Bone Marker Image Registration for Low-Radiation Surgical Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging techniques for surgical navigation face challenges such as erroneous or low-quality image data registration, high radiation exposure due to frequent high-resolution image acquisitions, and obstruction of surgical views by tracking devices, leading to potential surgical errors and increased health risks.
Innovation Solution
A method for automatic or semi-automatic image data registration using bone markers with longitudinal axes, allowing registration of local coordinate systems within a global system, utilizing both high-resolution and low-resolution image data to minimize radiation exposure and maintain accurate surgical navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution image data is acquired repeatedly for re-registration during surgery, then registration accuracy is maintained, but radiation exposure to the patient increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the registration process into two stages: initial high-resolution registration using CT data, and subsequent re-registration using low-resolution fluoroscopic images. This segmentation allows the system to maintain registration accuracy while minimizing radiation exposure by avoiding repeated high-resolution acquisitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using only low-resolution imaging for re-registration purposes, which is sufficient for maintaining registration accuracy without the excessive radiation dose of high-resolution CT scanning. This partial approach (using only necessary resolution) solves the contradiction.
2Loss of time
If patient trackers are rigidly attached to patient anatomy for continuous tracking, then re-registration frequency is reduced, but surgical view obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking function from physical patient trackers and implements it through image analysis of bone markers in fluoroscopic images. This extraction eliminates the need for physical trackers that obstruct the surgical field while maintaining continuous tracking capability through software-based position determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical patient tracker system with an image-processing-based tracking system. Instead of using physical devices attached to the patient, the system uses computational analysis of bone marker positions in images to determine patient anatomy position and orientation, thereby eliminating mechanical obstruction.
3Measurement precision
If multiple fiducial markers are used for 2D image registration, then registration accuracy improves, but surgical view obstruction and radiation exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copies of bone markers (their images in fluoroscopic views) rather than physical fiducial markers attached to the patient. By analyzing the positions and orientations of these image-based copies, the system achieves accurate registration without requiring additional physical objects that would obstruct the surgical field or require extra radiation exposure for detection.
4Measurement precision
If manually operated navigation pointers are used to verify registration, then registration accuracy can be confirmed, but cognitive load on surgeon increases and human error risk rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically verify and update registration using image processing algorithms that analyze bone marker positions and orientations. This automated self-verification eliminates the need for manual navigation pointer operations, reducing cognitive load on the surgeon while maintaining or improving verification accuracy through consistent algorithmic analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for image data registration is provided. The method includes receiving first image data. The first image data are indicative of bone and of at least one bone marker placed therein, the bone marker having a longitudinal axis. The method includes determining a first orientation of the longitudinal axis of the at least one bone marker based on the first image data, receiving second image data indicative of the bone and of the at least one bone marker placed therein, and determining a second orientation of the longitudinal axis of the at least one bone marker based on the second image data. Further, the method includes registering, based at least one the first and second orientation of the longitudinal axis of the at least one bone marker, a first local coordinate system associated with at least a segment of the first image data within a global coordinate system.