C-Arm Imaging for Catheter Navigation in Vessel Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current examination apparatuses for radiological interventional procedures, such as catheter navigation in vessel systems, require additional markers and produce insufficient projections for navigating complex vessel geometries, leading to inefficient and suboptimal visualization.
Innovation Solution
An examination apparatus with an imaging device for adjustable projection geometry, a data processing unit for 3D representation and localization of instruments, and a steering module for optimal projection geometry adjustment, allowing for live, automatically optimized projections of instruments within the body volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional radiofrequency markers are attached to instruments for localization, then the position of the catheter tip can be determined, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to additional markers and manual positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the localization function from physical markers on the instrument and implements it through external imaging technology (ultrasound, fluoroscopy, or MRI) that can detect the instrument's position without requiring any attachments to the instrument itself
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device serves multiple functions: it provides both the localization of the instrument and the visualization of the surrounding tissue structure, eliminating the need for separate marker systems and achieving multi-functionality with a single device
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of projection geometry is used, then the imaging device can be positioned, but the productivity and time efficiency worsen due to manual adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-positioning by automatically calculating the optimal projection geometry based on the detected instrument location and the pre-stored three-dimensional anatomical data, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention in positioning the imaging device
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the instrument position through imaging, compares it with the planned navigation path stored in memory, and automatically adjusts the projection geometry to maintain optimal visualization of the instrument relative to the movement corridor
3Ease of manufacture
If standard projection geometry is used, then the imaging device can capture images, but the visualization quality worsens for complex vessel geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The projection geometry transitions from static to dynamic, automatically adapting its parameters (angle, direction, magnification) based on the real-time instrument position and the complex three-dimensional vessel anatomy to optimize visualization at each moment of the navigation procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different projection geometry parameters for different regions of interest within the field of view, optimizing the visualization quality locally for the specific vessel segment where the instrument is currently located rather than using a uniform projection for the entire volume
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
Facilitates faster and more controlled navigation of instruments by providing live, automatically optimized projections, reducing the need for manual adjustment and improving visualization in complex vessel geometries.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging device may preferably be a rotational X-ray device like a CT-scanner or a C-arm device
Data Source
AI summary
To observe a catheter (43) advancing in a vessel system, a 3D model of the vessel system is reconstructed with the help of differently oriented X-ray projections (P1A, . . . ) generated by a C-arm system (20) during the injection of a contrast agent. Next, a movement corridor (M) of the catheter (43) is determined from the 3D model. During an examination procedure, current projections (P) are generated showing an image (43′) of the catheter that can be registered with the reconstructed 3D model and/or the movement corridor (M). Based on the registered catheter image and 3D model of the vessel geometry or the movement corridor (M), an optimal projection direction (dopt) is determined and the C-arm system (20) is controlled to orient the next projections in the optimal projection direction.