CT Scattered-Radiation Mapping for Surgeon Exposure Awareness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgeons and subject bodies are exposed to scattered radiation during CT-guided puncture, which cannot be visually determined due to its directional nature, making it difficult to take effective exposure-reducing measures.
Innovation Solution
A medical system that identifies the position and shape of the surgeon and/or subject body within a scan room, using a three-dimensional scattered radiation distribution to display the exposure levels, allowing visual recognition of scattered radiation intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If scattered radiation is used for imaging, then the subject body can be examined noninvasively, but the surgeon and subject body are exposed to harmful radiation that cannot be visually determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a display device as an intermediary that translates invisible scattered radiation intensity into visible color-coded information. The display device receives radiation distribution data from the control device and presents it in a visually perceivable format, allowing surgeons and subjects to see radiation intensity without direct exposure to the radiation itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for direct visual perception of radiation with an electronic information system. Instead of attempting to make radiation itself visible, the system uses sensors, processors, and display technologies to create a visual representation of radiation distribution, substituting physical radiation perception with electronic information processing.
2Ease of operation
If the surgeon moves to different positions during CT-guided puncture, then the puncture can be performed from optimal angles, but the scattered radiation intensity at each position cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a visual information dimension to the physical procedure space. By displaying radiation intensity as color-coded spatial distribution across the examination room, the system creates an additional informational layer that maps radiation levels to physical locations, allowing the surgeon to understand radiation exposure across multiple positions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback about scattered radiation distribution in the examination room. The display device continuously shows radiation intensity at different positions, allowing the surgeon to make informed decisions about positioning and movement during the procedure based on current radiation conditions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If protective clothing and shields are worn to reduce exposure, then radiation protection is provided, but the surgeon cannot visually assess the effectiveness or adjust positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The display device provides continuous feedback about scattered radiation distribution in the examination room, showing intensity levels at different positions. This allows the surgeon to assess whether protective measures are effective and to make informed decisions about positioning and protective gear usage based on actual radiation conditions.
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 surgeons and subjects to be aware of their exposure to scattered radiation, facilitating effective measures to reduce exposure.
Implementation Method 1
X-rays irradiated from an X-ray tube are repeatedly scattered inside the patient's body and also inside the gantry of the CT device
Implementation Method 2
X-rays irradiated from an X-ray tube are repeatedly scattered inside the patient's body and also inside the gantry of the CT device, and are irradiated outside the patient's body and the CT device as scattered radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] To provide a technology that allows a surgeon and/or subject body to visually recognize the level of exposure to scattered radiation. [Resolution means] A CT system 100, including: a gantry 102 including an X-ray tube 104; a table 116; and one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors execute operations including: identifying the position and shape of a surgeon 101 in a scan room 122 where the gantry 102 and table 116 are installed; identifying, based on the position and shape of the surgeon 101, a scattered radiation distribution 11 in a region of the scan room 122 in which the surgeon 101 is present from a three-dimensional scattered radiation distribution A30 that three-dimensionally expresses the distribution of scattered radiation generated by scanning the subject body 122; and displaying the scattered radiation distribution 11 by projecting the scattered radiation distribution 11 onto the surgeon 101.