Disposable X-Ray Marker with Embedded Metallic Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for x-ray guided surgery require a separate metallic device for localization and a separate marker for marking, increasing complexity and time during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A disposable marker with an embedded metallic element, such as rings or a bar, made of radiolucent materials like polypropylene, allowing it to be visible in an x-ray field for both localization and marking, eliminating the need for a separate metallic device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a separate metallic device is used for localization and a separate marker for marking, then the localization and marking functions are achieved, but the device complexity and procedural time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a metallic element and a marking tip into a single integrated marker device. The metallic element (such as a radiopaque ring or bar) is embedded within or attached to the marker housing, allowing the same device to serve both localization and marking functions. This eliminates the need to use a separate metallic device for localization and a separate marker for marking, thereby reducing device complexity and procedural steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The marker device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both localization and marking operations. The metallic element provides x-ray visibility for localization, while the marking tip enables skin marking. This universal design allows a single device to replace two separate devices (metallic localization device and marking device), improving procedural efficiency and reducing the number of components needed.
2Loss of time
If a metallic device is placed in the x-ray field for localization, then the incision area can be identified, but the metallic device must be removed before marking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the localization function and marking function into a single device that remains in place. The metallic element stays embedded in the marker housing throughout the procedure, eliminating the need to remove and reposition devices. The surgeon can directly mark the skin through the marker housing without removing the metallic element, thereby reducing procedural time and steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic element is pre-positioned within the marker housing during manufacturing, so that when the marker is placed on the patient's skin, the metallic element is already in the correct position for localization. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for separate localization steps and device removal, reducing both time and complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a plastic marker housing is used, then the marker is radiolucent and does not obstruct x-rays, but the marker becomes invisible in the x-ray field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining radiolucent plastic material (for the marker housing) with radiopaque metallic material (for the visible element). The plastic housing provides structural integrity and compatibility with manufacturing processes, while the embedded metallic element (rings, bars, or other radiopaque structures) provides x-ray visibility. This composite approach allows the marker to be both manufacturable and detectable in the x-ray field.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the marker have different radiological properties: the marker housing is made of radiolucent plastic to allow x-ray passage and provide structural function, while the metallic element is made of radiopaque material to provide visibility. This local differentiation of material properties allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromising the overall system.
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
Enables a single device to both locate and mark a puncture site in real-time during surgery, reducing procedural steps and improving efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The metallic element embedded with the marker, on the other hand, does at least partially obstruct the passage of the x-rays, and as such, it is visible in an x-ray field
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable marker for use in preparation for medical procedures. The marker is made of plastic or such similar material that does not show up on an x-ray monitor. The marker includes one or more metallic elements that have an elongated aspect disposed in proximity to the marker tip. As such, a clinician may introduce the marker into an x-ray field and view it in space by following the metallic element an x-ray monitor.