Medical Device Navigation Using 3D-2D Image Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
In medical imaging, the overlay of 2D and 3D images lacks depth information, making it difficult to navigate medical devices, such as needles, accurately without increasing radiation exposure by moving the X-ray device during interventions.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that combine a first imaging modality for producing projection images from multiple orientations with a second modality for 3D volume imaging, using a processor to compute the location of distinguishing features in a 3D coordinate system, allowing for precise visualization and guidance of medical devices within the patient's anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 2D fluoroscopic images are used for device navigation, then real-time visualization is achieved, but depth information is lost making navigation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent overlays three-dimensional volumetric image data onto two-dimensional fluoroscopic images, adding depth information to the flat 2D display. This allows operators to see spatial relationships and depth cues while maintaining real-time 2D visualization, resolving the contradiction between real-time imaging and depth perception.
2Measurement precision
If multiple fluoroscopic angles are used to navigate a device, then navigation accuracy improves, but radiation exposure to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs 3D volumetric imaging before the intervention procedure to create a pre-operative anatomical map. This preliminary 3D data is then overlaid on real-time 2D fluoroscopic images, allowing accurate device navigation without needing to take multiple fluoroscopic angles, thereby reducing radiation exposure.
3Loss of information
If the C-arm is moved during intervention to view the device from different angles, then navigation information is improved, but procedure time and radiation exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges pre-acquired 3D volumetric image data with real-time 2D fluoroscopic imaging into a single composite display. This combination provides complete spatial information from the 3D data while maintaining real-time guidance from the 2D fluoroscopy, eliminating the need to move the C-arm for different viewing angles and reducing procedure time.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method is described for determining the location of a object inside a patient. Three dimensional image data of the patient is obtained by an imaging modality such as a C-arm X-ray device. The same or another imaging modality may be used to obtain projection radiographic images, having a coordinate system that can be registered with respect to that of the three dimensional image. The location of one or more features of a medical treatment device such as a needle or a catheter introduced into the imaging filed of view is determined either by an operator or by image analysis, in at least two projection radiographic images, and the position of the feature located in the three-dimensional volume. The projection on a radiographic image of a vector joining a first and a second position is used to assist in guiding the medical treatment device inside of the patient.