Linear Instrument Navigation via Reformatted Slice Visualization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for displaying the position and orientation of linear instruments in 3D medical images are not intuitive, requiring training and complicating the insertion process due to the complexity of information presented.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that virtually attach a plane to a guide containing the axis of a linear instrument, displaying a reformatted slice in the 3D image, allowing for real-time updates and intuitive navigation by representing the instrument as a line in the center of the slice, reducing information complexity and enhancing hand-eye coordination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple 2D images (three or four views) are displayed to represent the position and orientation of the linear instrument, then the completeness of information is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the large quantity of information and non-intuitive representation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for navigation by displaying a single 2D image containing a reformatted slice with the linear instrument represented as a simple line in the center. This selective extraction of critical positional and orientational data eliminates the complexity of displaying multiple views while preserving the necessary navigation information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified visual copy of the linear instrument's position and orientation by representing it as a line in the center of a reformatted slice, rather than displaying the actual complex 3D instrument geometry across multiple views. This abstract representation maintains navigational accuracy while dramatically reducing visual complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple 2D images are displayed to show the linear instrument position and orientation, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to the non-intuitive representation requiring training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an intuitive visual copy where the linear instrument is represented as a simple line in the center of a reformatted slice. This representation is immediately recognizable and intuitive for users, eliminating the need for extensive training while maintaining precise display of position and orientation through the reformatted imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the representation parameters by displaying only essential positional information in a simplified format (line in center of single slice) rather than multiple complex views. The reformatted slice parameters are optimized to maintain measurement precision while improving visual intuitiveness and ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If two 2D images are displayed to reduce information complexity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation worsens because the images are still not intuitive and require training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the single most essential view for navigation by displaying one reformatted slice containing the linear instrument as a centered line. This extraction eliminates the need for multiple views while creating an immediately intuitive representation that requires no training, solving both complexity and intuitiveness simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for displaying the position and orientation of a linear instrument (1) navigated with respect to a 3D medical image (V), wherein:said linear instrument (1) is coupled to a guide (2);the guide (2) is tracked by a navigation system with respect to the 3D image (V);a plane (4) containing the axis of the linear instrument (1) is virtually attached to the guide (2);a slice reformatted in the 3D image and containing said plane (4) is displayed.Another object of the invention is a system for carrying out said method.