3D Model Registration with Fluoroscopy for Catheter Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging techniques, such as fluoroscopically guided catheter procedures for atrial fibrillation ablation and bi-ventricular pacing, face challenges in visualizing anatomical structures like pulmonary veins and coronary sinus due to complex 3D geometry, leading to cumbersome and lengthy procedures with limited success rates.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that register 3D models of anatomical regions with fluoroscopy images using a common anatomical reference system, allowing precise alignment and navigation of catheters and pacing leads by employing the motion of the catheter to synchronize the 3D model with the catheter movement, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of procedures like AF ablation and Bi-V pacing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy images alone are used to guide catheter placement, then the procedure can be performed with standard equipment, but the anatomical structures like pulmonary veins and coronary sinus are not well visualized leading to cumbersome and lengthy procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fluoroscopy images with 3D anatomical models into a registered hybrid display, merging the real-time guidance capability of fluoroscopy with the detailed anatomical visualization of 3D models. This integration allows operators to see both the catheter position in real-time and the precise anatomical landmarks simultaneously, improving visualization precision without requiring separate procedures or equipment changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent overlays 3D anatomical model data onto the 2D fluoroscopy images, adding a third dimension of anatomical detail to the existing 2D fluoroscopic view. This dimensional enhancement provides depth information and anatomical context that is not available in standard fluoroscopy alone, allowing for more precise catheter navigation through complex anatomical structures
2Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy images alone are used to guide catheter placement, then the equipment remains simple, but the anatomical structures are not well depicted leading to cumbersome procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a processing circuit as an intermediary component that automatically registers and integrates the 3D anatomical model data with the fluoroscopy images. This intermediary handles the complex registration and fusion operations, shielding the operator from the underlying system complexity while providing enhanced visualization. The processing circuit acts as a mediator between the simple fluoroscopy system and the detailed 3D anatomical models
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the anatomical structures through 3D modeling from pre-acquired imaging data, then registers this digital copy with the real-time fluoroscopy images. This copying approach allows the system to display detailed anatomical information without requiring complex real-time 3D imaging hardware during the procedure, maintaining equipment simplicity while enhancing visualization
3Reliability
If traditional fluoroscopy guidance is used, then the procedure can be performed with standard equipment, but the success rate of AF ablation and Bi-V pacing is limited due to poor anatomical visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges fluoroscopy images with 3D anatomical models into a registered hybrid display, combining the real-time guidance capability of fluoroscopy with the detailed anatomical visualization of 3D models. This integration allows operators to see both the catheter position in real-time and the precise anatomical landmarks simultaneously, improving visualization precision without requiring separate procedures or equipment changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processing circuit as an intermediary component that automatically registers and integrates the 3D anatomical model data with the fluoroscopy images. This intermediary handles the complex registration and fusion operations, shielding the operator from the underlying system complexity while providing enhanced visualization
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system for use in a medical intervention procedure is disclosed. A first image acquisition system of a first modality employing a catheter at an anatomical region of a patient is configured to produce a first image of the anatomical region using fluoroscopy, the first image comprising a set of fluoroscopy projection images. A second image acquisition system of a second different modality is configured to generate a 3D model of the anatomical region. An anatomical reference system is common to both the first and second image acquisition systems. A processing circuit is configured to process executable instructions for registering the 3D model with the fluoroscopy image in response to the common reference system and discernible parameters associated with the catheter in both the first and second image acquisition systems.