Handheld X-Ray and Thermal Imaging for Low-Dose Extremity Fluoroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluoroscopic machines are cumbersome, emit high radiation doses, and require manual adjustment of technique factors, leading to inefficient and unsafe imaging during delicate surgical procedures, especially for extremities, and lack integration with thermal imaging for immediate decision-making.
Innovation Solution
A portable, ergonomic x-ray emitter with integrated thermal imaging and automatic exposure control, using sensors and machine learning to optimize image capture without repositioning equipment, ensuring safe and precise alignment with dynamic collimation and power management.
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 can cover larger joints and spine, but the device becomes heavy and cumbersome for hand/wrist/arm and foot/ankle/leg extremity surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into separate components: a portable handheld x-ray emitter and a separate detector, eliminating the need for a large fixed c-arm structure. This segmentation allows the system to be lightweight and mobile while maintaining adequate field of view for extremity surgery through precise positioning of the smaller components.
2Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of technique factors is used, then the operator can control image quality, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines optimal technique factors (kVp, mA, exposure time) based on real-time sensor measurements of patient anatomy and imaging conditions. This self-adjusting capability eliminates manual operator intervention while maintaining precise control over image quality, thereby reducing procedure time.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor measurements provide real-time feedback about patient anatomy, tissue density, and imaging conditions. This feedback loop enables the system to dynamically adjust technique factors to optimize image quality while minimizing radiation dose, without requiring manual operator input.
3Measurement precision
If digital and thermal imaging devices are used separately, then each imaging mode can be optimized, but switching between devices creates delays in surgical workflow
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple imaging modalities (x-ray, fluoroscopy, thermal imaging) are integrated into a single unified portable system. This merging allows the surgeon to access all imaging functions through one device without switching between separate tools, thereby optimizing each modality while maintaining continuous surgical workflow and improving overall productivity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a static collimator is used in fixed position x-ray systems, then the x-ray beam can be restricted to the detector area, but the collimator must be repositioned frequently during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator is made dynamically adjustable rather than static. It can be repositioned and resized in real-time to match the detector's active area regardless of the emitter's position or orientation. This dynamic capability ensures continuous radiation protection without requiring frequent manual intervention to reposition the collimator.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical collimator repositioning system is replaced with an automated control system that uses sensor data to calculate and adjust collimator position and aperture size. This substitution eliminates the need for manual mechanical adjustment while maintaining precise radiation beam restriction to the detector area.
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 efficient, low-dose, and high-quality x-ray and fluoroscopic imaging with integrated thermal feedback, allowing uninterrupted surgical workflows and reducing radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
emitting energy through an emission window in the emitting apparatus to form an exposure pattern on the object such that the energy is received by an imaging sensor
Implementation Method 2
Thermal imaging can also be a useful tool, particularly for the extremity surgeon. Thermal imaging may be used to help determine if blood supply to an extremity or digit is threatened
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for x-ray and fluoroscopic image capture and, in particular, to a versatile, multimode imaging system incorporating a hand-held x-ray emitter operative to capture digital or thermal 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; a device to automatically limit the field of the x-ray emission; and methods of use. Automatic systems to determine the correct technique factors for fluoroscopic and radiographic capture, ex-ante.