Computer-Assisted Surgical System for Brain Target Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical procedures, particularly neurosurgical ones, face challenges in identifying and accessing anatomical targets within the brain that are visually indistinguishable from surrounding tissue, such as the sub-thalamic nucleus, due to their similar appearance and location.
Innovation Solution
A computer-assisted surgical system utilizing imaging techniques like MRI, processor-based algorithms, and user inputs to identify anatomical landmarks, plan trajectories, and determine entry points for procedures like deep brain stimulation, by segmenting and aligning image data to precisely locate functional targets within the brain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual examination methods are used to identify anatomical targets in the brain, then the procedure is simple and quick, but the targets cannot be distinguished from surrounding tissue due to similar appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces anatomical landmarks as intermediary reference points that are visually distinguishable and can be reliably identified in imaging data. These landmarks serve as mediators between the imaging system and the indistinguishable functional targets, enabling precise localization through spatial relationships rather than direct visual identification of the targets themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual examination with an automated computer-based image processing system. The processor automatically identifies anatomical landmarks and calculates target locations based on programmed algorithms and spatial relationships, substituting human visual inspection with computational analysis to achieve consistent precision.
2Measurement precision
If manual identification of anatomical landmarks is performed, then the system is easy to operate, but the precision and consistency of target localization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically identifying anatomical landmarks and calculating functional target locations without requiring manual intervention. The processor analyzes the imaging data, identifies landmarks based on their spatial relationships and anatomical characteristics, and computes target positions using programmed algorithms, making the system autonomous and eliminating variability in manual identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual landmark identification with automated image processing algorithms. The computer system processes imaging data to automatically detect and locate anatomical landmarks, then uses these landmarks to precisely determine functional target positions, substituting human operator skill and judgment with consistent computational analysis.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive image processing and automated landmark identification are implemented, then target localization precision is improved, but the procedural time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of anatomical landmarks and calculation of functional target locations before the actual surgical procedure begins. By pre-processing the imaging data and establishing the spatial relationships between landmarks and targets in advance, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming intraoperative identification and positioning, thereby reducing procedural time while maintaining high precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a processor and/or processor system can be used to identify landmarks in image data. The landmarks can be used to further identify anatomical targets. The landmarks and/or targets can be used to create a plan for a procedure, such as a surgical procedure. The processor can be used to determine the anatomical landmarks that can be used to identify anatomical targets in image data of a subject, even if the anatomical targets are indistinguishable in the image data.