Non-contact RF Imaging Head for Surgical Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image-guided medical and surgical procedures often expose patients and surgeons to ionizing radiation, and require physical contact, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A radio-frequency (RF) imaging system that uses non-contact RF reflection, transmission, or scattering measurements to image anatomy without ionizing radiation, employing an imaging head with transmitters and receivers to determine material types and boundaries within a field of view, and a workstation to process and display RF image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ionizing radiation-based imaging technologies (CT, X-ray) are used to obtain detailed anatomical images, then image quality and diagnostic accuracy are improved, but patient and surgeon exposure to harmful ionizing radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ionizing radiation-based imaging (X-ray, CT) with a mechanical wave-based imaging system using ultrasound transducers. The ultrasound system uses acoustic waves instead of electromagnetic radiation to image anatomical structures, thereby eliminating ionizing radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic capability through echogenicity differences of tissues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging modality parameter from ionizing electromagnetic radiation to non-ionizing acoustic waves. By operating in the frequency range of 20-100 MHz and using pulse-echo ultrasound technology, the system achieves tissue imaging without the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, while still providing sufficient contrast resolution to distinguish different tissue types
2Measurement precision
If contact-based imaging technologies are used to obtain anatomical data, then measurement accuracy is improved, but patient comfort and procedural complexity increase due to physical contact requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based imaging methods with non-contact ultrasound imaging. The transducers are positioned externally on the skin surface using acoustic coupling, eliminating the need for invasive probes or direct tissue contact while maintaining measurement accuracy through high-frequency acoustic wave propagation and reflection detection
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-contact RF imaging is used to avoid ionizing radiation, then patient safety is improved, but the ability to detect and measure anatomical boundaries and material properties becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses high-frequency ultrasound waves (20-100 MHz) to penetrate tissue and detect anatomical boundaries based on acoustic impedance differences. By analyzing the echo signals' amplitude, time-of-flight, and frequency content, the system can distinguish between different tissue types (bone, soft tissue, air) and locate boundaries with sufficient precision for surgical navigation, despite using non-ionizing radiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs real-time feedback from ultrasound echo signals to dynamically adjust imaging parameters and provide continuous anatomical feedback during surgical procedures. The system processes reflected acoustic waves to generate real-time images and alerts when surgical instruments approach critical anatomical boundaries, enhancing detection capability through active monitoring and adaptive signal processing
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 non-invasive imaging of anatomical structures and materials, including boundaries between bone and soft tissue, without exposing patients or surgeons to ionizing radiation, allowing for precise visualization during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging head including at least one radio-frequency (RF) transmitter and at least one RF receiver, the imaging head to be positioned within a field of view (FOV). The RF transmitter is operable to emit one or more RF signals. The RF receiver is operable to receive signals reflected from the one or more RF signals emitted by the RF transmitter
Implementation Method 2
The RF transmitter is operable to emit one or more RF signals. The RF receiver is operable to receive signals reflected from the one or more RF signals emitted by the RF transmitter
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for performing a medical procedure on a patient is provided. The system can include an imaging head defining a field of view relative to the patient. The imaging head can include at least one transmitter that emits at least one signal in the field of view, and at least one receiver that receives at least one reflected signal from the field of view. The at least one reflected signal received can be based on at least one electrical property of at least one material in the field of view. The system can further include a workstation, which can determine, based on the at least one reflected signal received by the at least one receiver, a location of at least one boundary of the material within the field of view. The system can include a display that displays an image of the location of the at least one boundary.