C-arm X-ray Calibration for Catheter Navigation Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for visual support of catheter applications in cardiac ablation procedures require time-consuming and error-prone registration of 3D image data from imaging devices with electroanatomical mapping data, leading to inaccuracies in the merged images.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that calibrate the C-arm X-ray device with the electromagnetic position detection and mapping system, allowing for direct overlay of image data and mapping data without the need for registration, by establishing a coordinate transformation between their respective coordinate systems, enabling precise fusion of 2D or 3D images with electroanatomical mapping data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If 3D image data from imaging devices is registered with electroanatomical mapping data using traditional methods, then combined visualization is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coordinate systems of the C-arm imaging device and the electromagnetic mapping system into a single unified coordinate system. This is achieved by calibrating both devices to share the same reference frame, allowing image data and mapping data to be directly overlaid without requiring separate registration processes. The unified coordinate system eliminates the need for time-consuming mark-based or surface-based registration while maintaining spatial accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal coordinate system that serves both the C-arm imaging device and the electromagnetic mapping system simultaneously. This multi-functional coordinate framework allows both devices to operate within the same spatial reference, enabling direct integration of their respective data streams without requiring device-specific registration procedures.
2Measurement precision
If mark-based or surface-based registration is used to align 3D image data with mapping data, then spatial alignment is achieved, but registration errors occur and reduce image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the registration step entirely from the workflow. Instead of using mark-based or surface-based registration methods that introduce potential errors, the system directly overlays image data and mapping data in the unified coordinate system. This removes the intermediate registration process that was the source of alignment errors and quality degradation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive registration processes are performed to combine image data and mapping data, then data fusion is achieved, but the process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration to establish the unified coordinate system between the C-arm imaging device and the electromagnetic mapping system before the actual catheter procedure. This preliminary action defines the transformation relationships between both devices' coordinate systems in advance, so that during the procedure, image data and mapping data can be directly combined without requiring complex real-time registration processes.
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
This approach simplifies the combination of image and mapping data, reducing the risk of registration errors and improving the accuracy and reliability of the merged images, allowing for more precise navigation of catheters during procedures without the need for extensive registration processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one image obtained from the patient using a C-arm X-ray device
Implementation Method 2
electroanatomical mapping data obtained from the patient using an electromagnetic position detection and mapping system
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and to a device for visually assisting a catheter application on the heart (H) of a patient (P) using at least one image of the patient (P) obtained by means of a C-arm X-ray device (1) and using electroanatomic mapping-data of the patient (P) that is obtained by means of an electromagnetic position detection system and mapping system (2). The C-arm X-ray device (1) and the electromagnetic position detection system and mapping system (2) are calibrated in relation to each other, by means of the determination of a co-ordinate transformation between a co-ordinate system (CR) assigned to the C-arm x-ray device (1) and/or a co-ordinate system (CB) that is assigned to the at least one image generated by the C-arm X-ray device (1) and a co-ordinate system (CM) assigned to the electromagnetic position detection system and mapping system (2). The position of the patient (P) is determined during the detection of the image and/or during the detection of the electroanatomic mapping-data and is at least indirectly assigned to the image and/or the electroanatomic mapping-data.