Anatomical Passageway Models for Segmentation-Free Instrument Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing minimally invasive medical techniques face challenges in accurately navigating and controlling elongate devices within patient anatomy due to limitations in imaging registration and control systems, particularly when high-quality imaging is unavailable or distorted by anatomical anomalies.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes a combination of pre-operative or intra-operative imaging data, including CT, MRI, and ultrasound, to generate three-dimensional models of anatomical passageways without segmentation, allowing for real-time navigation and control of medical instruments through user input and virtual navigation, supplemented by segmentation where necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional imaging registration techniques are used to navigate minimally invasive instruments, then operator control is facilitated, but navigation accuracy deteriorates when high-quality imaging is unavailable or distorted by anatomical anomalies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a three-dimensional computational model that copies and represents the anatomical passageway structure from imaging data. This virtual model serves as a reference framework that can be navigated independently of the quality of original imaging data, allowing accurate instrument guidance even when imaging is distorted or low-quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computational model as an intermediary between the imaging data and the navigation system. This model acts as a mediator that translates imperfect imaging data into a reliable navigational framework, decoupling the navigation accuracy from the imaging quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If segmentation techniques are used to generate three-dimensional models from imaging data, then model accuracy is improved, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential geometric features of the anatomical passageway needed for navigation, rather than performing complete segmentation of all anatomical structures. This selective extraction approach generates accurate navigational models while significantly reducing processing time and computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation selectively to specific regions or features that are critical for navigation, rather than segmenting the entire anatomical volume. This partial segmentation approach maintains model accuracy for navigation-critical areas while minimizing overall processing requirements.
3Measurement precision
If high-resolution imaging is used to ensure accurate navigation, then navigation precision is improved, but patient radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a detailed three-dimensional computational model that copies the anatomical structure from lower-resolution imaging data. This virtual model provides sufficient navigation precision without requiring high-resolution imaging, thereby reducing patient radiation exposure while maintaining navigational accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
Medical imaging systems and methods are provided herein that provide for navigation and procedure planning without segmentation. A method comprises receiving, by a medical imaging system having at least one processing device, three-dimensional image data of a patient anatomy. The method also comprises filtering the three-dimensional data to display a portion of the three-dimensional image data that is associated with the patient anatomy and receiving, at the processing device, input from an operator input device. The input comprises navigational directions for virtual movement within a space defined by the three-dimensional image data. The method also includes tracking the virtual movement and generating a first model of the patient anatomy based on the tracked virtual movement.