ECG-Synchronized 2D Image Registration for Interventional Radiology
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In interventional radiology, real-time alignment of surgical instruments within a patient's vascular system is hindered by physiological movements such as heartbeats and breathing, leading to inaccurate instrument positioning and reduced procedural precision due to the inability to continually inject contrast agents and align data from different sources effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that acquire and process a series of 2D images synchronized with electrocardiographic signals to estimate deformation phases caused by respiratory movements, allowing for the registration of images and compensation for these movements, thereby improving alignment precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If real-time images are acquired during physiological movements, then continuous monitoring is enabled, but alignment precision deteriorates due to heartbeats and breathing
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the reference frame by detecting physiological movements (heartbeats, breathing) and compensating for them in real-time. The reference image is updated to match the current anatomical position, allowing continuous monitoring while maintaining alignment precision despite ongoing physiological movements.
2Illumination intensity
If contrast agent is injected to visualize vessels, then vessel visibility is improved, but continuous injection is prevented by physiological constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring a reference image with contrast agent before the procedure, then uses movement compensation techniques to maintain alignment throughout the procedure without requiring continuous contrast agent injection. The reference frame is dynamically adjusted to account for physiological movements, allowing the initial contrast-enhanced image to remain useful throughout the entire procedure.
3Loss of information
If multiple imaging systems are used to obtain comprehensive data, then data completeness is improved, but alignment complexity increases due to reference frame differences
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a universal reference frame that can accommodate multiple imaging modalities (2D fluoroscopy, 3D CT, MRI). By detecting physiological movements and compensating for them, the system enables different imaging systems to be aligned to the same moving reference frame, reducing alignment complexity while maintaining data completeness from multiple sources.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If physiological movements are not compensated, then procedure duration is reduced by avoiding complex processing, but procedural quality deteriorates due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical alignment procedures with automated computational methods. Physiological movements are detected using sensors and processed through algorithms that automatically adjust the reference frame, substituting manual realignment operations with automated image processing. This maintains intervention precision while actually reducing overall procedure time by eliminating the need for frequent manual corrections.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of processing images for interventional imaging, wherein a region of interest is visualized, is provided. The method comprises acquiring a series of 2D images of the region of interest in a patient during at least one respiratory phase, acquiring an electrocardiographic signal which is synchronized with the acquisition of the series of 2D images, processing the electrocardiographic signal to estimate at least one deformation phase of the region of interest induced by the patient's respiratory movement, and registering the different successive 2D images in relation to the estimated deformation phase.