RF-Assisted Orthopedic Implant Positioning in X-Ray Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In medical X-ray imaging, accurately positioning subjects with implants is crucial for diagnostic-quality images, but existing methods are inefficient, often requiring iterative adjustments and exposing patients to unnecessary radiation, especially when using conventional positioning techniques.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using radiofrequency (RF) signals to assess the positioning of orthopedic implants by detecting response signals and providing feedback for correcting the positioning of both the subject and the X-ray imaging device, allowing for precise alignment without increasing radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional positioning techniques are used for X-ray imaging, then subject positioning can be achieved, but radiation exposure increases due to iterative adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning assessment using RF signals before X-ray imaging to determine the subject's position and implant orientation. This preliminary action allows operators to adjust positioning based on RF feedback without exposing the patient to radiation, thereby reducing overall radiation exposure while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RF signals as an intermediary measurement modality that can assess positioning without the harmful radiation effects of X-rays. The RF system acts as a mediator between the subject and the imaging system, providing safe positioning verification that eliminates the need for iterative X-ray exposures
2Measurement precision
If iterative positioning adjustments are made to achieve diagnostic quality, then image quality improves, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback to operators about subject positioning and implant orientation based on RF signal analysis. This feedback mechanism enables single-pass positioning by guiding operators to the correct position without requiring multiple iterative adjustments, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining diagnostic image quality
Solution Approach 2:
By performing positioning assessment and verification before the actual X-ray imaging, the system eliminates the need for post-acquisition positioning corrections. The preliminary RF-based positioning ensures that the first X-ray image acquired is of diagnostic quality, saving time that would otherwise be spent on repeat exposures
3Ease of operation
If conventional positioning methods are used, then positioning can be performed, but standardization and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides standardized feedback metrics based on RF signal characteristics that objectively quantify positioning accuracy. This standardized feedback enables consistent and reproducible positioning across different operators and facilities, improving both accuracy and standardization while maintaining ease of operation through automated measurements
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
This method enables accurate and standardized positioning of subjects and implants before X-ray imaging, reducing radiation dose and improving image quality by providing real-time feedback for optimal alignment, thus enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The detected response signal and/or signal change is based on or comprises one or more reflection and/or absorption properties of the one or more RF signals at the implant and/or the tissue
Implementation Method 2
The detected response signal and/or signal change is based on or comprises one or more reflection and/or absorption properties of the one or more RF signals at the implant and/or the tissue
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to prospective analysis of subject and/or implant positioning. Provided is a computer-implemented method for assisting positioning of a subject having an orthopedic implant in X-ray imaging. The method comprises applying one or more radiofrequency, RF, signals to an anatomy of interest of the subject where the orthopedic implant is located. The method further comprises detecting a response signal and/or signal change in response to the applied RF signal impacting the orthopedic implant and tissue being adjacent to and/or surrounding the implant, and determining, from the detected response signal and/or signal change, an implant positioning estimation relative to an X-ray imaging device. Further, the method comprises determining, from the implant positioning estimation, a feedback being indicative for positioning the X-ray imaging device and the subject to each other with respect to a target positioning, to be provided for assisting the positioning.