Preoperative surgical simulation

Abstract

An apparatus for simulating an image-guided procedure. The system comprises an input for receiving a three-dimensional (3D) medical image depicting an organ of a patient, a model generation unit for generating a 3D anatomical model of the organ according to the 3D medical image, and a simulating unit for simulating a planned image-guided procedure on the patient, according to the 3D anatomical model.

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for performing a simulated image-guided medical procedure and, more particularly, but not exclusively to performing a simulated image-guided procedure according to a three-dimensional (3D) model of an organ that is based on a 3D medical image.[0002]Medical imaging is generally recognized as important for diagnosis and patient care with the goal of improving treatment outcomes. In recent years, medical imaging has experienced an explosive growth due to advances in imaging modalities such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound. These modalities provide noninvasive methods for studying internal organs in vivo, but the amount of data is relatively large and when presented as two dimensional (2D) images, it generally requires an anatomist / radiology specialist for interpretation. Unfortunately, the cost incurred in manual interpretation of thi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for simulating image-guided procedures using a three-dimensional (3D) medical image of an organ of a patient. The apparatus includes an input for receiving the 3D medical image, a model generation unit for generating a 3D anatomical model of the organ, and a simulating unit for simulating the image-guided procedure planned for the patient. The method involves segmenting the organ in the 3D medical image, producing a 3D model of the organ, and simulating the image-guided procedure. The technical effects of the invention include improved training and preparation for image-guided procedures, improved accuracy in procedure simulation, and improved patient safety during surgical procedures.

Problems solved by technology

These modalities provide noninvasive methods for studying internal organs in vivo, but the amount of data is relatively large and when presented as two dimensional (2D) images, it generally requires an anatomist / radiology specialist for interpretation.

Unfortunately, the cost incurred in manual interpretation of this data is prohibitive for routine data analysis.

However, these procedures involve delicate and coordinated hand movements, spatially unrelated to the view on a video monitor of the remotely controlled surgical instruments.

Depth perception is lacking on the flat video display and therefore it is not an easy task to learn to control the tools through the spatially arbitrary linkage.

A mistake in this difficult environment can be dangerous.

Therefore, a high level of skill is required, and a realistic training of these specialists is a complex task.

In addition, usually there is no direct engagement of the depth perception of the radiologist, who must make assumptions about the patient's anatomy to deliver therapy and assess the results.

Moreover, when a virtual model is used, the simulation system cannot be used for accurately simulating an operation that has been performed on a real patient.

Therefore, the currently used simulation systems cannot be used for going back over an operation that went wrong or for didactic purposes.

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