Medical Imaging Control via Navigation Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

In image-guided surgery, there is a need to reduce the complexity and time required for manually operating medical imaging devices under sterile conditions, as existing methods are cumbersome and increase surgical time.

Innovation Solution

A computer-based method that acquires specific input information related to the medical procedure and imaging device properties to automatically control the imaging device by determining and adjusting operating parameters, such as x-ray tube voltage, gantry tilt, and scan volume, using entity geometry data and imaging device operability information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation of medical imaging device is used, then operator can control imaging parameters, but operation complexity and surgical time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation complexityVSAvoidsurgical time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service operation by automatically controlling the medical imaging device based on navigation data. The computer determines operating parameters (scan range, gantry tilt, tube voltage) autonomously without requiring manual intervention from the operator, thus simplifying operation and reducing surgical time simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-determining the imaging parameters based on the planned surgical procedure and navigation data. The computer calculates and sets the scan range, gantry tilt angle, and tube voltage before actual imaging begins, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustments during surgery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If automatic control is implemented, then surgical time is reduced, but control precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging speedVSAvoidparameter accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from the navigation system to continuously monitor and adjust imaging parameters. The computer receives real-time position data from the navigation system and automatically adjusts the medical imaging device parameters to maintain precise alignment with the planned surgical trajectory, ensuring both speed and accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated computer control. The computer calculates optimal imaging parameters based on navigation data and automatically controls the device, substituting human operator precision with algorithmic precision that maintains high accuracy while enabling faster operation

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

3Reliability

If multiple imaging scans are performed, then surgical target identification is improved, but radiation exposure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget identification accuracyVSAvoidradiation exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes radiation parameters by dynamically adjusting tube voltage and scan range based on the specific surgical requirements and real-time navigation data. The computer determines the minimum necessary scan parameters to achieve reliable target identification, reducing radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial action by performing only the necessary imaging scans required for the specific surgical procedure. The computer analyzes navigation data to determine the precise scan range and timing, avoiding unnecessary scans and reducing cumulative radiation exposure while ensuring adequate target identification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2836127B1Control of a medical imaging device via a navigation system
Publication Date: 2018.09.12 BRAINLAB AG
  • EP2836127B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2836127B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2836127B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a data processing method of determining at least one operating parameter of a medical imaging device, the method being executed by a computer and comprising the following steps: a) acquiring entity geometry data comprising entity geometry information describing a geometry of a corporeal entity to be considered in a medical procedure; b) acquiring imaging device operability data comprising imaging device operability information describing a mode of operation of the medical imaging device; c) determining, based on the entity geometry data and the imaging device operability data, operating parameter data comprising operating parameter information describing a value of at least one operating parameter of the medical imaging device.