3D Ablation Visualization System for Medical Imaging Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ablation procedures lack effective visualization tools to accurately predict and execute three-dimensional ablation zones in patient anatomy, failing to account for the inherent variability of ablation devices and the complex three-dimensional nature of tissue structures.
Innovation Solution
The development of a visualization system that overlays three-dimensional ablation size data onto patient anatomy images, allowing clinicians to visualize and adjust ablation zones in real-time based on power levels, needle orientation, and anatomical features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ablation procedures are performed without advanced visualization tools, then the procedure can be performed with simpler equipment, but the ability to accurately predict and execute three-dimensional ablation zones is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the patient's anatomy using CT scan data, generating a three-dimensional digital model that replicates the actual tissue structure. This virtual replica allows clinicians to visualize and plan ablation zones without manipulating the actual patient tissue, enabling precise prediction of ablation outcomes while maintaining equipment simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms two-dimensional CT scan images into three-dimensional volumetric data, creating a spatial representation of the anatomy that allows visualization from multiple angles and depths. This dimensional transformation enables accurate prediction of three-dimensional ablation zones that cannot be achieved with traditional two-dimensional imaging alone.
2Reliability
If ablation procedures do not account for variability in ablation devices and tissue structures, then the procedure is simpler to perform, but the reliability of treatment outcomes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates multiple variables and parameters into the visualization system, including ablation device characteristics, tissue properties, and anatomical variations. By adjusting these parameters within the virtual model, the system can predict how different ablation scenarios will outcome, accounting for variability while maintaining procedural simplicity through automated calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to clinicians by displaying predicted ablation zones and outcomes based on the input parameters and virtual model. This feedback mechanism allows clinicians to adjust their approach based on predicted results, improving reliability of outcomes without requiring complex manual calculations or adjustments during the actual procedure.
3Manufacturing precision
If three-dimensional visualization of ablation zones is implemented, then the precision of ablation planning is improved, but the time required for procedure preparation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all ablation zone visualization and planning actions in advance, before the actual ablation procedure. The virtual model is prepared and all necessary measurements and predictions are calculated beforehand, allowing the actual procedure to be executed more quickly and efficiently without time-consuming real-time calculations or adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
The visualization method includes displaying three-dimensional image data of at least one anatomical feature of a patient, receiving user input of the target for placing an ablation needle in the at least one anatomical feature of the patient, determining the position and orientation of the ablation needle based on the user input, displaying an image of a virtual ablation needle in the three-dimensional image data of the at least one anatomical feature of the patient according to the determined position and orientation, receiving user input of parameters of operating the ablation needle, and displaying a three-dimensional representation of the result of operating the ablation needle according to the input parameters.