Operating Table Calibration Using a Wireless Position Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile surgery systems, such as mobile C-arm X-ray systems, often lack a dedicated operating table, leading to unknown positions of the operating table and patient, which is crucial for precise imaging and patient dose determination.
Innovation Solution
A medical setup comprising a mobile device with a position sensor and wireless communication unit, and a medical system with a wireless communication base unit and computing unit, calibrates the relative position of the operating table by measuring and storing its position in a coordinate system, enabling precise control and positioning of the medical system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile surgery system is combined with operating tables from different manufacturers without a dedicated operating table, then the system's versatility and adaptability are improved, but the position accuracy and reliability of the operating table relative to the medical system deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A mobile device with mounting elements serves as an intermediary between the medical system and the operating table. This device includes position sensors that measure the operating table's position and orientation, and mounting elements that attach to standardized interfaces on the operating table. The mobile device transmits measured position data to the medical system via wireless communication, enabling accurate position tracking without requiring a dedicated operating table.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical coupling systems with electronic and wireless solutions. Instead of using dedicated mechanical interfaces between the medical system and operating table, the system uses mobile devices with position sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) to electronically determine position. The measured position data is transmitted wirelessly to the medical system, substituting mechanical precision requirements with electronic measurement and communication.
2Ease of operation
If the operating table position is unknown, then the system can be simpler and easier to operate, but the ability to perform precise imaging and determine patient dose deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device autonomously measures its own position and orientation using integrated position sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers). The device automatically transmits this position data to the medical system via wireless communication without requiring manual calibration or complex setup procedures. This self-service approach maintains simplicity while enabling precise position tracking for imaging applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by having the mobile device constantly measure position data and transmit it to the medical system. The medical system receives real-time position information and uses it to control imaging parameters, adjust beam positioning, and calculate patient dose accurately. This feedback loop ensures imaging precision is maintained throughout the procedure without complex manual intervention.
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
Enhances 3D image quality, reduces scatter radiation, and prevents collisions by accurately determining the operating table's position relative to the medical system, allowing for precise patient positioning and dose determination.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one position sensor is adapted to determine a position, in particular a relative position, of the mobile device and is calibratable with respect to a reference location
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a medical setup (9), comprising a mobile device (1) and a medical system (10). The mobile device (1) comprises at least one position sensor (2), a wireless communication unit (4) and mounting elements (8) for attaching the mobile device (1) to a defined location (20) of an operating table (11). The medical system (10) comprises a wireless communication base unit, a computing unit and a reference location (16) arranged to mount the mobile device (1). The computing unit is configured to calibrate an operating table (11) with respect to the medical system, store the defined location as a known location in a coordinate system of the medical system and receive position information related to the measurements from the at least one position sensor (2) via the wireless communication base unit. The invention further relates to a system for calibrating an operating table (11), to a mobile device (1) and to a method for operating medical equipment.