Slidable Radiopaque Marker for Anatomical Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiological imaging markers are not movable and often lead to misidentification of anatomy due to patient movement during procedures, and post-procedure digital markers can introduce human error and do not meet Best Practice guidelines.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging marker device with a slidable radiopaque marker that can be detachably positioned on an image receptor, allowing for correct identification of anatomy by indicating left or right orientation, and is designed to be movable and adjustable during imaging procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed imaging marker is used, then the marker provides stable anatomical identification, but the marker cannot be repositioned when patient anatomy moves or shifts during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The marker device incorporates a slidable marker body that can move along the image receptor surface, transforming a static marker into a dynamic one. This allows the marker to be repositioned when anatomical structures shift during the procedure, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of a sliding mechanism rather than complex actuation systems.
2Reliability
If a digital marker is added post procedure, then the imaging system maintains simplicity, but human error and misidentification of anatomy occur
Solution Approach 1:
The marker is physically attached to the image receptor before the imaging procedure begins, ensuring that anatomical identification markers are in place during the entire procedure. This preliminary placement eliminates the need for post-procedure digital marker addition and prevents human error in marker application, while the self-adhesive or clip-based attachment method maintains ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the marker is detachably positioned on the image receptor, then the marker can be repositioned to accommodate anatomy movement, but the marker attachment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The marker body is designed to slide along the image receptor surface using a simple friction-based or clip-based attachment mechanism. This sliding capability provides the necessary repositionability without requiring complex attachment systems, motors, or actuators. The marker can be easily moved and repositioned by hand while remaining securely attached during imaging.
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 accurate and reliable identification of anatomy during radiological imaging by allowing the marker to be repositioned as needed, reducing the risk of misidentification and aligning with Best Practice guidelines.
Implementation Method 1
a radiopaque marker, which is connected to the marker body
Data Source
AI summary
A medical imaging marker device includes, a main marker body, an outer side visual radiolucent placement indicator, an inner side visual radiolucent placement indicator, an anatomical side visual radiolucent indicator, visual radiolucent length measurement indicator, an attachment system; and a slidable marker piece, including a slidable marker body and a radiopaque marker; such that the slidable marker body is detachably positionable on an image receptor, such that an image of an anatomical target structure taken with the image receptor includes an image portion of the radiopaque marker, which indicates a side orientation of the anatomical target structure.