CT Image Correction Using P&D Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical imaging systems during invasive procedures often rely on outdated two-dimensional representations, which lack depth perception, increasing procedural time and error risk, and are limited by high complexity and cost, making them unsuitable for high-volume use and disposability.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a medical probe with a position and direction sensor, a camera, and a processor that updates three-dimensional medical images in real-time by registering sensor coordinates with imaging system coordinates, using multi-view triangulation to correct density values and provide accurate 3D visualizations, reducing the need for repeated imaging procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional endoscopic imaging is used, then the system is simple and low-cost, but the imaging lacks depth perception and is limited to 2D representations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera positioned at the distal end of the medical probe as an intermediary to capture optical images of the cavity. These images are then processed by a computing device that integrates them with pre-acquired 3D medical images, creating a composite visualization that provides depth perception without requiring complex 3D imaging hardware throughout the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two different imaging modalities: pre-acquired 3D medical images (CT or MRI scans) and real-time optical images captured by the distal camera. The computing device integrates these complementary data sources to generate enhanced 3D visualizations that combine the depth information from medical imaging with the real-time visual feedback from the camera.
2Measurement precision
If 3D endoscopic cameras are used, then depth perception is improved, but the system becomes expensive and fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a standard 2D camera at the distal end to capture images, which are then computationally transformed and integrated with pre-acquired 3D medical images. This approach creates a virtual 3D representation without requiring expensive and fragile true 3D camera hardware, effectively using a simple copy (2D camera) combined with computational processing to achieve 3D visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical 3D imaging systems with a combination of simple 2D camera hardware and computational algorithms. The computing device performs multi-view triangulation and image integration to generate 3D visualizations, substituting mechanical complexity with computational processing.
3Reliability
If outdated 2D medical images are used, then the imaging system remains simple, but procedural time increases and error risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous real-time updating of the 3D medical images during the medical procedure. The computing device continuously integrates new optical images captured by the distal camera with the pre-acquired 3D images, maintaining an up-to-date visualization throughout the procedure rather than relying on static pre-procedure images.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback by capturing optical images with the distal camera, processing them through multi-view triangulation, and updating the 3D visualization accordingly. This continuous feedback loop allows the surgeon to see the actual anatomical structures and procedural progress in real-time, improving accuracy and reducing errors.
4Measurement precision
If repeated imaging procedures are performed, then image accuracy is maintained, but cost and patient exposure to radiation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the radiation-producing medical imaging (CT or MRI scans) once before the procedure to acquire the initial 3D medical images. These pre-acquired images are then continuously updated during the procedure by integrating optical images from the distal camera, eliminating the need for repeated radiation exposure while maintaining image accuracy through real-time computational updates.
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
Enables accurate, real-time three-dimensional imaging within the body, reducing procedural time and error, and eliminating the need for costly and complex imaging systems, thus improving surgical precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a position and direction sensor in the medical probe and operating in a sensor coordinate system
Implementation Method 2
register the image coordinate system with the sensor coordinate system so as to identify one or more voxels in the three-dimensional image at the visualized locations
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (11) includes a medical probe (36) for insertion into a cavity of an organ, which includes a position and direction sensor (60) and a camera (45), both operating in a sensor coordinate system (62). The system further includes a processor (44) configured to: receive, from an imaging system (21) operating in an image coordinate system (28), a three-dimensional image of the cavity including open space and tissue; receive, from the medical probe, signals indicating positions and respective directions of the medical probe inside the cavity; receive, from the camera, respective visualized locations inside the cavity; register the image coordinate system with the sensor coordinate system so as to identify one or more voxels in the image at the visualized locations, and when the identified voxels have density values in the received image that do not correspond to the open space, to update the density values of the identified voxels to correspond to the open space.