Deformable Imaging Data Guidance for Surgical Spatial Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgeons face difficulties in correlating pre-operative imaging data, such as CT scans and MRI, with intra-operative 2D or 3D ultrasound data during procedures due to the deformation of soft tissue, which makes it challenging to use pre-operative data effectively during operations, and existing computer vision registration techniques require significant computational resources.
Innovation Solution
A system that obtains initial imaging data and tracks units at an anatomical site, determining a deformed version of this data based on the relative arrangements of tracking units, and uses this information to display image guidance data by combining it with real-time intra-operative data, allowing for accurate spatial correlation without excessive computational strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If computer vision registration techniques are used to correlate pre-operative and intra-operative imaging data, then spatial correlation accuracy is improved, but computational strain increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tracking units as intermediary markers placed on or near the anatomical site that serve as reference points for deformation tracking. These tracking units mediate between the pre-operative imaging data and intra-operative ultrasound data, enabling correlation without requiring complex registration algorithms. The tracking units provide a simple geometric reference framework that simplifies the computational burden while maintaining spatial accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the anatomical site into a three-dimensional grid of voxels, allowing independent tracking and deformation calculation for each voxel. This segmentation enables the system to handle complex deformations locally without requiring global registration of the entire imaging volume, thereby reducing computational strain while maintaining precision.
2Quantity of substance
If pre-operative imaging data is used during operations, then comprehensive anatomical information is available, but the data becomes out of date due to soft tissue movement and compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static pre-operative imaging data into a dynamic representation by continuously deforming the three-dimensional grid based on real-time tracking unit positions. This dynamic deformation model allows the pre-operative data to adapt to current soft tissue conditions, maintaining reliability while preserving comprehensive anatomical information. The system effectively bridges the temporal gap between pre-operative planning and intra-operative execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary placement of tracking units during the pre-operative phase, establishing a reference framework before the actual surgery. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-compute deformation fields and prepare the three-dimensional grid for real-time updates during surgery, ensuring that the anatomical information remains accurate and current throughout the procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
Presented herein are methods, systems, and computer-readable medium for presenting imaging data related to an anatomical site. These include obtaining a first set of imaging data related to the anatomical site and tracking units at the anatomical site and, thereafter, optionally, obtaining a second set of imaging data related to the anatomical site. A deformed version of the first set of imaging data is then determined based on the relative arrangements of one or more of the tracking units at the time when the first set of imaging data is obtained and when the second set of imaging data is obtained. Then the relative emplacements of the second set of imaging data set and of the deformed version of the first set of imaging data set are determined and used, along with the second set of imaging data set and the deformed version of the first set of imaging data, as a basis for displaying image guidance data.