Patient-Specific Safety Parameter Determination in Medical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining patient-specific safety parameters in medical imaging examinations rely on simplistic cylinder models, leading to imprecise calculations of safety values such as specific absorption rate and heat radiation, which can result in prolonged scanning times and potential patient safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A method using a medical imaging apparatus with a position-detecting unit and safety parameter determining processor to acquire and process patient position data, creating a precise patient model for calculating patient-specific safety parameters like specific absorption rate, heat radiation, and collision probability, enabling efficient and safe examination planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a cylinder model is used to determine patient-specific safety parameters, then the calculation process is simple, but the determination precision is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy (virtual model) of the patient's actual body shape using position data from detectors, replacing the simplistic cylinder model. This virtual model accurately replicates the patient's anatomy to calculate safety parameters like SAR and heat radiation, achieving high precision without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the approach by changing from fixed geometric parameters (cylinder dimensions) to dynamic parameters derived from actual patient position data. The system continuously updates the virtual model based on real-time position information from detectors, enabling accurate safety parameter calculation that adapts to each patient's unique anatomy.
2Device complexity
If a cylinder model is used for safety parameter determination, then the device structure is simple, but the patient safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the patient's body using position data, allowing accurate safety assessments without adding complex physical measurement devices. The virtual model enables precise calculation of safety parameters while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical measurement mechanisms with optical/detector-based position sensing. Instead of using complex mechanical anthropometric measurement systems, the invention uses detectors to capture position data and generates a virtual model, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic sensing and computational modeling.
3Productivity
If imprecise safety parameters are calculated, then the examination planning is faster, but the scanning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs safety parameter calculations and examination planning in advance using the virtual patient model. By determining accurate SAR values, heat radiation patterns, and collision risks before the actual scan, the system enables optimized scanning protocols that reduce total examination time while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual model allows rapid iteration and optimization of examination protocols during the planning phase. Clinicians can simulate different scanning parameters on the virtual patient to identify optimal settings before the actual examination, reducing the need for adjustments during the scan and minimizing total scanning time.
4Device complexity
If imprecise safety parameters are calculated, then the calculation process is simpler, but patient exposure risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual patient model enables accurate prediction of harmful effects (SAR, heat radiation, collision risks) without adding significant complexity to the calculation process. By simulating the actual patient geometry in the virtual model, the system precisely forecasts exposure risks and enables preventive measures before the actual examination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system calculates potential harmful effects in advance using the virtual model and takes preventive actions before the actual examination. By identifying high-risk areas and scenarios during planning, the system can adjust protocols to prevent excessive exposure, heat buildup, or collisions, thereby reducing patient risks before they occur.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and apparatus for determining at least one patient-specific safety parameter for a medical imaging examination conducted on the patient by a medical imaging device, position data of the patient are acquired by a position data detector while the patient is on a patient-positioning device of the medical imaging apparatus. The acquired position data are evaluated in a processor in order to determine position information of the patient. The patient-specific safety parameter is determined using the position information of the patient.