Method and apparatus for metal implant contact detection through capacitive measurements

Abstract

A method and apparatus for metal implant contact detection through capacitive measurements is provided. Capacitive measurement is accomplished with a conductive wire/lead, for example a main needle. The measured capacitance increases as the main needle is moved through the skin and tissues, then jumps when the main needle makes contact with the metal implant, thus proving the metal implant exists as well as detecting the location of the metal implant. The jump in capacitive measurement is detectable because the area of capacitance has increased from the main needle alone to the main needle plus the surface area of the metal implant. The apparatus can include a reference needle for taking reference needle capacitive measurements in the tissues surrounding the metal implant to increase the accuracy during use of the apparatus. A housing is provided for supporting the main and reference needles and supporting or housing apparatus electronics.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.