Patient-Specific 3D Cardiac Model Reconstruction for Catheter Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound imaging systems struggle with dynamic movements in the body, leading to inconsistent and inaccurate imaging of complex anatomical structures, particularly in procedures like cardiac ablation, due to limitations in tissue mapping and lack of real-time, detailed visualization.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods for interactive reconstruction of patient-specific anatomical models using catheter-based ultrasound imaging data combined with 3D position/orientation data and pulse phase data, enabling real-time or near-real-time generation of a digital anatomical model through image segmentation and registration techniques, allowing for intuitive navigation and tracking of catheters and tools without fluoroscopy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dynamic forces are employed in ultrasound imaging to capture moving body regions, then real-time imaging capability is improved, but image stability and accuracy deteriorate due to difficulty in stabilizing internal imaging devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into multiple components: a 3D ultrasound acquisition system for capturing anatomical data, a registration system for aligning images across different phases, and a visualization system for displaying processed results. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function while working together to achieve both real-time capability and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring 3D ultrasound images at multiple cardiac phases before the actual intervention. These pre-acquired images are then registered and used to create a navigable 3D model, allowing the imaging system to be stabilized and pre-processed while the catheter is positioned, improving both real-time capability and image accuracy during the procedure.
2Device complexity
If 2D ultrasound imaging is used for visualizing anatomy, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to navigate to precise target locations deteriorates due to lack of three-dimensional spatial context
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D ultrasound imaging to 3D volumetric imaging by acquiring ultrasound data at multiple cardiac phases and registering them into a common coordinate system. This creates a navigable 3D model that provides spatial context in all three dimensions, enabling precise navigation to target locations while maintaining the relatively simple catheter-based ultrasound hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital 3D copy of the patient's anatomy from the ultrasound images. This virtual model serves as a navigable representation that can be interacted with, rotated, and explored without requiring complex physical imaging equipment during the procedure, thus improving navigation precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Productivity
If fluoroscopy is used for anatomical visualization, then real-time imaging capability is improved, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fluoroscopy (an X-ray-based imaging system) with a catheter-based ultrasound imaging system that uses sound waves instead of ionizing radiation. The ultrasound system acquires 3D images at multiple cardiac phases, which are then registered and visualized without requiring fluoroscopic radiation, thus eliminating radiation exposure while maintaining real-time imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental imaging parameter from ionizing radiation (X-rays in fluoroscopy) to acoustic waves (ultrasound). This parameter change allows real-time imaging of cardiac anatomy without the harmful radiation effects, while the multi-phase acquisition and registration process ensures sufficient anatomical detail is captured.
4Productivity
If current ICE systems are used for intracardiac imaging, then real-time imaging is improved, but the ability to provide detailed anatomical visualization deteriorates due to limited field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary acquisition of 3D ultrasound images at multiple cardiac phases before the intervention. By pre-acquiring data across different phases and registering them into a common coordinate system, the system builds a comprehensive 3D model that provides extended field of view coverage, allowing detailed anatomical visualization without requiring a larger real-time imaging field of view during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple 3D ultrasound images acquired at different cardiac phases into a single registered 3D model. This combining process integrates information from all phases, creating an extended field of view that visualizes the entire anatomical structure of interest in detail, overcoming the limited field of view of single-phase ICE systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides accurate, real-time visualization of complex anatomy, enabling precise navigation and treatment planning by generating patient-specific digital models that overcome the limitations of fluoroscopy and current ICE systems, reducing radiation exposure and improving treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
An ultrasound image is produced based on the reflection of high-frequency sound waves off of body structures
Implementation Method 2
The strength (amplitude) of the sound signal in conjunction with the time it takes for the wave to travel through the body provides the information necessary to produce the image
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to systems and methods for generating patient-specific 3D anatomical models of cardiac and vascular anatomy for real-time, near-real time, and/or interactive catheter and interventional tool navigation and tracking.