Interventional Device Positioning Feedback System

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In urgent clinical settings, the verification of interventional device positioning in anatomical regions is often delayed due to the unavailability of radiologists, leading to challenges for physicians without formal training to accurately assess device positioning from poor-quality X-ray images.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising one or more processors that receive X-ray image data, analyze the images to compare the relative position of the interventional device with respect to anatomical features, and output feedback to assist in positioning the device, thereby enabling physicians to make informed decisions without relying on radiological review.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a radiologist reviews the X-ray images to verify device positioning, then the assessment accuracy is improved, but the time delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassessment accuracyVSAvoidtime delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

An automated analysis system acts as an intermediary between the physician and the radiologist, providing preliminary assessment of device positioning. The system processes X-ray images and generates feedback on device position relative to anatomical landmarks, enabling physicians to make immediate decisions while radiologists perform thorough reviews asynchronously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables physicians to independently assess device positioning by providing automated analysis results. The technology empowers non-radiologists to perform positioning verification by comparing detected device positions against predefined anatomical landmarks and acceptance criteria, reducing dependency on radiologist availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of time

If the physician reviews the images themself to avoid delay, then the time loss is reduced, but the assessment reliability deteriorates due to lack of formal training

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime lossVSAvoidassessment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The automated analysis system serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between physician capability and assessment requirements. It performs the complex image analysis task that would otherwise require radiologist expertise, translating medical imaging data into actionable positioning feedback that physicians can reliably interpret and act upon.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If high-quality X-ray images are obtained by optimizing patient positioning, then the image quality improves, but the productivity decreases due to patient mobility limitations and additional medical devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidclinical workflow efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time feedback on device positioning quality by analyzing X-ray images and comparing detected positions against target positions. This immediate feedback loop allows physicians to make adjustments without requiring multiple high-quality imaging attempts, thereby maintaining productivity while achieving adequate positioning assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the assessment parameters from requiring optimal image quality to accepting variable quality images. By focusing analysis on key anatomical landmarks and device positions rather than overall image quality, the system enables positioning verification even with suboptimal images obtained quickly in urgent clinical settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4537781A1Interventional device positioning
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4537781A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4537781A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4537781A1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4c

AI summary

A system for assisting the positioning of an interventional device (110) in an anatomical region, is provided. The system includes one or more processors configured to analyse one or more X-ray projection images (130) to provide a comparison between a relative position of at least a portion (110') of the interventional device (110) with respect to one or more anatomical features (140) of the anatomical region, and a target relative position of the at least a portion (110') of the interventional device (110) with respect to the one or more anatomical features (140) of the anatomical region. Feedback is outputted for assisting the positioning of the interventional device (110) in the anatomical region. The feedback is generated based on the comparison.