Steerable Needle Positioning via Magnetic Field and Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current needle steering techniques face limitations such as restricted radii of curvature, excessive modeling complexity, and unnecessary tissue damage, particularly in minimally invasive surgeries that rely on 3D image guidance.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining the position of a steerable assembly within tissue using an elongated body structure with a premagnetized material and fiber Bragg grating sensors, which allows for the calculation of a three-dimensional trajectory without real-time imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional 3D imaging techniques (MRI, CT, ultrasound) are used for real-time guidance during needle insertion, then positional accuracy can be monitored, but the system complexity increases and tissue damage may occur due to repeated imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from external imaging systems and embeds it directly into the needle assembly through magnetic sensors and field sources. This allows positional tracking without requiring complex external imaging equipment, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical imaging systems (MRI, CT, ultrasound) with a magnetic field-based sensing system. By using magnetic field sources and sensors, the system achieves real-time positional monitoring without the complexity and tissue damage associated with repeated imaging procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If passive needle steering techniques are used, then the needle can maneuver around sensitive organs, but trajectory planning becomes complicated and tissue damage increases due to rotation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rotation and passive steering mechanisms with magnetic field-based active steering. The magnetic field sources externally control the orientation and trajectory of the magnetized needle, eliminating the need for complicated trajectory planning and reducing tissue damage from rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the steering mechanism from mechanical (rotation, bevel orientation) to magnetic (field strength, field direction). By controlling magnetic field parameters, the system achieves versatile maneuverability around sensitive organs while simplifying the control process.
3Measurement precision
If active needle steering with additional control mechanisms is used, then positioning accuracy improves, but the device complexity and modeling requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the steering and sensing functions into a unified magnetic field-based system. The same magnetic field sources that provide steering also enable positional tracking through sensors, eliminating the need for separate complex control mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If real-time imaging is performed during needle insertion, then positional feedback is obtained, but patient exposure to radiation (CT) or magnetic fields (MRI) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes radiation-based imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound) with a magnetic field-based sensing system that does not expose patients to harmful radiation. The magnetic sensors detect the position of magnetized needles through the body without ionizing radiation, achieving positional feedback while eliminating radiation exposure.
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 enables accurate and precise steering of needles within tissue, reducing tissue damage and improving the accuracy of surgical procedures by eliminating the need for real-time imaging during insertion.
Implementation Method 1
at least one fiber bragg grating sensor in or on the elongated body structure and configured to generate at least one signal indicative of one or more of force, shape, or strain experienced by the at least one fiber bragg grating sensor
Implementation Method 2
A signal indicative of position and/or direction of the premagnetized material is used in conjunction with a signal indicative of a length of insertion of the elongated body structure into the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining position of a steerable assembly within tissue of an animal body utilizes an elongated body structure with an implement arranged at a distal end thereof, and a premagnetized material proximate to the distal end. A signal indicative of a length of insertion of the elongated body structure into the tissue is used with a signal indicative of (i) force, strain, shape of a sensor associated with the elongated body structure and/or (ii) directionality of magnetic field applied to the premagnetized material, to determine a three-dimensional (3D) trajectory of the steerable assembly. The 3D trajectory is superimposed on a 3D model of the tissue to determine position of the steerable assembly within the tissue.