Handheld Anatomical Scanning for Real-Time Deep Targeting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image-guided systems for medical procedures, such as EVD insertion, are cumbersome, time-consuming, and unsuitable for emergency settings, lacking real-time scanning and deformable registration to account for tissue shift, making accurate targeting of deep anatomical structures challenging.

Innovation Solution

A handheld device with a camera and display, capable of capturing and comparing image data with pre-operative 3-D images, projecting structured light patterns, and generating 3-D surface maps for enhanced registration and visualization, allowing real-time scanning and augmented virtual imaging of anatomical structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional image-guided systems are used for deep anatomical targeting, then targeting accuracy is improved, but procedure time increases and the system becomes unsuitable for emergency settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetargeting accuracyVSAvoidprocedure time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the targeting process into distinct modules: a handheld scanner for rapid surface mapping, a separate image processing unit for real-time 3D reconstruction, and a visualization system for trajectory display. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the scanner focusing on rapid data acquisition and the processing unit handling complex computations, thereby reducing overall procedure time while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical image-guided systems with optical-based structured light scanning and computer vision algorithms. The handheld device uses projected light patterns and camera-based detection instead of mechanical positioning systems, enabling rapid non-contact scanning and real-time 3D surface mapping, which significantly reduces procedure time while maintaining targeting precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If traditional image-guided systems with rigid fixation are used, then targeting precision is improved, but the system becomes cumbersome and difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetargeting precisionVSAvoidsystem operability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from rigid fixation to dynamic, flexible positioning. The handheld scanner can be freely moved and repositioned without requiring rigid attachment to the patient or surgical table. The software dynamically adjusts the coordinate system and registration based on the scanner's current position, maintaining targeting precision while greatly improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic feature detection and landmark identification without requiring manual positioning or external fixation devices. The software automatically detects anatomical landmarks, performs deformable registration, and calculates trajectories based on the scanned surface geometry, eliminating the need for cumbersome rigid fixation apparatus and simplifying the operational workflow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If pre-operative imaging alone is used, then deep structure visualization is improved, but real-time scanning and tissue shift compensation are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeep structure visualizationVSAvoidreal-time scanning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs pre-operative imaging and 3D surface scanning before the surgical procedure to establish baseline anatomical models and identify deep structures. This preliminary action captures the initial state of the anatomy, which is then used for deformable registration during the procedure to track and compensate for tissue shifts, combining pre-planning with real-time adaptation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements real-time feedback through continuous surface scanning and deformable registration that tracks tissue displacement during the procedure. The scanned surface geometry is continuously compared with the pre-operative model, and the trajectory calculation is dynamically adjusted based on detected tissue shifts, providing real-time compensation and maintaining targeting accuracy throughout the procedure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Facilitates accurate and efficient targeting of deep anatomical structures by providing enhanced registration and visualization, reducing procedure time and enabling use in emergency situations.

Implementation Method 1

capturing first image data of light reflecting from a surface of the anatomical feature with the camera

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

projecting structured light patterns

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight projection: Light

Data Source

PatentUS12453600B2Anatomical scanning, targeting, and visualization
Publication Date: 2025.10.28 IMIRGE MEDICAL
  • US12453600B2 patent drawing
  • US12453600B2 patent drawing
  • US12453600B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for visualizing and targeting anatomical structures inside a patient utilizing a handheld screen device may include grasping the handheld screen device and manipulating a position of the handheld screen device relative to the patient. The handheld screen device may include a camera and a display. The method may also include orienting the camera on the handheld screen device relative to an anatomical feature of the patient by manipulating the position of the handheld screen device relative to the patient, capturing first image data of light reflecting from a surface of the anatomical feature with the camera on the handheld screen device, and comparing the first image data with a pre-operative 3-D image of the patient to determine a location of an anatomical structure located inside the patient and positioned relative to the anatomical feature of the patient.