Medical Navigation Tool Transparency in Fluoroscopic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical navigation systems face challenges in accurately correlating high-quality 3D diagnostic images with distorted fluoroscopic images, leading to complex and time-consuming registration processes, especially in procedures like spinal surgery where precise 3D anatomical relationships are crucial, and existing methods often result in inaccurate tool positioning due to limitations in fluoroscopic imaging which provides only 2D projections.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for representing tools or implants within fluoroscopic images by establishing a surface boundary, determining their position relative to this boundary, and displaying them with varying transparency based on their depth, allowing for a more accurate and intuitive visualization of 3D tools within 2D projections, enhancing the integration of 3D tracked tools into fluoroscopic images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If fluoroscopic images are used to guide surgical tools, then real-time imaging capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to distorted 2D projections of 3D anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a surface boundary model as an intermediary between the fluoroscopic image and the surgical tool representation. This boundary, defined by control points representing anatomical landmarks, serves as a reference framework that enables accurate correlation of 3D tool positions with 2D fluoroscopic projections, resolving the precision issue while maintaining real-time imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the 2D fluoroscopic image by incorporating 3D spatial information through the surface boundary model. By establishing a coordinate system based on anatomical landmarks and using perspective transformation, the system recovers depth information and enables accurate 3D tool positioning visualization on the 2D fluoroscopic display
2Reliability
If traditional registration methods are used to correlate 3D diagnostic images with fluoroscopic images, then anatomical correlation is achieved, but device complexity increases due to complex and time-consuming registration processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining the surface boundary model with control points representing anatomical landmarks before tool positioning. This preliminary setup creates a reference framework that simplifies subsequent tool correlation, eliminating the need for complex real-time registration processes while maintaining anatomical correlation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from complex image-to-image registration to a simpler model-based correlation method. By parameterizing the anatomical surface with control points and using perspective transformation parameters, the system achieves accurate anatomical correlation with a simpler, more efficient process that reduces device complexity
3Ease of operation
If 3D tools are displayed on 2D fluoroscopic images without depth representation, then simple display is achieved, but loss of information occurs regarding tool depth and position within anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color and transparency changes to encode depth information. Tools positioned within the anatomical boundary are displayed with different transparency or color intensity compared to tools outside the boundary, providing intuitive depth perception while maintaining the simplicity of the fluoroscopic display format
Solution Approach 2:
The patent overlays 3D spatial information on the 2D fluoroscopic display by using the surface boundary model to determine tool depth. Through perspective transformation and selective transparency rendering, the system conveys third-dimensional depth information without complicating the fundamental 2D display interface
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 provides a more accurate and user-friendly method for surgical navigation by offering a dynamic and adaptive representation of tool positions, reducing errors in tool placement and enhancing the precision of surgical procedures by creating a more realistic 3D effect within 2D images, thus improving the safety and precision of medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Electromagnetic tracking systems may employ coils as receivers and transmitters. Electromagnetic tracking systems may be configured in sets of three transmitter coils and three receiver coils, such as an industry-standard coil architecture (ISCA) configuration. Electromagnetic tracking systems may also be configured with a single transmitter coil used with an array of receiver coils or an array of transmitter coils with a single receiver coil, for example. Magnetic fields generated by the transmitter coil(s) may be detected by the receiver coil(s).
Implementation Method 2
In medical and surgical imaging, such as intraoperative or perioperative imaging, images are formed of a region of a patient's body. The images are used to aid in an ongoing procedure with a surgical tool or instrument applied to the patient and tracked in relation to a reference coordinate system formed from the images. Image-guided surgery is of a special utility in surgical procedures such as brain surgery and arthroscopic procedures on the knee, wrist, shoulder or spine, as well as certain types of angiography, cardiac procedures, interventional radiology and biopsies in which x-ray images may be taken to display, correct the position of, or otherwise navigate a tool or instrument involved in the procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for representing a tool or implant in an image. Certain embodiments provide a user interface system for displaying a representation of a tool or implant with respect to an image. The system includes a processor configured to establish a surface boundary for a region of interest depict in the image and configured to determine a position of the tool or implant with respect to the surface boundary, and a display configured to dynamically display the image and the representation to a user. The processor generates a representation of the tool or implant based on the position with respect to the surface boundary. A portion of the tool or implant inside the surface boundary is depicted in the representation with a degree of transparency compared to a portion of the tool or implant outside the surface boundary.