Laser Guidance System for Needle Procedures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current needle procedure guidance systems rely heavily on fluoroscopic imaging, which can result in increased radiation doses and the need for complex magnetic or optical navigation systems, limiting their effectiveness and safety.
Innovation Solution
A laser-guided needle procedure system utilizing a movable gantry with a light emitting device and distance meter to align a beam of light with a target trajectory, reducing the need for fluoroscopic imaging and minimizing radiation exposure, while using an X-ray source and detector to acquire medical images and estimate the position of the needle tip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscopic imaging is used to guide needle procedures, then needle tip location can be monitored, but radiation dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential guidance function from fluoroscopy by using a laser alignment device that projects visual cues (laser lines and dots) to indicate needle trajectory and target location. This separates the guidance function from the imaging function, allowing needle monitoring without continuous fluoroscopic exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser alignment device acts as an intermediary between the planning imaging system and the needle procedure. It translates pre-planned trajectories into real-time visual guidance without requiring direct fluoroscopic monitoring, thereby mediating between planning and execution while reducing radiation exposure.
2Measurement precision
If complex magnetic or optical needle navigation systems are used, then guidance precision can be improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laser alignment device with the existing X-ray imaging system, integrating guidance functionality into the familiar fluoroscopy framework. The laser device is positioned on the imaging system's C-arm or table, combining navigation and imaging capabilities without requiring separate complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser alignment device creates a visual copy of the planned needle trajectory by projecting laser lines and dots that materialize the optical axis and guide path. This optical copy provides precise guidance without requiring complex physical navigation hardware, simplifying the overall system while maintaining accuracy.
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 allows for precise needle placement with reduced radiation exposure and eliminates the need for complex navigation systems, enhancing the safety and accuracy of needle procedures by using laser guidance and 3D reconstruction for real-time needle tip tracking.
Implementation Method 1
A laser device 50 is connected to the C-arm 14
Implementation Method 2
A range meter 54 is connected to the C-arm 14. The range meter 54 measures a distance
Implementation Method 3
An X-ray source 12 secured to the C-arm 14 emits X-rays 16
Implementation Method 4
The system controller 24 calculates an estimate of a position of a tip of the surgical tool from the measurement
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for surgical tool navigation, include a movable gantry. A light emitting device is connected to the movable gantry. A range meter connected to the gantry. The distance meter measures a distance between the light emitting device and a surface. In a method of surgical tool navigation, the light emitting device projects light on the surface. The range meter detects the light and measures the distance between the light emitting device and the surface.