3D Marker Position Mapping for Low-Exposure Surgical Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D reconstruction techniques in medical imaging, particularly for surgical navigation, face challenges in accurately determining the position of markers outside the central volume due to radiation exposure concerns, as markers are often not included in the central volume, leading to incomplete registration and increased patient radiation risk.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for determining marker positions in a 3D image coordinate system by obtaining image data sets from both a central volume containing the object and a peripheral volume with markers, using subsets of image data sets to accurately determine marker positions, even if they are not included in all data sets, allowing for registration with a navigation system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the central volume is enlarged to include markers within the imaged volume, then marker positions can be obtained in the 3D reconstruction, but the volume of patient's body exposed to radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into two distinct parts: a first imaging session that captures only the central volume containing the object of interest, and a second imaging session that captures markers positioned in a peripheral volume. This segmentation allows the central volume to remain small for radiation safety while still enabling marker position determination through the combined data from both sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing images of markers in a second imaging session after the central object has been imaged in the first session. The marker positions are determined using the second image data sets, and then these positions are used to register the 3D reconstruction of the central object with the navigation coordinate system. This preliminary capture of marker positions enables registration without requiring markers to be included in the central volume.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If markers are positioned outside the central volume to decrease radiation exposure, then patient radiation risk is reduced, but marker positions cannot be represented in the 3D reconstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a separate imaging session specifically for capturing marker positions. The second image data sets serve as an intermediary that contains the marker position information, which is then used to bridge the gap between the 3D reconstruction of the central object and the navigation coordinate system. This intermediary allows marker position information to be obtained without including markers in the central volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing images of markers in a second imaging session after the central object has been imaged in the first session. The marker positions are determined using the second image data sets, and then these positions are used to register the 3D reconstruction of the central object with the navigation coordinate system. This preliminary capture of marker positions enables registration without requiring markers to be included in the central volume.
3Device complexity
If a single 3D reconstruction is generated from all images, then processing is simplified, but registration accuracy is reduced due to missing marker information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image data sets into two distinct groups: first image data sets for capturing the central object and second image data sets for capturing markers. This segmentation allows for separate processing of each type of data, improving registration accuracy by ensuring that marker positions are accurately captured and used for registration, while keeping the processing of the central object straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by determining marker positions using the second image data sets before using them to register the 3D reconstruction. This preliminary determination of marker positions ensures that accurate registration can be achieved, as the marker positions are pre-calculated and available for use in the registration process, improving registration accuracy without significantly increasing overall processing complexity.
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
Enables accurate registration of markers in surgical navigation systems while minimizing patient radiation exposure by utilizing subsets of image data sets to determine marker positions, enhancing surgical precision and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of images is often captured using X-ray beams due to their high transmittance for most materials
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A method and a device for determining a respective position of one or more markers in a 3D image coordinate system are provided. The method comprises obtaining a plurality of image data sets taken from a 3D volume in which an object and one or more markers are disposed. The 3D volume comprises a central volume containing at least a portion of the object and further comprises a peripheral volume adjacent to the central volume and containing the one or more markers. The image data sets have been taken from at least one of different positions and different orientations relative to the object. A first subset comprises image data sets that each includes at least one dedicated marker of the one or more markers and a second subset comprises at least one image data set that does not include the at least one dedicated marker. The method further comprises determining, from the image data sets, a position of the at least one dedicated marker in a 3D image coordinate system of a 3D reconstruction of the central volume with the object portion.