Nuclear magnetic resonance for wireless magnetic tracking.

Area of Science:

• Quantum Sensing
• Medical Device Technology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Wireless trackers are vital for minimally invasive procedures but face miniaturization and design complexity challenges.
• Current technologies limit the integration of trackers into small medical devices.
• Need for advanced tracking solutions with high accuracy and versatility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) magnetic sensing as a quantum sensing approach for wireless magnetic tracking.
• To demonstrate the capability of NMR sensing for achieving millimeter-scale tracking accuracy.
• To showcase versatile, miniaturized tracker designs for integration into medical devices.

Main Methods:

• Utilized nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) magnetic sensing, a quantum sensing technique achieving nT sensitivity.
• Developed miniature magnetic trackers with submillimeter-scale diameters.
• Designed flexible and ferrofluidic trackers for various medical device applications.

Main Results:

• Achieved millimeter-scale tracking accuracy using NMR magnetic sensing.
• Successfully demonstrated miniaturized trackers (submillimeter diameter) for guidewires and optic fibers.
• Showcased flexible trackers for soft devices and ferrofluidic trackers for shape-morphing devices.

Conclusions:

• NMR magnetic sensing offers a promising solution for wireless magnetic tracking in medical applications.
• The demonstrated miniaturization and design versatility pave the way for advanced minimally invasive medical devices.
• This technology holds significant potential for future minimally invasive medical operations.