C-arm X-ray Dosage Monitoring via Patient Model Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring X-ray dosage in C-arm X-ray devices are insufficient as they do not effectively identify exposed regions on a patient's skin, leading to inadequate exposure assessment during diagnostic examinations and interventions.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines location-dependent dosage values on a patient's surface by analyzing recording geometry and radiation parameters, using a patient model to generate and display dosage representations, allowing for the identification of excessive exposure in sensitive areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If total dosage or dosage area product is specified, then the examination can be monitored, but location-specific exposure information is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the patient's skin surface into multiple location-specific regions and calculates dosage values for each region separately. This is achieved by dividing the irradiation field into subregions and assigning dosage values to each subregion, thereby transforming a single total dosage value into multiple location-specific dosage information points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional total dosage value to a two-dimensional spatial distribution of dosage values across the patient's skin surface. This is accomplished by mapping dosage values to specific locations on the patient model, creating a spatial representation of radiation exposure.
2Reliability
If location-dependent dosage values are determined and displayed, then excessive exposure can be identified, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations of location-dependent dosage values before the actual X-ray examination or during planning phases. By pre-calculating and displaying dosage distributions, the system allows examiners to identify potentially excessive exposure regions in advance and adjust the examination plan accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a patient model as an intermediary representation between the physical patient and the dosage calculation system. This virtual model allows for simplified geometric calculations and visualization of dosage distributions without requiring direct measurement on the actual patient.
3Measurement precision
If the radiation fan beam is subdivided into subregions, then location-specific dosage values can be calculated, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial subdivision of the radiation fan beam into subregions, focusing computational resources on dividing only the irradiated areas into manageable subregions rather than dividing the entire beam. This approach achieves sufficient location-specific dosage resolution while limiting computational complexity to necessary regions only.
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
Provides location-specific information on skin dosage, enabling the identification and prevention of excessive exposure, thus improving patient safety and optimizing examination planning.
Implementation Method 1
the skin on the side oriented towards the radiation source is exposed to dosages of X-ray radiation, since the soft parts of the X-ray spectrum are absorbed there
Data Source
AI summary
A method for monitoring the X-ray dosage administered to a patient by a radiation source when using an X-ray device is proposed. The X-ray device is in particular a C-arm X-ray device. A location-dependent dosage value on the surface of the patient is determined with reference to parameters which describe the recording geometry and the radiation that is administered. The surface is described by a patient model in particular. A representation of the dosage value and/or of a value derived therefrom is displayed.