Laser Alignment Assistance With Shadow Lines for X-Ray Puncture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser-based alignment assistance systems for medical instruments, such as needles or cannulas, struggle to accurately align both sectional planes during punctures due to limitations in X-ray imaging systems, leading to potential hidden tilting and increased radiation exposure when repositioning the apparatus for alignment.
Innovation Solution
A laser-based alignment assistance apparatus with a first line laser and a second line laser, where the second laser includes a point-like shielding element to create a shadow line, allowing for accurate alignment of both sectional planes even when the second laser plane is not visible, and a common housing with an X-ray detector for easy integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the apparatus is moved to the second position to enable the X-ray detector to be moved into the progress display position, then the intervention can proceed with progress monitoring, but the laser planes no longer overlap with the sectional planes of the instrument, limiting alignment capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shadow line projection mechanism that adds a new dimensional approach to alignment. Instead of relying solely on direct laser plane overlap with instrument sectional planes, the system projects a shadow line onto the instrument surface, creating a new reference dimension that remains valid even when the apparatus is in the second position. This allows alignment to be achieved through shadow projection rather than direct plane intersection.
Solution Approach 2:
The shadow line acts as an intermediary element between the laser alignment system and the instrument. When the apparatus is in the second position, the shadow line projected onto the instrument surface serves as a mediator that provides alignment reference information without requiring direct line-of-sight overlap between laser planes and instrument sectional planes. This intermediary approach maintains alignment capability despite the changed geometric relationship.
2Measurement precision
If the apparatus is temporarily returned to the first position at regular intervals during the intervention, then both sectional planes of the instrument may be realigned correctly, but the intervention is interrupted and delayed with increased radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The shadow line alignment system provides preliminary and continuous alignment capability that remains active throughout the entire intervention process. Instead of requiring periodic returns to the first position for realignment, the shadow line mechanism maintains alignment reference continuously in the second position, eliminating the need for repeated realignment cycles and associated time losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The shadow line projection mechanism enables continuous alignment assistance throughout the intervention without interruption. The useful action of alignment guidance continues uninterrupted while the apparatus remains in the second position, eliminating the cyclical interruption pattern of returning to the first position for realignment and returning to the second position for the procedure.
3Measurement precision
If only the first laser plane is used for alignment in the second position, then the first sectional plane can be aligned, but the second sectional plane cannot be aligned, leading to hidden tilting risk
Solution Approach 1:
The shadow line projection mechanism serves multiple alignment functions simultaneously. A single shadow line projected onto the instrument surface provides alignment reference information for both the first and second sectional planes. This multi-functional approach eliminates the limitation of having only one laser plane available for alignment in the second position, as the shadow line encodes alignment information for multiple planes.
Solution Approach 2:
The shadow line mechanism transforms the invisible or inaccessible second laser plane information into a visible shadow projection on the instrument surface. By converting the alignment reference into a shadow pattern that can be observed directly on the instrument, the system makes the second sectional plane alignment information visible and usable, preventing hidden tilting.
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
Enables precise alignment of medical instruments along a planned trajectory, reducing intervention delays and radiation exposure by providing visual feedback on alignment status, and facilitating easy retrofitting of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first line laser (5) to produce a first laser beam (13) in a first laser plane (7)
Implementation Method 2
a second line laser (6) to produce a second laser beam (15) in a second laser plane (8)
Implementation Method 3
where a shadow line (17) may be produced in the second laser plane (8) using the shielding element (16)
Data Source
AI summary
A laser-based alignment assistance apparatus used to assist with alignment of an instrument for puncturing a subject, which may be used for an X-ray imaging system, includes a first line laser to produce a first laser beam in a first laser plane. The first laser beam is configured to produce a first laser line on a first surface line in a first sectional plane when the first sectional plane corresponds to the first laser plane. The laser-based alignment assistance apparatus includes a second line laser to produce a second laser beam in a second laser plane, and a point-like shielding element to produce a shadow line in the second laser plane. The second line laser is configured to display a shadow point on a second surface line in a second sectional plane when the first sectional plane and the second sectional plane are aligned.