Dynamic X-ray Collimator for Interventional Catheter Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing x-ray units, despite using collimators for beam restriction, still result in relatively large radiation doses during operations.
Innovation Solution
An interventional system that includes a moving unit, a tracking image generating unit, and a controller, where the controller adjusts the radiation beam based on movement parameters to ensure the beam is only active and focused where needed, reducing unnecessary radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a collimator is used to restrict the x-ray beam, then the x-ray beam is limited to a local area, but the radiation dose remains relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the collimator adjustable and responsive to movement parameters. The collimator aperture dynamically changes based on the movement speed and distance of the introduction element, allowing the system to adapt the beam area in real-time rather than using a fixed restriction, thereby reducing unnecessary radiation exposure while maintaining adequate coverage when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the collimator aperture based on movement parameters. The aperture size is adjusted according to the movement speed and distance of the introduction element, transforming the static beam restriction into a dynamic parameter adjustment that matches the actual operational needs, thus optimizing the radiation dose
2Measurement precision
If the x-ray beam is continuously generated for tracking, then detailed imagery is maintained, but the radiation dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the x-ray beam generation based on movement conditions. The beam is activated only when the introduction element meets certain movement criteria (such as exceeding a distance threshold or speed threshold), rather than operating continuously, thus providing detailed imagery only when necessary and reducing overall radiation dose
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the movement parameters generated by the moving unit itself to control the x-ray beam generation. The movement information from the robot's own actuators is fed back to automatically trigger or suppress the x-ray beam, allowing the system to self-regulate and eliminate unnecessary radiation without requiring external intervention
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 system allows for safe navigation of instruments like catheters with minimal radiation dosage by ensuring the x-ray beam is only generated and used when necessary, reducing patient exposure and maintaining detailed imagery only when required.
Implementation Method 1
a tracking image generating unit (also referred to herein as an imager) for generating, using a radiation beam, a tracking image of the introduction element within the object
Data Source
AI summary
An interventional system includes an introduction element (4) such as a catheter for being introduced into an object (9), for instance, a person. A moving unit (2) such as a robot moves the introduction element within the object. A tracking image generating unit (3) generates, using a radiation beam (7), tracking images of the introduction element within the object. A controller (8) controls the tracking image generating unit depending on movement parameters of the moving unit, which are indicative of the movement. The control operation of the controller (8) allows reducing radiation dose applied to the object.