Patient Positioning Method for Imaging Device Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging procedures face challenges in accurately positioning medical instruments within a patient's body, particularly in ensuring the correct spatial orientation and avoiding interference with radiation beams, which can result in corrupted images or radiation damage.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based method that processes geometry and tracking data to determine the optimal positioning of medical instruments and imaging devices relative to each other, allowing for precise repositioning to ensure correct placement and minimize interference with radiation beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the imaging device is positioned to capture the instrument from an arbitrary direction, then the imaging procedure can be performed quickly, but the image quality deteriorates due to obscuring of important features indicating spatial location and orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates optimal imaging directions based on the instrument's geometry and desired trajectory before the imaging procedure. This allows the imaging device to be positioned correctly in advance, avoiding the need for trial-and-error positioning during the procedure, thus maintaining both speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses tracking data and geometry data to provide feedback on the instrument's current orientation and calculates the optimal imaging direction accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the imaging device is always positioned to capture the most informative view of the instrument's spatial location and orientation.
2Measurement precision
If the imaging device is repositioned to optimize the view of the instrument, then the measurement precision improves, but the procedure time increases due to additional positioning adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The optimal imaging direction is calculated beforehand based on the instrument's geometry and the desired trajectory. This preliminary calculation eliminates the need for time-consuming trial-and-error repositioning during the procedure, as the imaging device can be positioned directly at the pre-determined optimal location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual trial-and-error repositioning with automated calculation of optimal imaging directions using tracking data and geometry data. This substitution of mechanical adjustment with computational determination significantly reduces repositioning time while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If the instrument is positioned close to the target for precise placement, then the manufacturing precision improves, but the risk of interfering with the radiation beam increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system resolves the conflict between close instrument-to-target positioning and radiation beam interference by utilizing angular/directional information. By calculating the optimal imaging direction that is perpendicular to the radiation beam trajectory, the system can verify precise instrument placement without the instrument blocking the beam, effectively adding a dimensional solution (angular positioning) to the problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The optimal imaging direction acts as an intermediary solution that allows simultaneous achievement of precise instrument placement and unobstructed radiation beam passage. By positioning the imaging device at this intermediate angle, the system can verify instrument accuracy without causing beam interference.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for positioning a patient's body part including a target to be depicted by means of an imaging device relative to the imaging device, particularly an irradiation source of a radiation imaging device, that generates a radiation beam directed towards the target, the method being constituted to be executed by a processor of a computer and comprising the following steps: - receiving, at the processor, geometry data describing the geometry of at least one structure located in the field of view of the imaging device; - receiving, at the processor, tracking data describing the spatial location and/or orientation of the at least one structure within the field of view of the imaging device; - determining, with the processor, position data incorporating the geometry data and the tracking data, describing whether the location and/or orientation of the at least one structure with respect to an image trajectory, particularly a radiation beam trajectory through the target is desirable; - determining, with the processor, repositioning data describing a desired location and/or orientation of the at least one structure with respect to the image trajectory, particularly the radiation beam trajectory through the target; - outputting, from the processor, the repositioning data allowing for repositioning of the at least one structure. The present invention further relates to a corresponding computer program and system.