EMF Tracking Quality Control for Brachytherapy Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In brachytherapy procedures involving electromagnetic guidance, the tracking accuracy of EMF generators is compromised by inhomogeneity and temporal noise within the electromagnetic field, especially due to variable patient geometry and the presence of metallic objects, which affects the reliability of tracking data.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic field quality assurance system that employs quality assurance sensors and a controller to assess the tracking quality of the EMF by monitoring the sensed position of these sensors within the field-of-view, providing real-time feedback through a graphical user interface to ensure reliable tracking information and optimal initial placement of the EMF generator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electromagnetic field generator is placed at variable positions for different procedures, then adaptability to patient geometry and workflow preferences is improved, but tracking accuracy deteriorates due to field inhomogeneity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary quality control assessment by monitoring the sensed position of QA electromagnetic sensors within the EMF field before actual tracking begins. This preliminary action identifies optimal EMF generator placement positions that ensure both adaptability to the specific procedure geometry and sufficient tracking accuracy, preventing accuracy degradation during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the sensed position of quality assurance electromagnetic sensors and provides real-time feedback on tracking quality. This feedback mechanism allows dynamic adjustment and verification of EMF generator placement, ensuring that even when positioned for adaptability to different patient geometries and workflow preferences, the tracking accuracy remains within acceptable thresholds.
2Reliability
If quality assurance sensors are added to monitor EMF quality, then tracking reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quality assurance electromagnetic sensors serve multiple functions: they monitor EMF field quality, assess tracking reliability, and provide data for determining optimal EMF generator placement. By making these sensors multi-functional, the system improves tracking reliability without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
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 enhances tracking accuracy and reliability by providing quality control measures, allowing operators to trust EM tracking information and facilitating high-quality measurements by ensuring consistent and undistorted EMF conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the term 'electromagnetic sensor' broadly encompasses all sensors capable of being induced by an electromagnetic field to generate a signal (e.g., a voltage) detectable for purposes of sensing a position and/or an orientation
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic field quality assurance system employing an electromagnetic field generator (10) for emitting an electromagnetic field (12), and one or more quality assurance electromagnetic sensors (11, 21, 31, 41, 50) for sensing the emission of the electromagnetic field (12). The system further employs a quality assurance controller (74) for assessing a tracking quality of the electromagnetic field (12) derived from a monitoring of a sensed position of each quality assurance electromagnetic sensor (11, 21, 31, 41, 50) within a field-of-view of the electromagnetic field (12). The electromagnetic field generator (10), an ultrasound probe (20), an ultrasound stepper (30) and/or a patient table (40) may be equipped with the quality assurance electromagnetic sensor(s) (11, 21, 31, 41, 50).