3D Endoscopic Image Guidance for Precise Cannulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic systems face challenges in navigating and maintaining cannulation due to limited visualization capabilities, especially in complex patient anatomies, and lack of three-dimensional (3D) spatial information, which complicates cannulation and navigation in procedures like ERCP.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic system that integrates multi-modality 3D image reconstruction and navigation using a processor to combine and calibrate various image sources, including 2D and 3D images, to generate a 3D image of the anatomical target, enhancing visualization and providing a navigation plan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If 2D endoscopic images or fluoroscopy images are used to guide cannulation, then the procedure can be performed with existing imaging capabilities, but the images lack details of the anatomy of interest such as shape, depth, and structural characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from 2D images to 3D reconstructed images. The system reconstructs three-dimensional images of the anatomical target from multiple 2D images, adding depth and spatial information to the visualization. This enables endoscopists to perceive anatomical structures in three dimensions, improving understanding of shape, depth, and spatial relationships without requiring multiple separate imaging devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple image sources (endoscopic images and fluoroscopy images) into a single integrated 3D reconstruction. By combining data from different imaging modalities and registering them to a common coordinate system, the system creates a unified three-dimensional representation that consolidates information from multiple sources rather than requiring separate analysis of each image type.
2Ease of operation
If two separate endoscopists operate mother-daughter scopes, then each scope can be controlled independently, but the complexity of coordinating multiple operators increases procedure difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a navigation system as an intermediary that coordinates the actions of multiple endoscopists. The system provides real-time visual feedback and navigation guidance that synchronizes the operations of the mother scope and daughter scope operators, enabling coordinated cannulation and navigation without requiring direct communication or complex coordination between multiple operators.
3Manufacturing precision
If 2D images are used for cannulation guidance, then the system remains relatively simple, but the cannulation precision is reduced due to lack of 3D spatial information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconstructs three-dimensional images from multiple two-dimensional images, adding the dimension of depth to the anatomical visualization. This 3D reconstruction provides spatial information about the anatomical target's shape, orientation, and position, enabling precise cannulation guidance while maintaining a relatively compact image processing system that operates on standard endoscopic and fluoroscopic imaging data.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic system can comprise an endoscope to be positioned and navigated in a patient anatomy, and a processor configured to reconstruct a three-dimensional (3D) image of an anatomical target based on at least two images of the anatomical target. The at least two images can be calibrated and registered using respective landmarks. One or more secondary images can be integrated with the reconstructed 3D image. The reconstructed image or the integrated image, along with the endoscope navigation plan, can be displayed to a user. Based on the reconstructed or the integrated image, the processor can generate an endoscope navigation plan for use in an image-guided endoscopic procedure.