NIR Optical Imaging for Skeletal Anatomy Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image-guided targeting methods using ionizing x-rays are limited by the need for infrequent imaging due to radiation safety concerns, leading to potential inaccuracies from undetected patient movement during procedures.
Innovation Solution
The use of near-infrared (NIR) energy for real-time imaging and localization of skeletal anatomy, allowing for continuous monitoring without ionizing radiation by performing optical scans and filtering out skin characteristics to determine 3D positioning of skeletal anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ionizing x-rays are used for image-guided targeting, then skeletal anatomy can be localized with sub-millimetric accuracy, but radiation exposure risks to patients and medical team increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ionizing x-ray imaging with near-infrared (NIR) optical imaging to track skeletal anatomy. NIR light penetrates tissue to visualize bone structures without ionizing radiation, eliminating the harmful radiation exposure while maintaining the capability for real-time anatomical localization and tracking during medical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces NIR light as an intermediary substance to achieve skeletal imaging. Instead of directly using ionizing x-rays, the system employs NIR photons that can penetrate soft tissue and interact with bone structures, serving as a safe mediator that provides the necessary imaging information without the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.
2Speed
If ionizing x-rays are used for continuous real-time imaging, then instantaneous patient movement can be detected, but radiation exposure risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes ionizing x-ray imaging with NIR optical imaging to enable continuous real-time monitoring of patient anatomy during procedures. This replacement allows for high-speed detection of instantaneous patient movements while completely eliminating ionizing radiation exposure risks, as NIR light is non-ionizing and safe for continuous use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous real-time NIR optical imaging throughout the medical procedure to maintain constant monitoring of patient anatomy and skeletal structures. This continuous imaging action enables immediate detection of any patient movement while avoiding the intermittent imaging approach of x-rays, thereby eliminating radiation exposure while maintaining therapeutic accuracy.
3Productivity
If NIR optical scans are performed to determine skeletal anatomy positioning, then real-time continuous monitoring is enabled, but skin characteristics interfere with signal detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the confounding skin characteristic signals from the NIR optical scan data. By identifying and eliminating the skin-related interference components, the system isolates the pure skeletal anatomy signals, enabling accurate real-time tracking of bone structures without the degrading influence of overlying soft tissue characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs comprehensive NIR optical scans that capture excessive signal information including both desired skeletal anatomy and unwanted skin characteristics. By intentionally collecting more data than minimally required, the system enables subsequent signal processing and filtering to separate the skeletal signals from skin interference, thereby achieving accurate skeletal tracking despite the presence of interfering signals.
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 precise and continuous localization of skeletal anatomy, improving treatment accuracy by allowing for real-time adjustments during medical procedures without the risks associated with ionizing radiation.
Implementation Method 1
performing an in-treatment optical scan on a region of the patient, wherein the in-treatment optical scan comprises a near infrared (NIR) energy source
Implementation Method 2
filtering out the skin characteristics from the plurality of detected signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes determining skin characteristics in a region of a patient. An in-treatment optical scan is performed on a region of a patient, wherein the in-treatment optical scan comprises a near infrared (NIR) energy source. A plurality of detected signals is detected from the optical scan. The skin characteristics are filtered out from the plurality of detected signals. Skeletal anatomy positioning associated with the region is determined from the plurality of signals that is filtered.