Transponder String for Surgical Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transponder technologies face challenges in accurately locating and tracking small transponders within human tissue, particularly when they are deeply embedded, as they require significant power to transmit signals and lack precise positioning methods.
Innovation Solution
A transponder array and method involving a string of transponders connected by a filament or adhesive-backed substrate, where each transponder is powered by visible light and uniquely identified, allowing for precise location determination within human tissue using a mobile computing device, enabling the tracking of transponders and guiding surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If transponders are made small for minimally invasive injection, then ease of operation and invasiveness are improved, but power transmission capability and signal strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power source from the transponder. The external reader provides power wirelessly through electromagnetic fields, while the transponder itself remains small and injectable. This segmentation allows the transponder to be miniaturized for minimally invasive injection while the power transmission function is handled by the external reading device.
2Measurement precision
If transponders are deeply embedded in tissue, then measurement precision of deep tissue locations is improved, but power availability and signal transmission deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a physical string or filament as an intermediary that connects deeply embedded transponders to the surface. This string serves as both a mechanical guide for insertion and a pathway for power and signal transmission, enabling deep tissue transponders to receive power and transmit signals effectively despite their depth.
3Measurement precision
If multiple transponders are used for precise positioning, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple transponders onto a single physical string or substrate, creating a transponder array. This combining approach allows multiple transponders to be inserted simultaneously through a single needle, simplifying the insertion process while maintaining the positioning precision benefits of having multiple transponders distributed along the string.
4Measurement precision
If transponders are spaced apart in linear pattern, then location tracking precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transponders are pre-positioned at specific intervals along the string or substrate during manufacturing. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the transponder array is inserted into tissue, the transponders are already spaced at optimal intervals for precise location tracking, eliminating the need for complex post-insertion positioning adjustments.
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 the accurate placement and tracking of transponders within human tissue, facilitating surgical navigation by allowing surgeons to follow the transponder string to reach specific areas of interest, such as tumors, with high precision and minimal invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an RFID tag that is powered by a wand (or reader) that emits radiation, wherein the RFID tag uses power in the radiation in order to transmit a signal
Implementation Method 2
the transponder is powered to transmit the data to the mobile computing device
Data Source
AI summary
A transponder string comprising multiple transponders is configured for injection into human tissue. In one embodiment, the transponders are sized to move through a needle for injection into the human tissue. Positions of the transponders with reference to one another may be maintained by coupling the transponders via a filament, adhesive backed substrate, shrink tubing, and/or any other suitable substrate. The transponders are configured to transmit data to a mobile computing device, e.g., a wand, smart phone or wireless tablet positioned outside the human tissue such that positions of the transponders are determinable, e.g., during an excision surgery.