Dual-Arm C-Shaped Imager for Real-Time 3D Surgical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems for surgical procedures, such as C-arm fluoroscopy and pre-operative image registration, lack real-time, high-quality 3D imaging capabilities, often requiring bulky setups that obstruct surgical access and lack consecutive real-time clinical-quality CT image updates, leading to potential surgical revisions.
Innovation Solution
A C-shaped imager system with a dual-arm configuration, comprising an array of X-ray emission points and a detector array, provides real-time 3D imaging with isotropic voxels and reduced footprint, allowing for greater angular scan coverage and integration into surgical environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional C-arm fluoroscopy and pre-operative image registration are used for surgical imaging, then the setup is simple and widely available, but real-time high-quality 3D imaging capabilities are lacking and bulky equipment obstructs surgical access
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into two separate movable arms: a first arm carrying the X-ray source and a second arm carrying the detector array. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and moved along the patient's body, reducing the bulkiness of any single unit while maintaining the capability for high-quality 3D imaging through coordinated operation of multiple smaller components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D fluoroscopic imaging to true 3D volumetric imaging by arranging multiple X-ray sources and detectors in three-dimensional space. The first and second arms can be positioned at different heights and angles, enabling acquisition of projection images from multiple perspectives simultaneously, which are then reconstructed into high-quality 3D images with isotropic voxels.
2Measurement precision
If imaging systems provide comprehensive 3D imaging coverage, then imaging quality improves, but the system occupies more space near the patient and obstructs surgical access
Solution Approach 1:
Both the first arm and second arm are designed to be movable along the patient's body, allowing dynamic adjustment of their positions. The arms can be moved to different locations and orientations depending on the specific surgical site and imaging requirements, enabling comprehensive angular scan coverage without requiring a large fixed footprint near the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system integrates multiple functional components within a compact dual-arm structure. The first arm with X-ray sources and the second arm with detectors are positioned in a nested or closely integrated configuration, allowing the system to achieve wide angular coverage while maintaining a compact overall footprint that does not obstruct surgical access.
3Measurement precision
If real-time 3D imaging is implemented, then surgical guidance precision improves, but the system becomes more obtrusive and difficult to integrate into surgical environments
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is designed with universal applicability to various surgical procedures and patient positions. The movable arms can be configured to image different anatomical regions and can accommodate various surgical approaches. This multi-functionality simplifies integration into diverse surgical environments without requiring procedure-specific customization, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining high surgical guidance precision.
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 real-time, high-quality 3D imaging with minimal obstruction, facilitating precise surgical procedures and reducing the need for additional surgeries due to post-operative imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a first arm comprising an array of X-ray emission points and a second arm comprising a detector array
Implementation Method 2
a second arm comprising a detector array
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments discussed herein utilize a C-shaped imager to provide images with a minimal footprint, such as may be suitable in a surgical context. In addition the systems and methods described herein allow for suitable angular (i.e., azimuthal) scan coverage about the patient. To provide real-time 3D imaging, multiple X-ray tubes or a distributed X-ray source may be employed, coupled with an extended detector or multiple detectors. To reconstruct high-quality volumes, in some implementations reconstruction techniques may be employed that utilize pre-operative (pre-op) computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound (U/S), or other suitable modality images or data as prior information.