3D Target Representation for Catheter Positioning Accuracy

Solution Overview

Problem

Minimally invasive interventions face challenges in accurately and efficiently positioning insertion elements, such as guide wires and stents, within the body due to the limitations of two-dimensional x-ray projection images, which require multiple image acquisitions, increasing radiation dose and procedure time.

Innovation Solution

An assisting apparatus that provides a three-dimensional target element representation, tracks the insertion element's position in real-time, and displays this information on a two-dimensional surface, allowing for accurate and fast alignment of the insertion element with the target element by generating rings representing openings and providing distance and orientation data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple x-ray projection images are acquired in different directions to determine the position of insertion element and target element, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the radiation dose and procedure time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidradiation dose

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by representing the three-dimensional position and orientation of the target element and insertion element through two-dimensional ring images displayed on a monitor. The ring images encode spatial information (position, orientation, size) that allows physicians to mentally reconstruct 3D relationships without acquiring multiple 2D x-ray projections, thereby reducing radiation exposure while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the target element and insertion element as ring representations on the display. These ring images are generated based on pre-acquired three-dimensional position information and are updated in real-time during the procedure. This copying approach eliminates the need for continuous real-time x-ray imaging, reducing radiation dose while providing accurate positional feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If multiple x-ray projection images are acquired in different directions to determine the position of insertion element and target element, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the procedure time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by acquiring the three-dimensional position information of the target element and insertion element before the interventional procedure begins. This pre-acquired spatial data is used to generate the initial ring images, eliminating the need for time-consuming multiple x-ray acquisitions during the procedure. The system then updates the ring representations in real-time based on the movement of the insertion element, maintaining positioning accuracy without delaying the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the target element and insertion element as ring representations on the display. These ring images are generated based on pre-acquired three-dimensional position information and are updated in real-time during the procedure. This copying approach eliminates the need for continuous real-time x-ray imaging, reducing radiation dose while providing accurate positional feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Device complexity

If two-dimensional x-ray projection images are used to determine the position of insertion element and target element, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging system complexityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by representing the three-dimensional position and orientation of the target element and insertion element through two-dimensional ring images displayed on a monitor. The ring images encode spatial information (position, orientation, size) that allows physicians to mentally reconstruct 3D relationships without acquiring multiple 2D x-ray projections, thereby reducing radiation exposure while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11690676B2Assisting apparatus for assisting a user during an interventional procedure

Publication Date: 2023.07.04 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

The invention relates to an assisting apparatus (2) for assisting a user in moving an insertion element (11) like a catheter to a target element within, for instance, a person (8). A target element representation representing the target element within the object in its three-dimensional position and three-dimensional orientation and with its size is generated based on a provided target element image. Moreover, a three-dimensional position of the insertion element is tracked, while the insertion element is moved to the target element, and the target element representation and the tracked position of the insertion element are displayed. The three-dimensional position and orientation of the target element relative to the actual position of the insertion element can therefore be shown to the user, while the insertion element is moved to the target element, which allows the user to more accurately and faster move the insertion element to the target element.