Superparamagnetic Material Detection Using Segmented Coil Spatial Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting superparamagnetic material, such as superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, face inaccuracies due to limited depth sensitivity and interference from surrounding paramagnetic materials, particularly in laparoscopic procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of a magnetic field with specific frequency components to modulate magnetization, generating and processing signals to determine the amount and location of superparamagnetic material while minimizing interference from surrounding materials, using techniques like frequency mixing and harmonic analysis to improve signal-to-noise ratio and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a handheld probe with combined excitation and detection coils is used, then the device structure is simple, but the depth sensitivity is restricted by the diameter of the coils
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into separate excitation coils and detection coils. The excitation coils are placed underneath the patient to generate a large volume excitation field, while the detection coils are made small and positioned in the handheld probe for deep tissue detection. This spatial segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing large excitation volume without increasing probe diameter.
2Measurement precision
If the detection coil is placed close to the superparamagnetic material, then the signal strength increases, but the detection becomes dependent on distance from the excitation coil
Solution Approach 1:
The excitation coil acts as an intermediary that generates a magnetic field to modulate the magnetization of superparamagnetic material. By separating the excitation and detection functions spatially, the system allows the detection coil to be positioned optimally near the material while the excitation coil maintains a large volume coverage, reducing distance dependency.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic field strength is increased to improve detection accuracy, then the detection precision improves, but the disturbance to surrounding paramagnetic material increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field is applied locally through the excitation coil underneath the patient, creating a focused excitation region. The detection coil then measures the local magnetization response near the tissue of interest. This local quality approach allows sufficient field strength for accurate detection without widespread disturbance to surrounding paramagnetic materials.
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 enhances the detection accuracy and reduces the dependency on distance from the excitation coil, allowing for precise localization of superparamagnetic material, even in the presence of surrounding paramagnetic materials, and is suitable for use in human bodies with low magnetic field strengths.
Implementation Method 1
applying a magnetic field during a first period to an object to modulate a magnetization of the superparamagnetic material
Implementation Method 2
receiving a first signal and a second signal; determining a sensor signal from the first signal and the second signal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting superparamagnetic material. The method comprises applying, by an excitation coil, a magnetic field during a first period to an object to modulate a magnetization of the superparamagnetic material, the magnetic field comprising a first component with a first frequency; positioning a sensing device at a first position from the excitation coil receiving a first signal by a first detection sub-coil in the sensing device and a second signal by a second detection-sub-coil in the sensing device; determining a sensor signal from the first signal and the second signal; determining a detection signal based on the sensor signal; determining a parameter indicating an amount of superparamagnetic material by dividing the detection signal by the first signal, and repeating steps to at at least one different position in order to determine a location where the parameter has a maximal value.