Force Sensor Array for Patient Motion Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking patient movement during computerized surgical navigation and stereotactic radiosurgery either cause patient discomfort through rigid fixation or require costly and time-consuming image capture, exposing patients to additional radiation.
Innovation Solution
The use of force-sensing systems to detect and track patient movement, allowing for continuous and low-cost positional adjustments without the need for frequent imaging, by determining changes in pressure distribution and automatically re-registering the patient's position relative to the treatment plan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rigid fixation means such as stereotactic frame or Mayfield head holder are used to prevent patient movement, then treatment precision is maintained, but patient comfort deteriorates and setup procedure becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rigid fixation system (stereotactic frame, Mayfield head holder) with a force sensing system that uses sensors to detect patient movement and computationally compensates for it. This substitution eliminates the need for intrusive mechanical constraints while maintaining treatment precision through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a force sensing system as an intermediary between the patient and the treatment delivery system. This intermediary continuously measures patient movement forces and enables computational correction, serving as a non-intrusive mediator that maintains precision without requiring rigid physical fixation.
2Manufacturing precision
If image based tracking systems such as Polaris, Cyberknife, or AlignRT are used to track patient movement, then treatment precision is maintained, but cost increases and additional radiation exposure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical and x-ray based tracking systems with a force sensing system that measures patient movement through force sensors. This mechanical sensing approach eliminates the need for expensive imaging equipment and avoids additional radiation exposure to patients, while still providing continuous movement tracking for precision maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs relatively inexpensive force sensing elements compared to costly imaging systems like Cyberknife or AlignRT. These force sensors provide continuous tracking without the high equipment costs and operational expenses associated with advanced imaging modalities, making the solution more accessible and reducing overall treatment cost.
3Manufacturing precision
If image capture is performed frequently to track patient movement, then treatment precision is maintained, but treatment time increases due to time-consuming imaging procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous movement monitoring through force sensors that operate throughout the entire treatment process without interruption. Unlike discrete image capture methods that pause treatment for scanning, the force sensing system provides uninterrupted real-time feedback, maintaining treatment precision while ensuring continuous treatment delivery and maximizing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensing system is set up before treatment begins and continuously monitors patient movement throughout the procedure. This preliminary positioning of sensors eliminates the need for repeated setup and imaging during treatment, allowing continuous monitoring without treatment interruptions and maintaining high treatment speed.
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 precise and continuous tracking of patient movement, reducing radiation exposure and discomfort, while maintaining treatment precision through automatic adjustments of the radiation beam alignment.
Implementation Method 1
determining a force or pressure distribution from one or more force sensors engaged, directly or indirectly, with a portion of the patient's body
Data Source
AI summary
An array of force sensors for determining a position of an object, detecting motion of object, and tracking motion of objects in 3D space are described herein. In particular, an array of force sensors can be used to monitor anatomical motion during medical procedures, such as head motion during cranial radiosurgery, to maintain a desired alignment with the anatomical feature. Alerts can be posted to the medical machine operator and the radiosurgery system or scanner can make compensatory adjustments to maintain the desired alignment either after suspension of treatment or dynamically during treatment. Methods of detecting a position, movement or tracking motion of an anatomical feature are also provided herein.