Intraoperative Image Foreign Object Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting foreign objects in intraoperative images during endovascular surgery rely on operator vigilance, leading to potential human errors and inadequate radiation management, with incidents often going undocumented.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that compares acquired intraoperative images to expected image content, using patient and procedure data to automatically detect foreign objects, and triggers reactions such as warnings or adjustments to minimize radiation exposure and document incidents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual monitoring by operator is used to detect foreign objects, then the system complexity is low, but the reliability and detection accuracy are reduced due to human errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign object detection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical monitoring system with an automated image processing system that uses algorithms to detect foreign objects in intraoperative images, eliminating human error while maintaining system functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital copy of the intraoperative scene through imaging and uses algorithmic analysis to identify foreign objects, allowing for reliable detection without adding complex physical monitoring equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Loss of time

If manual monitoring is used to avoid unnecessary radiation, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of time occurs due to operator vigilance requirements and cognitive load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse time for detecting foreign objectsVSAvoidautomated detection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated system continuously analyzes intraoperative images in real-time without interruption, providing constant monitoring for foreign objects without requiring periodic manual checks or operator attention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-monitoring by automatically analyzing images and detecting foreign objects without requiring external human intervention, freeing the operator from continuous vigilance tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If automated detection system is implemented, then the reliability and accuracy of foreign object detection is improved, but the cognitive load on operator increases due to additional information processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign object detection precisionVSAvoidoperator cognitive load

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and isolates the specific task of foreign object detection from the operator's responsibilities, handling it autonomously through automated image analysis while providing results to the operator

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides automated feedback by comparing detected objects against expected surgical scene models and alerting operators only when anomalies are detected, reducing unnecessary cognitive processing while maintaining high detection precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Loss of information

If manual monitoring is used to document incidents, then the system complexity is low, but the loss of information occurs as incidents are not necessarily documented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveincident documentation completenessVSAvoidautomated documentation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically documents all detected foreign objects and incidents without requiring manual intervention, creating a complete and accurate record of all events during the procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The automated documentation system continuously records all incidents and foreign object detections throughout the procedure, ensuring no information is lost due to human oversight or memory limitations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20230410308A1Detection of foreign objects in intraoperative images

Publication Date: 2023.12.21 BRAINLAB AG

AI summary

The disclosed computer-implemented method of detecting at least one foreign object in one or more intraoperative images encompasses the provision and use of one or more intraoperative images, which are compared to expected image content. This also includes particularly the use of live intraoperative video data that are acquired and used in the computer-implemented method defined herein. The method further encompasses the creation, i.e. the calculation and or provision, of expected image content based on several different inputs. Such creation of expected image content can be based on e.g. data associated with the patient's body undergoing a medical procedure, parameters that are indicative of said medical procedure, and/or imaging parameters of the individual imaging device used to generate said one or more intraoperative images. In a further step, a comparison between the expected image content and the one or more acquired intraoperative images is conducted, preferably using an image and/or video analysis algorithm for analyzing the at least one acquired intraoperative image and for automatically detecting the at least one foreign object in the intraoperative image.