Handheld X-Ray Emitter Tracking for Low-Dose Fluoroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluoroscopic machines for orthopedic surgery are cumbersome and require repositioning of the subject to fit the field of view, emitting excessive radiation, which is unnecessary for delicate procedures and poses health risks to patients and surgeons.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, maneuverable X-ray emitter system that tracks relative to an image sensor, allowing for ergonomic control and automatic alignment, reducing radiation exposure through intelligent power management and machine learning algorithms for optimal image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large, fixed c-arm fluoroscopic machine is used, then the field of view is sufficient for large joints and spine, but the system becomes heavy and cumbersome for extremity surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a portable X-ray emitter that can be independently positioned and a detector assembly that can be separately placed on the patient. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing the overall system weight and improving portability for extremity surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed, three-dimensional c-arm structure to a two-dimensional detector plate placed directly on the patient's surface. This dimensional change eliminates the need for a large mechanical arm structure, significantly reducing weight while maintaining adequate field of view for extremity imaging.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a large, fixed c-arm fluoroscopic machine is used, then structural stability is provided, but repositioning the subject is required to fit the field of view during procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic positioning capabilities where the detector plate can be moved and repositioned on the patient's body during procedures. This dynamic adaptability allows the field of view to be adjusted without requiring repositioning of the patient or subject, while maintaining stability through controlled movement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows change in imaging parameters such as field of view size, detector position, and emission characteristics without physical repositioning of the patient. This enables the operator to adapt the imaging parameters to different anatomical regions and procedural needs while maintaining patient position stability.
3Quantity of substance
If a large, fixed c-arm fluoroscopic machine is used, then adequate radiation coverage is provided, but large doses of radiation are emitted unnecessarily for delicate extremity procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides localized radiation emission directly at the detector plate position, concentrating the X-ray beam only on the specific anatomical region being imaged. This local quality approach eliminates unnecessary radiation emission in other areas, significantly reducing overall radiation dose to the patient while maintaining adequate coverage for the specific procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial action by emitting radiation only when and where needed, rather than providing continuous or excessive radiation coverage. The portable emitter can be positioned precisely and activated only for the specific imaging task, avoiding the excessive radiation emission characteristic of large fixed c-arm systems.
4Ease of operation
If manual setting of technique factors is performed, then operator control over exposure is maintained, but the complexity of setting power, current, and time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic technique selection capabilities where the device self-adjusts power, current, and exposure time parameters based on detected imaging conditions. This self-service function maintains operator control through simple interface while eliminating the complexity of manual technique factor setting, allowing the system to automatically optimize exposure parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where sensors detect patient characteristics, anatomical region, and imaging conditions, then automatically adjust technique factors accordingly. This feedback loop provides continuous optimization of exposure parameters without requiring manual intervention, reducing operational complexity while maintaining effective control.
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 high-quality X-ray imaging without repositioning equipment, reducing radiation dose and improving surgical workflow efficiency by using sensors and machine learning for precise image capture.
Implementation Method 1
a position tracking apparatus configured to determine a position of the emitting apparatus relative to the image sensor by detecting one or more of the plurality of position tracking implements
Implementation Method 2
a camera system configured to produce a real-time image having a point of view from the aperture opening
Implementation Method 3
The emitter may include both an X-ray emitter along with at least one additional imaging modality such as a digital camera for producing a visual image, a thermal image, and an infrared image of a patient
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for X-ray and fluoroscopic image capture and, in particular, to a versatile, multimode imaging system incorporating a handheld X-ray emitter operative to capture non-invasive images of a target; a stage operative to capture static X-ray and dynamic fluoroscopic images of the target; a system for the tracking and positioning of the X-ray emission to improve safety of obtaining X-ray images as well as improve the quality of X-ray images. Where the devices can automatically limit the field of the X-ray emission.