Radiopaque Positioning Tool for Fluoroscopy Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging techniques, such as fluoroscopy, face challenges in accurately positioning medical instruments at subcutaneous treatment sites due to distorted or variable images of internal body structures like the sacrum, which can lead to misplacement of treatment devices and ineffective lesion placement.
Innovation Solution
A positioning tool with radiopaque aligning and instrument positioning portions, visible under medical imaging, is used to align with internal targets, providing precise indicators for instrument placement, and includes adjustable features like varying radiopacity and tilting mechanisms to ensure accurate alignment and lesion positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If fluoroscopy is used for imaging, then real-time visualization is achieved, but image distortion and variability occur leading to positioning inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a positioning tool as an intermediary device between the fluoroscopy system and the treatment instrument. This tool includes radiopaque alignment portions and instrument positioning portions that serve as reference markers, mediating the visualization process to provide stable, measurable references that compensate for fluoroscopy image distortion and variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes radiopacity variations (analogous to color changes in optical systems) by incorporating radiopaque materials with different densities in the positioning tool. These materials create distinct visual contrasts under fluoroscopy, enabling clear differentiation between alignment portions, spacing members, and instrument positioning portions, thereby improving measurement precision despite image distortion.
2Loss of information
If internal body structures are imaged directly, then treatment site localization is attempted, but distorted images lead to misplacement of treatment devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified radiographic copy or representation of the anatomical space using the positioning tool. Instead of relying on direct visualization of complex internal structures, the tool provides a standardized radiopaque template with known geometry and reference points that can be accurately superimposed on fluoroscopic images, serving as a reliable copy for measurement and alignment purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of visibility by introducing radiopaque materials with controlled density and distribution. This allows the positioning tool to be clearly visible under fluoroscopy while maintaining a simple, non-distorting geometric pattern that provides stable reference parameters for accurate instrument placement, overcoming the distortion issues of direct anatomical imaging.
3Measurement precision
If positioning tools with radiopaque portions are used, then alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning tool is segmented into distinct functional portions: alignment portions with radiopaque indicators for initial positioning, spacing members that define specific distances, and instrument positioning portions for final instrument placement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with optimal simplicity, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning tool is designed as a multi-functional device that combines alignment, spacing, and instrument positioning capabilities in a single tool. The radiopaque portions serve multiple purposes: providing visual reference under fluoroscopy, defining alignment criteria, and indicating final instrument placement positions. This universality reduces the need for multiple separate tools, thereby managing device complexity.
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
The tool enhances the accuracy of medical procedures by providing clear, precise alignment and measurement markers, reducing the risk of misplacement and ensuring effective lesion placement, even in complex anatomical regions like the sacrum, thereby improving treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
A positioning tool with radiopaque aligning and instrument positioning portions, visible under medical imaging
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning tool aids in the positioning of at least one instrument at a subcutaneous treatment site visible via a medical imaging device. The positioning tool includes a penannular member, at least one spacing member having a proximal end attached to the penannular member and a distal end spaced from the proximal end, and at least one aligning portion attached to the at least one spacing member. The aligning portion is configured for aligning the tool with a target visible via the medical imaging device. A kit includes a plurality of the tools. A method includes use of the tool.