Invasive system employing a radiofrequency tracking system
First Claim
1. An invasive imaging system to provide interactive images during an invasive procedure of a subject, comprising:
- a) a imaging means adapted for providing an image of said subject;
b) an invasive device adapted to be inserted into said subject;
c) a radiofrequency (RF) transmitter attached to an end of the invasive device, the RF transmitter including;
i. power conversion means for converting electrical power into an RF signal at a selected frequency,ii. power generation means for providing electrical power to the power conversion means;
said power generation means comprised of;
1. a photo-voltaic device which converts light energy into an electrical power; and
2. an energy storage means coupling the photo-voltaic device to the power conversion means, for storing the converted electrical power and providing the power to the power conversion meansiii. broadcasting means for broadcasting the RF signal so as to create a dipole magnetic field, andiv. hermetically sealed case constructed from non-bioreactive materials encasing the power conversion means, power generation means and broadcasting means having a size and shape allowing it to move freely within said patient;
d) a plurality of receive coils placed at a plurality of known locations for receiving the broadcasted RF signal; and
e) external RF tracking/display means employing a phase-locked loop for synchronizing the external RF tracking/display means with the RF transmitter, the external RF tracking/display means coupled to the receive coils and responsive to the RF signal for determining a location and orientation of the RF transmitter based upon strength and phase of the broadcasted RF signal received at the receive coils, and adapted for displaying the image of the subject and a symbol on the image at a position corresponding to the location of the RF transmitter in the subject.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An invasive imaging system employs a self-contained RF transmitter attached to an invasive device which allows tracking of the invasive device within a subject without physical connections to a tracking/display system and without the use of ionizing rays. An imaging system obtains a medical diagnostic image of the subject. The self-contained RF transmitter is comprised of a power generator means, a power conversion means such as an oscillator which converts the generated power to a radiofrequency (RF) signal, and a broadcasting means such as a tuned transmit coil for radiating the RF signal. The radiated RF signal is received by receive coils of a tracing/display means which calculates the location of the RF transmitter. The tracking/display means displays the medical diagnostic image on a monitor and superimposes a symbol on the image at a position corresponding to the calculated location of the RF transmitter. Prior to operation, the power generator may be energized inductively, photo-voltaically, or by direct contact with an external power supply. The power generator means may also be a charged battery sealed inside the RF transmitter. The RF transmitter may be implanted to track the motion of internal tissues.
425 Citations
7 Claims
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1. An invasive imaging system to provide interactive images during an invasive procedure of a subject, comprising:
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a) a imaging means adapted for providing an image of said subject; b) an invasive device adapted to be inserted into said subject; c) a radiofrequency (RF) transmitter attached to an end of the invasive device, the RF transmitter including; i. power conversion means for converting electrical power into an RF signal at a selected frequency, ii. power generation means for providing electrical power to the power conversion means;
said power generation means comprised of;1. a photo-voltaic device which converts light energy into an electrical power; and 2. an energy storage means coupling the photo-voltaic device to the power conversion means, for storing the converted electrical power and providing the power to the power conversion means iii. broadcasting means for broadcasting the RF signal so as to create a dipole magnetic field, and iv. hermetically sealed case constructed from non-bioreactive materials encasing the power conversion means, power generation means and broadcasting means having a size and shape allowing it to move freely within said patient; d) a plurality of receive coils placed at a plurality of known locations for receiving the broadcasted RF signal; and e) external RF tracking/display means employing a phase-locked loop for synchronizing the external RF tracking/display means with the RF transmitter, the external RF tracking/display means coupled to the receive coils and responsive to the RF signal for determining a location and orientation of the RF transmitter based upon strength and phase of the broadcasted RF signal received at the receive coils, and adapted for displaying the image of the subject and a symbol on the image at a position corresponding to the location of the RF transmitter in the subject. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification