Airway Density Control for X-Ray Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for visualizing airways in the lungs during lung biopsies are limited by the inability to safely use iodinated contrast in the lungs, leading to inaccurate navigation and low diagnostic rates due to the lack of real-time visualization of airways on x-ray imaging.
Innovation Solution
A system involving a delivery sheath with a controller that alters airway density through pressure modulation, allowing for real-time visualization of airways on x-ray imaging by expanding or collapsing them, creating a roadmap for navigation during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If iodinated contrast material is used to visualize airways on x-ray imaging, then airway visibility is improved, but lung safety deteriorates due to severe lung injury and death
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses air (a safe intermediary substance already present in the lungs) instead of iodinated contrast material to create density differences in airways. By manipulating air pressure and flow, the invention achieves airway visualization without introducing harmful foreign substances, thus resolving the contradiction between visibility and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of air (pressure, flow rate, distribution) within the airways to create density variations that are visible on x-ray imaging. By controlling air pressure differentials and flow dynamics, the system makes airways visible without using contrast agents, thereby maintaining lung safety while improving measurement precision
2Loss of information
If electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy with virtual roadmap is used for navigation, then airway mapping is achieved, but localization accuracy deteriorates with errors greater than 2 cm due to breathing movement and CT scan variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs airway density manipulation and roadmap creation during the actual biopsy procedure rather than relying on pre-procedure CT scans. By creating the visualization roadmap in real-time or near-real-time, the system eliminates localization errors caused by breathing movement and anatomical changes between scanning and procedure, thus improving localization accuracy while maintaining airway mapping capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback through dynamic airway visualization during the procedure, allowing continuous adjustment of navigation based on actual airway positions. This real-time feedback mechanism eliminates the information loss and localization errors associated with static pre-procedure CT roadmaps
3Duration of action of moving object
If ultrasound imaging is used to visualize lung structures, then real-time imaging capability is achieved, but detection capability deteriorates because sound waves cannot see into air-filled lung tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic principles to manipulate air pressure and flow within the airways, creating density variations that are detectable by x-ray imaging. By controlling the pneumatic properties of air in the airways, the system achieves both real-time imaging capability and detection capability, overcoming the limitations of ultrasound in air-filled tissues
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 enhances the visibility of airways on x-ray imaging, improving navigation accuracy and diagnostic rates during lung biopsies by providing a real-time roadmap of the airway structures, thereby increasing the chances of obtaining an adequate diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
The controller may be configured to manipulate a fluid flow through the at least one lumen whereby a pressure change within the airway of the subject is imparted sufficiently to at least partially expand or collapse the airway at a rate detectable by an imager.
Implementation Method 2
if the density of the airway tissues or the airways themselves are specifically altered, they may be detectable using x-ray imaging to produce previously unobtainable x-ray images of the airways
Data Source
AI summary
An airway visualization system is described herein having an elongate delivery sheath and defining at least one lumen therethrough, wherein the length is positionable within an airway of a subject. An isolation component positioned near or at a distal end of the elongate delivery sheath is expandable to at least partially obstruct the airway and a controller is in communication with the delivery sheath. The controller is also configured to manipulate a fluid flow through the at least one lumen whereby a pressure change within the airway of the subject is imparted sufficiently to at least partially expand or collapse the airway to alter the density of the airway.