Segmentation and registration of multimodal images using physiological data

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for registering maps with images, involving segmentation of three-dimensional images and registration of images with an electro-anatomical map using physiological or functional information in the maps and the images, rather than using only location information. A typical application of the invention involves registration of an electro-anatomical map of the heart with a preacquired or real-time three-dimensional image. Features such as scar tissue in the heart, which typically exhibits lower voltage than healthy tissue in the electro-anatomical map, can be localized and accurately delineated on the three-dimensional image and map.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to anatomical imaging and electroanatomical mapping. More particularly, the invention relates to the simultaneous display of cardiac images and electroanatomical maps acquired by different modalities. Background technique [0002] Methods for three-dimensional geometric mapping and rendering of the endocardial surface are known in the art. For example, US Patent No. 5,738,096, which is hereby incorporated by reference, describes a method for mapping the endocardium based on touching a probe to multiple locations, such as on a wall, and determining the positional coordinates of the probe at each location. These position coordinates are combined to form a map of at least a portion of the heart. [0003] It is currently known to perform ultrasound imaging using a bridging catheter together with position detection. Such devices are disclosed, for example, in commonly assigned US Patent Nos. 6,690,963, 6,716,166, and 6,773,4...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This technique usually requires the system operator to spend time finding and marking the locations required for registration in addition to the operations performed by the mapping process itself

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