Optical Fiber Patient Posture Tracking for X-Ray Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging systems face challenges in accurately positioning patients relative to the X-ray source and detector, leading to errors in image interpretation and the need for multiple retakes, which increases radiation exposure and time consumption.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing optical shape sensing fibers arranged on the patient and detector to monitor and correct patient posture, ensuring alignment with the X-ray source and detector, providing real-time feedback and control to achieve optimal imaging geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If camera-based systems are used to detect patient posture, then posture detection capability is provided, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex camera-based mechanical/optical systems with simple optical fibers that directly sense patient posture through deformation. The optical fibers are attached to the patient's body and detect positional changes through their own mechanical deformation, eliminating the need for complex imaging systems while maintaining posture detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive optical fibers as disposable or single-use sensing elements attached to the patient. These fibers are far cheaper than camera-based systems and can be easily replaced between patients, reducing overall system cost and complexity while providing sufficient functionality for posture detection.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple x-ray acquisitions are performed to correct posture, then image quality is improved, but radiation dose and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary posture detection and correction using optical fibers before the x-ray acquisition begins. By detecting patient posture in real-time during positioning and providing immediate feedback for correction, the system ensures correct positioning before exposure, eliminating the need for retakes and thereby reducing cumulative radiation dose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a real-time feedback loop where optical fibers continuously monitor patient posture during positioning, and the information is immediately fed back to operators for correction. This continuous feedback ensures posture is optimized before imaging, preventing the need for multiple acquisitions and reducing radiation exposure.
3Measurement precision
If optical shape sensing fibers are used to monitor patient posture, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible optical fibers that conform to the patient's body contours and deform with patient movement. These thin, flexible sensing elements provide high-resolution posture measurements through their deformation characteristics while remaining simple in structure and easy to attach, avoiding complex rigid sensing mechanisms.
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 image quality by reducing ambiguity and the need for retakes, minimizing radiation dose and time, while maintaining patient privacy and avoiding the use of costly and complex camera-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
the set of sensors may include one or more cores of optical fibers and/or gratings (such as Fiber Bragg gratings) or other arrangements included in a given optical fiber core, capable of measuring shape changes
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (SYS) and related method for facilitating medical imaging of a patient by a medical imaging apparatus (IA). The system comprises an input interface (IN) for receiving measurements collected by shape sensing sensors (Sj) of an optical shape sensing device (SSD). The shape sensing sensors (Sj) are arrangeable relative to the patient's body, wherein the measurements are representative of a current posture of the patient's body. A posture determiner (PD) of the system (SYS) computes, based on the measurements, output data representative of whether the patient's body is in a predefined target posture.