3D Medical Image Visualization for Needle Trajectory Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems lack the ability to intuitively plan, perform, and analyze minimally invasive procedures such as needle guidance due to limited visualization of the relationship between target lesions, skin entry points, and critical structures in two-dimensional medical images, making it difficult to ensure target reachability before device placement.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that allows clinicians to visualize three-dimensional image sets on a two-dimensional display by using indicator elements to indicate the location of image slices, target points, and regions of interest, enabling planning, performance, and evaluation of needle placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple two-dimensional image slices are displayed simultaneously to show target lesion and skin entry point relationships, then the completeness of anatomical information is improved, but the ease of visualization and understanding of spatial relationships deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by displaying multiple 2D image slices (axial, coronal, sagittal planes) simultaneously on a single 2D screen, creating a multi-planar visualization that represents 3D anatomical relationships. This allows clinicians to view target lesions, skin entry points, and critical structures across different anatomical planes without switching between separate images, thereby maintaining information completeness while improving spatial relationship comprehension through integrated multi-dimensional display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple 2D image slices from different anatomical planes (axial, coronal, sagittal) into a single integrated display. By combining these slices and showing them concurrently with proper orientation indicators, the system consolidates分散 anatomical information into a unified visual representation, allowing clinicians to assess spatial relationships between target lesions, entry points, and critical structures in one comprehensive view rather than separately.
2Device complexity
If conventional two-dimensional image display is used to plan needle trajectories, then the simplicity of the imaging system is maintained, but the accuracy of target reachability assessment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances 2D image display by incorporating multi-planar reconstruction that effectively adds dimensional context. By displaying axial, coronal, and sagittal slices simultaneously with orientation indicators and anatomical landmarks, the system provides three-dimensional spatial information within a two-dimensional display framework, improving target reachability assessment accuracy without requiring complex 3D visualization hardware or systems.
3Measurement precision
If separate images are displayed for different anatomical planes, then the clarity of individual plane information is maintained, but the ability to understand interconnections between images deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate anatomical plane displays into an integrated multi-planar view. By showing axial, coronal, and sagittal slices simultaneously on one screen with proper spatial orientation indicators and consistent anatomical landmarks across all planes, the system maintains the clarity of individual plane information while establishing visual connections between them, allowing clinicians to understand how structures relate across different anatomical perspectives.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to medical imaging and, more particularly to systems, methods, and devices for planning and carrying out minimally invasive procedures using external devices for needle guidance and the display and manipulation of the image set when planning and performing the procedure.