Volumetric imaging

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure include systems and methods for planning and / or performing an ablation procedure. Volumetric image data including a needle, such as a physical ablation needle or a virtual needle, can be analyzed to segment the needle within the volume. A first cross-sectional, two-dimensional view of the volume showing a first plane in which an axis defined by the needle lies can be generated and displayed. The view can be manipulated to display a generated second cross-sectional, two-dimensional view of the volume showing a second plane through the volume in which the longitudinal axis defined by the virtual needle lies, wherein the second plane is different from the first plane. Additional segmented features such as lesions in the image data, treatment regions, isotherms, and the like can be included in views to be analyzed from a plurality of views that include the needle.

Description

Background technique [0001] Various surgical ablation modes are available. These surgical ablation modalities include, for example, cryoablation, microwave ablation, radiofrequency ablation and electroporation modalities, among others. [0002] In cryoablation, a cryoprobe or cryoneedle is placed in or near the tissue to be ablated and the temperature of the probe tip is lowered to cryogenic temperatures thereby freezing the target tissue. One or more cycles of tissue freezing and thawing result in ablation of the tissue. [0003] The cryosurgical system includes one or more cryoprobes connected to one or more sources of cryofluid. Such a system is described in commonly assigned US Patent No. 8,066,697 and in a published application, US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0256620 Al, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. In such cryosurgical systems, cryogenic fluid may be delivered from a source of cryogenic fluid to one or more cryoprob...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0009] However, because the slices typically present parallel planes, objects in the image that intersect these planes at an angle, such as a treatment needle inserted into tissue at an angle relative to the planes, can be difficult to observe

For example, a portion of the needle can be visualized in a cross-sectional slice, but it can be difficult to determine the orientation of the needle (eg, whether it is tilted up or down relative to the plane)

Similarly, it can be difficult to analyze and interpret the position of the treatment device and / or treatment area when relying on parallel planes of imagery that cannot be readily orientated

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