Medical Navigation System Marker Detection Outside 3D Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems for medical interventions face challenges in capturing both the anatomy of interest and X-ray visible markers simultaneously, especially in systems with a small field of view, such as mobile 3D capable C-arm systems.
Innovation Solution
A system for navigation support that includes an image data input, a data processor, a marker detecting arrangement, and an output interface. This system detects the spatial location of markers assigned to the subject, even when they are outside the 3D volume covered by the reconstructed 3D volume, allowing for registration and improved navigation support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If markers are placed within the 3D field of view for navigation registration, then accurate spatial location detection is achieved, but the working space for surgeons is reduced and setup becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends marker detection from the limited 3D volume to the broader 2D image plane by utilizing image data outside the reconstructed 3D volume. This dimensional expansion allows markers to be detected in regions not included in the final 3D reconstruction, effectively separating marker placement locations from the surgical workspace within the 3D volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the image processing into two distinct segments: (1) acquisition of a broader set of 2D X-ray images that capture both anatomy and markers, and (2) selective reconstruction of the 3D volume that focuses only on the anatomy of interest. This segmentation allows markers to be detected in the broader image set while the 3D reconstruction excludes marker regions, resolving the spatial conflict.
2Manufacturing precision
If a small field of view is used for 3D reconstruction, then the resolution and detail of the anatomy of interest are improved, but markers cannot be captured simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary acquisition of 2D X-ray images that capture both the anatomy of interest and the markers before proceeding to selective 3D reconstruction. This preliminary broader imaging ensures that marker information is not lost, even though the final 3D volume focuses only on the anatomy with high resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the 2D image plane as an intermediate dimension to capture both anatomy and markers simultaneously, then selectively reconstructs the 3D volume from these 2D images. This approach allows information about both the anatomy (in 3D volume) and markers (detected from 2D images) to be preserved without compromising resolution.
3Measurement precision
If markers are placed closer to the anatomy for better registration, then navigation accuracy is improved, but the setup complexity and risk of interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows markers to be positioned in the 2D image plane outside the 3D volume boundaries, eliminating the need for complex arrangements within or near the anatomy. The extended detection capability maintains navigation accuracy while simplifying marker placement to locations that do not interfere with the surgical procedure.
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
The system enables navigation support with a facilitated setup, allowing markers to be placed outside the narrow 3D field of view while still being detectable, thereby providing more working space for surgeons and improving the accuracy of navigation during medical interventions.
Implementation Method 1
receive a plurality of acquired 2D X-ray images of a subject's body from different angles
Implementation Method 2
reconstruct a 3D volume of the subject based on the plurality of 2D X-ray images
Implementation Method 3
marker detecting arrangement configured to detect a current spatial location of markers assigned to the subject
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to guidance during a medical intervention. In order to provide an improved navigation support with a facilitated setup, a system (10) for navigation support is provided. An image data input (12) receives a plurality of acquired 2D X-ray images of a subject's body from different angles. A set of markers, which are visible in X-ray images and which are detectable by a navigation system, is assigned to the subject. A marker detecting arrangement (16) is provided that detects a current spatial location of the markers assigned to the subject. A data processor (14) reconstructs a 3D volume of the subject based on the plurality of 2D X-ray images. At least a part of the markers is arranged outside the volume covered by the reconstructed 3D volume of the subject, while the markers are visible in the 2D X-ray images. The data processor (14) identifies the markers in the 2D X-ray images based on image data of the plurality of 2D X-ray images outside the 3D volume and determines a spatial location of the markers in relation to the 3D volume of the subject. The data processor (14) also registers the reconstructed 3D volume of the subject to a current spatial position of the subject based on the detected current spatial location of the markers and the determined spatial location of the markers in relation to the 3D volume of the subject. An output interface (18) provides the registered reconstructed 3D volume for navigation.