Electrical Impedance Tomography Anatomical Model Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) systems face challenges in producing standardized and accurately interpretable images due to unclear anatomical correlation, lack of intrinsic positioning tools, and difficulties in aligning EIT images with true reference points or patient anatomy, leading to inconsistent results across different patient positions and imaging techniques.
Innovation Solution
An EIT system that uses a computing unit with a data processor and storage unit to reconstruct electrical properties by generating and processing anatomical models based on biometric data, allowing for the selection of appropriate models to align EIT images with anatomical structures, and includes a sensor to determine the orientation of the EIT measurement plane relative to the gravity vector, enabling accurate representation and interpretation of EIT data within an anatomical context.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If EIT images are generated using conventional reconstruction algorithms with fixed contours, then the imaging process is simple and fast, but the anatomical correlation is unclear and spatial resolution is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating anatomical models from biometric data before the EIT reconstruction process. These pre-generated models containing organ contours and anatomical structures are then used as templates during reconstruction, eliminating the need for complex post-processing alignment and improving anatomical correlation without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces anatomical models as an intermediary between the raw EIT data and the final image reconstruction. These models serve as a bridge that incorporates prior anatomical knowledge into the reconstruction process, guiding the placement of electrical properties within anatomically correct boundaries and improving spatial resolution
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electrode belt is attached to the patient's body surface, then the EIT system is portable and adaptable to different patients, but the position of electrodes and electrode plane relative to gravity vector becomes unknown and mobile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating anatomical models that can be generated from biometric data for any patient, making the system adaptable to different body sizes and shapes. The same model generation and alignment process works universally across all patients, regardless of their specific anatomy, while maintaining precise anatomical correlation through individualized model creation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by incorporating sensor data about patient position and orientation into the model alignment process. The system continuously monitors the electrode belt position relative to anatomical landmarks and adjusts the anatomical model orientation accordingly, ensuring accurate correlation even when patient position changes during measurement
3Reliability
If EIT images are reconstructed without considering patient position and orientation, then the reconstruction process is fast and simple, but the images cannot be compared readily across different patients and positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating anatomical models and establishing reference coordinate systems before reconstruction. These pre-prepared models include embedded anatomical landmarks and orientation references that enable rapid alignment and comparison across different patients and positions without requiring complex post-processing calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by transforming the anatomical models into a standardized reference coordinate system based on gravity vector orientation. By changing the orientation parameters of the models to align with a common reference frame, the system enables direct comparison of EIT images across different patient positions while maintaining processing efficiency through optimized transformation algorithms
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
The system provides reproducible, comparable, and reliable EIT images that are economically and time-efficient, improving anatomical correlation and visual interpretation by linking functional EIT data with anatomical structures, facilitating accurate diagnosis and therapy planning.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor to determine the orientation of the EIT measurement plane relative to the gravity vector
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical impedance tomography system for determining electric properties of an internal body part of a patient comprises an electrode array in electrical contact with the patient, a device for applying current or voltage between electrodes of the array and for measuring voltages or currents between other combinations of the array A computing unit comprises a processor and a storage unit. The storage unit comprises a reconstruction algorithm used by the data processor for reconstructing the measured voltages of the body part into electrical properties or changes thereof. The data processor outputs a representation of the reconstructed electrical properties and generates or processes anatomical models descriptive of the body part The data processor uses biometric data of the patient and, according to the biometric data of the patient, selects an anatomical model for reconstructing the measured electrical voltages of the body part into electrical properties or changes thereof.