Real-Time Trajectory Extrapolation for Medical Device Insertion Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interventional imaging procedures, such as fluoroscopic imaging, face challenges in accurately guiding medical devices like needles due to lack of real-time feedback on their trajectory within the patient, especially with flexible devices that deform during insertion, and respiratory motion, leading to increased procedure time and potential complications.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves real-time analysis of x-ray images to identify and segment medical devices, extrapolate their trajectory based on device characteristics and procedure type, and display this trajectory on live images, providing clinicians with enhanced guidance and accuracy during insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If real-time trajectory extrapolation is implemented, then device placement precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously tracking the medical device trajectory through fluoroscopic images, extrapolating the current trajectory, and displaying it overlaid on live images. This closed-loop feedback enables clinicians to see the projected path before device insertion is complete, allowing for real-time corrections to achieve precise device placement while managing system complexity through automated image processing algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary computational layer that processes fluoroscopic images, identifies device position, calculates trajectory extrapolation, and generates visual guidance overlays. This intermediary processing layer acts as a mediator between the raw imaging data and the clinician's decision-making, automatically performing the complex trajectory analysis while presenting simplified visual guidance to reduce the perceived system complexity for the operator.
2Measurement precision
If real-time image analysis is performed, then trajectory identification accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing fluoroscopic images to enhance device visibility, pre-identifying device characteristics and trajectory patterns from previous frames, and pre-calculating extrapolation parameters. This preliminary processing maintains high trajectory identification accuracy while reducing the computational burden during real-time operation, thereby minimizing processing time delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action by analyzing fluoroscopic images at optimized frame rates, performing trajectory identification and extrapolation at regular intervals rather than continuously processing every image. This periodic processing approach maintains accurate trajectory tracking while significantly reducing overall processing time and computational resource requirements compared to continuous real-time analysis.
3Loss of information
If trajectory extrapolation is displayed on live images, then operator guidance quality is improved, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by providing continuous trajectory guidance overlays on fluoroscopic images throughout the device insertion procedure. This continuous visual feedback ensures the clinician always has access to accurate trajectory information, improving operator guidance quality. The system optimizes radiation exposure by maintaining imaging at the minimum necessary frame rate to sustain this continuous guidance while the extrapolation algorithms provide predictive information that reduces the need for additional corrective imaging.
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 allows for more precise and quicker placement of medical devices, reducing procedure time, radiation exposure, and improving patient comfort by offering real-time feedback and guidance.
Implementation Method 1
x-ray radiation is directed toward a subject... A portion of the radiation impacts a detector where the image data is collected
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods and systems are provided for medical imaging. In one embodiment, a method for an interventional imaging procedure comprises identifying a medical device during insertion of the medical device within a subject based on live images of the insertion, extrapolating a trajectory of the medical device during the insertion in real-time based on the live images of the insertion, and displaying the extrapolated trajectory of the medical device on the live images.