Fusion Imaging for Radiofrequency Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deep-seated tumors are difficult to locate during ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation due to the low penetrance of ultrasound images, increasing surgical complexity and burden on surgeons.
Innovation Solution
A fusion-imaging method that combines preoperative 3D virtual models from CT or MRI with real-time ultrasound images, using a tracking device to register and overlay the virtual models with the ultrasound images, allowing for precise alignment and display of the radiofrequency ablation probe and ultrasound probe models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultrasound imaging is used to guide radiofrequency ablation, then real-time imaging capability is provided, but deep-seated tumors cannot be visible due to low penetrance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines preoperative volume images (CT or MRI) showing deep-seated tumors with real-time ultrasound images to create a fusion image. This merging allows surgeons to see both the deep tumor location from preoperative imaging and the real-time probe position from ultrasound, resolving the visibility issue without increasing physical device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fusion image as an intermediary representation that integrates information from multiple imaging modalities. This fusion image serves as a mediator that provides comprehensive anatomical information including deep-seated tumors that cannot be seen in ultrasound alone, while the actual ultrasound guidance system remains unchanged
2Loss of information
If surgeons register reference data set and real-time working data set on their minds, then navigation information is available, but the burden on surgeons increases greatly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the registered reference data set by overlaying it with the real-time ultrasound image. Instead of requiring surgeons to mentally maintain the registration, the system generates a fused visual representation that automatically displays the spatial relationship between preoperative and real-time data, dramatically reducing cognitive burden
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the abstract registration information into a visual dimension by creating a fusion image that displays both data sets in a single composite view. This dimensional transformation from mental registration to visual overlay makes the spatial relationship immediately apparent without requiring cognitive effort
3Measurement precision
If fusion imaging is implemented to show deep-seated lesions, then localization precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preoperative imaging (CT or MRI) and 3D model reconstruction before the actual ablation procedure. This preliminary action captures detailed anatomical information including deep-seated tumors that can then be integrated with real-time ultrasound, improving localization precision without adding complexity to the real-time imaging system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic fusion imaging system where the preoperative 3D model is continuously updated and overlaid with real-time ultrasound images as the probe moves. This dynamic integration maintains precise lesion localization throughout the procedure while using software-based fusion rather than additional hardware
Data Source
AI summary
A fusion-imaging method for radiofrequency ablation is provided, including: obtaining preoperative volume image of an individual; reconstructing a virtual three-dimensional model of a target area of the individual according to the preoperative volume image; creating a global reference frame by a tracking device and registering the virtual three-dimensional model to the global reference frame; obtaining an ultrasound image of the target area by using an ultrasonic probe and tracking the ultrasonic probe by the tracking device in order to register the ultrasonic image to the global reference frame; capturing a virtual corresponding image corresponding to a portion of the virtual three-dimensional model along a plane of the ultrasonic image; and overlapping the ultrasonic image and the virtual corresponding image and simultaneously displaying the overlapping image and a virtual radiofrequency ablation probe model.