Repositionable C-Arm X-Ray Imaging for Surgical Field Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional C-arm X-ray devices are cumbersome and heavy, making them difficult to move and position in an operating room environment, limiting their portability and usability in medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
Development of repositionable C-arm X-ray devices that allow the X-ray source and/or detector to be moved from an imaging position to a position outside the medical procedure field, featuring a C-shaped support arm with a repositioning mechanism, enabling handheld, portable, or mobile operation and reducing the need for external support structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional C-arm X-ray devices are used, then imaging function is achieved, but the device is heavy and cumbersome making it difficult to move and position
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable components: the C-shaped support arm structure is separated from the X-ray source and detector assemblies. The source and detector can be independently positioned and attached to the support arm, allowing the main support structure to be lighter and more maneuverable while maintaining full imaging functionality when components are assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The X-ray source and detector are extracted as separate repositionable components from the traditional fixed C-arm structure. This allows the support arm to be simplified and reduced in weight, while the source and detector can be attached only when needed for imaging, improving overall portability and ease of movement.
2Productivity
If the entire C-arm device is repositioned during procedures, then imaging can be obtained from different positions, but surgical efficiency is reduced due to time-consuming repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging components (source and detector) are segmented from the support structure, allowing independent positioning. During surgery, only the lightweight source and detector need to be repositioned rather than the entire heavy C-arm device, significantly reducing repositioning time and improving surgical workflow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The source and detector are designed with dynamic repositioning capabilities, allowing quick adjustment to different positions during procedures. This dynamic positioning system enables rapid movement of imaging components without requiring repositioning of the entire device, thereby minimizing interruption to surgical procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the X-ray source and detector remain in the imaging position during procedures, then imaging is readily available, but they obstruct the medical procedure field
Solution Approach 1:
The source and detector are extracted as separate components that can be freely positioned. When not needed for imaging, they can be completely removed from or repositioned away from the sterile procedure field, providing unobstructed access for surgical instruments and personnel while maintaining the ability to quickly return for imaging when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The source and detector implement dynamic positioning, allowing them to be moved in and out of the procedure field as needed. This dynamic configuration provides flexibility where imaging components can be positioned within the field when imaging is required, and removed or repositioned to clear the field during critical surgical procedures, optimizing both accessibility and imaging availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Repositionable C-arm X-ray devices that are portable or mobile and allow the source and/or the detector to be moved from an imaging position to a position outside the field of a medical procedure are described. In particular, this application describes a C-shaped support arm, an X-ray source contained in a first portion of the support arm near a first end, an X-ray detector contained in a second portion of the support arm near a second end, wherein the C-shaped support arm contains a repositioning mechanism between the first and second portions that allows the location of the X-ray source and/or the X-ray detector to be repositioned relative to each other. This configuration allows an X-ray image to be taken of a patient, then the X-ray source and/or detector can be moved outside the sterile field or any location where a medical procedure is performed. Other embodiments are described.