CT Gantry Laser Guidance for Skin Entry and Needle Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computed tomography-guided interventions face challenges in accurately marking a skin entry point and object orientation, such as a needle entry point and needle orientation, based on control scans, which is crucial for procedures like biopsies and ablations.
Innovation Solution
A computed tomography scanner arrangement is equipped with a laser arrangement on the gantry unit, capable of rotating and tilting, to mark skin entry points and object orientations using control scan data, allowing precise visualization of needle entry points and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a laser arrangement is added to the gantry unit to mark skin entry points and object orientations, then marking precision and workflow efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser arrangement is integrated into the existing gantry unit, allowing the gantry to serve multiple functions: both CT imaging and precise laser marking. The laser arrangement can mark both skin entry points and object orientations, making it a multi-functional component that reduces the need for separate marking devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the laser arrangement with the gantry unit structure, merging two functional systems (imaging and marking) into a single integrated platform. This integration allows synchronized operation of CT scanning and laser marking, improving workflow efficiency while sharing mechanical support structures.
2Productivity
If the laser arrangement is integrated into the gantry unit, then workflow efficiency and real-time guidance are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser arrangement is pre-positioned on the gantry unit at locations optimized for marking skin entry points and object orientations. The drive mechanisms are pre-configured to rotate the laser in axial planes, allowing immediate use during procedures without requiring additional setup or calibration steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control system that acts as an intermediary between the CT imaging data and the laser arrangement. This control system processes imaging data and automatically generates laser marking commands, simplifying the integration process and enabling seamless coordination between imaging and marking functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the laser can rotate in axial planes with drive mechanisms, then marking versatility and precision are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The laser arrangement is divided into multiple independent drive mechanisms, each responsible for rotation in specific axial planes. This segmentation allows each motor to be optimized for its specific rotational task, simplifying control while achieving complex three-dimensional laser positioning capability through coordinated operation of multiple simpler components.
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 and efficient marking of skin entry points and object orientations, enhancing the precision and workflow efficiency of procedures like biopsies and ablations by providing real-time guidance during interventions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one laser arrangement arranged on an inner side of a gantry unit of the computed tomography scanner arrangement... configured to mark at least one object entry point on an object, e.g. a patient
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Computed tomography scanner arrangement (10, 20, 30), comprising at least one laser arrangement (11, 21, 31) arranged on an inner side of a gantry unit (13, 23, 33) of the computed tomography scanner arrangement (10, 20, 30); wherein the at least one laser arrangement (11, 21, 31) is configured to mark at least one object entry point on an object (13, 23, 33) arranged on a patient table (14, 24, 34) in the gantry unit (12, 22, 32), based on data from at least one control scan of the object (13, 23, 33).