Fluoroscopic Urethrogram Instrument With Imaging Ruler for Stricture Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retrograde urethrogram (RUG) procedures face limitations such as underestimation of urethral stricture length, misdiagnosis due to inadequate positioning, increased radiation exposure, and operator dependency, which affect the accuracy and safety of the diagnostic process.
Innovation Solution
A fluoroscopic retrograde urethrogram instrument with a penile clamp assembly, revolving slide support, and imaging ruler markings to ensure accurate length measurement and alignment, reducing radiation exposure through a remotely controlled injection device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional RUG procedures are performed without specialized positioning instruments, then the procedure is simpler and faster to perform, but the measurement accuracy of urethral stricture length is reduced and radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning instrument with imaging ruler markings serves as an intermediary between the X-ray detector and the patient's penis during RUG procedures. The instrument includes a positioning member with radiopaque imaging ruler markings that directly interface with the imaging system, providing accurate length measurements without requiring complex image post-processing or multiple exposure angles. This intermediary device eliminates perspective errors and oblique positioning issues that plague traditional RUG methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning instrument is prepared and calibrated before the actual RUG imaging begins. The imaging ruler markings are pre-positioned at known distances and angles relative to the detector plane, establishing a reference framework in advance. This preliminary setup ensures that all subsequent measurements are taken from a known, accurate baseline, eliminating the need for trial-and-error positioning during the actual diagnostic procedure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple trial and error positioning attempts are made to achieve correct alignment, then measurement accuracy may improve, but radiation exposure to patient and technician increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning instrument with its radiopaque imaging ruler markings is set up before imaging begins, establishing the correct geometric relationship between the penis, detector, and imaging plane in advance. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for multiple trial-and-error adjustments during actual imaging, thereby minimizing radiation exposure while ensuring measurement accuracy from the first exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging ruler markings on the positioning instrument serve as a self-check mechanism. The radiopaque markings are visible on the fluoroscopic image, allowing the operator to verify correct positioning in real-time without additional radiation exposures. The instrument essentially monitors its own positioning accuracy, enabling immediate correction if needed without requiring repeated diagnostic exposures.
3Productivity
If the penis is not positioned at the correct angle and distance from the X-ray detector, then the procedure is quicker to set up, but underestimation of stricture length occurs and misdiagnosis may result
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning instrument is pre-configured with imaging ruler markings at the optimal angle and distance from the detector plane before the patient arrives. This eliminates the need for time-consuming adjustments during the procedure setup, as the instrument is already in its measurement-optimized configuration. The pre-set geometric relationships ensure that accurate measurements are achieved immediately upon positioning the instrument.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning instrument serves multiple functions simultaneously: it positions the penis, provides a measurement scale, verifies alignment, and guides contrast injection. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices and adjustment steps into a single integrated tool, maintaining fast setup speed while ensuring measurement accuracy.
4Ease of operation
If a urethral catheter is used without proper positioning guidance, then the injection process is simpler, but distal urethral strictures may be misdiagnosed if the catheter is not placed appropriately
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning instrument with its radiopaque imaging ruler markings serves as an intermediary reference system that guides catheter placement. The visible markings on the fluoroscopic image provide real-time feedback on catheter position relative to the imaging plane and measurement scale, ensuring the catheter tip is correctly positioned at the external urethral meatus even in distal strictures that would otherwise be difficult to visualize and position.
Data Source
AI summary
Medical manipulation of a patient's penis for examination and treatment of a urethral stricture is performed using a penile clamp assembly with support members for the patient's penis and a slider block, a revolving slide support and a base. The support members include a proximal penile clamp and a distal penile injection support, which support the patient's penis. The slider block has a configuration to allow the penile clamp assembly to slide along a length of the revolving slide support. The revolving slide support uses a hinged mounting arrangement for mounting the revolving slide support on the base.