Dynamic C-Arm Positioning for Moving Anatomical Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current angiography systems, such as C-arm x-ray devices, are limited in providing real-time optimal views of moving objects during medical interventions, particularly during complex movements like heart valve procedures, as they can only use static 3D data to set the C-arm position, restricting the use of 4D data and affecting the accuracy of interventions like aorta valve replacements.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes time-resolved 3D data to determine and dynamically adjust the C-arm position and angulation in real-time, allowing for an optimal view of moving objects by generating a 4D data record, segmenting structures of interest, calculating optimal C-arm positions, and automatically setting the system to maintain an optimal view throughout the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If static 3D data is used to set the C-arm position, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision and reliability of the view onto moving objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static 3D data to dynamic 4D time-resolved data, enabling the C-arm position to be continuously adjusted according to the moving object's position at different time phases. This dynamic approach maintains measurement precision while managing complexity through automated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses time-resolved 3D data to continuously feedback the optimal C-arm position based on the current phase of the moving object (e.g., heart phase). This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the imaging system automatically adapts to object movement, maintaining precision without requiring manual intervention.
2Productivity
If static 3D data is used for C-arm positioning, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity and real-time capability of the medical intervention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary segmentation and analysis of the moving object to identify key structures (e.g., aorta valve ring) and pre-calculates optimal viewing angles for different time phases. This preparation enables real-time automatic positioning without complicating the operator's workflow during the actual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system automatically determines and adjusts the C-arm position based on time-resolved data without requiring continuous manual input from the operator. The system serves itself by autonomously tracking the moving object and positioning the C-arm optimally, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If 4D time-resolved data is used to dynamically adjust C-arm position, then the measurement precision and reliability of viewing moving objects is improved, but the device complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the moving object (e.g., heart) into distinct time phases and identifies key structures within each phase. By dividing the complex 4D data into manageable temporal segments, the system can reliably determine optimal viewing positions without being overwhelmed by the full complexity of continuous motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter from static 3D coordinates to dynamic 4D time-resolved data, allowing the C-arm position to vary as a function of time and object phase. This parameter transformation enables reliable tracking of moving structures while managing computational complexity through efficient algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for setting a dynamically adjustable position of an imaging system for providing an optimum view onto a moving object during a medical intervention. A time-resolved at least three-dimensional data record of the moving object is generated. A position of the imaging system for each period of time is determined from the time-resolved data record from which the optimum view onto a structure of interest of the moving object is produced and automatically setting a calculated position of the imaging system in real-time so that the optimum view onto the structure of interest can be shown at any time. Optionally prior to determining the position of the imaging system, a structure of interest of the moving object can be segmented with this structure being segmented for each period of time from the time-resolved data record.