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Locating steel needles in the human body using a SQUID magnetometer
E Costa Monteiro1, C Hall Barbosa, E Andrade Lima
1Department of Physics, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. beth@fis.puc-rio.br
Physics in Medicine and Biology
|August 25, 2000
Summary
This study introduces a novel magnetic field measurement technique for precisely locating lost needles in the body. The method aids surgeons in foreign body extraction, reducing surgery time and improving success rates.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Physics
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Lost hypodermic and sewing needles pose a challenge in medical procedures.
- Accurate localization is crucial for safe and efficient surgical extraction.
- Existing methods may lack precision or increase operative time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a non-invasive technique for 3D localization of foreign needles.
- To provide precise information on needle center, orientation, and depth.
- To improve the safety and efficiency of surgical foreign body removal.
Main Methods:
- Development of a theoretical model for magnetic fields generated by needles.
- Experimental validation of the magnetic field model.
- Utilizing a SQUID system for magnetic field measurements.
- Mapping magnetic fields acquired on-line with patients on an X-Y bed.
Main Results:
- The technique successfully localized needles in six clinical cases.
- High precision in determining needle's center, orientation, and depth was achieved.
- The method demonstrated ease of use in surgical localization.
Conclusions:
- The magnetic field-based technique offers a precise solution for localizing lost needles.
- This method can significantly reduce surgical time and failure rates for foreign body extraction.
- The validated model and technique show promise for clinical application in surgery.