Automatic Depth Scrolling for Semi-Automated Biopsy Path Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical procedures for transbronchial biopsies face challenges in visualizing tissue behind the airway wall and navigating optimal biopsy paths due to limitations in Standard and Endoluminal Views, requiring manual adjustment of multiple path points in three-dimensional CT image volumes, which slows down the workflow.
Innovation Solution
A system with a graphical user interface that automatically adjusts the depth and orientation of the view plane, allowing users to navigate a path in two dimensions while the system updates the view plane in real-time, enabling continuous tracking and alignment with the airway structure, and multiple viewports for interactive visualization of biopsy paths and potential needle penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual path planning is performed in three-dimensional CT image volumes, then path accuracy is improved, but workflow efficiency deteriorates due to the need to control three position and three orientation parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts the view plane depth and orientation based on the selected path points, making the system self-adjusting rather than requiring manual control of view parameters by the user
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment of view plane parameters is replaced by an automated computational system that calculates and updates view parameters based on path geometry
2Measurement precision
If multiple view control parameters are adjusted manually, then view accuracy is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The view plane automatically adjusts itself based on path selection, eliminating the need for users to manually control multiple view parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The complex view control parameters are extracted from user interaction and automatically calculated by the system based on path geometry
3Measurement precision
If real-time view plane updates are implemented, then path visualization accuracy is improved, but computational load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The view plane updates dynamically in real-time as the user selects path points, adapting automatically to maintain optimal visualization
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates and maintains readiness to update view parameters based on path geometry, enabling smooth real-time updates
Data Source
AI summary
A planning tool, system and method include a processor (114) and memory (116) coupled to the processor which stores a planning module (144). A user interface (120) is coupled to the processor and configured to permit a user to select a path through a pathway system (148). The planning module is configured to upload one or more slices of an image volume (111) corresponding to a user-controlled cursor point (108) guided using the user interface such that as the path is navigated the one or more slices are updated in accordance with a depth of the cursor point in the path.