ICU Radiographic Imaging Consistency via Geometric Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inconsistent x-ray image capture parameters, such as geometry, technique settings, and respiratory phase, complicate the assessment of patient health changes in ICU settings, leading to challenges in differentiating actual patient condition changes from image acquisition variations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that ensure consistent radiographic imaging by using a common geometric relationship for capturing x-ray images of patients, allowing for automated scheduling of subsequent images based on assessed patient health changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mobile x-ray imaging devices are used for routine monitoring of ICU patients, then patient care and treatment protocol refinement are improved, but image capture consistency deteriorates due to varying acquisition geometry and parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically scheduling and preparing imaging exams before they are executed. The scheduling system pre-determines optimal imaging times based on patient condition trends, and the system pre-configures acquisition parameters to match reference images, ensuring consistency is established before the actual imaging occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts imaging parameters such as kVp and mAs based on patient-specific factors and clinical indications while maintaining geometric consistency. The acquisition parameters are modified within controlled ranges to optimize image quality for different patient conditions while preserving the ability to detect true physiological changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If images are captured at different phases of the breathing cycle, then patient monitoring flexibility is improved, but image comparability deteriorates due to respiratory motion variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines and records the respiratory phase at the time of each image acquisition as a preliminary step. This information is stored and used later during image comparison to either select images from similar respiratory phases or to apply appropriate computational corrections, ensuring comparability while maintaining monitoring flexibility.
3Productivity
If automated scheduling of radiographic images is implemented, then treatment refinement efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to health assessment and scheduling integration
Solution Approach 1:
The radiographic imaging system performs multiple functions: it captures diagnostic images, assesses patient health status by comparing images to reference standards, determines optimal re-imaging timing based on condition changes, and schedules subsequent exams. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a unified platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors patient condition through image analysis and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the imaging schedule. When images show significant condition changes, the system triggers earlier re-imaging; when stability is detected, it extends the interval. This closed-loop feedback optimizes monitoring efficiency while reducing unnecessary radiation exposure.
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 approach improves the consistency and accuracy of patient health monitoring by reducing the impact of image acquisition variations, enabling more effective treatment refinement and optimized radiation dose delivery.
Implementation Method 1
imaging using x-rays
Data Source
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AI summary
A method captures radiographic images of a patient using a common geometric relationship relative to an x-ray source, the patient and a digital detector. Change in the patient's health is assessed based on determined changes in the radiographic images of the patient. A time to capture a next radiographic image of the patient is automatically scheduled using the common geometric relationship.