Medical Imaging System for Real-Time Accessory Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

During interventional procedures, medical accessories cannot be accurately positioned in real time due to the inability to directly observe internal structures, leading to inefficient and time-consuming adjustments based on multiple scans, relying heavily on operator experience.

Innovation Solution

A medical imaging method and system that determines the position of a medical accessory in a reference coordinate system using a camera image, reconstructs a medical image based on scanning results, and displays the position in real time, simplifying the positioning process and improving accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple scans are performed to confirm the position of the medical accessory, then the positioning accuracy can be improved, but the procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidprocedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary image reconstruction and position determination before the interventional procedure begins. By pre-processing the scanning results to create a three-dimensional medical image model and pre-calculating the position of the medical accessory, the system eliminates the need for multiple iterative scans during the procedure, thereby reducing procedural complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the medical accessory's position within the three-dimensional medical image model. Instead of repeatedly scanning the actual medical accessory during the procedure, the system uses the pre-reconstructed image data to display and verify the accessory's position, effectively replacing multiple physical scans with a single virtual representation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If multiple scans are performed to adjust the medical accessory position, then the positioning accuracy can be improved, but the time required for the procedure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidprocedure duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs all necessary image reconstruction and position calculation actions before the interventional procedure starts. By pre-processing the scanning data to generate the three-dimensional model and pre-determining the medical accessory position, the patent eliminates time-consuming iterative adjustments during the procedure, significantly reducing overall procedure duration while maintaining high positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous availability of accurate position information by pre-reconstructing the medical image and pre-calculating positions before the procedure. This continuous preparation allows the operator to immediately access accurate positioning data without interruptions for repeated scanning, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If the operator adjusts the medical accessory position based on scan results, then the positioning accuracy can be improved, but the reliability decreases due to dependence on operator experience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidprocedure reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual position adjustment based on operator experience with an automated image processing system. The three-dimensional medical image model and automated position determination algorithms objectively display the medical accessory's position, eliminating reliance on operator judgment and experience, thereby increasing procedure reliability while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides objective feedback through the three-dimensional medical image model that clearly displays the medical accessory's position. This visual feedback mechanism gives the operator precise information about the accessory's location without relying on subjective interpretation, enabling more reliable and consistent positioning adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4477175A1Medical imaging method, apparatus, and system
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC
  • EP4477175A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4477175A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4477175A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Provided in embodiments of the present application are a medical imaging method, an apparatus, and a system. The medical imaging method includes: determining the position of a medical accessory in a reference coordinate system based on a camera image acquired by an auxiliary camera; reconstructing a medical image according to a scanning result, and based on the reference coordinate system; and displaying in real time the position of the medical accessory in the medical image.