Radiographic Image Processing for 3D Esophageal Intubation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for tracheal intubation, such as those described in JP2018-134197A, can accurately determine the position of the tracheal tube's distal end but fail to detect if it has been inserted into the esophagus, a critical error that can lead to laryngeal damage and poor ventilation.

Innovation Solution

A radiographic image processing device that acquires two radiographic images from different directions, uses neural networks to derive the three-dimensional positions of the tracheal tube's distal end and bronchial bifurcation, and determines if the tube is inserted into the esophagus by comparing these positions, issuing a warning if necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If image processing that highlights the tracheal tube and bronchial bifurcation is performed on the X-ray image, then it is easy to check the position of the distal end of the tracheal tube and the bronchial bifurcation position, but it is not possible to perform normal image interpretation for checking abnormalities in the chest

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of checking tracheal tube positionVSAvoidability to check chest abnormalities

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the image processing function into two separate processing paths: one for highlighting the tracheal tube and bronchial bifurcation (for position checking) and another for maintaining normal X-ray images (for chest abnormality detection). This segmentation allows both functions to operate independently without interfering with each other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The radiographic image processing device incorporates multiple functions: it can perform both the highlighting processing for tracheal tube position verification and maintain normal image interpretation for chest abnormalities, making it a multi-functional system that serves both purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If only one X-ray image of the front of the chest is used, then it is easy to check the position of the tracheal tube, but it is not possible to understand the anteroposterior relationship between the trachea and esophagus to check insertion into the esophagus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of checking tracheal tube positionVSAvoidaccuracy of determining tube insertion location

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from two-dimensional X-ray image analysis to three-dimensional position derivation by acquiring X-ray images from multiple directions (front and lateral views) and using neural networks to reconstruct the three-dimensional positions of the tracheal tube distal end and bronchial bifurcation, enabling accurate determination of tube insertion location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Illumination intensity

If the trachea and esophagus overlap the vertebrae in the X-ray image, then the X-ray image provides a clear view of the chest structures, but it is difficult to check the tracheal bifurcation position and determine if the tube is inserted into the esophagus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of chest structuresVSAvoiddifficulty of checking tracheal bifurcation position

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

By deriving three-dimensional positions from multi-directional X-ray images using neural networks, the system overcomes the overlapping problem in two-dimensional images. The 3D reconstruction separates the tracheal bifurcation position and tube distal end position in space, making it possible to accurately detect their relationship even when they overlap in the projected X-ray view.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables accurate detection of esophageal intubation, allowing for corrective action to be taken, while maintaining the ability to diagnose chest abnormalities through unaltered radiographic images.

Implementation Method 1

acquires a first radiographic image and a second radiographic image obtained by irradiating a subject with X-rays in different directions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray radiation: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS12456220B2Radiographic image processing device, radiographic image processing method, and radiographic image processing program

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

A processor acquires a first radiographic image and a second radiographic image obtained by irradiating a subject, into which a tracheal tube has been inserted, with radiation in different directions, derives a three-dimensional position of a distal end of the tracheal tube in the subject on the basis of a position of the distal end of the tracheal tube in each of the first radiographic image and the second radiographic image, derives a three-dimensional position of a bronchial bifurcation in the subject on the basis of a bronchial bifurcation position in each of the first radiographic image and the second radiographic image, and determines insertion of the tracheal tube into an esophagus on the basis of the three-dimensional position of the distal end of the tracheal tube and the three-dimensional position of the bronchial bifurcation.