EEG-Based Motion Prediction for Medical Imaging Artefact Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging and radiation therapy systems face challenges in minimizing motion-related artefacts and ensuring patient compliance, leading to suboptimal image quality and radiation delivery due to patient movement, despite existing immobilization methods.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing EEG signals to predict patient motion through a pre-trained machine-learning algorithm, generating control signals to inform or mechanically counteract the motion, thereby adapting the imaging or therapy process to minimize artefacts and ensure accurate radiation delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If immobilization methods are used to minimize motion artefacts, then image quality is improved, but patient comfort and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical immobilization systems with an EEG-based detection and control system. Instead of physically restraining the patient, the system uses electroencephalogram signals to detect motion and implements software-based corrections or feedback mechanisms to maintain image quality while preserving patient comfort and mobility.
2Manufacturing precision
If special acquisition methods are used to minimize motion artefacts, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces EEG signal processing as an intermediary between patient motion and image acquisition. The system uses EEG signals as a mediator to detect motion intent or actual motion, then applies corrections or adjustments to the imaging process based on this intermediate information, rather than directly combating motion through complex mechanical means.
3Device complexity
If patient motion is not monitored, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of radiation delivery deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where EEG signals provide real-time information about patient motion state. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust radiation delivery parameters or pause treatment when motion is detected, ensuring accurate dose delivery to the intended target while maintaining a relatively simple monitoring architecture through the use of established EEG technology.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4d
AI summary
The present invention relates to monitoring motion in diagnostic imaging or radiation therapy. In order to improve workflow, a device is proposed that comprises an input unit, a processing unit, and an output unit. The input unit is configured to receive an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal measured from a patient. The processing unit is configured to determine a readiness potential (RP) based on the received EEG signal, to determine whether patient motion is likely to happen based on the received EEG signal, and to provide a control signal via the output unit as output, if it is predicted that patient motion is likely to happen. The control signal is usable for controlling an apparatus to perform a function to reduce motion artefacts during the medical imaging or to assure that radiation dose is delivered according to a planned dose map during the radiation therapy.