Interventional Instrument Positioning via Calibration Object Registration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interventional systems face challenges in accurately registering projection devices with tracking devices for determining the location of interventional instruments in projection images, leading to inaccuracies in displaying the tracked location of instruments within the body during procedures.

Innovation Solution

A positions determination apparatus that uses a combination of projection images and three-dimensional representations of interventional instruments, allowing users to indicate the instrument tip's position, and employs spatial transformations and curvature analysis to accurately determine the instrument's location, thereby improving registration between projection and tracking devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If registration is performed by detecting the location of the interventional instrument in several projection images and determining registration parameters, then the registration between projection device and tracking device can be established, but the accuracy of registration is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregistration accuracyVSAvoidtracking display accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a calibration object with known geometric structure as an intermediary between the projection device and tracking device. The calibration object serves as a common reference that both devices can measure, enabling accurate registration without directly relying on the interventional instrument's position detection. The known geometry of the calibration object provides a reliable basis for calculating transformation parameters between coordinate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual model (copy) of the calibration object with precise known dimensions and geometry. This virtual copy is used to generate expected projection images and track positions, which are then compared with actual measurements. The comparison and optimization process refines the registration parameters, improving accuracy without requiring direct physical measurement of the interventional instrument.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If the tracking device and projection device are registered based on tracked location and detected locations, then the display can show tracked location overlaid with projection image, but the registration accuracy is not sufficient for precise interventional procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition determination accuracyVSAvoidregistration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary calibration by measuring the calibration object's positions with both the projection device and tracking device before actual interventional procedures. This preliminary action establishes the registration parameters and transformation relationships in advance, so that during the procedure, accurate position determination can be achieved without complex real-time calculations or additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If simple location detection methods are used for registration, then the system operation is simpler, but the measurement precision of instrument positions is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregistration process simplicityVSAvoidinstrument position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration object is designed with self-identifying geometric features and known dimensions that enable automatic recognition and measurement by both devices. The object's inherent structure provides its own reference information, eliminating the need for complex manual measurement procedures or additional marking steps, thus maintaining operational simplicity while achieving high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enables precise determination of interventional instrument positions in projection images, enhancing the accuracy of registration between projection and tracking devices, which improves the display and tracking of instruments during procedures.

Implementation Method 1

The projection device comprises a radiation source for emitting radiation for traversing the person and a detector with a detection surface for detecting the radiation after having traversed the person

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-Ray: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP3224804B1Apparatus for determining positions of an interventional instrument in a projection image
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP3224804B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3224804B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3224804B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a positions determination apparatus for determining positions, at which an interventional instrument (3) is located, in a projection image. An input unit (16) allows a user to indicate the position of a tip (23) of the interventional instrument (3) in the projection image, wherein the positions, at which the interventional instrument is located, in the projection image are determined based on the projection image, the indicated tip position and a three-dimensional representation of the interventional instrument, which is defined by its position and shape as determined by a tracking device like an OSS device. By using the projection image, the indicated tip position and the representation the positions in the projection image, at which the interventional instrument is located, can be determined very accurately. Based on these determined positions the projection device and the tracking device can be very accurately registered to each other.