Patient Breathing Modeling

Abstract

A method of accounting for the movement of the lungs during an endoscopic procedure such that a previously acquired image may be dynamically registered with a display showing the position of a locatable guide. After an initial image set is acquired, an area of interest is identified and the movement thereof due to breathing is mathematically modeled. Patient movement sensors are then used to provide information on the patient's breathing patterns. This information is entered into the mathematical model in order to update the registration between the image set and a display showing the position of the locatable guide.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 948,640 filed Jul. 9, 2007 entitled Patient Breathing Modeling; and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 043,987 filed Apr. 10, 2008 entitled Patient Breathing Modeling, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The method of the present invention relates generally to the accurate registration of a detected sensor located in moving lungs to a static image of the lungs. The evolution of procedures using less-invasive scopes has resulted in the development of sensors that can be attached to end of an endoscope and used to determine the three-dimensional location and orientation of the end of the endoscope. Examples of such sensor technology is shown and described in various patents and patent publications including U.S. Pat. No. 6,188,355 to Gilboa, U.S. Pat. No. 6,380,732 to Gilboa, U.S. Pat. No. 6,593,884 to Gilboa et al., U.S. Pat. No. ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a method for creating a representative model of the human lungs based on statistical anatomical data, which can be tailored to the size and shape of an individual patient. The method uses a combination of statistical data and a mathematical model to predict the movement of the lungs during the breathing cycle. The invention also includes a method for monitoring the movement of the lungs in real-time using external or internal sensors, and a computer program that can create a dynamic representation of the lungs based on the measured position of a tool or other object inside the body. The invention can be used for various medical purposes such as diagnostics and treatment planning.

Problems solved by technology

One problem that arises while using these localization methods is that, in order to provide information that is useful to a physician, a display must be used that shows a representation of the tool superimposed on an image of the lungs.

However, this would require constant exposure to X-ray radiation by both the patient and the medical staff during while performing the dynamic registration.

Doing so does not necessarily improve the accuracy of the real-time data being displayed because at least one of the data sets is being distorted.

Moreover, PET requires prolonged exposure to radioactive imaging agents.

This idea certainly reduces costs and exposure to radiation, however it necessarily compromises image accuracy.

Finally, Vilsmeier does not address developing a dynamic model.

Because the model is completely simulated, it is useful for studying lung movement and the effects of tumor, but it would not have application during a procedure on an actual patient.

Images