Medical Image Display Apparatus for Automatic Biopsy Position Marking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical image display systems lack the ability to accurately and automatically mark and record biopsy positions relative to a reference point, making it difficult to compare and track biopsy locations over time, especially when using different imaging modalities like ultrasound, MR, and CT.

Innovation Solution

A medical image display apparatus and method that utilizes a processor to obtain information from sensors attached to probes and needles to determine and mark tissue extraction positions in real-time, allowing for the matching of needle positions with medical image data, including ultrasound, MR, and CT images, and storing this information for comparison across different biopsy sessions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual marking of biopsy positions is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiopsy position marking precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic biopsy position marking using sensors attached to the probe and needle, combined with image processing algorithms. The apparatus self-determines the tissue extraction position by integrating sensor data with medical images, eliminating the need for manual marking while improving precision and efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If multiple imaging modalities are integrated, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiopsy position accuracyVSAvoidimaging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to handle multiple imaging modalities (ultrasound, MR, CT) through a unified platform. The processor can process different types of medical image data and sensor information, making the apparatus versatile for various biopsy scenarios while maintaining consistent precision through standardized processing algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If automatic position determination is implemented, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiopsy procedure efficiencyVSAvoidautomation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical marking operations with automated sensor-based detection and image processing. Sensors attached to the probe and needle automatically track position, and algorithms process the data to determine biopsy locations, substituting manual operations with automated electronic systems that improve efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If real-time position tracking is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneedle position accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs position determination at critical moments during the biopsy procedure rather than continuous tracking. The processor determines the tissue extraction position based on sensor data obtained during key phases of needle insertion and tissue sampling, reducing energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 precise and automatic marking of biopsy positions, facilitating accurate comparison of biopsy locations over time and improving the efficiency of medical procedures by integrating multiple imaging modalities for enhanced accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

obtain information about a position at which tissue from the object is extracted by a needle, based on a signal received from a sensor attached to at least one from among the probe and the needle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal reception and detection:

Data Source

PatentEP3332713B1Medical image display apparatus and method therefor
Publication Date: 2021.06.23 SAMSUNG MEDISON CO LTD
  • EP3332713B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3332713B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3332713B1 patent drawingFigure 2C

AI summary

A medical image display apparatus for displaying a medical image generated from first medical image data obtained from an object by a probe, including at least one processor configured to obtain information about a position at which tissue from the object is extracted by a needle, based on a signal received from a sensor attached to at least one from among the probe and the needle, and locate a tissue extraction position in the first medical image data based on the information, and a display configured to display a first medical image on which the tissue extraction position is marked, the first medical image being generated from the first medical image data