Radiographic System Real-Time Marker Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiographic systems fail to provide real-time display of X-ray images during intervention treatments, such as those involving catheter insertion and stent placement in blood vessels, as they rely on pre-recorded images and lack real-time alignment of device and vessel positions.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic system that includes an imaging apparatus, a display, and a controller to generate and align intermediate images with real-time X-ray images based on marker positions, allowing for continuous overlay and real-time display of the device and blood vessel, even after contrast medium injection reduces marker visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pre-recorded images are used for display, then image processing can be performed, but real-time display capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between processing pre-recorded images and newly acquired X-ray images based on real-time needs. The controller continuously monitors marker detectability and adapts the image processing mode accordingly, enabling both accurate historical analysis and real-time monitoring without fixed constraints.
2Illumination intensity
If contrast medium is injected to visualize blood vessels, then vessel visibility is improved, but marker detectability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses partial action by selectively processing images based on marker detectability. When markers become undetectable after contrast injection, the system stops attempting to track device positions via markers and instead relies on the contrast-enhanced blood vessel images alone, avoiding unnecessary processing of unusable data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of contrast medium obscuring markers into a beneficial workflow state. The loss of marker visibility triggers a mode switch where the system relies exclusively on contrast-enhanced angiographic images, turning the adverse effect into a clear indication for alternative imaging interpretation.
3Productivity
If continuous X-ray irradiation is performed for real-time monitoring, then monitoring capability is improved, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by acquiring X-ray images at specific intervals rather than continuous irradiation. The controller determines when new images are needed based on procedural progress and marker detectability, reducing unnecessary radiation exposure while maintaining essential real-time monitoring capability at critical moments.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables real-time monitoring and alignment of devices within blood vessels during interventions, preventing uncertain positional relationships and reducing unnecessary exposure by stopping X-ray irradiation when markers are undetectable.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging apparatus configured to irradiate the subject with X-rays and sequentially generate an X-ray image of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A controller generates, based on a position of a marker in an X-ray image, an intermediate image in which a device inserted into a subject's body is displayed. After the generation of the intermediate image, the controller matches the marker of the X-ray image with a marker of the intermediate image based on the position of the marker in the X-ray image and a position of a marker in the intermediate image to align the X-ray image and the intermediate image with each other every time the X-ray image is newly generated. The controller then controls the display to display an overlaid image generated by overlaying the X-ray image and the intermediate image aligned with each other.