Dual Laser X-Ray Targeting System for C-Arm Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current x-ray positioning systems face challenges such as real-time center location uncertainty, radiation exposure risks, complex setup procedures, and equipment limitations like opaque targets, reflector misalignment, and non-portability, which hinder precise alignment and safety during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A dual laser apparatus mounted on an expandable aluminum band around a C-arm x-ray system, emitting fan-shaped beams that cross to form a visible target area, allowing precise alignment of the x-ray field center without obstructing radiation, and featuring a control arm for fine adjustments and secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reflective surface is positioned below and to the side of the patient to reflect laser light back to the x-ray source, then alignment can be determined, but the reflector may be blocked by large patients and can be easily dislodged or misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary optical element that divides the laser beam into two paths: one reflected toward the x-ray source and another passing through to strike a target. This mediator allows alignment determination without requiring a reflective surface positioned vulnerable to patient obstruction or dislodgement, thereby maintaining measurement precision while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a reflective surface that bounces light back (as in prior art), the patent inverts the approach by using a beam splitter to directly project a visible target at the x-ray field location. This inversion eliminates the need for vulnerable reflector positioning while achieving the same alignment determination function
2Measurement precision
If an opaque target is positioned in the radiation field for alignment, then x-ray beam center can be located, but the device must be removed before the patient is in place and real-time center information cannot be known during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitter acts as an intermediary that allows continuous projection of alignment targets during the procedure without requiring removal or repositioning. This enables real-time monitoring of x-ray field center location while the patient is in place, maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating setup/removal cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The laser alignment system operates continuously throughout the procedure, providing uninterrupted real-time feedback on x-ray field center location. This continuous operation eliminates the need to remove devices before patient placement and ensures alignment information is always available, maintaining precision while improving workflow efficiency
3Measurement precision
If a targeting system is positioned close to the patient for accurate alignment, then precise targeting is achieved, but the system may be blocked by large patients and requires significant training to operate reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitter serves as an intermediary that projects the alignment target directly at the x-ray field location without requiring the technician to manually position or monitor multiple components. This simplifies operation to basic laser activation and target observation, dramatically reducing training requirements while maintaining precise targeting through direct visual feedback
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
The solution provides a safe, precise, and easily adjustable method for aligning x-ray beams, minimizing radiation exposure to personnel and facilitating efficient setup, especially in pain management procedures with C-arm devices, by ensuring accurate targeting and maintaining focus at close distances.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus incorporates two laser assemblies, a power supply and a latch assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for use with a C-arm type x-ray unit (10) to locate and center an x-ray target area. The unit has an x-ray emitter (20) located at one end of a C-arm (50) and an x-ray receptor located at the other end of the C-arm. A ring-shaped band (45) adjustably fits around an outer end of the x-ray receptor. A first laser light source (90) and a second laser light source (100) are carried on the band in a predetermined orientation to each other. The laser light sources each project a fan shaped laser light into the target area between the x-ray emitter and the x-ray receptor. The beams are adjusted to determine a center of the target area through which x-rays are propagated when a patient is positioned in the x-ray unit for a procedure to be performed.