Adjustable C-Arm Imaging Components for Surgical Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluoroscopic imaging devices are cumbersome and time-consuming to position and reposition during surgical procedures, limiting access and increasing the length of surgical procedures due to the fixed alignment of the C-arm's x-ray source and detector.
Innovation Solution
The x-ray source and detector are made selectively adjustable with respect to the arm, allowing them to be repositioned independently or in alignment, creating space for patient access during procedures and facilitating easier image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the C-arm is moved into position around the patient for imaging, then accurate imaging can be captured, but the C-arm must be fully moved away to allow medical professionals to access the patient, which is time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The C-arm is divided into separable components: the imaging assembly (x-ray source and detector) can be detached from the arm structure. This allows the imaging components to be independently positioned and removed, enabling medical professionals to access the patient without moving the entire C-arm assembly, thus reducing the time and effort required for repositioning while maintaining imaging accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The x-ray source and detector are extracted from the fixed C-arm structure and made independently removable. This extraction allows the imaging components to be taken out of the way after imaging is complete, while the C-arm remains in position, eliminating the need to fully move the C-arm away from the patient and significantly reducing the time loss associated with repositioning
2Productivity
If the C-arm is repeatedly moved into and away from the patient during a surgical procedure, then multiple images can be captured, but this extends the length of the surgical procedure unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the imaging system into removable components (x-ray source and detector) that can be independently attached and detached from the C-arm, the system allows multiple imaging operations without requiring full C-arm repositioning. The C-arm remains in place while imaging components are quickly swapped or repositioned, enabling multiple images to be captured without extending the surgical procedure duration
Solution Approach 2:
The C-arm is positioned in advance and remains in place throughout the procedure. The imaging components are pre-configured to be quickly attachable and detachable, allowing multiple imaging operations to be performed without the time-consuming process of repeatedly moving the entire C-arm in and out, thus capturing multiple images without extending surgical duration
3Device complexity
If the x-ray source and detector are fixed relative to the C-arm, then the structure is simple, but the device is difficult to manipulate and access the patient in confined operating rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into modular components (x-ray source, detector, and C-arm) that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation maintains structural simplicity while greatly improving ease of operation, as the imaging components can be attached at different positions on the C-arm or removed entirely when patient access is required, eliminating the need to manually maneuver a fixed, cumbersome C-arm assembly through confined operating spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable arrangement where the x-ray source and detector can be selectively attached and detached from the C-arm. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt to different operational needs: remaining attached for imaging stability and becoming separable for patient access, thereby improving ease of operation in confined spaces without sacrificing structural simplicity
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 configuration reduces the time required for surgical procedures by minimizing patient movement and improving access for medical professionals, while ensuring accurate and repeatable imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray source disposed at a first end of an arm and an x-ray detector disposed at a second end of the arm opposite the first end of the arm, wherein x-rays emitted from the x-ray source are receivable by the x-ray detector
Data Source
AI summary
A medical imaging device includes an x-ray source disposed at a first end of an arm, and an x-ray detector disposed at a second end of the arm opposite of the x-ray source. At least one of the x-ray source, the x-ray detector, and a portion of the arm are selectively adjustable with respect to the arm.