Retained Object Tag Segmentation for Medical Imaging Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting retained objects inside a patient's body after surgery, such as surgical sponges and instruments, are prone to inaccuracies, false positives, and false negatives, and lack precision, which can lead to morbidity and mortality.
Innovation Solution
A retained object tag system comprising radiolucent and radiopaque markers arranged in a specific configuration to facilitate manual and computer-aided detection in medical images, allowing for accurate identification and localization of objects like sponges and gauzes using x-ray radiography, CT, MRI, and other imaging technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radiopaque markers are attached to retained objects for detection, then detectability is improved, but the complexity of the tag structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tag structure is segmented into a radiolucent body and multiple radiopaque markers positioned at specific locations (e.g., corners or edges). This segmentation allows the markers to be detected independently while the radiolucent body remains invisible, improving detectability without requiring the entire tag to be radiopaque.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the tag have different radiological properties: the body is radiolucent (invisible) while the markers are radiopaque (visible). This local differentiation optimizes detectability by concentrating visibility at specific marker locations while keeping the overall tag structure minimally intrusive.
2Measurement precision
If multiple radiopaque markers are used to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiopaque markers are positioned asymmetrically at specific locations such as corners or edges of the radiolucent body. This asymmetric arrangement creates a unique spatial pattern that improves detection accuracy by providing reference points for localization while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The markers are distributed in three-dimensional space around the radiolucent body, utilizing multiple dimensions for positioning. This spatial distribution improves detection precision by providing geometric references from multiple angles and orientations.
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 system provides precise and reliable detection of retained objects, reducing the risk of post-surgical complications by enhancing the visibility and detectability of these objects in medical images, thereby improving patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
The first marker is carried by the body and is made at least partly of a radiopaque material. The second marker is carried by the body and is made at least partly of a radiopaque material. And the third marker is carried by the body and is made at least partly of a radiopaque material.
Implementation Method 2
The body is attachable to an object and is made at least partly of a radiolucent material.
Data Source
AI summary
A retained object tag, and a method of detecting the presence of a retained object or the retained object tag in a medical image. The method can include different steps such as identifying one or more potential sites in the medical image where the retained object or retained object tag may be present. The method can also include analyzing one or more features of the identified potential site against one or more predetermined properties of the retained object or the retained object tag. And the method can include determining whether the identified potential site is a retained object or a retained object tag based in part or more upon the analyzed feature.