Dynamic Guidance Mode Selection for Percutaneous Procedures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for percutaneous procedures either rely heavily on radiation exposure for needle alignment or are limited by physical constraints of the C-arm, failing to minimize overall radiation exposure for patients and practitioners.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that combine laser-guided and x-ray guided procedures, dynamically selecting the guidance approach based on the planned instrument trajectory and C-arm position, allowing for automatic alignment of instruments using three-dimensional image data sets and real-time x-ray imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If x-ray radiation is used to orient the needle position and achieve bull's eye view, then measurement precision of needle alignment is improved, but radiation exposure to patient and practitioner increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneedle alignment precisionVSAvoidradiation exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The guidance procedure is segmented into multiple phases: initial planning phase using 3D imaging (no radiation), execution phase using laser guidance (no radiation) when C-arm position allows, and verification/adjustment phase using x-ray imaging (radiation) only when necessary. This segmentation reduces overall radiation exposure while maintaining alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A laser alignment system is introduced as an intermediary between the planning stage and final needle insertion. The laser provides visual guidance without radiation, serving as a mediator that reduces the need for direct x-ray imaging during the procedure while maintaining alignment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If laser-guided procedure is used for instrument alignment, then radiation exposure is reduced, but adaptability to different C-arm positions and trajectories is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation exposureVSAvoidguidance method adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts the guidance method based on real-time C-arm position and planned trajectory. When C-arm position allows, laser guidance is used; when physical constraints prevent optimal positioning, the system transitions to x-ray guidance. This dynamic adaptation maximizes radiation reduction while maintaining procedural flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guidance system is designed to perform multiple functions: 3D planning, laser alignment, and x-ray verification. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different C-arm positions and trajectory requirements while minimizing radiation exposure through intelligent method selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple instrument guidance procedures are available for selection, then adaptability to different procedures is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveguidance procedure selectionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the optimal guidance method based on pre-programmed criteria evaluating C-arm position, planned trajectory, and procedure type. This self-service capability reduces the complexity burden on operators while providing adaptive guidance selection, balancing versatility with ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach minimizes radiation exposure by dynamically selecting the most appropriate guidance method, ensuring precise instrument alignment while reducing reliance on radiation, thus enhancing safety and efficiency in percutaneous procedures.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a laser fixed to the C-arm and orientated along the planned path of a needle puncture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

obtaining an x-ray image of the patient tissue region using the x-ray source and the x-ray detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS8165660B2System and method for selecting a guidance mode for performing a percutaneous procedure
Publication Date: 2012.04.24 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG
  • US8165660B2 patent drawing
  • US8165660B2 patent drawing
  • US8165660B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for planning a percutaneous procedure provides a patient 3-dimensional image data set within which an instrument trajectory is defined, for example, by selecting a skin entry point and a target point. A line, or “planned path,” is generated between the points. The system determines whether the path can be targeted so an optical axis of a movable arm coincides with the path so that a laser can be used for instrument guidance or whether a planned path can be targeted so that a C-arm can be made to coincide with the path so that the extension of the path is projected onto a radiation detector, using x-ray radiation. If neither laser guidance or x-ray guidance can be used, the path is replanned.