Deep Brain Stimulation Electrode Orientation via Rotational X-Ray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the rotational orientation of deep brain stimulation electrodes are not automated, traceable, or accurate, as they rely on imaging techniques like MRI and CT that are inadequate due to metal interference and blurry images.
Innovation Solution
The method uses rotational x-rays to capture images of the electrode with a rotational orientation marker from different angles, which are then registered with 3D anatomical images using automatic algorithms to determine the electrode's orientation in a three-dimensional reference system, allowing for precise alignment and verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If MRI is used to detect the electrode marker, then soft tissue imaging quality is improved, but metal interference causes signal distortion and makes detection impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary imaging modality (CT or fluoroscopy with rotational capability) that can detect the radiopaque marker without being affected by metal interference. This intermediary system bridges the gap between the need for soft tissue visualization and the need for accurate electrode orientation detection, allowing the marker to be seen clearly while avoiding MRI's metal sensitivity issue.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If CT is used to detect the electrode marker, then metal interference is avoided, but image resolution becomes too blurry to recognize the marker with sufficient accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static 2D CT images to rotational fluoroscopic imaging that captures the marker from multiple angular perspectives. By adding the temporal and angular dimensions through rotation, the system achieves sufficient measurement precision for marker detection while maintaining compatibility with radiopaque materials, overcoming the blurriness limitation of standard CT.
3Device complexity
If manual methods are used to determine electrode orientation, then device complexity is reduced, but automation, traceability, and accuracy are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual assessment and physical measurement methods with an automated image processing system that uses software algorithms to detect the radiopaque marker's position and calculate electrode orientation. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with computational methods achieves full automation and traceability while maintaining system simplicity through standardized processing protocols.
4Measurement precision
If rotational x-ray imaging is used to capture electrode orientation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure and imaging complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for orientation determination from the rotational x-ray images - specifically, the position and orientation of the radiopaque marker - rather than processing the entire complex imaging dataset. This extraction approach achieves high measurement precision while reducing the computational burden and effective system complexity by focusing only on the critical marker features.
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 enables a reliable and accurate determination of the electrode's orientation, facilitating precise stimulation of anatomical structures by transforming two-dimensional image data into a three-dimensional coordinate system, thus overcoming the limitations of previous methods.
Implementation Method 1
The disclosed method uses rotational x-rays (e.g. from rotational angiography, cone beam CT, C-arm x-ray)
Implementation Method 2
the 2D x-ray images are registered to an anatomical 3D image volume with the help of an automatic algorithm
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a computer-implemented method for determining an orientation of an electrode using acquired two-dimensional rotational images taken while the two-dimensional imaging apparatus is rotated about the patient, and acquired three dimensional tomographic images of the anatomical structure. The electrode orientation is determined in the three-dimensional reference system of the tomographic imaging apparatus.