Adaptive X-ray Imaging via Real-Time Shape Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical imaging procedures under X-ray fluoroscopy often result in excessive X-ray exposure for both patients and physicians due to unnecessary multiple image acquisitions, especially when devices are moved minimally or not significantly within the imaging plane, leading to suboptimal clinical workflows and image quality.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing real-time shape sensing and localization technology to dynamically adapt imaging characteristics, such as frame rate, by tracking interventional devices within the body, allowing for automated adjustments of imaging settings to minimize X-ray exposure while maintaining optimal visualization, using fiber-optic shape sensing or electromagnetic tracking systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple X-ray images are acquired in rapid succession, then the physician can monitor device movement and procedure progress, but the X-ray exposure dose to the physician and patient increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the frame rate parameter of X-ray imaging based on the actual movement of the interventional device. When device movement exceeds a threshold, the frame rate is increased to capture the movement; when movement is minimal, the frame rate is decreased to reduce radiation exposure. This adaptive parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between monitoring reliability and radiation dose reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the position and movement of the interventional device are continuously tracked, and this information is fed back to control the imaging frame rate. The feedback loop ensures that imaging is optimized only when necessary, reducing unnecessary radiation exposure while maintaining adequate monitoring capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustments are made to imaging characteristics by clinical staff, then optimization attempts are made, but the workflow becomes less efficient and image quality may still be suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically adjusting imaging parameters based on real-time detection of device position and movement. The automated system eliminates the need for manual intervention by clinical staff, thereby improving workflow efficiency while maintaining or enhancing image quality through objective, data-driven parameter optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment of imaging parameters with an automated electronic control system. Sensors and processors substitute for human operators, dynamically adjusting imaging characteristics based on detected device movement, thereby improving both efficiency and consistency of optimization.
3Productivity
If the device is moved minimally or predominantly perpendicular to the imaging plane, then the procedure progresses, but multiple X-ray images provide little useful clinical information while increasing radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects the direction and magnitude of device movement and adjusts the imaging frame rate parameter accordingly. When movement is minimal or perpendicular to the imaging plane, the frame rate is reduced since such movements produce little apparent change in the projection image. This selective parameter adjustment maintains useful clinical information while reducing unnecessary radiation exposure.
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
This approach reduces X-ray exposure for both patients and physicians, enhances image quality by optimizing imaging settings in real-time, and streamlines clinical workflows by minimizing unnecessary image acquisitions and improving data acquisition across multiple imaging modalities.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing real-time shape sensing and localization technology to dynamically adapt imaging characteristics, such as frame rate, by tracking interventional devices within the body, allowing for automated adjustments of imaging settings
Implementation Method 2
using fiber-optic shape sensing or electromagnetic tracking systems
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for adaptive imaging include a shape sensing system (115, 117) coupled to an interventional device (102) to measure spatial characteristics of the interventional device in a subject. An image module (130) is configured to receive the spatial characteristics and generate one or more control signals in accordance with the spatial characteristics. An imaging device (110) is configured to image the subject in accordance with the control signals.