patient exposure concerns, and lack integration of shape information from optical sensors into a common reference frame for accurate positioning and orientation.
Innovation Solution
A medical device equipped with both magnetic sensors for position and orientation determination and optical sensors, such as fiber Bragg grating sensors, that transform optical feedback into a magnetic reference frame for unified localization and shape display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-ray fluoroscopy techniques are used for localization, then position and orientation of medical devices can be determined, but patient exposure to radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces X-ray fluoroscopy (electromagnetic radiation-based system) with a magnetic field-based localization system. Magnetic sensors on the medical device detect magnetic field vectors generated by external coils, enabling position and orientation determination without ionizing radiation exposure to the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field vectors as an intermediary medium between the external localization system and the medical device sensors. External magnetic coils generate magnetic field vectors that penetrate the patient's body without harmful radiation, and magnetic sensors on the device measure these vectors to determine position and orientation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If magnetic sensors are used for position determination, then radiation exposure is reduced, but integration with optical shape information in a common reference frame is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges magnetic position/orientation data from magnetic sensors with optical shape information from fiber optic sensors into a unified reference frame. The processing system transforms optical sensor data into the magnetic reference frame using determined position and orientation, creating a complete three-dimensional representation that combines both data types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal reference frame that can accommodate multiple sensor types (magnetic and optical) with different measurement capabilities. This unified framework allows the system to process and integrate data from diverse sensors, enabling comprehensive localization and shape determination through a single coordinated system.
3Loss of information
If optical sensors are added to the medical device, then shape information can be obtained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal processing framework that handles multiple sensor types through standardized transformation procedures. The system uses a common reference frame and coordinate transformation methods that work with both magnetic and optical sensor data, simplifying the integration process despite the diversity of sensor technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processing system with transformation algorithms as an intermediary between the heterogeneous sensors (magnetic and optical) and the final integrated output. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of coordinate transformations and data fusion, shielding the clinical user from the underlying computational complexity while enabling comprehensive shape and position information integration.
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 precise localization and shape determination of medical devices within the patient's body, reducing reliance on X-ray fluoroscopy and integrating optical shape information into a common reference frame for enhanced procedural accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
determine a position and an orientation of the medical device within the patient based on the magnetic field vectors
Implementation Method 2
determine a shape of the medical device based on the optical feedback
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one aspect, a medical device comprising may include a proximal end, a distal end, and a shaft extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The medical device may further include a magnetic sensor assembly that may include a magnetic coupler and first and second magnetic sensors, wherein the magnetic coupler is located at the distal end of the medical device and is rigidly affixed to an inner surface of the shaft. The medical device may further include an optical fiber comprised of a plurality of fiber cores extending along a length of the shaft, wherein one or more of the plurality of fiber cores include an optical sensor located at a location along a length of the optical fiber, wherein the optical fiber is rigidly supported within the shaft at a location near the optical sensor.