Virtual Fluoroscopy for Patient Positioning Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patient positioning in radiology, particularly in musculoskeletal acquisitions, is challenging and often requires multiple attempts to achieve sufficient image quality.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for positioning guidance that uses an input unit to receive an X-ray image and target pose parameters, a processing unit to detect anatomy, determine current pose parameters, and construct a trajectory for re-positioning, and an output unit to provide a synthetic virtual fluoroscopic image sequence for guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple X-ray acquisitions are performed to achieve proper patient positioning, then image quality is improved, but patient radiation dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the current X-ray image to detect anatomy and determine pose parameters before acquiring additional images. By pre-calculating the trajectory and visualizing the re-positioning path, the system enables the technician to adjust patient positioning based on predictive feedback rather than reactive trial-and-error, reducing the number of additional X-ray acquisitions needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback by comparing current pose parameters with target pose parameters and displaying a synthetic fluoroscopic sequence that shows the expected outcome of re-positioning. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows technicians to make informed positioning adjustments without performing multiple trial acquisitions, thereby improving image quality while minimizing radiation exposure
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple attempts are made to position the patient properly, then image quality is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of anatomy and calculation of pose parameters from the current X-ray image before any re-positioning occurs. By pre-computing the trajectory and generating the synthetic fluoroscopic sequence in advance, the system eliminates time-wasting trial-and-error positioning attempts and provides immediate guidance for the optimal re-positioning path
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical trial-and-error positioning process with a computational approach. Instead of physically re-positioning the patient multiple times and acquiring multiple X-ray images to assess positioning quality, the system uses image analysis algorithms and synthetic fluoroscopy generation to predict the outcome of positioning changes, enabling faster and more efficient positioning decisions
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to patient positioning. In order to facilitate patient positioning, an apparatus is provided that comprises an input unit, a processing unit, and an output unit. The input unit is configured to receive an X-ray image of an anatomy of interest of a patient obtained from a first image acquisition and a target set of pose parameters describing a target position of the anatomy of interest for image acquisition. The processing unit is configured to detect the anatomy of interest in the X-ray image, to determine a set of pose parameters describing a current position of the detected anatomy of interest in the first image acquisition, to determine a difference between the determined set of pose parameters and the target set of pose parameters, and to construct a trajectory that defines a sequence of sets of pose parameters for bringing the anatomy of interest from the current position to the target position, if the difference is equal to or greater than a pre-defined threshold. The processing unit is further configured to generate a series of X-ray images according to the received X-ray image and the sequence of sets of pose parameters in the trajectory to synthesize a virtual fluoroscopic image sequence of frames representing an animated radiographic imaging during re-positioning of the patient. The output unit is configured to provide the synthetic virtual fluoroscopic image sequence for positioning guidance for a second image acquisition.