Tracked Mobile C-Arm Stereo Radiography for Long Anatomical Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraoperative imaging tools, such as X-ray film-based systems and C-arm fluoroscopy, struggle to provide accurate long views of patient anatomy due to limited field of view and poor quality, leading to increased radiation exposure, subjective comparisons with surgical plans, and time inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system using a position-tracked mobile C-arm fluoroscopy device that aligns X-ray projections with anatomical planes, corrects for parallax, and overlays pre-operative images to generate real-time, calibrated stereo long radiographic views, enabling precise measurements and comparisons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If X-ray film-based systems with elongated cassettes are used to image long operative anatomies, then the field of view is extended, but the cassette length is still insufficient to depict all necessary anatomical landmarks and the image quality deteriorates in areas with large tissue thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the long anatomy into multiple overlapping image segments captured by the C-arm fluoroscopy system. These segments are then computationally stitched together to form a complete long radiographic view, eliminating the need for excessively long cassettes while maintaining image quality across the entire anatomical region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single 2D film plane to a composite 2D image constructed from multiple 2D fluoroscopic views. By acquiring images from different positions and angles and combining them computationally, the system achieves extended field of view without sacrificing image quality in any particular region.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple overlapping X-ray images are acquired to cover long anatomies, then complete radiographic assessment is enabled, but radiation exposure and imaging time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the C-arm fluoroscopy system to continuously acquire a series of overlapping images as it moves along the anatomy. This continuous imaging approach, combined with real-time computational stitching, enables complete coverage of long anatomies in a single continuous process rather than requiring multiple discrete imaging sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system acquires images at periodic intervals along the anatomy, with each image overlapping with adjacent images. This periodic acquisition strategy ensures complete coverage while minimizing the total number of images required, thereby reducing both radiation exposure and imaging time compared to non-overlapping sequential imaging.
3Ease of operation
If C-arm fluoroscopy with small field of view is used for intraoperative imaging, then the device is portable and easy to operate, but it cannot provide accurate long views of patient anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple small-field-of-view fluoroscopic images into a single composite long radiographic view. By tracking the C-arm position and systematically combining overlapping images acquired during movement along the anatomy, the system achieves extended field of view while maintaining the portability and ease of operation of the C-arm fluoroscopy device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces computational image processing and position tracking systems as intermediaries between the C-arm fluoroscopy device and the final image output. These intermediary systems process the raw fluoroscopic images and position data to generate accurate long views, enabling the portable C-arm to deliver otherwise unavailable imaging capabilities.
4Device complexity
If subjective comparison between intraoperative images and surgical plan is performed, then no additional equipment is needed, but the process is prone to errors and takes avoidable extra time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated feedback systems that compare the composite long radiographic views with the preoperative surgical plan using image registration and analysis algorithms. This automated feedback provides objective, quantitative assessment of anatomical alignment and surgical progress, eliminating subjective interpretation errors and reducing the time required for comparison while maintaining system simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Tracked mobile X-ray imaging equipment is used to produce single or stereo long calibrated views of the anatomy of a patient on the operating table. The system estimates the position and orientation of the anatomical planes, virtually places measurement grids over these reference planes, and transforms any radiographic views taking by the X-ray imaging system onto these calibrated planes. The system may apply information about the depth of the anatomy to remove parallax artifacts. This system enables displaying and evaluation of the entire radiographic length of the anatomical planes using a mobile X-ray equipment. It also provides a platform for overlaying the real time X-ray images taken during operation with radiographic images of the patient or schematic of the surgical plan developed before the surgery for quick evaluation of a surgical plan.