Intracardiac echocardiography image reconstruction in combination with position tracking system

Abstract

A system and method to display a four-dimensional (4D) model of an imaged anatomy is provided. The system comprises a controller, and an imaging system including an imaging probe in communication with the controller. The imaging probe can acquire generally real-time, 3D image data relative to a direction of image acquisition along an imaging plane. The system also includes a tracking system in communication with the controller. The tracking system includes at least one tracking element integrated with the imaging probe. The system is operable to process the generally real-time, 3D image data acquired by the imaging probe relative to generally real-time tracking information acquired by the tracking system so as to display the 4D model of the imaged anatomy.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation application and claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 060,714, filed Apr. 1, 2008, and entitled “INTRACARDIAC ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION IN COMBINATION WITH POSITION TRACKING SYSTEM”, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 938,442, filed on May 16, 2007, and entitled “4D INTRACARDIAC ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY RECONSTRUCTION WITH ASSISTANCE OF EM POSITION TRACKER” all of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.BACKGROUND[0002]The subject matter herein generally relates to medical imaging, and more specifically, to a system and method to navigate a tool through an imaged subject.[0003]Image-guided surgery is a developing technology that generally provides a surgeon with a virtual roadmap into a patient's anatomy. This virtual roadmap allows the surgeon to reduce the size of entry or incision into the patient, whi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention improves the vision of a surgeon during surgery by using virtual images of the surgical instruments or objects displayed alongside real-time image data of the patient's anatomy. It also allows for easy tracking of the movement of these instruments and reduces the amount of time and resources needed for the procedure, reducing the risk of health risks associated with long-term exposure to radiation.

Problems solved by technology

Yet, the sensors to the track the tool and the detectors to acquire the image data may not be precisely located due to manufacturing variation.

Heart rhythm disorders or cardiac arrhythmias are a major cause of mortality and morbidity.

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