Optical Waveguide Pressure Arrays for Patient Motion Detection During Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure sensing systems using optical fibers for monitoring patient movements during medical imaging have not fully realized their potential in improving image quality and efficiency, particularly in detecting patient motion and cardiorespiratory activities.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing optical waveguide pressure sensor arrays to obtain and process pressure signals for monitoring patient state during medical imaging, including detecting patient motion, respiratory and cardiac activity, and estimating organ filling levels, without the need for direct sensor attachment, thereby enhancing image quality and radiotherapy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical fiber pressure sensors are used to monitor patient movements, then patient motion detection capability is improved, but device complexity and montage work increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical waveguide pressure sensor arrays into a single integrated system. The sensor arrays are merged to form a comprehensive monitoring system that detects patient motion, cardiorespiratory activity, and organ filling levels simultaneously, reducing the need for separate sensor systems while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The optical waveguide pressure sensor array is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting patient motion, monitoring cardiorespiratory activities, and estimating organ filling levels. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate sensor systems, reducing device complexity while improving comprehensive patient state monitoring
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are attached to monitor patient state, then monitoring accuracy is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the patient support table as an intermediary medium to host the optical waveguide pressure sensor arrays. Instead of attaching sensors directly to the patient's body, the sensors are integrated into the support table, which naturally contacts the patient during imaging procedures. This intermediary approach maintains high monitoring accuracy while eliminating the discomfort associated with additional sensor attachments
3Object-affected harmful factors
If optical waveguide pressure sensor arrays are integrated into the support table, then patient comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguide pressure sensor arrays are pre-integrated into the support table structure before patient placement. The sensor arrays are installed and configured in advance, allowing the support table to function as a ready-to-use monitoring platform. This preliminary integration simplifies the overall system deployment and reduces the complexity of assembling multiple separate components during patient setup
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
The system improves image quality by detecting patient motion and cardiorespiratory activities, reduces montage work, and ensures patient comfort by eliminating the need for additional sensors, while increasing the efficiency of radiotherapy for moving organs.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining pressure signals from at least one optical waveguide pressure sensor array arranged to interact with the patient during an image acquisition process
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a method for monitoring patient state during medical imaging. The method comprises: obtaining pressure signals from at least one optical waveguide pressure sensor array arranged to interact with the patient during an image acquisition process; and processing the pressure signals to monitor patient state. A corresponding patient state monitoring system is also provided.