Stent Positioning via Proximity Marker Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marker detection methods for medical interventional devices, such as stents, are cumbersome due to the use of small-sized markers that are less visible in X-ray images, leading to difficulties in accurate positioning during minimally invasive surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a data processing unit to detect apparatus position markers, define a proximity region, and enhance device position markers within this region for improved visibility and accuracy in image-based positioning of medical interventional devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If smaller device position markers are used on medical interventional devices, then the device can be more minimally invasive and less visible in X-ray images, but the detection accuracy and visibility of the markers deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary object (the guiding apparatus with its larger markers) to indirectly locate the device position. The guiding apparatus serves as a mediator that is easier to detect, and its position is used to define a proximity region where the smaller device markers are likely to be found, thus solving the detection difficulty of small markers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a proximity region with enhanced detection focus around the guiding apparatus markers. Instead of searching the entire image, the system concentrates detection resources in the specific local region where device markers are expected to be, improving detection accuracy for small markers in that localized area
2Reliability
If the entire image is searched for device position markers, then detection coverage is maximized, but the detection effort and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the search region from the entire image to only the relevant proximity region around the guiding apparatus. By taking out and isolating the area of interest, the system maintains reliable detection coverage where markers are actually located while eliminating unnecessary processing of irrelevant image areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image processing task into two parts: first detecting the guiding apparatus markers, then searching only in the defined proximity region for device markers. This segmentation of the search space reduces overall processing time while maintaining detection reliability in the critical region
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to positioning of stents or other medical interventional devices. In order to provide an improved marker detection suitable for smaller markers, a device (10) for positioning a medical interventional device is provided. The device comprises a data input interface (12), a data processing unit (14) and a data output interface (16). The data input interface is configured to provide at least one image of a region of interest of a subject. In the at least one image, at least a part of a guiding apparatus for a medical interventional device is arranged in the region of interest, which part of the guiding apparatus comprises at least one apparatus position marker visible in the at least one image. Further, in the at least one image, a medical interventional device is arranged at least partly in the region of interest, which medical interventional device comprises device position markers, which are less visible in the image than the at least one apparatus position marker. The data processing unit is configured to detect the at least one apparatus position marker in the at least one image, and to define a proximity region in the at least one image based on the at least one apparatus position marker, and to select the proximity region, to detect the device position markers in the proximity region, and to enhance the device position markers in the at least one image for supporting a positioning of the medical interventional device. The data output interface is configured to provide the at least one image with the enhanced device position markers.