Intracavity Probe Planning Using Virtual TEE Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transcatheter heart procedures rely heavily on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for guidance, which is highly user-dependent and requires accurate knowledge of anatomy and device alignment, but deviations in patient vascular anatomy complicate optimal image acquisition, leading to increased procedure time and risk.
Innovation Solution
A method for planning TEE imaging using patient-specific volumetric image data to determine optimal probe parameters and virtual fields of view, incorporating segmentation of anatomical structures and cost functions to predict and adjust probe positions for standardized views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If TEE is used for guiding transcatheter heart procedures, then imaging precision and anatomical assessment are improved, but user dependency and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs pre-procedural planning by importing patient-specific CT data, automatically segmenting anatomical structures, and simulating optimal TEE probe positions and orientations before the actual procedure. This preliminary virtual planning reduces the complexity and user dependency during the actual TEE-guided procedure by having all critical parameters predetermined.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies of the patient's anatomy from CT data and simulates TEE probe positions in this virtual model. The virtual TEE views generated from the simulated probe positions are compared with actual TEE images to guide probe placement, eliminating the need for operators to mentally visualize complex anatomical relationships in real-time.
2Reliability
If multiple TEE views are obtained to accommodate individual anatomical variations, then imaging completeness is improved, but procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates and stores optimal probe parameters for multiple standardized TEE views (e.g., mid-esophageal four-chamber, two-chamber, long-axis aortic valve views) during pre-procedural planning. During the actual procedure, operators can quickly navigate to these predetermined positions without needing to manually adjust the probe to obtain each view, significantly reducing procedure time while maintaining imaging completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines specific probe parameters (position, orientation, depth) tailored to each patient's anatomy for obtaining standardized views. By pre-calculating these parameters based on individual CT data, the system adapts the imaging protocol to each patient without requiring time-consuming manual adjustments during the procedure.
3Measurement precision
If TEE probe positioning is adjusted for individual anatomical variations, then imaging accuracy is improved, but operator knowledge requirements and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses virtual copies of patient anatomy from CT data to simulate optimal TEE probe positions before the procedure. The generated virtual TEE views provide a roadmap for actual probe placement, allowing operators with varying levels of expertise to achieve accurate imaging by following the pre-determined virtual guidance rather than relying solely on their knowledge and experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system acts as an intermediary between the patient's unique anatomy and the TEE operator by providing pre-calculated optimal probe parameters and virtual view guidance. This intermediary tool translates complex anatomical variations into straightforward positioning instructions, reducing the burden on operators to memorize and apply complex anatomical knowledge for each individual patient.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for planning a medical intervention involving an intracavity probe and an imaging dataset of a patient. A view-type is selected from a defined set of view-types. A virtual field of view of the intracavity probe corresponding to the selected view-type is determined. A virtual intracavity image is rendered for display. The virtual intracavity image is based upon the imaging dataset and the virtual field of view. The virtual field of view can be based upon segmentation of an intracavity probe path, at least one anatomical structure, or possibly user input. In embodiments, the virtual field of view can be based upon probe parameters computed in accordance with a pre-defined set of rules for the selected view-type. The probe parameters can be computed by evaluation of a cost function expressed by the pre-defined set of rules for the selected view-type. Other aspects are described and claimed.