Optical Probe Dose Measurement for Medical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging devices lack the capability to accurately and precisely measure the dose of ionizing radiation deposited during radiological examinations, particularly in CT scans, leading to underestimation in children and overestimation in larger patients, due to predetermined factory settings based on adult phantoms, and do not allow for real-time, personalized dose measurement.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging device equipped with an optical probe system that includes scintillating material emitting photons under ionizing radiation, connected to photodetectors for real-time dose measurement, and a processing module that calculates the dose using calibration factors and conversion factors specific to each patient's dimensions, enabling precise and personalized dose determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If predetermined factory settings based on adult phantoms are used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates for children and small patients
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the dose measurement by detecting patient size characteristics and automatically selecting appropriate calibration factors. The processing module adjusts measurement parameters in real-time based on detected patient dimensions, transitioning from static factory settings to dynamic patient-specific measurement modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes measurement parameters including calibration factors and conversion factors based on detected patient size. Different calibration factors are applied for different patient categories (children vs. adults), allowing the same device to accurately measure doses across varying patient dimensions without requiring physical reconfiguration.
2Device complexity
If predetermined factory settings based on adult phantoms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to underestimation in children and overestimation in larger patients
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically detecting patient size characteristics and selecting appropriate calibration factors without requiring manual intervention. The processing module autonomously adjusts measurement parameters based on real-time detection, enabling the device to adapt to different patient types while maintaining simple operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system transitions from static factory-calibrated settings to dynamic patient-specific calibration. The system automatically detects patient dimensions and adjusts calibration factors in real-time, allowing a single device configuration to serve multiple patient types accurately.
3Measurement precision
If real-time personalized dose measurement is implemented, then measurement precision is improved for each patient, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical calibration procedures with electronic detection and software-based calibration factor selection. Instead of requiring physical adjustment of measurement parameters, the system uses photodetectors and processing modules to automatically detect patient characteristics and apply appropriate calibration factors through computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves personalized measurement by dynamically changing calibration parameters based on detected patient size. The processing module selects from multiple calibration factors stored in memory, adjusting measurement parameters electronically rather than requiring physical reconfiguration of the measurement system.
4Ease of operation
If factory-predetermined dose indicators are used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to provide accurate dose information for varying patient sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback by detecting patient size characteristics during the examination and using this information to adjust calibration factors. The processing module continuously monitors measurement conditions and adapts the dose calculation based on detected patient dimensions, ensuring reliable dose indicators for each specific patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The dose indicator system transitions from static factory-predetermined values to dynamic patient-specific calculations. The system automatically adjusts measurement parameters based on real-time detection of patient characteristics, providing reliable dose information adapted to each patient's actual size and anatomy.
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 real-time, precise measurement of the dose deposited during radiological examinations, providing accurate and personalized dose information for each patient, independent of patient size and position, thereby improving safety and diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
at least one active portion made of a scintillating material and intended to emit scintillation photons under the effect of incident ionizing radiation
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector having the function of converting the optical energy emitted by the scintillating assembly into electrical signals
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
Device (1) for determining a dose deposited under the effect of an irradiation with ionising radiation generated by an irradiation source of a medical imaging apparatus during a radiological examination of a patient, comprising: at least one measuring probe (3) comprising at least one optical probe defining two exit ends (9), said optical probe comprising at least one active section (11) made from a scintillator and intended to emit scintillation photons under the effect of incident ionising radiation and at least two transport sections (13) that are placed on either side of the active section and configured to transport the scintillation photons emitted by the active section (11) to the two exit ends (9); at least one detecting system (4) comprising at least two photodetectors (27), each photodetector (27) being connected to one respective exit end of the optical probe so as to receive and count the scintillation photons received from said exit end (9); and at least one processing module (30) configured to determine the deposited dose on the basis of the measurements carried out by said photodetectors (27).