Gravity Vector Sensor for C-Arm Image Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical navigation systems require manual correlation of lateral and anterior-posterior X-ray images, which is inefficient and time-consuming, especially in surgical procedures where automatic recognition of the C-arm position during image acquisition would enhance workflow efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A surgical navigation system that includes a localizer with a tracking sensor and a gravity vector sensor, coupled with a computer processor to automatically determine the angular position of the C-arm and assign image identifiers to x-ray images, allowing for automatic correlation and display of images in their correct orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual correlation of lateral and A-P views is used, then the system can properly utilize images, but workflow efficiency is reduced and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic image orientation detection using gravity vector sensors and tracking data to self-identify whether images are lateral or A-P views, eliminating the need for manual intervention by surgery team members
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of switching and correlating images is replaced with an automated electronic system that uses gravity vector sensing and computer processing to automatically orient and display images correctly
2Productivity
If automatic recognition of C-arm position is implemented, then workflow efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gravity vector sensor serves multiple functions: it detects C-arm orientation, enables automatic image identification, and provides data for the navigation system, allowing one component to perform multiple critical tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The gravity vector sensor acts as an intermediary that provides orientation data to the computer processor, which then automatically determines image type and orientation without requiring complex direct analysis of imaging geometry
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
This solution enables automatic correlation and display of X-ray images, reducing manual intervention and improving workflow efficiency by accurately identifying the angular position of the C-arm, thereby enhancing the precision and speed of surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a gravity vector sensor configured to detect a gravity vector indicative of a direction toward a center of Earth gravity
Data Source
AI summary
The present teachings generally provide for a surgical navigation system for use with an x-ray imaging device. The x-ray imaging device acquires x-ray images of an anatomical structure of interest at an angular position. The surgical navigation system includes a localizer with a tracking sensor, a gravity vector sensor coupled to the tracking sensor, a tracking device configured to be coupled to the C-arm so as to be movable with the C-arm between a plurality of angular positions. The tracking device comprises a tracking element detectable by the tracking sensor. A computer processor is operatively coupled with the localizer and configured to implement an imaging routine that receives tracking data from the tracking sensor and a gravity vector from the gravity vector sensor, generating an image vector indicative of the angular position at which the x-ray image was acquired.