3D Image Superimposition for Accurate Surgical Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical navigation systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently locating anatomical structures, leading to increased operating time and risks, and require additional radiographic scans, which can harm patients and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involves obtaining a three-dimensional image, selecting a viewing angle direction, generating two-dimensional images along this direction, superimposing them to form a two-dimensional superimposed image, and guiding a virtual surgical instrument into this image to enhance anatomical structure identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional radiographic images (X-ray or CT) are used for surgical navigation, then anatomical structures can be visualized, but the accuracy and efficiency of locating specific structures (such as pedicles or sacroiliac joints) deteriorates due to image overlap and insufficient detail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms conventional two-dimensional radiographic images into three-dimensional volumetric images, allowing surgeons to view anatomical structures from multiple angles and planes. This dimensional enhancement eliminates image overlap problems and provides comprehensive spatial information, thereby improving both the accuracy of structure identification and the efficiency of surgical instrument placement without requiring additional radiation exposure
2Measurement precision
If additional radiographic scans are obtained to improve anatomical structure visibility, then image clarity may improve, but patient radiation exposure increases causing health risks and additional costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of image representation from multiple separate two-dimensional radiographic scans to a single three-dimensional volumetric reconstruction. This parameter transformation allows all necessary anatomical information to be extracted from one scan, eliminating the need for additional radiation exposure while maintaining or improving image clarity through multi-planar and multi-angle visualization capabilities
3Reliability
If multiple radiographic scans are performed to ensure accurate anatomical structure identification, then diagnostic confidence may improve, but operating time increases leading to anesthesia complications and infection risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary three-dimensional image reconstruction and virtual surgical planning before the actual surgery. By pre-visualizing anatomical structures from all angles and pre-planning instrument trajectories in the three-dimensional space, surgeons gain high diagnostic confidence without spending additional time in the operating room, thereby reducing anesthesia exposure and infection risks
4Device complexity
If conventional two-dimensional radiographic images are used, then equipment complexity remains low, but the ability to guide surgical instruments accurately deteriorates due to lack of spatial context
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the three-dimensional imaging system universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions: it can generate axial, coronal, and sagittal views; create maximum intensity projection images; perform virtual surgical planning; and guide instrument placement in real-time. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single three-dimensional reconstruction engine that processes the volumetric data, providing high precision surgical guidance without requiring multiple separate imaging systems
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical navigation method includes obtaining a three-dimensional image; selecting a viewing angle direction; generating one or more two-dimensional images arranged along the viewing angle direction from the three-dimensional image; superimposing the one or more two-dimensional images along the viewing angle direction to form a two-dimensional superimposed image; and guiding a movement of a virtual surgical instrument into the two-dimensional superimposed image.