Mobile Fluoroscopic Imaging Alignment via Sensor Computation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The current trial-and-error method for positioning medical imaging units during surgery is time-consuming and exposes patients and staff to excessive radiation, as it requires multiple iterations to achieve optimal imaging.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing sensors to compute and display optimal positioning instructions for medical imaging units, allowing manual or motorized adjustment, minimizing radiation exposure by efficiently aligning the imaging unit with the point of interest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the trial-and-error method is used to position the medical imaging unit, then the imaging unit can be positioned to acquire images, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple iterations
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates the optimal position for the imaging unit before the actual imaging process begins. By using sensor data to determine the precise location and orientation needed to capture the point of interest, the system eliminates the need for iterative trial-and-error positioning during surgery, directly resolving the contradiction between positioning accuracy and positioning time
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to the user through a display interface, showing the current position of the imaging unit relative to the optimal position. This feedback mechanism guides the user to adjust the imaging unit efficiently, reducing the number of iterations needed to achieve accurate positioning while minimizing time loss
2Measurement precision
If multiple images are acquired to achieve optimal positioning, then the imaging unit can be correctly positioned, but radiation exposure to patient and staff increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the optimal imaging position in advance using sensor data and computational algorithms before any radiation-exposing images are taken. This preliminary positioning calculation ensures that the first image acquired is likely to be optimal, minimizing the number of radiation-exposing attempts needed and directly reducing radiation exposure while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback showing the alignment status and optimal position to the user before and during the imaging process. This allows the user to adjust the imaging unit based on visual guidance rather than relying on trial-and-error radiation-based imaging, thereby reducing radiation exposure while achieving accurate positioning
3Manufacturing precision
If the imaging unit is manually repositioned multiple times, then optimal images can be acquired, but surgical procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates and displays the optimal position for acquiring high-quality images before the surgical team begins repositioning the imaging unit. This preliminary determination of the correct position eliminates unnecessary repositioning iterations, allowing the team to directly achieve optimal image quality while maintaining high surgical efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously provides feedback on the imaging unit's position relative to the optimal position, enabling the surgical team to make precise, informed adjustments in minimal steps. This feedback-driven approach reduces the number of repositioning cycles needed to achieve high-quality images, thereby improving surgical efficiency without compromising image quality
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for positioning a medical imaging unit is disclosed. The method may include accessing data from a plurality of sensors. The method may also include computing an optimal position for the medical imaging unit to acquire images of a point of interest. The computation may be based on data from plurality of sensors and information for calibrating the point of interest with at least one sensor. The method may also include computing instructions for manipulating the medical imaging unit from a first position to an optimal position. In an embodiment, the instructions may be displayed for a user to manually position the medical imaging unit. Alternatively, the instructions may be sent to an electric motor to position the medical imaging unit, or the electric motor may provide force feedback to guide a user to position the medical imaging unit in an optimal position.