Shape Sensing Propels Angiographic Imaging Systems Forward
Understanding how modern technology may improve medical diagnosis is essential in today’s era of rapid technological and medical advancement. Our 3D shape sensing technology can significantly impact the field of angiographic imaging to improve diagnosis and patient care.
An angiographic imaging system comprises of a patient table with an X-ray tube and a detector hung above it to provide still or video pictures of the body while contrast material is injected. Some units even include an in-built operating table when it comes to surgery.
To diagnose patients or administer treatment, interventional catheterization laboratories rely on X-ray angiography imaging technologies to guide catheters into patients’ vascular system. Interventional oncology and gynecology need these devices for guidance during operations, and they are also employed in the cardiovascular catheterization lab.
Limitations of angiographic imaging systems
Numerous limitations and risks of angiographic imaging exist which can complicate or hinder the success of a procedure. A few of these include:
- Image distortions brought on by the x-ray source, contrast concentration, and other factors.
- Limitations resulting from biological variations.
- Renal impairment and dehydration
- Bleeding and false aneurysms
It is essential to break through the limitations of image-guided therapy so that doctors can visualize devices and anatomy within their patients more clearly and reduce reliance on contrast agents and radiation-emitting fluoroscopy.
Reducing radiation exposure to patients and medical staff from X-ray and fluoroscopy
It is the physician’s responsibility to minimize the patient’s exposure to radiation during angiography. The human body unfortunately absorbs a portion of the X-rays’ energy. In most cases, the shallow radiation doses taken during imaging operations have no negative consequences, although it is nevertheless advised to decrease the amounts as much as possible. As catheterization laboratory operations get longer and more sophisticated, there is a growing concern over how operators might decrease their patient’s, their staff’s, and their own exposure to X-ray radiation.
Our shape sensing technology is intended to address this problem and keep everyone involved safe from damaging x-rays.
The adaptability of shape sensing technology for angiography
Our novel fiber optic shape sensing technology provides real-time 3-D images of medical devices used during minimally invasive procedures. The technology displays the whole shape of catheters and guidewires in three dimensions with unrestricted viewing angles and in the context of the patient’s anatomy. This is made possible by overlaying the measured device shape and location with pre-operative 3-D anatomical data from computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
It aims to overcome the present constraints and health risks of 2-D image-guided treatment so that practitioners may lessen their reliance on radiation-emitting fluoroscopy. With the capacity to visualize devices within the anatomy in three dimensions, clinicians remove inaccuracies, additional procedure time, and their dependency on fluoroscopy, which eventually benefits the whole medical network. Considering our aging population, it is essential to proactively treat structural cardiac surgeries using technology that boosts their efficacy and efficiency.
The advantages of eliminating X-ray equipment to improve workflow and make the operating room more spacious
Large X-ray equipment typically occupies significant space in an operating room, and constantly needing to adjust it can present a disruption to the workflow of a procedure. Ideally, surgeons and staff can focus on the fewest number of critical tasks such that time and risk are minimized. Cumbersome workflow distractions such as maneuvering a large X-ray C-arm produce needless anxiety, increased fatigue, and reduced focus. Hospitals and healthcare administrators around the globe are identifying better methods to enhance internal operations to provide the best environment for procedural success, to save time, and boost productivity. Our shape sensing technology can aid by removing bulky imaging equipment and associated workflow implications from the operating room, allowing surgeons and their staff to perform more procedures, at a lower risk and more efficiently.
Price matters
Angiogram costs can be up to $30,000 depending on the type, the location of the treatment, and the inclusion of other services. This is mainly driven by the price and complexity of imaging systems as well as the duration of the procedures. By removing bulky equipment and streamlining the surgical process shape sensing technology reduces the overall cost of treatment and makes it possible for more patients to access the care they require. For more information on fiber optic shape sensing as a solution for angiographic imaging systems and other minimally invasive procedures, contact info@shapesensing.com or browse our website.
