Medical Imaging Table Positioning for Ergonomic Bore Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image-guided interventions using large imaging systems like MRI or CT are inefficient due to the narrow bore, leading to unsatisfactory ergonomics, patient throughput, and sub-optimal medical outcomes, particularly for procedures requiring access to the patient's center.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with a movable table and position indicator that allows for calculating and storing multiple table positions, including a second position where the puncture location coincides with the indicator, enabling ergonomic access outside the bore, and a third position for improved ergonomics and off-center imaging, facilitated by artificial intelligence and geometric correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the imaging system uses a narrow bore design, then imaging precision is improved, but interventionalist access to the patient and ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts table positions between imaging mode (first table position with region of interest at isocenter) and intervention mode (second table position with puncture location at isocenter). This dynamic repositioning allows the same narrow-bore system to optimize for either imaging precision or interventionalist access depending on the operational phase, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
2Measurement precision
If the table is positioned for optimal imaging at the isocenter, then imaging quality is improved, but interventionalist ergonomics and access deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning actions by calculating and storing multiple table positions in advance. The first table position is pre-calculated for optimal imaging with the region of interest at the isocenter, while the second table position is pre-calculated for optimal intervention with the puncture location at the isocenter. This preliminary preparation allows rapid switching between modes without compromising either imaging quality or ergonomics.
3Measurement precision
If the puncture location is marked inside the bore, then imaging accuracy is improved, but surgeon access and workflow efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the isocenter as an intermediary reference point that bridges imaging accuracy and surgical access. By calculating the second table position such that the puncture location coincides with the isocenter (which is marked by the position indicator), the system transfers the precise localization capability from the imaging domain to the intervention domain, allowing accurate puncture location marking while enabling the surgeon to work outside the bore.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(d)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The present invention relates to an imaging system (100) comprising a bore (110) for receiving an object (160) to be imaged, a table (120) for supporting the object (160) and configured to move longitudinally with respect to the bore (110), a position indicator (130) for indicating a position, and a controller (150). The controller (150) is configured to receive an image, acquired by the imaging system (100), of a region of interest (161) of the object (160) on the table (120). The image is acquired with the table (120) in a stored first table position (121) where the region of interest (161) of the object is at a reference position (111) inside the bore (110). The controller (150) is configured to receive user input marking an intervention location in the image, determine a puncture location (162), calculate a second table position (122) wherein the puncture location (162) is marked with the position indicator, and to store a third table position, wherein when the table is in the third table position the table is further outside of the bore (110) compared to in the first position (121). In this way, the efficiency of an image-guided workflow and ergonomics for an interventionalist may be improved.