Imaging Device Alignment Using Navigation Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging device registration processes in robotic surgery are time-consuming and expose patients to unnecessary radiation, especially when imaging internal anatomy, as they require multiple images to accurately align the device with anatomical features.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a reference marker aligned with anatomical features, tracked by a navigation system, to automatically position and align an imaging device, such as an O-arm, using image processing algorithms to determine if the anatomical feature is within the image data and adjust the device's position accordingly, reducing the number of images needed and radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple images are taken to ensure proper alignment for internal anatomy, then registration accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure and operating time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically positioning the imaging device using preoperative images and navigation system data before actual registration is needed. The imaging device is pre-aligned with the reference marker based on preoperative planning, so that when registration occurs, the device is already in the correct position, eliminating the need for multiple trial images.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses preoperative images as a copy or template of the expected anatomical structure. Instead of taking multiple new images during surgery, the system references the preoperative imaging data to guide the positioning, effectively using a copy of the anatomical information to achieve accurate registration without repeated radiation exposure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple images are taken to ensure proper alignment for internal anatomy, then registration accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure to patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is positioned and aligned using preoperative images and navigation system tracking before surgical registration is needed. This preliminary positioning ensures that the correct anatomical structure is captured in the first intraoperative image, eliminating the need for multiple retry images and reducing cumulative radiation exposure to the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system references preoperative images as a template to guide intraoperative positioning. By using the preoperative imaging data as a copy of the expected anatomy, the system can achieve accurate registration with minimal additional radiation, as the preoperative images serve as the guiding framework rather than requiring multiple new images.
3Device complexity
If manual positioning of imaging device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but registration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device performs self-positioning and self-alignment using the navigation system's tracking capabilities. The navigated tracker on the imaging device automatically provides position and orientation data relative to the reference marker, allowing the system to self-align without requiring complex manual positioning procedures or additional positioning equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated optical/electromagnetic tracking system. Instead of physically adjusting and manually aligning the imaging device, the navigation system uses optical or electromagnetic fields to track the navigated tracker and automatically calculate the correct positioning, reducing mechanical complexity while increasing speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of positioning an imaging device relative to a patient, comprising positioning a reference marker adjacent a desired field of scan corresponding to an anatomical element of a patient; and causing an imaging device to align with the reference marker, based on tracking information received from a navigation system, the tracking information corresponding to the reference marker and a navigated tracker disposed on the imaging device.