A study on estimating implanted devices using image information and ranging system using UWB radio

Wireless communication devices in the field of medical implant, such as cardiac pacemakers, capsule endoscopes and micro or nano size of implant robots, have been studied and developed to improve healthcare systems. Especially it is very important to know the range and position of each device. Because it is useful and important for accurate sensing and controlling a capsule endoscope, micro or nano size of robot for a drug delivery system and a remote medical treatment system. We adopt the time-based approach of position estimation using ultra wideband (UWB) signals. Position estimation methods using the propagation velocity inside human body have been proposed [1]. However, the estimate position is mistaken when propagation velocity is not correctly calculated. In this paper, we proposed a system to estimate the position of medical implant device using slice photographs taken by CT or MRI systems as a map in addition to the estimation of propagation velocity. The compensation becomes possible by image information when the estimated position is an area where the device doesn´t exist (ex: capsule endoscopes excluding the digestive system) and is calculated. This is similar to a car navigation system. We compared our proposed method to the method of estimation using only propagation velocity and showd the utility.