Fluoroscopy System with Rotating Light Indicators for Surgical Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluoroscopy systems for surgery require extensive experience and multiple X-ray images to accurately position implants, exposing operators and patients to additional radiation, and are hindered by the limitations of laser aiming devices and the high cost and bulkiness of computer navigation systems.
Innovation Solution
A fluoroscopy system incorporating a contoured support arm, X-ray emitting and sensing units, a display unit, and an indicating assembly with rotatable light emitting units controlled by a central device to form an indicating light stream and point on the display, allowing precise adjustment and reduced radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional laser aiming device is used to indicate the X-ray beam path, then the device structure remains simple, but the laser beam cannot accurately track moving targets when the C-arm is slightly adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously detects the position of the indicating point on the display unit and feeds this information back to the central control device, which automatically calculates and adjusts the rotation angles of the light emitting units to maintain accurate tracking of the target point even when the C-arm moves
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional fixed laser aiming device with an automated optical system using rotatable light emitting units controlled by a central processing device, substituting manual mechanical adjustment with automated electronic control based on real-time position feedback
2Measurement precision
If multiple X-ray images are shot to accurately position implants, then positioning accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure to surgeons, patients and operators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning by projecting an indicating point onto the display unit that shows the exact trajectory and target position before the actual X-ray exposure, allowing surgeons to plan and execute the procedure with minimal trial shots
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an indicating assembly with light emitting units as an intermediary that provides visual guidance on the display unit, serving as a mediator between the X-ray system and the surgeon to enable accurate positioning without repeated radiation exposure
3Measurement precision
If computer navigation is used to guide fluoroscopy procedures, then positioning precision is improved, but the system becomes expensive and requires bulky additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the indicating assembly with the existing fluoroscopy device structure, integrating the light emitting units and control system into the C-arm framework rather than using separate bulky navigation equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the target position on the display unit through the indicating point, allowing surgeons to see the intended trajectory and position without requiring complex physical navigation hardware
4Measurement precision
If a fluoroscopy operator has extensive experience and spatial sense to shoot qualified X-ray images, then image quality is improved, but the requirement for operator expertise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-guidance by automatically calculating and displaying the indicating point that shows the correct trajectory and target position, enabling operators with less experience to achieve qualified X-ray images through the automated visual guidance provided on the display unit
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
Enables a fluoroscopy operator to accurately guide the X-ray emitting unit with minimal radiation exposure and reduced equipment costs, allowing surgeons to place hardware accurately in fewer attempts during orthopedic operations.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of light emitting units is rotatable and configured to emit a light plane
Implementation Method 2
The X-ray emitting unit is located on the first end part and is configured to emit an X-ray
Data Source
AI summary
A fluoroscopy system includes a fluoroscopy device, an indicating assembly and a center control device. The fluoroscopy device includes a contoured support arm, an X-ray emitting unit, an X-ray sensor and a display unit. The contoured support arm has a first end part and a second end part opposite to the first end part. The X-ray emitting unit is located on the first end part and is configured to emit an X-ray. The X-ray sensor is located on the second end part to sense the X-ray. The display unit is electrically connected to the X-ray sensor. The indicating assembly is located near the contoured support arm and includes a plurality of light emitting units. Each of the plurality of light emitting units is rotatable and configured to emit a light plane. The center control device is electrically connected to the fluoroscopy device and the indicating assembly.