Free-Hand Medical Device Guidance System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical device guidance systems compromise operator flexibility and responsiveness, making it difficult to accurately place medical devices in precise spatial configurations during procedures like ablation, due to reliance on rigid guide pieces.
Innovation Solution
A free-hand medical device guidance system that uses visual feedback and image guidance to assist operators in placing medical devices, allowing full manual control while intuitively managing spatial relationships between the target, device, and ultrasound image, enabling adjustments in position, orientation, and trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rigid guide pieces are used to control medical device placement, then manufacturing precision of device configuration is improved, but operator flexibility and responsiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid mechanical guide pieces with a computer-based image guidance system that uses visual feedback displays to guide medical device placement. The system processes imaging data (such as ultrasound or CT images) and displays virtual representations of the target site and device trajectory, allowing operators to manually place devices with precise spatial control without physical constraints from guide pieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies or representations of the anatomical target site and medical devices through image processing. These virtual models are displayed on screens to provide visual guidance, allowing operators to plan and execute device placement based on digital replicas rather than physical guide structures.
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid guide pieces are used to control medical device placement, then manufacturing precision of device configuration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical guide piece assemblies with a software-based image guidance system. The system uses computer processing and display technologies to provide spatial guidance, eliminating the need for multiple physical guide components, alignment mechanisms, and mechanical constraints while achieving equivalent or superior placement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The image guidance system serves multiple functions: it displays anatomical target sites, shows virtual device trajectories, provides real-time feedback during placement, and can be adapted to different imaging modalities (ultrasound, CT, MRI). This multi-functional digital system replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized mechanical guide devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing image guidance for placement of one or more medical devices at a target location. The system receives emplacement information of medical devices within a predetermined area. The system calculates a viewing angle in a virtual 3D space of a plurality of virtual medical devices corresponding to the plurality of medical devices. The system also causes a display device to display the plurality of virtual medical devices based at least on the calculated viewing angle.