Patient-Ready Signal Detection for MRI Scan Initiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging systems, such as MRI and CT scanners, face challenges in ensuring patients are ready before initiating scans, leading to motion artifacts and the need for repeated scans, which are time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically and radiographically inert communication device with a sensor and processor that detects a patient-ready signal, such as changes in air pressure or optical signals, to automatically initiate the scanning procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an automated voice command system is used to instruct patients, then the scanning process can be automated, but the patient may not be ready when the scan begins causing motion artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the patient actively signals readiness through a communication device (button press, voice command, or breath detection). This feedback loop ensures the automated system only initiates the scan when the patient confirms they are ready, eliminating motion artifacts while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system requires the patient to perform a preliminary action (pressing a button, speaking a command, or completing a breath-hold) before the scan can begin. This preliminary readiness confirmation ensures the patient is prepared and stationary before image acquisition starts, resolving the timing mismatch between automated initiation and patient readiness.
2Productivity
If the scan is initiated automatically without patient readiness confirmation, then the scanning process is faster, but motion artifacts appear requiring repeat scans
Solution Approach 1:
The readiness confirmation system provides real-time feedback between patient state and scan initiation. By requiring explicit patient confirmation through multiple possible inputs (button, voice, breath detection), the system ensures image quality is not compromised while maintaining efficient workflow through automated processing of the confirmation signal.
3Reliability
If repeat scans are performed due to patient motion, then image quality can be maintained, but time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By requiring the patient to complete a preliminary readiness action (button press, voice command, or breath-hold confirmation) before scan initiation, the system prevents motion artifacts from occurring in the first place. This upfront confirmation eliminates the need for repeat scans, maintaining image quality while reducing total scanning time and associated costs.
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 solution ensures that scans are only started when the patient is ready, reducing motion artifacts and the need for repeated scans, thereby decreasing hospital costs and patient stress.
Implementation Method 1
the detection of the patient-ready signal includes detecting a change in air pressure or an absolute pressure level
Implementation Method 2
the optical detector can detect a change in a polarization state of light
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of initiating a scan in a medical imaging device includes detecting a patient-ready signal from a magnetically and radiographically inert communication device and automatically initiating the scan upon detecting the patient-ready signal.