Magnetization device and method
First Claim
1. A device for magnetizing a tissue-penetrating medical tool comprising:
- a tool-receiving space having a closed end, an open end, and a sterile liner, and being of a length to receive within the sterile liner at the open end a predefined length of the tissue-penetrating medical tool; and
a magnetic flux generator generating a magnetic field, the magnetic field having a magnetization region for magnetically-saturating the part of the tissue-penetrating medical tool which is in said tool-receiving space, the magnetic flux in the magnetization region being oriented in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tissue-penetrating medical tool.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A magnetizer for a tissue-penetrating medical tool such as a needle, cannula, stylet, or catheter consist of a magnetic flux generator which generates a magnetic field in a tool-receiving space. The tool can be passed through or into and out of the space to magnetize it. Optionally the space can be defined by a disposable plastics tube, with a closed end, so that a defined length of the tool is magnetized. The magnetic flux generator can be a permanent magnet or electromagnet. Alternatively a conveyor belt can be used to transport a tissue-penetrating medical tool through a magnetic field generated by an electromagnet with the belt and the electromagnetic being controlled in response to an optical sensor for detecting the position of the tissue-penetrating medical tool. The device is suitable for magnetizing tools for use in surgical procedures where the tool is to be magnetically tracked.
231 Citations
29 Claims
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1. A device for magnetizing a tissue-penetrating medical tool comprising:
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a tool-receiving space having a closed end, an open end, and a sterile liner, and being of a length to receive within the sterile liner at the open end a predefined length of the tissue-penetrating medical tool; and a magnetic flux generator generating a magnetic field, the magnetic field having a magnetization region for magnetically-saturating the part of the tissue-penetrating medical tool which is in said tool-receiving space, the magnetic flux in the magnetization region being oriented in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tissue-penetrating medical tool. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A method of magnetizing a tissue-penetrating medical tool comprising:
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positioning at least part of the tissue-penetrating medical tool in a tool-receiving space, the tool-receiving space having a closed end, an open end, and a sterile liner, and being of a length to receive within the sterile liner at the open end a predefined length of the tissue-penetrating medical tool; and generating a magnetic field in said tool-receiving space to magnetically-saturate the part of the tissue-penetrating medical tool which is in said tool-receiving space, the magnetic flux in the magnetization region being oriented in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tissue-penetrating medical tool. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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Specification