Catheter with Spatially Variable X-ray Absorption for Localization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In medical interventions, particularly minimally invasive procedures using fluoroscopy, small catheters are difficult to visualize in X-ray images, leading to increased radiation exposure when enhancing image visibility, and existing methods like digital subtraction angiography or dual energy X-ray acquisition require more effort and radiation.
Innovation Solution
A catheter with spatially changeable X-ray absorption strength along a specified longitudinal direction, allowing for localization by analyzing the corresponding spatial frequency spectrum in the X-ray image, which corresponds to its absorption characteristic, thereby simplifying tool localization without increasing radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the X-ray dose is increased to improve the visibility of small catheters, then the visibility of the tool is improved, but the exposure to radiation for the patient and surrounding individuals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is equipped with localized radiopaque markers at specific positions along its length. These markers have enhanced X-ray absorption properties compared to the catheter body, creating local quality differences that make the catheter visible without requiring increased overall X-ray dose. The markers are strategically placed to provide visibility information while minimizing radiation exposure to the patient and surrounding areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses radiopaque markers that appear as distinct high-contrast elements (analogous to color changes) in X-ray images. These markers create visible contrast against the surrounding tissue and catheter body, enabling observation of the catheter position without increasing the X-ray dose. The markers effectively 'change the appearance' in the X-ray image to enhance detectability.
2Illumination intensity
If digital subtraction angiography is performed to suppress background and highlight the tool, then the visibility of the tool is improved, but the effort during image processing increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The radiopaque markers provide inherent high-contrast visibility in standard X-ray images, eliminating the need for complex digital subtraction angiography processing. The markers naturally stand out against the background tissue and catheter body, providing tool visibility through their distinct radiographic appearance rather than through sophisticated image processing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using expensive and complex image processing methods like digital subtraction angiography, the invention employs simple, inexpensive radiopaque markers that provide the desired visibility effect directly in the raw X-ray images. This approach replaces complex computational processing with simple physical markers.
3Measurement precision
If dual energy X-ray acquisition methods are used to improve tool localization, then the measurement precision is improved, but the effort during image processing and radiation exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radiopaque markers provide localized high-contrast features that are easily detectable in standard single-energy X-ray images. This localized quality enhancement at marker positions enables accurate catheter localization without requiring dual-energy acquisition or complex multi-energy image processing. The markers serve as natural reference points for precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive and complex dual-energy acquisition systems with simple radiopaque markers that work effectively with standard X-ray equipment. The markers provide sufficient localization precision without requiring advanced imaging technologies or extensive image processing efforts.
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 accurate localization of the catheter in X-ray images with reduced radiation exposure, improving visibility without the need for increased X-ray dose or complex image processing, while maintaining efficient image generation.
Implementation Method 1
The tool has a spatially changeable X-ray absorption strength along a specified longitudinal direction of the tool according to a specified absorption characteristic
Data Source
AI summary
For localizing a tool in an X-ray image, wherein the tool has an X-ray absorption strength spatially changeable along a specified longitudinal direction of the tool according to a specified absorption characteristic, a spatial frequency spectrum of a portion of the X-ray image is determined and it is checked whether the spatial frequency spectrum corresponds to the absorption characteristic of the tool. If it is established that the spatial frequency spectrum corresponds to the absorption characteristic of the tool, the portion of the X-ray image is determined as the position of the tool.