Two Magnetic Sensor Based Real-Time Tracking of Magnetically Inflated Swallowable Intragastric Balloon

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Biomedical Engineering
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Obesity treatment often involves minimally invasive devices like intragastric balloons.
• Magnetically inflated intragastric balloon capsules (MIBCs) offer a swallowable solution for obesity management.
• Accidental inflation in the esophagus poses a significant risk, necessitating precise tracking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a safe and efficient tracking system for MIBCs during their passage through the esophagus.
• To reduce the bulkiness and cost associated with traditional magnetic tracking systems.
• To enable confirmation of MIBC passage into the stomach before inflation.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a two-magnetic sensor tracking system for MIBC localization.
• Development of an algorithm utilizing grid search with dynamic search range and threshold modulation.
• Estimation of the permanent magnet's position within the MIBC.

Main Results:

• Achieved an average 1D position error of 3.48 mm for MIBC tracking.
• Demonstrated comparable accuracy to systems requiring more sensors and computational power.
• Successfully reduced system complexity and cost compared to conventional methods.

Conclusions:

• The proposed two-magnetic sensor system offers a cost-effective and less complex solution for MIBC tracking.
• The developed algorithm ensures accurate localization, crucial for safe intragastric balloon deployment.
• This technology enhances patient safety in obesity treatment using swallowable magnetic balloon capsules.