Augmented Fluoroscopy System for Soft Tissue Localization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluoroscopy struggles to clearly visualize soft tissues and dynamic structures like lung cancer nodules during medical procedures due to low-density tissue being occluded by high-density tissues, leading to inaccurate localization and increased procedure times.
Innovation Solution
An augmented fluoroscopy system that integrates preoperative imaging data from CT or MRI with real-time fluoroscopic images, using registration techniques to enhance visualization of anatomical structures and guide medical instruments, by suppressing static structures and improving signal-to-noise ratios, allowing for precise navigation and reduced procedure times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fluoroscopy is used for real-time imaging, then procedure time is reduced compared to other imaging modalities, but soft tissue visualization quality deteriorates due to occlusion by high-density tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fluoroscopy imaging with preoperative CT or MRI data through image registration techniques. The fluoroscopic images are registered with the preoperative imaging data to create a fused image that preserves the real-time capability of fluoroscopy while adding the soft tissue detail from CT/MRI, thereby resolving the contradiction between fast imaging and soft tissue visualization quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses image registration as an intermediary process to bridge fluoroscopy and preoperative imaging modalities. The registration algorithm aligns the fluoroscopic images with the preoperative CT or MRI data, creating a composite view that enables accurate soft tissue localization while maintaining real-time imaging capabilities
2Measurement precision
If preoperative imaging data is integrated with real-time fluoroscopy, then soft tissue visibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional imaging system that can process and register multiple imaging modalities (fluoroscopy, CT, MRI) within a single integrated platform. This universal system handles different data formats and registration requirements, reducing the complexity that would arise from separate systems by consolidating functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copying and processing of preoperative imaging data, creating virtual representations that can be overlaid and registered with real-time fluoroscopy. This digital approach avoids the complexity of physical multi-modality equipment integration by using software-based image fusion of copied data from different modalities
3Measurement precision
If image registration is performed to enhance soft tissue visualization, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preoperative imaging (CT or MRI) before the surgical procedure, so that the complex high-resolution imaging is completed in advance. The preoperative data is then registered with real-time fluoroscopy during the procedure, reducing real-time processing requirements while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through the use of pre-acquired detailed anatomical data
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the visibility of soft tissues and dynamic structures, improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing procedure times by overlaying preoperative planning data onto real-time fluoroscopic images, thereby improving the precision and efficiency of medical interventions.
Implementation Method 1
a second image from a second imaging modality, such as, but not limited to, fluoroscopy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention provides a method, including: introducing an instrument into a cavity of a subject; obtaining a first image from a first imaging modality; identifying on the first image from the first imaging modality at least one element, obtaining a second image from a second imaging modality; generating a compatible virtual image from the first image from the first imaging modality; mapping planning data on the compatible virtual image; coarse registering of the second image from the second imaging modality to the first image from the first imaging modality; identifying at least one element of the mapped planning data from the compatible virtual image; identifying a corresponding element on the second imaging modality; mapping the corresponding element on the second imaging modality; fine registering of the second image from the second imaging modality to the first image from the first imaging modality; generating a third image.