Augmented Reality Spine Registration for Vertebra Level Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in spine surgery is accurately identifying the correct vertebra level for incision, which is often difficult due to the limitations of 2D scout views and cumbersome use of C-arms for additional x-ray imaging, especially in obese patients, leading to unnecessary radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using augmented reality (AR) to register a digital model of the spine, where a digital model with vertices corresponding to identifiable landmarks is displayed as an overlay on an AR viewing device, allowing precise vertebra identification through palpation, minimizing the need for additional x-ray imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surgeons use 2D scout views and C-arm x-ray imaging to determine vertebra level, then they can obtain imaging data for navigation, but radiation exposure increases and the process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary registration of the patient's anatomy using pre-acquired 3D imaging data (CT or MRI) before surgery. This creates a digital twin of the patient's spine that can be used for navigation without requiring additional intraoperative x-rays, thus eliminating radiation exposure while maintaining accurate vertebra level determination
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a digital copy (virtual model) of the patient's anatomical structures from preoperative imaging data. This digital twin is then registered with the physical patient using surface mapping and landmark identification, allowing surgeons to navigate using the radiation-free digital model instead of repeatedly acquiring x-ray images
2Object-affected harmful factors
If surgeons count spinous processes to identify vertebra level, then they can determine position without additional imaging, but this is not possible in obese patients
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary digital model that bridges the gap between the surgeon and the patient's anatomy. Instead of directly counting spinous processes (which is difficult in obese patients), the surgeon interacts with a virtual 3D model of the spine that clearly displays vertebra levels, making landmark identification easy regardless of patient body habitus
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from 2D scout views and direct physical counting to a 3D virtual model of the spine. This additional dimension provides comprehensive anatomical information and allows easy identification of vertebra levels through the digital model, overcoming the limitations of physical palpation in obese patients
3Measurement precision
If multiple x-ray images are taken to verify vertebra position, then accurate localization is achieved, but the surgical process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
All necessary anatomical data is acquired and processed before surgery in the form of preoperative 3D imaging and registered digital models. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for multiple intraoperative x-ray verification shots, saving significant surgical time while maintaining accurate vertebra position determination
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous visual feedback through the augmented reality display, showing the surgeon's instrument position relative to the virtual spine model in real-time. This immediate feedback replaces the need for multiple x-ray verification images, allowing accurate localization to be achieved in a single attempt rather than through repeated trial-and-error imaging
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a computer-implemented method of registering a digital model of an anatomical body part corresponding to a patient body part.The method encompasses input, to an augmented reality viewing device, of data defining a digital model of an anatomical body part, for example of the spine. The model comprises at least one vertex which corresponds to a specific part of the anatomical body part. The specific part is for example a landmark which is easily identifiable for a user, such a specific vertebra which may be found by palpation. Based on a known orientation of the augmented reality viewing device relative to the anatomical body part, visual information is displayed on a viewing unit of the augmented reality viewing device. The visual information indicates the position of the vertex as an overlay on the position of the specific part of the anatomical body part in the field of view of the augmented reality viewing device.