Operating Room Scattered Radiation Visualization System
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Solution Overview
Problem
In operating rooms where radiation-producing equipment is used, it is challenging for personnel to accurately determine their distance from radiation sources due to the invisible nature of radiation, leading to potential health risks from repeated or extended exposure, despite the use of radiation shielding and tracking devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for visualizing scattered radiation using position sensors, augmented reality tracking devices, and electronic displays to provide real-time, qualitative feedback on radiation intensity levels, allowing personnel to adjust their positioning to minimize exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radiation tracking devices are used to monitor personnel exposure, then radiation safety is improved, but the ability to provide real-time positioning information and enable immediate corrective action is limited due to periodic checking only
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously tracking radiation levels and personnel positions in advance, maintaining real-time awareness of exposure zones. This allows the system to proactively alert personnel before they reach dangerous exposure levels, rather than waiting for periodic checks to reveal problems
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where radiation detectors constantly monitor exposure levels, position sensors track personnel locations, and the central controller provides real-time visual and audible alerts when personnel enter high-radiation zones. This closed-loop feedback enables immediate corrective action rather than delayed response
2Object-affected harmful factors
If personnel maintain distance from radiation producing equipment to minimize exposure, then radiation exposure is reduced, but operational efficiency and ability to perform surgical tasks is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by providing spatially differentiated information about radiation zones. Different areas of the operating room are visually distinguished by radiation intensity levels, allowing personnel to identify specific high-risk zones and navigate around them while maintaining access to necessary equipment and patient areas
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics by providing real-time, dynamically updating visualization of radiation zones that change as equipment moves or operates. The display continuously adapts to current conditions, allowing personnel to respond to changing radiation patterns while maintaining operational flexibility
3Manufacturing precision
If radiation producing equipment is used for imaging during surgery, then surgical precision and patient outcomes are improved, but scattered radiation creates invisible exposure zones that pose health risks to personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary visualization layer between the invisible radiation and personnel. The display system acts as a mediator that translates invisible radiation data into visible graphical representations, allowing personnel to perceive and respond to radiation zones without interfering with the surgical procedure or equipment operation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing a real time visualization of scattered radiation in an operating room are provided. A number of visualization devices such as augmented reality (“AR”) tracking devices, electronic displays, or projection devices are in electronic communication with a controller and configured to display a visualization of scattered radiation. Position data is received from the position sensors associated with individuals in the operating room, the AR tracking devices, radiation producing medical equipment, or an operating table and the visualization is adjusted accordingly.