Coded X-Ray Imaging for Precise Kidney Stone Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging technologies for identifying and removing kidney stones are challenging due to the use of grayscale, blurry images, making it difficult for medical professionals to accurately locate and remove stones during minimally-invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an imaging device, display, and control unit that analyzes image data based on darkness, contrast, or saturation to generate a coded image, indicating the location, size, and removal progress of kidney stones, using a rotatable C-arm X-ray machine and a deflectable delivery shaft with a camera and light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional grayscale imaging is used for kidney stone detection, then the imaging system remains simple and cost-effective, but the image quality becomes blurry and difficult to evaluate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer between the X-ray imaging device and the medical professional. The control unit acts as a mediator that receives grayscale image data, applies image processing algorithms to enhance contrast and reduce blur, and generates improved images for display. This intermediary processing resolves the contradiction by improving image quality without requiring a complete overhaul of the imaging hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates enhanced copies of the original grayscale images through digital image processing. The control unit generates improved image representations by applying contrast enhancement, blur reduction, and other processing techniques. These processed copies provide better diagnostic quality while the original simple imaging system remains in place, resolving the contradiction between image quality and system complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally-invasive techniques are used for kidney stone removal, then patient trauma and infection risk are reduced, but the ability to accurately locate and remove stones becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where processed images are continuously displayed to guide the minimally-invasive procedure. The control unit processes real-time or near-real-time images and provides visual feedback to the medical professional, enabling accurate stone location identification and removal guidance while maintaining the benefits of minimally-invasive access. This feedback loop resolves the contradiction between reduced patient trauma and maintained diagnostic accuracy.
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
Enhances the ability to efficiently and accurately identify and remove kidney stones by providing clear, coded images that guide the procedure, reducing uncertainty and improving the efficacy and safety of minimally-invasive surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
The control unit may be configured to receive a first set of image data from the imaging device, analyze the first set of image data based on at least one of a darkness, a contrast, or a saturation, and generate a coded image identifying the material to be removed from the patient
Implementation Method 2
The imaging device may be a rotatable C-arm X-ray machine including an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector configured to be positioned on opposing sides of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A method for identifying material to be removed from a patient may use an imaging device, a display, a control unit, and an insertion device. The method may include obtaining a first set of image data from the imaging device, sending the first set of image data to the control unit from the imaging device, and analyzing the first set of image data based on at least one of a darkness, a contrast, or a saturation. The method may include generating a coded image identifying the material to be removed from the patient to be displayed on the display. The method may further include displaying the coded image on a first screen of the display, and indicating the material to be removed with the insertion device based on the displayed coded image.