MRI-Guided Pivoting Guide for Interventional Device Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current invasive medical procedures, such as neurosurgeries and breast biopsies, face challenges in achieving precise device placement due to changes in tissue structures between planning and execution stages, leading to potential human error and inefficiency in image-guided stereotactic procedures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance systems that utilize computational measurements and real-time data analysis to provide rapid, intuitive feedback for precise alignment and control of interventional devices, reducing the need for human interpretation and iterative imaging processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional three-dimensional MR images are used to produce a brain roadmap with good gray/white matter contrast, then anatomical detail and contrast are improved, but the procedure requires longer iterative scanning and adjustment time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for device guidance from full three-dimensional MR images. Instead of using complete anatomical roadmaps with gray/white matter contrast, the system uses simplified two-dimensional imaging planes that show only the relevant anatomical structures and device position, eliminating unnecessary imaging data and processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary determination of the pivot point and trajectory before the actual device insertion. By pre-calculating the insertion path and identifying the pivot point in advance using the simplified imaging approach, the system eliminates the need for iterative scanning and adjustment during the procedure, saving significant time.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex ports with orientable and translatable stages are employed, then device alignment precision is improved, but device weight and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with a computational approach. Instead of using heavy ports with multiple orientable and translatable stages, the system uses a simple pivoting guide combined with real-time MRI guidance and computational determination of the pivot point and trajectory. This substitution of mechanical complexity with computational intelligence achieves the same alignment precision with much simpler hardware.
3Manufacturing precision
If iterative scanning and adjustment processes are used for device alignment, then positioning accuracy is improved, but procedure time and operator burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback through intra-operative MRI imaging that continuously monitors device position and orientation. The system provides immediate feedback on whether the device is aligned with the calculated trajectory, allowing for rapid corrections without iterative scanning. The real-time imaging feedback loop enables single-pass alignment rather than multiple iterative adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging parameters from full three-dimensional scans with gray/white matter contrast to optimized two-dimensional imaging planes with parameters specifically tuned for device visualization and pivot point identification. This parameter optimization reduces scan time while maintaining the precision needed for accurate device positioning.
4Measurement precision
If surgeons defer portions of procedures to teams of technologists and physicists, then measurement and analysis precision are improved, but ease of operation and surgeon autonomy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables surgeons to perform image guidance tasks independently by providing them with simplified real-time MRI images and computational tools for determining pivot points and trajectories. The system is designed to be surgeon-friendly, with automated calculations and clear visual feedback that require minimal technical expertise. This self-service capability returns autonomy to the surgeon while maintaining measurement precision through the automated computational components.
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
This approach enables high-precision, efficient, and automated device placement with minimal operator input, improving the accuracy and speed of medical procedures by using MRI data to determine vectors and compute pivot points for guiding interventional devices.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance
Data Source
AI summary
A system and methods are provided for controlling interventional devices using magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) guidance. In some aspects, the method includes arranging a pivoting guide about a subject's anatomy that is configured to direct an interventional device toward a selected target point within the subject's anatomy, generating, using an MRI system, MR data associated with markers placed on the pivoting guide, and determining a vector defining an orientation of the pivoting guide from locations for the markers identified using the MR data. The method also includes orienting the pivoting guide in multiple directions to determine multiple vectors, and identifying a pivot point for the pivoting guide using the determined vectors. The method further includes determining a trajectory for the interventional device using the identified pivot point and the selected target point, and controlling the interventional device along the determined trajectory.