Anatomical Motion Model Using Electromagnetic Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging methodologies for vascular structures often rely on ionizing radiation and fail to provide real-time, adequate visualization of anatomical behavior, especially during complex medical procedures, leading to insufficient guidance for medical staff.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes sensors attached to an apparatus inserted within the anatomical structure, a tracking system generating three-dimensional tracking data, and a computing device processing this data to compute a 4D parametric motion model characterizing the behavior of the structure over time, allowing for real-time visualization without ionizing radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If X-Ray fluoroscopy is used for imaging, then real-time visualization is achieved, but ionizing radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ionizing radiation-based X-Ray fluoroscopy with a mechanical tracking system that uses sensors and electromagnetic fields to track the position and orientation of anatomical structures in real-time without exposing patients or medical staff to radiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary elements that are attached to or integrated with anatomical structures or medical devices. These sensors serve as mediators between the tracking system and the anatomical structures, enabling non-radiation-based real-time visualization through electromagnetic field interactions
2Loss of information
If contrast dyes are used for visualization, then anatomical structures become visible, but image quality remains poor for complex anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contrast dye-based visualization with a direct mechanical tracking approach using sensors that physically or electromagnetically interact with the anatomical structures, providing accurate spatial information without relying on contrast agents that fail to penetrate or highlight complex anatomical details
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy or virtual model of the anatomical structures by tracking sensor positions and reconstructing the three-dimensional geometry and motion of the structures, providing accurate visual information for complex anatomy without requiring contrast dyes
3Measurement precision
If traditional imaging modalities are used, then anatomical structures can be visualized, but real-time behavior characterization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous real-time tracking of anatomical structures through continuously active sensors that monitor position, orientation, and motion without interruption, enabling precise behavior characterization at every moment during medical procedures rather than through discrete static images
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where sensor data is continuously acquired, processed, and used to update the virtual model of anatomical structures in real-time, providing immediate feedback on structural behavior and motion that can guide procedural decisions
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for characterizing a behavior of an anatomical structure. Tracking data can be generated by a tracking system to represent at least a location of at least one sensor in a three-dimensional tracking coordinate system over time. A motion model is generated to characterize the behavior of the anatomical structure over a plurality of time instances. For instance, the motion model includes at least one free parameter and a temporal parameter. Each free parameter estimating geometry of the anatomical structure derived from the tracking data, and the temporal parameter indexes the free parameter over the plurality of time instances. A visualization is generated to provide a sequence of graphical images based on the motion model to characterize behavior of the anatomical structure over time.