Imaging Protocol Harmonization System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing and standardizing imaging protocols in radiology are time-consuming, inefficient, and lack interoperability across different machines and institutions, leading to duplication of protocols and reliance on expert radiologists for parameter tuning.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for recommending imaging protocols by receiving and processing imaging protocols with specific parameters, determining imaging identifiers based on clinical intent, and harmonizing protocols across different modalities and institutions, thereby providing a standardized and efficient approach to protocol management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If imaging protocols are manually documented and maintained by expert radiologists using standard office applications, then consistency and standardization can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires high cooperation between radiologists and technologists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of protocol documentation using office applications with an automated computer-based system that uses natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to automatically generate, standardize, and maintain imaging protocols, eliminating the need for manual editing while preserving consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the automated protocol management system to independently generate, update, and maintain imaging protocols without requiring continuous human intervention, thereby reducing the time and cooperation needed while maintaining reliability through consistent automated processes
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radiology departments develop their own protocols over time, then local practices and settings can be accommodated, but interoperability across different machines and institutions is compromised and duplicate protocols are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal protocol management system that can handle multiple imaging modalities and institutional settings through a single standardized platform, allowing local customization while maintaining core interoperability standards that enable cross-institutional compatibility and eliminate duplicate protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts protocol parameters based on local institutional settings and practices while maintaining a standardized core structure, allowing adaptability to local conditions without compromising the fundamental interoperability and consistency across different departments and machines
3Manufacturing precision
If radiologists tune parameters from scratch for each new patient scan, then precise specifications can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring and storing optimized imaging protocols in the system database, allowing radiologists to quickly select appropriate pre-defined protocols for common scanning scenarios, thereby maintaining precision while significantly improving efficiency and reducing the time required for parameter tuning
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copying by allowing radiologists to select from pre-existing standardized protocol templates that can be rapidly copied and applied to new patient scans, ensuring consistent precise specifications are maintained while eliminating the need to create parameters from scratch, thus improving productivity
4Reliability
If imaging protocols are updated regularly to incorporate latest knowledge and practices, then diagnostic accuracy and quality of care are maintained, but the updating process requires high cooperation and becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the automated system continuously monitors and learns from clinical outcomes and emerging best practices, automatically updating protocols to incorporate the latest knowledge and practices while maintaining diagnostic accuracy, thereby reducing the time and cooperation needed for manual updates
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system and a method for recommending at least one imaging protocol for scanning a patient. The method includes receiving, by a processor, an imaging protocol, wherein the imaging protocol includes information pertaining to set of imaging parameters for imaging a patient, determining at least one imaging identifier for the received imaging protocol based on a clinical intent of the received imaging protocol, determining at least one harmonized imaging protocol out of the plurality of harmonized imaging protocols based on the determined at least one imaging identifier, and providing the determined at least one harmonized imaging protocol on a graphical user interface.