Near-Infrared Optical Tracking for Skeletal Anatomy Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image-guided targeting methods in medical procedures rely on ionizing x-rays, which are invasive, expose patients and medical teams to radiation, and fail to provide real-time imaging, leading to inaccuracies due to patient movement and the need for separate x-ray source and detector units.
Innovation Solution
The use of near-infrared (NIR) energy for real-time optical scanning to determine skin characteristics and skeletal anatomy, filtering out skin signals to obtain precise 3D positioning of skeletal anatomy, allowing for continuous imaging without ionizing radiation and eliminating the need for separate source and detector units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ionizing x-rays are used for image-guided targeting, then robust imaging of skeletal anatomy is achieved, but patient and medical team are exposed to harmful radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical x-ray imaging system with an optical imaging system using near-infrared (NIR) light. The NIR optical imaging system uses light sources and detectors to capture images of skeletal anatomy through optical properties of tissue, eliminating ionizing radiation while maintaining imaging capability for real-time tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging parameter from ionizing x-ray radiation to non-ionizing near-infrared light. This parameter change allows continuous real-time imaging without the harmful effects of radiation exposure, while still enabling penetration and detection of skeletal structures through optical properties.
2Measurement precision
If x-ray imaging is performed continuously for real-time tracking, then instantaneous patient movement is detected, but substantial radiation dose is accumulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces continuous x-ray imaging with continuous NIR optical imaging to achieve real-time movement detection. The optical system captures skeletal anatomy positions at high frame rates without ionizing radiation, enabling precise tracking of patient movement throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous uninterrupted imaging throughout the entire medical procedure using NIR light. Unlike x-ray imaging which is performed intermittently due to radiation concerns, the optical system can operate continuously to track patient movement and skeletal anatomy position in real-time.
3Reliability
If separate x-ray source and detector units are used, then robust imaging is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source and detector into an integrated optical imaging system. Unlike separate x-ray source and detector units, the NIR system uses combined optical components that can be positioned closer together, reducing spatial requirements and system complexity while maintaining imaging robustness.
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 continuous, high-accuracy patient localization and treatment guidance with reduced radiation exposure, allowing for precise and safe real-time tracking of skeletal anatomy during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The use of near-infrared (NIR) energy for real-time optical scanning to determine skin characteristics and skeletal anatomy
Implementation Method 2
filtering out skin signals to obtain precise 3D positioning of skeletal anatomy
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring skin thickness. The method includes at a first 3D point on an outer surface of a patient, exposing the first point to near infrared (NIR) energy from an NIR source. The method includes measuring reflected energy emanating near the first 3D point, or beam incident point. The method includes determining a pattern of the reflected energy based on a distance from a center of the reflected energy, wherein the center is approximated by the first 3D point. The method includes determining a skin thickness measurement based on the pattern.