摘要:
A method and apparatus for ramping current in an electromagnet in which a coil is used to generate the magnetic field provides rapid changes in the generated magnetic field. The method allows a change in current in the coil to be accomplished more rapidly than by applying a step change in voltage, when superconducting coils subject to quenching are used or when nonsuperconducting coils subject to other physical limitations are used. The method requires that both the current I(t) through the coil and the first derivative of the current vary with respect to time t during the ramping period, so that magnitude of the derivative of the current is higher when the magnitude of applied current is lower, lower when the magnitude of the applied current is higher. One variation of this method supplies (or removes) a constant amount of power from the magnetic field of the magnet, while another variation compensates for both self-generated eddy current losses and self-generated high field effects. The method can be used to guide a magnetic seed and in other applications. The apparatus includes, in its most general form, an electromagnetic coil, a generator for applying an initial current to the coil, and a processor controlling the generator that causes the current to ramp from an initial to a final value in accordance with the methods described above.
摘要:
An intracranial bolt, for installation in an opening in the skull to provide access to the brain for a medical device, has a bore therethrough for the passage of the medical device, and an inflatable member in the bore which when inflated engages a medical device in the bore, releasably anchoring the device. The inflatable member comprises a cylinder of flexible sheet material inside the bore and secured to the wall of the bore defining an annular pocket therebetween. A passage extends through the bolt to the pocket for the introduction of fluid into the pocket to expanding radially inwardly. The bolt in a medical procedure on the brain by forming an opening in the skull; installing the intracranial bolt in the opening in the skull; and securing the cap on the bolt. When it is time to conduct the procedure, the cap is removed and a medical device can be inserted into the brain through the bolt. The inflatable member can be inflated to temporarily hold the medical device in place.
摘要:
A control method permits the operation of multiple superconducting magnetic coils so as to move a magnetic object to precisely specified locations within the body under command of a physician-operator observing the motion with live fluoroscopic imaging fused with more detailed preoperative imaging of some other kind. A computer contains the preoperative images and the fluoroscopic images, as well as the means to effect changes in the coil currents so as to accomplish the desired magnetic object motion and positioning. The control method operates the coils in pairs on opposite sides of the body in a manner to minimize the necessary current changes, thus avoiding the quenching of the superconducting coils. Combinations of these pairs can execute motion of the magnetic object in any direction in an impulsive manner and with high precision. The method should function well and provide advantages with coils which are not superconducting as well. The method overcomes the redundance present in the limited constraints given by a simple movement vector by the physician-operator.