Pain-Sensor Fixation Control for Motion-Stable Medical Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging techniques, such as mammography and MRI, require fixation of body parts which can be painful and may cause discomfort, leading to potential image degradation due to motion, especially in prolonged procedures like MRI mammography.
Innovation Solution
A system with a fixation device and pain sensors that adjust pressure distribution based on real-time pain measurements, using a double feedback loop to maintain image quality while minimizing patient discomfort, allowing for autonomous imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If fixation device applies pressure to hold body part stationary during imaging, then image quality is improved, but patient pain and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device transitions from a static pressure application system to a dynamic one that continuously adjusts pressure based on real-time pain sensor feedback. The control unit modifies pressure levels during the imaging procedure to maintain image quality while responding to patient comfort needs, making the system adaptive rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
A closed-loop feedback system is implemented where pain sensors continuously monitor patient discomfort and transmit signals to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback and automatically adjusts the pressure applied by the fixation device, creating a responsive system that balances image quality requirements with patient comfort.
2Reliability
If fixation device increases pressure to prevent motion, then image quality is maintained, but patient stress and discomfort worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pressure levels rather than maintaining constant high pressure. The control unit modulates pressure in real-time based on feedback from pain sensors, allowing the fixation device to provide sufficient stability for image quality while reducing unnecessary stress on the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes the pressure parameter applied by the fixation device based on pain sensor readings. By adjusting this critical parameter dynamically, the system maintains the minimum necessary pressure for image quality while reducing pressure-induced stress when high pressure is not required for stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If imaging procedure is prolonged to achieve high image quality, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but patient discomfort and motion risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback system continuously monitors patient pain during the extended imaging procedure and triggers pressure adjustments when discomfort thresholds are reached. This allows the imaging to proceed for the necessary duration to achieve high image quality while actively managing patient comfort through real-time pressure modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit implements periodic assessment of pain sensor data during the imaging procedure, triggering pressure adjustments at regular intervals or when threshold violations occur. This periodic intervention maintains patient comfort over the extended duration required for high-quality imaging.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system for controlling operation of an imaging or therapy apparatus. The system comprises an interface (IN) for receiving a pain measurement signal as measured by one or more sensors (S) in relation to an anatomic part (BR) of the patient (PAT) i) being imaged in an imaging procedure by the imaging apparatus or ii) being under therapy in a therapy procedure delivered by the therapy device, whilst the part (BR) is held in an adjustable fixation device (FD). A control unit (CU) of the system is configured to process the pain measurement signal to compute at least one control signal. A control interface (CIF) of the system is configured to interact during the imaging or therapy procedure with the imaging apparatus (IA) and/or the fixation device (FD) based on the control signal to a) influence the imaging or therapy procedure and/or b) to adjust the fixation device so as to change the manner in which the part (BR) is being held.