Laser Accelerometer Medical Device Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical device guidance systems constrain the motion of medical instruments, leading to increased radiation exposure, prolonged procedure times, and risk of organ injury due to limitations in determining 3-dimensional orientation and accommodating patient movement.
Innovation Solution
A guidance apparatus combining a CT scan with a secondary laser and accelerometer, allowing unconstrained movement of medical instruments, providing real-time 3-dimensional orientation feedback through a line-generating laser and display, and securing the instrument with a flexible anchor mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a CT scanner laser line is used to guide medical device placement, then entry point localization is improved, but radiation exposure increases due to necessary re-scanning
Solution Approach 1:
A secondary laser device is introduced as an intermediary between the CT scanner and the medical device. This portable laser projects a visible laser line onto the patient's skin surface that can be aligned with the CT scanner's laser line, providing continuous visual guidance without requiring repeated CT scanning. The secondary laser acts as a mediator that maintains orientation information without exposing the patient to additional radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary laser is configured to project its laser line in advance along the planned trajectory before the medical device is inserted. This preliminary visualization of the entry point and trajectory allows the operator to align the device correctly on the first attempt, eliminating the need for re-scanning and subsequent adjustments that would expose the patient to additional radiation.
2Manufacturing precision
If a guide sleeve constrained to the CT scanner is used, then trajectory guidance is improved, but adaptability to patient motion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance system transitions from a static, fixed guide sleeve attached to the CT scanner to a dynamic, portable secondary laser device that can be freely repositioned. This dynamic system allows the operator to adjust the laser's position and orientation in real-time to accommodate patient motion, respiratory movement, and positioning changes while maintaining accurate trajectory visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary laser serves as a mobile intermediary between the treatment planning system and the medical device. Unlike the fixed guide sleeve, this portable laser can be repositioned relative to the patient and CT scanner, providing flexible trajectory guidance that adapts to changing patient anatomy and positioning during the procedure.
3Measurement precision
If frequent re-scanning is performed to ensure proper device positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary laser provides continuous visual feedback through its projected laser line that indicates the current orientation and position of the medical device relative to the planned trajectory. This real-time optical feedback allows the operator to monitor device positioning continuously without interrupting the procedure for CT re-scanning, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while significantly reducing procedure time.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed reference system is used for orientation, then orientation stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to constraint requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary laser acts as a portable intermediary reference system that can be independently positioned and oriented without being mechanically constrained to the CT scanner or room. The laser projects a stable reference line that maintains orientation information while allowing the operator free movement and adjustment, combining orientation stability with operational ease.
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 solution reduces radiation exposure, shortens procedure times, minimizes organ trauma, and enhances precision by enabling accurate, unconstrained 3-dimensional orientation of medical instruments during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
determine 3-dimensional orientation by utilizing data from an accelerometer
Implementation Method 2
provides an effective, simple to use, fast, and inexpensive means of determining 3-dimensional orientation of a medical instrument
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning device for use with a medical device to assist a user in maintaining the medical device in a desired 3-dimensional orientation, having an anchor for releasably attaching the medical device to the positioning device; a laser for generating an indication of orientation on a surface; an accelerometer for providing an indication of orientation relative to gravity; and a display for providing an indication of said orientation to the user to inform the user to adjust a position of the device relative to the desired position.