Fluoro-CT Registration for Lung Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current registration techniques for aligning pre-procedure images with intra-procedure images during surgical navigation in luminal networks, such as in the lungs, require significant clinical hardware and may not be efficient for real-time adjustments, which can lead to inaccuracies in tool positioning.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating a 3D reconstruction from fluoroscopic images and registering it with pre-procedure CT image data using landmarks like the main carina, allowing for real-time alignment and navigation plan display, potentially reducing hardware needs and improving accuracy through fluoroscopic imaging and sensor data integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If current registration techniques are used to align pre-procedure images with intra-procedure images, then registration accuracy is maintained, but hardware complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical registration hardware with a computational approach using fluoroscopic imaging and image processing algorithms. The system captures fluoroscopic images during the procedure, performs 3D reconstruction, and automatically registers these with pre-procedure CT images through computational methods, eliminating the need for specialized mechanical registration devices while maintaining registration accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a 3D reconstructed copy of the patient's anatomy from fluoroscopic images and registers this digital model with the pre-procedure CT data. This copying approach allows virtual alignment and navigation without requiring physical registration hardware, reducing device complexity while preserving measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If fluoroscopic imaging is performed frequently for real-time navigation verification, then navigation accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs registration and navigation planning before the procedure using pre-procedure CT images, and creates a 3D model from initial fluoroscopic sweeps. This preliminary setup allows the system to guide the procedure with minimal subsequent imaging, reducing radiation exposure while maintaining navigation accuracy through the pre-established registration framework
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes initial registration with fluoroscopic imaging, then uses this registered framework to guide navigation without requiring continuous fluoroscopic verification. The feedback loop is closed through the pre-registered 3D model, allowing real-time navigation decisions to be made without repeated radiation exposure while maintaining accuracy through the established spatial relationship
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 enhances the precision and efficiency of surgical navigation by accurately aligning pre-procedure images with real-time fluoroscopic data, enabling more precise tool placement and reducing radiation exposure by minimizing the need for repeated fluoroscopic imaging.
Implementation Method 1
performing a fluoroscopic sweep of a desired portion of a patient and generating a 3D reconstruction from data received from the fluoroscopic sweep
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for registration of a pre-procedural image data set (e.g. CT data) or a 3D model derived therefrom with a patient's luminal structure (e.g., airways in the lungs) using intraprocedural fluoroscopic imaging techniques.