Surgical Imaging System Merging Baseline and Real-Time X-Ray Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems for surgical procedures expose patients and medical personnel to excessive radiation while compromising image quality or resolution, particularly due to the need for frequent X-ray images that can be obstructed by surgical instruments and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that generate a high-quality image by merging a high-resolution baseline image with a low-resolution image acquired using reduced radiation, using image processing techniques to minimize radiation exposure and account for obstructing objects, allowing for real-time, clear imaging during surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If frequent X-ray images are obtained during surgical procedures, then real-time visualization of surgical sites is improved, but radiation exposure to patients and medical personnel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system acquires a high-resolution baseline image before the surgical procedure begins. This pre-acquired image serves as a reference that can be used during the procedure to reduce the frequency of radiation exposure while maintaining imaging capability through image comparison and registration techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the baseline high-resolution image and compares it with newly acquired low-resolution images during the procedure. This copying approach allows the system to leverage the detailed baseline information to compensate for reduced radiation exposure during real-time surgical visualization.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If radiation dose is reduced to decrease exposure, then patient and personnel safety is improved, but image quality and resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the high-resolution baseline image with the low-resolution real-time image through image registration and fusion techniques. This merging process combines the detailed anatomical information from the baseline image with the current surgical site information from the low-dose image, producing a composite image that maintains high quality while reducing radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The baseline high-resolution image acts as an intermediary reference that enables the system to interpret low-resolution real-time images more accurately. By using the baseline image as a mediator for comparison and registration, the system can compensate for the reduced quality of low-dose images and maintain diagnostic accuracy.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If narrow field of view is used to decrease radiation scatter and exposure area, then radiation quantity is reduced, but information availability for surgical decision-making decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the imaging process into a baseline acquisition phase (with wide field of view for comprehensive anatomical information) and a real-time procedure phase (with narrow field of view to reduce scatter). The baseline image provides the necessary contextual information, allowing the real-time images to use narrower fields without losing essential anatomical context for surgical decisions.
4Measurement precision
If standard imaging is used to maintain image resolution, then diagnostic accuracy is preserved, but cumulative radiation exposure becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic comparison of baseline and real-time images to determine when additional imaging is necessary. Rather than continuously acquiring high-dose images, the system periodically compares low-dose real-time images against the baseline, using image registration and difference analysis to determine if changes require further imaging, thereby reducing cumulative radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
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 approach significantly reduces radiation exposure to patients and medical personnel while maintaining image quality, enabling accurate and clear visualization of surgical sites without the obstruction of instruments or equipment, thus enhancing surgical precision and safety.
Implementation Method 1
Fluoroscopy, or fluoro, is one form of intraoperative X-ray and is taken by a fluoro unit, also known as a C-arm. The C-arm sends X-ray beams through a patient and takes a picture of the anatomy in that area
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for displaying images of internal anatomy includes an image processing device configured to provide high resolution images of the surgical field from low resolution scans during the procedure. The image processing device digitally manipulates a previously-obtained high resolution baseline image to produce many representative images based on permutations of movement of the baseline image. During the procedure a representative image is selected having an acceptable degree of correlation to the new low resolution image. The selected representative image and the new image are merged to provide a higher resolution image of the surgical field. The image processing device is also configured to provide interactive movement of the displayed image based on movement of the imaging device, and to permit placement of annotations on the displayed image to facilitate communication between the radiology technician and the surgeon.