Magnetometer Surgical Device
A magnetometer-based metal detection device and methods of use are described. The device includes a proximal portion, a central body and a distal portion, and at least one magnetometer positioned within or on the distal portion. The at least one magnetometer includes at least one sensor capable of sensing a magnetic field in three orthogonal axes. Also described is a method of calibrating the device to achieve rotational invariance, and a method of determining a directionality or directional line along which a target metal object lies.
1 - 20 . (canceled)
21 . A magnetometer-based magnetic material detection device comprising:
a proximal portion, a rigid central body and a flexible and adjustable distal portion, wherein the rigid central body comprises a tube having a circular outer cross-section, a diameter between 2 and 20 mm, and a length between 1 and 60 cm;
one or more magnetometers positioned in or on the distal portion;
an indicator light; and
a processor communicatively coupled with the one or more magnetometers, wherein the processor is configured to:
receive magnetic field data from a communication interface of the one or more magnetometers, and
provide a signal to the indicator light to turn on the indicator light in response to a change in a relative proximity of the one or more magnetometers to a magnetic material based on the magnetic field data.
22 . The device of claim 21 , further comprising a handle at the proximal portion, wherein the handle further comprises a pull lever coupled to a guidewire extending through the rigid central body, wherein the guidewire is coupled to the distal portion, and wherein the distal portion is configured to be moved via the guidewire in response to an actuation of the pull lever.
23 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the processor is further configured to provide the signal to the indicator light to change an illumination of the indicator light in response to the change in the relative proximity of the one or more magnetometers to the magnetic material.
24 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the magnetic material is a needle.
25 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the magnetic material is a surgical tool.
26 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the magnetic material is partially magnetized.
27 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the magnetic material is magnetized.
28 . A magnetometer-based magnetic material detection device comprising:
a proximal portion, a rigid central body and a flexible and adjustable distal portion, wherein the rigid central body comprises a tube having a circular outer cross-section, a diameter between 2 and 20 mm, and a length between 1 and 60 cm;
one or more magnetometers positioned in or on the distal portion;
a sound emitting device; and
a processor communicatively coupled with the one or more magnetometers, wherein the processor is configured to:
receive magnetic field data from a communication interface of the one or more magnetometers, and
provide a signal to the sound emitting device to provide an audible sound in response to a change in a relative proximity of the one or more magnetometers to a magnetic material based on the magnetic field data.
29 . The device of claim 28 , further comprising a handle at the proximal portion, wherein the handle further comprises a pull lever coupled to a guidewire extending through the rigid central body, wherein the guidewire is coupled to the distal portion, and wherein the distal portion is configured to be moved via the guidewire in response to an actuation of the pull lever.
30 . The device of claim 28 , wherein the processor is further configured to provide the signal to the sound emitting device to change the audible sound in response to the change in the relative proximity of the one or more magnetometers to the magnetic material.
31 . The device of claim 28 , wherein the magnetic material is a needle.
32 . The device of claim 28 , wherein the magnetic material is a surgical tool.
33 . The device of claim 28 , wherein the magnetic material is partially magnetized.
34 . The device of claim 28 , wherein the magnetic material is magnetized.
35 . A magnetometer-based magnetic material detection device comprising:
a proximal portion, a rigid central body and a flexible and adjustable distal portion, wherein the rigid central body comprises a tube having a circular outer cross-section, a diameter between 2 and 20 mm, and a length between 1 and 60 cm;
one or more magnetometers positioned in or on the distal portion;
a user interface; and
a processor communicatively coupled with the one or more magnetometers, wherein the processor is configured to:
receive magnetic field data from a communication interface of the one or more magnetometers, and
provide a signal to the user interface to provide a graphic or text in response to a change in a relative proximity of the one or more magnetometers to a magnetic material based on the magnetic field data.
36 . The device of claim 35 , further comprising a handle at the proximal portion, wherein the handle further comprises a pull lever coupled to a guidewire extending through the rigid central body, wherein the guidewire is coupled to the distal portion, and wherein the distal portion is configured to be moved via the guidewire in response to an actuation of the pull lever.
37 . The device of claim 35 , wherein the processor is further configured to provide the signal to the user interface to change the graphic or the text in response to the change in the relative proximity of the one or more magnetometers to the magnetic material.
38 . The device of claim 35 , wherein the magnetic material is a needle.
39 . The device of claim 35 , wherein the magnetic material is a surgical tool.
40 . The device of claim 35 , wherein the magnetic material is partially magnetized.