Ureteroscope Anatomical Tracking for Fluoroscopy-Free Kidney Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical procedures face challenges in accurately positioning and advancing medical devices, such as ureteroscopes and percutaneous access instruments, leading to physiological and procedural complications due to improper alignment and the use of costly and radiation-exposing methods like fluoroscopy.
Innovation Solution
The use of sensor- and image-based systems, including electromagnetic sensors and real-time video guidance, to facilitate precise localization and tracking of anatomical features, enabling accurate percutaneous access and reducing reliance on fluoroscopy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy is used for positioning medical devices, then positioning accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fluoroscopy (a radiation-based imaging system) with electromagnetic tracking technology. Position sensors embedded in the medical device and corresponding electromagnetic field generators track the device's position in real-time without radiation exposure, providing accurate positioning data through electromagnetic field interactions rather than X-ray imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic field generators as an intermediary between the positioning system and the medical device. These generators create electromagnetic fields that interact with position sensors to provide location information, serving as a non-radiative mediator that enables accurate tracking without direct radiation exposure to the patient.
2Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy is used for positioning medical devices, then positioning accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive fluoroscopy system with a more cost-effective electromagnetic tracking system. The position sensors and electromagnetic field generators provide comparable or superior positioning accuracy at lower cost, eliminating the need for expensive radiation-based imaging equipment while maintaining precise device localization.
3Manufacturing precision
If proper positioning systems are implemented, then procedure accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the electromagnetic tracking system. The same position sensors and electromagnetic field generators used for tracking also provide positioning information for navigation, alignment, and real-time monitoring, eliminating the need for separate fluoroscopy systems and reducing overall procedural complexity despite the advanced tracking capability.
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
Enhances precision and efficiency in medical procedures by providing real-time target tracking and alignment, minimizing damage to anatomy and reducing costs and radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
sensor- and image-based systems, including electromagnetic sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A method of localizing a target anatomy involves advancing a ureteroscope to a target calyx of a kidney of a patient through at least a portion of a urinary tract of the patient, determining a positional offset between one or more position sensors associated with the ureteroscope and a target papilla of the kidney that is at least partially exposed within the target calyx, and determining a percutaneous access target based at least in part on one or more of a present position of the one or more position sensors or the positional offset.