Fluoroscopic 3D Reconstruction for Catheter Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems for surgical procedures in luminal networks, such as the lungs, rely on costly and radiation-intensive CT or Cone-beam CT systems, which are not always available and struggle to accurately guide catheters to small soft-tissue targets due to two-dimensional fluoroscopic images and radiation exposure concerns.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing fluoroscopic-based three-dimensional volumetric data generated from standard fluoroscopic images for real-time navigation and confirmation, incorporating a catheter guide assembly with a sensor and electromagnetic field, and a computing device to create and register three-dimensional renderings for improved accuracy and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CT or Cone-beam CT systems are used to generate three-dimensional volumetric data for navigation, then navigation accuracy and target visualization are improved, but device cost and radiation exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a three-dimensional volumetric copy of the target area using fluoroscopic images instead of requiring a full CT scan. The system reconstructs a local 3D volume from multiple 2D fluoroscopic projections, providing sufficient navigation accuracy without the radiation burden of conventional CT imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the imaging process by focusing only on the specific target area of interest rather than scanning the entire patient body. By acquiring fluoroscopic images from multiple angles and reconstructing only the local volumetric data needed for navigation, the system reduces radiation exposure while maintaining navigation precision.
2Loss of information
If CT or Cone-beam CT systems are used for navigation, then three-dimensional target visualization is improved, but device availability and cost decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the fluoroscopic imaging system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both standard 2D imaging and 3D volumetric reconstruction. This allows the widely available fluoroscope to replace specialized CT or Cone-beam CT systems, improving device availability while maintaining three-dimensional visualization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms 2D fluoroscopic projections into 3D volumetric data through computational reconstruction algorithms. By processing fluoroscopic images acquired from multiple angular positions, the system generates three-dimensional renderings of the target area, enabling accurate navigation without requiring dedicated 3D imaging equipment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard fluoroscopic imaging is used for navigation, then device availability and cost are improved, but measurement precision and target resolution worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the limited resolution of standard fluoroscopy by reconstructing three-dimensional volumetric data from multiple 2D projections. This dimensional transformation allows the system to achieve improved target visualization and measurement precision that would be impossible with single-plane 2D imaging alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple fluoroscopic images acquired from different angular positions into a single three-dimensional volumetric representation. By merging this reconstructed 3D data with real-time catheter position information from electromagnetic tracking, the system achieves precise navigation and target confirmation using only the widely available fluoroscopic system.
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
Enables accurate and safe navigation of catheters to small soft-tissue targets within luminal networks using locally generated three-dimensional data, reducing radiation exposure and costs associated with CT or Cone-beam CT systems, while enhancing navigation accuracy and confirmation.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic field generator configured to generate an electromagnetic field for determining a location of the sensor
Implementation Method 2
a fluoroscopic imaging device configured to acquire a fluoroscopic video of a target area
Implementation Method 3
generate a three-dimensional rendering of the target area based on the acquired fluoroscopic video
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for navigating to a target using fluoroscopic-based three dimensional volumetric data generated from two dimensional fluoroscopic images, including a catheter guide assembly including a sensor, an electromagnetic field generator, a fluoroscopic imaging device to acquire a fluoroscopic video of a target area about a plurality of angles relative to the target area, and a computing device. The computing device is configured to receive previously acquired CT data, determine the location of the sensor based on the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic field generator, generate a three dimensional rendering of the target area based on the acquired fluoroscopic video, receive a selection of the catheter guide assembly in the generated three dimensional rendering, and register the generated three dimensional rendering of the target area with the previously acquired CT data to correct the position of the catheter guide assembly.