Portable C-Arm Imaging Layout for 360° Patient-Side 3D Scans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging systems, particularly in non-radiology departments, lack the mobility and flexibility to effectively position patients for high-quality three-dimensional imaging, hindering their acceptance and use in dynamic healthcare settings like operating rooms and emergency departments.
Innovation Solution
A portable medical imaging system with a movable station and gantry, featuring C-arms for 360-degree rotation and omni-directional wheels for multi-axis movement, along with sensors and a control system for precise positioning and control, enabling imaging from any direction or height without moving the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed bore imaging system is used, then imaging stability is improved, but mobility and flexibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed imaging system into a dynamic mobile system by implementing a movable gantry mounted on casters, allowing the entire imaging apparatus to be relocated easily. The C-arms are designed with telescopic and rotational capabilities, enabling dynamic positioning around the patient from multiple angles while maintaining imaging stability through controlled movement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is divided into modular components including separate C-arms, gantry sections, and imaging detectors that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing mobility and flexibility without compromising overall imaging stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile imaging systems are used, then mobility is improved, but imaging precision and quality are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile imaging system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors and control systems that monitor the position and orientation of the C-arms and gantry. This feedback enables real-time adjustments to maintain precise alignment and imaging quality despite the system's mobility, ensuring accurate 3D reconstruction even when the system is repositioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical positioning systems with advanced computational methods and software-based alignment techniques. These digital positioning systems use coordinate mapping and image registration algorithms to maintain imaging precision without relying solely on mechanical rigidity, thereby preserving image quality while enabling mobility.
3Volume of moving object
If the imaging system is made compact for portability, then mobility is improved, but field-of-view and imaging coverage are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple C-arms arranged in a three-dimensional configuration around the patient, allowing imaging from multiple angles and heights simultaneously. This multi-dimensional arrangement enables a compact physical footprint while achieving comprehensive 360-degree imaging coverage, effectively expanding the field-of-view without increasing system volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system uses nested C-arms where one C-arm is positioned within the arc of another, allowing compact storage and transport while maintaining full imaging capability. The telescopic design enables the C-arms to extend to their full operational length during imaging, providing a large field-of-view when deployed while remaining compact when retracted for mobility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple C-arms are added for 360-degree rotation, then imaging coverage is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Each C-arm in the system is designed with multi-functional capabilities, serving both as a structural support and an imaging platform. The C-arms can independently perform fluoroscopy, radiography, and 3D imaging functions, reducing the need for separate specialized components and thereby managing overall system complexity while providing comprehensive imaging coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Medical imaging devices, systems, and methods thereof. The medical imaging system may include a movable station and a gantry. The movable station includes a gantry mount rotatably attached to the gantry. The gantry includes an outer C-arm slidably mounted to and operable to slide relative to the gantry mount, an inner C-arm slidably coupled to the outer C-arm and, an imaging signal transmitter and sensor attached to the C-arms. The two C-arms work together to provide a full 360 degree rotation of the imaging signal transmitter. The movable station may include a motion control system and an imaging control system. In embodiments, the motion control system includes omni-directional wheels for precision controlled-movement of the movable station.