Interventional Instrument Path Guidance From 2D X-Ray Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Accurately navigating an interventional instrument to a target using two-dimensional x-ray projection images is difficult for physicians during interventional procedures.
Innovation Solution
A navigation assistance system that provides real-time guidance by determining possible paths for the interventional instrument based on its current position and shape, target position, and configuration information, using a position and shape providing unit, target position providing unit, configuration information providing unit, and path determination unit, with display for visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two-dimensional x-ray projection images are used for navigation, then the imaging system remains simple and cost-effective, but the navigation accuracy and physician control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms two-dimensional x-ray projection images into three-dimensional anatomical models and visualizations. By reconstructing 3D representations of heart structures and interventional instruments from 2D projections, the system provides physicians with spatial depth and volumetric context, significantly improving navigation accuracy while maintaining reliance on conventional 2D imaging hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer-based visualization system as an intermediary between the x-ray imaging system and the physician. This intermediary processes 2D projection images, reconstructs 3D anatomical models, and presents enhanced navigational information, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring direct modification of the imaging hardware
2Ease of operation
If real-time path determination is implemented, then the navigation assistance improves, but the computational requirements and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary computations by pre-processing x-ray images to extract anatomical landmarks, pre-segmenting heart structures, and pre-calculating possible instrument paths. This preliminary action reduces the computational burden during real-time navigation, allowing rapid path determination without excessive processing delays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous real-time tracking and updating of the interventional instrument position within the 3D anatomical model. By maintaining continuous visualization and continuously updating possible paths as the instrument moves, the system provides uninterrupted navigation assistance with minimal perceptible delay to the physician
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a navigation assistance system for assisting in navigating an interventional instrument (10) within a subject during an interventional procedure. Based on a provided current position and shape of the interventional instrument, a provided target position defining the position of a target (45) to which the interventional instrument is to be moved and provided configuration information being indicative of possible configurations of the interventional instrument a possible path (50) is determined, which allows the interventional instrument to reach the target. The determined possible path and preferentially also the current position and shape of the interventional instrument and the target position can be shown on a display in realtime, while a physician moves the interventional instrument, thereby assisting the physician in navigating the interventional instrument.