Light Shadow Guided Needle Positioning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current needle positioning systems in interventional medicine are invasive, cumbersome, and lack real-time imaging, requiring multiple insertions and exposing patients to radiation, with accuracy dependent on human skill and not allowing for needle movement relative to the target tissue.
Innovation Solution
A system using light and shadow to guide needle positioning, which includes a planning station for DICOM image reception, computing needle coordinates, and a positioning device with mechanical arms that move based on calculated angles and lengths, projecting light shadows and laser cross-hairs for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional image-guided intervention systems are used, then needle positioning accuracy can be achieved, but the systems require multiple X-ray images exposing tissue to hazardous radiation levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional X-ray imaging system with an optical shadow-based guidance system. Instead of using ionizing radiation to visualize and guide needle insertion, the system uses visible light to create shadows of the needle on the patient's skin surface, allowing real-time visualization of needle trajectory and position without radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical shadow copy of the needle on the patient's skin surface. This shadow serves as a visual representation of the needle's three-dimensional position and orientation, allowing the operator to track needle progression and accuracy without requiring repeated X-ray imaging.
2Measurement precision
If frame-based systems are used for needle guidance, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but the systems are invasive and cause discomfort to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the invasive mechanical frame system with a non-invasive optical shadow system. Instead of attaching rigid frames to the patient's skull or body, the system uses external light sources to project shadows, eliminating the need for invasive attachments while maintaining positioning accuracy through optical visualization.
3Productivity
If conventional biopsy systems are used, then sample collection can be performed, but multiple needle insertions are required due to lack of real-time imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous real-time visualization of the needle trajectory through persistent optical shadow projection. This allows the operator to continuously monitor needle progression and make immediate adjustments, eliminating the need to stop and take multiple discrete X-ray images, thereby reducing the number of insertions and procedure time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides real-time visual feedback through the optical shadow system. The shadow continuously reflects the needle's current position and orientation, allowing the operator to immediately detect deviations from the intended trajectory and correct them during the insertion process, rather than discovering errors after the fact through post-procedure imaging.
4Reliability
If fixed needle devices are used, then positioning can be controlled, but freedom of movement for the needle relative to target tissue is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static, fixed needle devices to a dynamic system where the needle can move freely while being continuously monitored. The optical shadow system adapts to real-time changes in needle position and orientation, allowing the operator to adjust the needle trajectory dynamically without being constrained by rigid fixation devices.
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 accurate, non-invasive needle placement without direct patient contact, real-time monitoring, and reduced radiation exposure, with one-time calibration for repeated use, and continuous correction for needle tilting and patient movement.
Implementation Method 1
A light assembly is provided in the positioning device and is configured for projecting light at a particular angle on the needle placed at the point of insertion to form shadows of the needle
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for light and shadow guided needle positioning. DICOM images of a patient are captured for identifying a point of insertion of a needle on the patient's body and a target point inside the patient's body. Needle coordinates are computed based on the captured DICOM images to position the mechanical arms. Light is projected at a particular angle on the needle to form shadows of the needle. Laser light beams are projected to form cross hair at the point of insertion. Images or videos of the point of insertion, shadow of the needle and the cross hair are captured and displayed on a monitoring unit. A virtual circle is projected on the displayed image and is aligned with the point of insertion, shadow of the needle and cross hair in order to insert the needle precisely.