AR Deep Brain Path Planning With 3D Cranial Path Scoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging technologies lack an effective means to plan minimally invasive deep brain interventions that minimize damage to critical brain structures and functions, particularly during procedures like biopsies or radiotherapy, due to the lack of real-time, accurate path planning and registration with the patient's anatomy.
Innovation Solution
A medical system utilizing augmented reality (AR) for rendering a three-dimensional path score surface on the patient's cranial surface, based on segmented medical imaging data, to guide the selection of least-damaging paths to a target location within the brain, incorporating real-time registration and feedback on implement alignment and brain deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional medical imaging techniques are used for deep brain path planning, then anatomical structures can be visualized, but real-time accurate path planning and registration with patient anatomy is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical and manual path planning methods with an augmented reality system that uses optical visualization and computational processing. The AR system overlays virtual path indicators directly onto the patient's anatomy, substituting manual measurement and planning with automated image processing and real-time rendering of path scores and alignment feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The augmented reality system acts as an intermediary between the medical imaging data and the surgeon's decision-making process. It processes segmented medical imaging data, calculates path scores for multiple entry locations, and presents this information through visual overlays that bridge the gap between static imaging data and dynamic surgical planning needs.
2Measurement precision
If multiple magnetic resonance imaging scans are used to image brain tissue, then detailed anatomical visualization is achieved, but the complexity of path planning and navigation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cranial surface into multiple discrete entry locations and calculating path scores for each location independently. This segmentation allows the system to process complex multi-scan MRI data by breaking it down into manageable discrete paths, each evaluated against anatomical structures identified in the segmented imaging data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by calculating and comparing path scores across multiple entry locations, transforming complex anatomical data into simplified quantitative metrics. The AR system renders these path scores as visual indicators, converting complex multi-dimensional imaging data into intuitive one-dimensional score representations that guide surgical decision-making.
3Ease of operation
If straight paths are planned from cranial surface to target location, then minimally invasive procedures are enabled, but the risk of damage to critical brain structures increases without real-time guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating and evaluating multiple straight paths from different cranial entry locations to the target before the surgical procedure begins. The system pre-computes path scores based on segmented medical imaging data, identifying which straight paths minimize damage to critical structures, allowing the surgeon to select the optimal path in advance while maintaining the minimally invasive straight-path approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The augmented reality system provides real-time feedback during the procedure by overlaying visual indicators that show implement alignment with the planned path and deviations from the optimal trajectory. This feedback loop allows the surgeon to maintain the simplicity of straight-path insertion while receiving continuous guidance to avoid critical structures.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a medical system (200, 300) comprising an augmented reality system (204) configured for rendering virtual objects within a visual three-dimensional field of view of an operator (214). Execution of machine executable instructions (230) causes the computational system to: receive (400) segmented medical imaging data (100, 232) descriptive of a continuous volume of a subject (210) comprising at least a portion of a brain (102) of the subject and a cranial surface (106) of the subject; control (402) the augmented reality system to determine a registration (234) between the subject and the segmented medical imaging data; receive (404) a target location (104) within the at least a portion of the brain; discretize (406) the cranial surface to define multiple entry locations (108); determine (408) a straight path (110) for each of the multiple entry locations that extends to the target location; assign (410) a path score (238) to the straight path for each of the multiple entry locations using the segmented medical imaging data; calculate (412) a three-dimensional path score surface defined by the cranial surface and is descriptive of the path score of each of the multiple entry locations; and render (414) the three-dimensional path score surface using the augmented reality system, wherein the rendered three-dimensional path score surface is positioned in the visual three-dimensional field of view of the operator using the registration.