Lymph Node Drainage Pathway Tracking via 3D CT Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking and visualizing lymphatic specimen drainage pathways are inadequate for precise determination and treatment of lymph nodes, particularly in procedures involving tumors around the lung, necessitating improved techniques for lymphatic specimen tracking, drainage pathway determination, and visualization.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating a 3D model from CT image data, identifying lymph nodes, determining their drainage pathways, and using marking agents to visualize and measure these pathways, with a system that includes a laparoscopic camera, surgical tool, and electromagnetic tracking for precise navigation and data output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used for tracking lymphatic specimen drainage pathways, then the process is simpler, but the precision and accuracy of lymph node identification and drainage pathway determination are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the lymphatic tracking process into distinct functional modules: CT image acquisition, 3D model generation, lymph node identification, drainage pathway determination, and marking agent tracking. Each module handles a specific aspect of the complex task, improving overall precision while managing system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional 2D imaging to comprehensive 3D modeling of the lymphatic system. By generating three-dimensional models from CT scan data and visualizing drainage pathways in three dimensions, the system achieves superior spatial accuracy and precision in lymph node identification compared to conventional two-dimensional methods.
2Loss of information
If comprehensive 3D modeling and marking agent measurement are implemented, then drainage pathway visualization is improved, but the time and resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary 3D model generation and lymph node identification from pre-operative CT scan data before the actual surgical procedure. By preparing the anatomical model and identifying drainage pathways in advance, the system reduces intraoperative time requirements while maintaining complete drainage pathway information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses color-coded visualization to represent different drainage pathways and lymph node tiers in the 3D model. Marking agents are tracked through color changes that indicate their movement through the lymphatic system, allowing comprehensive drainage pathway information to be conveyed efficiently through intuitive visual cues that reduce interpretation time.
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 accurate identification and visualization of lymph node drainage pathways, facilitating effective treatment by ensuring the removal of relevant lymph nodes and biological materials, enhancing surgical precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic tracking system configured to track the camera sensor and the tool sensor
Implementation Method 2
the marking agent is selected from the group consisting of an optical coloring agent and a radioactive tracer
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods of lymphatic specimen tracking, visualization, and lymph node drainage pathway determination. An exemplary method includes receiving computed tomographic (CT) image data corresponding to a CT scan, generating a three-dimensional (3D) model of at least a portion of a patient's body based on the CT image data, identifying one or more lymph nodes in the 3D model, performing a registration of the 3D model with one or more physical locations in the patient's body, determining an expected lymph node drainage pathway away from a region of interest through one or more lymph nodes, and displaying the 3D model and the expected lymph node drainage pathway.