Apparatus and method for mapping a three-imensional space in medical applications for diagnostic, surgical or interventional medicine purposes

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and to a method for mapping a three-dimensional space in medical applications for diagnostic, surgical or interventional medicine purposes. The apparatus and the method according to the invention use acquisition means capable of recording two-dimensional images of said three-dimensional space from at least a first recording position and from a second recording position, and a reference target, comprising a plurality of marker elements and movable between a first target point and a second target point of said three-dimensional space. A processing unit, adapted to receive data indicative of a first image and of a second image of said three-dimensional space, comprises computerized means adapted to calculate registration data to register the two-dimensional reference systems, used to express the coordinates of the points of said first image and of said second image, with the three-dimensional reference system, defined by the marker elements of said reference target.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to the field of devices and methods for providing support to medical operators during the performance of medical procedures. [0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to devices and methods for mapping three-dimensional space in medical applications for diagnostic, surgical or interventional medical purposes. Background technique [0003] It is well known how devices capable of providing real-time images of body parts or internal organs of a patient are often used during the performance of medical procedures. [0004] For example, these devices are used to allow medical operators to determine the optimal operational positioning of medical instruments (eg, catheters, needles, cutting instruments, etc.) to be used in a performed medical procedure. [0005] Fluorographs are the devices most commonly used to obtain real-time images of a patient's internal anatomy, given that their features are relatively limit...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0032] Significant limitations of this technique include the fact that the fluoroscopic recording itself suffers from nonlinear deformations, often due to external electromagnetic fields

These deformations can cause errors in the mapping operation

[0033] In addition to the drawbacks mentioned above, given that they require the presence of a navigation system, the above methods also have the disadvantage of being too laborious to implement in practice

In fact, the use of navigation systems often constitutes a complex activity that requires advanced training and often must be performed by specialized technicians

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