3D Blood Vessel Guidance for Real-Time Catheter Tip Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Interventional Radiology (IVR) procedures using X-ray angiography, manual manipulation of catheters and guidewires relies heavily on the experience and skills of the surgeon, leading to potential errors and delays, especially in remote-controlled robotic systems where inexperienced operators may cause erroneous manipulations.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing apparatus that extracts 3D blood vessel data from image data, detects the tip position of medical devices in real-time, and calculates a recommended route and direction, displaying this information on a terminal device to assist the operator in accurately guiding the device to the target site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of catheter is performed by inexperienced surgery performer, then operation can be conducted, but erroneous manipulation and delay occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time visual feedback by displaying the current position of the catheter tip overlaid on a pre-acquired 3D blood vessel image. This allows inexperienced operators to see exactly where the catheter is located and adjust their manipulation accordingly, preventing erroneous movements and improving placement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary acquisition and processing of 3D blood vessel images before the catheterization procedure. This pre-prepared anatomical roadmap is then used during the procedure to guide catheter navigation, allowing inexperienced operators to plan their approach in advance and avoid errors during actual manipulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If remote control of catheterization procedure is performed, then remote operation is enabled, but manipulation accuracy depends on operator experience
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy or replica of the patient's blood vessel anatomy through 3D image reconstruction from pre-acquired imaging data. This virtual anatomical model is displayed on screens at the remote control location, allowing the operator to navigate the catheter through the virtual model and translate successful navigation to the actual procedure, improving positioning precision independent of operator experience.
3Ease of operation
If check on catheter interference with blood vessel inner wall is performed manually, then operator judgment is required, but decision accuracy depends on experience and skills
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously provides visual feedback showing the spatial relationship between the catheter and the 3D reconstructed blood vessel walls. Inexperienced operators can immediately see if the catheter is approaching or contacting the vessel wall, eliminating the need for subjective judgment and improving detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D blood vessel image acts as an intermediary between the actual blood vessel and the operator. Instead of directly manipulating and judging catheter position in real-time fluoroscopy, the operator uses the pre-processed 3D anatomical model as a reference guide, making interference detection more accurate and less dependent on operator skill.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes: processing circuitry configured to extract 3D blood vessel data of an object from 3D image data of the object, detect a tip position of a medical device moving in a blood vessel in real time from a fluoroscopic image of the object inputted during an operation, and calculate at least one of a recommended route and a recommended direction of the medical device from the 3D blood vessel data, a rough route of the medical device, and the tip position of the medical device; and a terminal device configured to display a 3D blood vessel image of the object generated from the 3D blood vessel data and to designate the rough route of the medical device on the 3D blood vessel image.