MRI Medical Instrument Alignment Using a Luminous Pointer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging scanners struggle to accurately align instruments made of plastic or metal due to detection limitations, complicating procedures like biopsies and brachytherapy.
Innovation Solution
A medical instrument equipped with a luminous pointer projector and a positioning aid within the MRI scanner's patient tunnel, allowing precise alignment through a visible light pattern on the tunnel's inner surface, combined with a planning controller for intervention planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If magnetic resonance imaging is used to visualize the interior of the body, then ionizing radiation exposure is reduced, but instruments made of plastic or metal cannot be detected or are only detected indirectly, making alignment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system (projector and luminous pointer) that mediates between the MRI scanner and the medical instrument. The projector, attached to the instrument, projects a visible light pattern that serves as a mediator to indicate instrument position and orientation, allowing alignment without relying on direct MRI detection of the instrument itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the reliance on MRI's electromagnetic detection mechanism with an optical projection system. Instead of depending on the MRI scanner to detect the instrument through magnetic or electromagnetic interactions, the system uses optical projection to provide visual alignment cues, substituting one detection mechanism for another that is better suited to the specific needs of instrument alignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If instruments are made of plastic or metal for medical procedures, then they can perform necessary medical functions, but they cannot be detected or are only detected indirectly by magnetic resonance imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the instrument system into two functional parts: the medical instrument itself (which performs the medical function and may be made of plastic or metal) and the attached projector unit (which provides detection capability). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the instrument for medical versatility and the projector for optical detection and alignment indication.
3Device complexity
If alignment of medical instruments is performed without additional alignment aids, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment precision and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service alignment system where the instrument itself (through its attached projector) generates the alignment information. The projector projects a luminous pointer that automatically indicates the instrument's position and orientation relative to the patient tunnel, allowing the system to self-align without requiring external alignment devices or complex alignment procedures.
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
Enables accurate alignment of medical instruments with an angular error of less than 5 degrees, simplifying procedures by providing a clear visual reference and reducing alignment complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first projector for projecting a luminous pointer in a predetermined alignment relative to the medical instrument
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument, a magnetic resonance imaging scanner and a method for operating the magnetic resonance imaging scanner with the instrument in which the instrument is aligned with a patient. The medical instrument comprises a first projector for projecting a luminous pointer in a predetermined alignment relative to the medical instrument. The magnetic resonance imaging scanner comprises a positioning aid configured to mark a predetermined position on an inner wall of a patient tunnel in a manner that is visible to a user. In the method, a predetermined alignment of the first projector relative to the medical instrument or position of the positioning aid on the wall of the patient tunnel is ascertained in which the luminous pointer of the first projector coincides with the positioning aid when the medical instrument is aligned parallel to a trajectory through an entry point on the patient and a target point in the patient and the medical instrument is aligned such that the luminous pointer and the positioning aid coincide.