MRI Reference Device with Opaque Markers for Spatial Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging procedures, such as MRI, face inaccuracies due to patient movement during scans, which can impact the quality of patient-specific instruments and implants, and require additional costly x-rays to verify anatomical relationships.
Innovation Solution
A reference device with markers at each end, used to maintain and verify the spatial relationship between anatomical regions like the ankle, knee, and hip, allowing for detection and potential correction of inaccuracies in imaging data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MRI imaging is performed to create patient-specific instruments, then high contrast cross-sectional images and three-dimensional models can be obtained, but patient movement during scanning causes inaccuracies in spatial relationships between anatomical regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces markers as intermediary objects that are attached to the patient's body at specific anatomical locations. These markers serve as mediators between the imaging system and the anatomy, providing fixed reference points that maintain known spatial relationships even when the patient moves during scanning. The markers appear in the MRI images and allow for verification and correction of spatial relationships between different anatomical regions.
2Measurement precision
If additional x-ray imaging is performed to verify anatomical relationships, then accuracy can be improved, but cost and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the markers multi-functional by designing them to be visible in MRI imaging while also serving as reference points for verifying spatial relationships. This eliminates the need for separate x-ray verification procedures, as the same markers used during MRI scanning can be analyzed to confirm anatomical relationships, thereby reducing overall procedure complexity and cost.
3Loss of information
If multiple scans of different anatomical regions are performed, then comprehensive data for instrument creation is obtained, but maintaining spatial relationships between scans becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by attaching markers to the patient's body before the imaging procedure begins. These markers are positioned at anatomical locations that will be scanned, establishing known spatial relationships in advance. During the scanning process, even as the patient moves or as multiple scans are performed, the markers maintain their relative positions and provide reference points that allow for accurate reconstruction of spatial relationships between different anatomical regions.
Data Source
AI summary
The devices, systems, and methods described herein facilitate determining whether a patient moved during an imaging procedure causing potentially significant inaccuracies. In some, embodiments, the devices, systems and methods may also or alternatively facilitate correcting the information obtained from the MRI or other imaging procedure in view of the patient's movement or other inaccuracy creating event. There is provide a reference device (100,700,800,900) including a rod (110,710,810,1010) having a known length, a first end (112), and a second end (224); and one or more opaque markers (120,130) connected to each of the ends.