Dynamic Superimposed Image Alignment in X-ray Fluoroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray diagnosis apparatuses face challenges in minimizing exposure during long-term fluoroscopy procedures, particularly in ablation therapies, where the relative positions of the object and X-ray detection device change, causing interruptions and increased radiation exposure for both operators and patients.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray diagnosis apparatus incorporates a movable aperture device and a bed system to dynamically adjust the X-ray irradiation field, allowing for real-time changes in the fluoroscopy irradiation field while maintaining the superimposed image, ensuring the portion of interest remains within the field of view without interrupting the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the X-ray detection device is slid to change the irradiation field during partial fluoroscopy, then the field of view can be adjusted to follow the portion of interest, but the superimposed image becomes misaligned and the procedure must be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the LIH image dynamic by updating it in real-time to match the current irradiation field position. When the X-ray detection device slides to adjust the field of view, the LIH image is automatically updated to reflect the new position, maintaining alignment with the fluoroscopy image without interrupting the procedure. This resolves the contradiction by making the previously static reference image adaptive to position changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the irradiation field position and using this information to update the LIH image accordingly. The control unit receives position information and adjusts the LIH image to maintain proper alignment, creating a closed-loop system that automatically corrects for position changes and maintains image superimposition accuracy.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional partial fluoroscopy is used with static LIH images, then radiation exposure is reduced by limiting the irradiation field, but the procedure must be interrupted when positional changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous fluoroscopy procedures by making the LIH image update dynamically rather than requiring interruption and re-acquisition. The useful action of maintaining image guidance continues uninterrupted even when the irradiation field position changes, eliminating procedure interruptions while preserving the radiation reduction benefits of partial fluoroscopy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary updates of the LIH image based on predicted or detected position changes before they fully occur. By anticipating positional adjustments and pre-updating the reference image, the system maintains alignment continuity and prevents procedure interruptions, allowing seamless transition during ablation procedures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the irradiation field is limited for partial fluoroscopy, then radiation exposure is reduced by approximately 80%, but the ability to track moving portions of interest is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static LIH image into a dynamic reference that automatically updates when the irradiation field moves. This allows the limited-field partial fluoroscopy to track moving portions of interest by continuously refreshing the reference image to match the current field position, maintaining adaptability while preserving radiation reduction benefits.
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 solution significantly reduces operator and patient exposure by enabling continuous imaging with reduced radiation fields, enhancing the efficiency and usability of fluoroscopy procedures during positional changes and therapeutic interventions.
Implementation Method 1
a target region or an object is irradiated with radiation (representatively, an X-ray) to detect intensity distribution of radiation having transmitted through the target region or object, yielding an image of the target region or object
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray diagnosis apparatus includes a radiography image generating unit, a fluoroscopy image generating unit, a display control unit and an irradiation field changing unit. The radiography image generating unit controls an X-ray irradiation device, an X-ray detection device, a retainer, and a bed system, and generates a radiography image by using a radiography irradiation field. The fluoroscopy image generating unit controls the X-ray irradiation device, the X-ray detection device, the retainer, and the bed system, and generates a fluoroscopy image by using a fluoroscopy irradiation field, the fluoroscopy irradiation field being narrower than the radiography irradiation field. The display control unit generates a superimposed image in which the fluoroscopy image is superimposed on a part of the radiography image, and displays the superimposed image on a display device. The irradiation field changing unit changes the fluoroscopy irradiation field with the superimposed image being displayed.