Apparatus and method of intracranial imaging

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for detecting and predicting shape and underlying object properties. In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an imaging apparatus having: an array of at least three co-planar electromagnetic transceiver defining a receiving plane; at least one deformable electromagnetic transceiver moveable orthogonally to the receiving plane; a two dimensional (2D) position tracking device configured to track a position of the electromagnetic transceiver on a surface 110 bounding a volume to be imaged; wherein the electromagnetic transceivers are configured to generate data from at least three depths below the surface for use in creating an image of the volume when the apparatus is moved along the surface.

Description

FIELD[0001]This application relates to methods, devices and apparatuses for imaging, particularly for tomographic imaging, more particularly for detecting and imaging hematomas.BACKGROUND[0002]The standard of care for detecting and imaging hematomas in traumatic head injury is either computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Acute hematomas represent the largest cause of death from head injury, with a mortality rate of 50-60%. Mortality rate can be lowered by diagnosis and treatment within the “golden hour” following traumatic head injury. However, CT and MRI are downstream technologies employed at large medical centers; accordingly, the time from injury to diagnosis is usually at least an hour, followed by subsequent treatment outside of the golden hour. A secondary concern is the increasing belief that the number of CT scans in general needs to be reduced, particularly in pediatric populations, to reduce radiation exposure. Repeated CT is the method of choice t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a device that can measure the shape of a curved surface, like the surface of a brain, without needing to use multiple wavelengths of light. Instead, the device uses multiple layers of optical components that can detect changes in the surface over time, allowing for chronic monitoring without the risk of irradiation. The device can also be used with different removable components that have different spacing between the optical components, making it easier to measure the surface of different individuals. The use of multiple layers also allows for independent detection of different wavelengths of light, simplifying the detection process. Overall, this patent provides a more efficient and effective way to measure the shape and depth of curved surfaces, which can be useful in medical imaging and other areas.

Problems solved by technology

The former is an older approach which cannot handle full head sampling and bilateral injuries; this is problematic, since approximately 20% of hematomas are bilateral.

The latter is a technique which can provide rudimentary surface maps of hematomas; however, it lacks true 3D capabilities and further has no technology to ensure full coverage, relying purely on the training of the user to guarantee coverage, which is a slow and subjective approach.

The aforementioned prior art provides a ‘pseudo-volumetric image’ by comparing images acquired at two depths; however, this approach fails in the presence of a multi-layered event created by, for example, an extra-cranial bleed.

Although an NIR device obviates the radiation risk and provides a better way to study the evolution of a bleed, chronic monitoring is not possible with the aforementioned technologies because only the extent (2D) of the bleed can be monitored.

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