C-Arm X-Ray System Laser Target Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical imaging systems are inefficient and inaccurate in locating target subjects during surgical operations, often requiring additional devices that occupy space and complicate the navigation process, especially when adjusting X-ray radiation directions to center lesions from different perspectives.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray system incorporating an X-ray source, detection component, and positioning components, including laser beams that intersect to determine a target point, allowing for precise localization of a region of interest without the need for additional navigation devices, by using a C-arm or G-arm configuration and positioning markers to align anatomical images and patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional navigation devices are used to locate the target subject in real-time, then the accuracy of target localization is improved, but the device complexity and space occupation in the operation room increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget localization accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the navigation function directly into the existing X-ray imaging system by mounting laser components on the C-arm structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate navigation devices and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining real-time localization accuracy through the combined imaging and positioning capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The X-ray system is enhanced with multi-functionality by incorporating laser positioning components that enable both imaging and navigation functions within a single system. This universal approach allows the system to perform multiple tasks (imaging, positioning, and navigation) without requiring additional specialized devices.

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

2Measurement precision

If additional navigation devices are used for real-time surgical navigation, then the navigation accuracy is improved, but the space occupation in the operation room increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation accuracyVSAvoidoperation room space
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the navigation system into the existing C-arm structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate navigation equipment that would occupy additional space. The laser components are mounted on the C-arm, utilizing its structural space efficiently and reducing the overall footprint in the operation room.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If the operator adjusts X-ray radiation direction to center lesions from different perspectives, then the imaging accuracy is improved, but the operation time and efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging accuracyVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The laser positioning system performs preliminary action by pre-identifying and marking the target location on the patient's body before X-ray imaging. This preliminary positioning guides the operator to the correct anatomical location, reducing the need for repeated adjustments and multiple imaging attempts, thereby saving time while maintaining imaging accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback through laser positioning markers that indicate the precise target location. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to quickly verify correct positioning without extensive trial and error adjustments, reducing operation time while ensuring accurate imaging from the appropriate perspectives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Measurement precision

If multiple X-ray beams are emitted from different directions to locate the target point, then the localization accuracy is improved, but the radiation exposure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget point accuracyVSAvoidradiation exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The laser positioning system performs preliminary action by marking the target location before X-ray exposure. This allows the operator to plan and execute imaging from optimized angles with minimal necessary radiation, as the target is already identified and marked by the laser system, reducing the need for multiple exploratory X-ray beams.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary 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

This approach enhances the accuracy and efficiency of target point determination, reducing unnecessary radiation and improving surgical navigation by integrating positioning components directly into the X-ray system, thus streamlining the imaging process and reducing operational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

the first positioning component includes a first laser component configured to emit a first laser beam, and a second laser component configured to emit a second laser beam, wherein said first and second laser beam intersect at the target point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

an X-ray source configured to emit an X-ray beam towards a target subject; a detection component configured to receive at least a portion of the X-ray beam that transmits through the target subject

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-Ray: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS11974874B2System and method for locating a target subject
Publication Date: 2024.05.07 SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE
  • US11974874B2 patent drawing
  • US11974874B2 patent drawing
  • US11974874B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for locating a target subject associated with an X-ray system. The X-ray system may include an X-ray source, a detection component, an arm, and a platform. The X-ray system may also include a first positioning component, a second positioning component, or a third positioning component. The first positioning component may be configured to determine a target point where a region of interest (ROI) of the target subject locates. The second positioning component may be configured to locate the target subject. The third positioning component may be configured to obtain location information of a target device associated with the target subject in real-time.