Medical Needle Path Planning Tool for C-Arm Imaging Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical imaging systems often face structural limitations that prevent them from being positioned correctly to monitor needle paths during procedures, leading to the need for repetitive planning and repositioning to obtain necessary images.
Innovation Solution
A software-based planning tool that visually indicates restricted regions based on imaging device geometrical constraints, preventing the selection of skin entry points and needle paths within these regions, thereby facilitating the choice of paths that can be imaged by the C-arm system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the imaging system is positioned to obtain necessary images, then the needle path can be monitored, but the imaging system may be unable to be disposed in the required positions due to structural limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of the restricted region before needle path selection. The processor determines the restricted region based on imaging device structural limitations and target point location, then displays this information to guide the physician in selecting an appropriate needle path entry point, avoiding trial-and-error positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The restricted region display serves as an intermediary between the imaging device's structural limitations and the needle path planning process. It translates physical positioning constraints into visual information that guides entry point selection, mediating between what is physically possible and what is clinically optimal.
2Reliability
If the physician plans and checks needle paths repeatedly, then the imaging system can be positioned correctly, but time is lost due to iterative planning
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of the restricted region before final needle path selection. By calculating and displaying the restricted region in advance, the system eliminates the need for iterative checking and re-planning, allowing the physician to select an entry point that is guaranteed to be imageable in a single decision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback to the physician by displaying the restricted region corresponding to imaging device limitations. This feedback mechanism allows the physician to understand which entry points are feasible and select accordingly, eliminating the need for repeated trial-and-error planning.
3Measurement precision
If the imaging device is positioned orthogonal to the needle path axis, then side-view images can be obtained, but the imaging system may not be able to dispose in required positions for certain needle paths
Solution Approach 1:
The system preliminarily calculates which needle path entry points will result in imageable paths given the imaging device's structural limitations and required orthogonal positioning. This pre-determination guides the physician to select entry points that are compatible with the imaging system's positioning capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different guidance for different regions of the body. The restricted region display shows which specific entry points are feasible given the local anatomical context and imaging device limitations, allowing optimized needle path selection for each specific case rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for planning a needle path is provided. The method includes displaying a restricted region on a display, the restricted region being defined by spatial limitations of an imaging system and a location of a selected target point; and selecting a skin entry point outside the restricted region.