Metal Artifact Removal in Fluoroscopic 3D Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging technologies, such as fluoroscopy, struggle to generate accurate 3D volumes of treatment targets in the presence of metal artifacts, which degrade image quality and obstruct the view of small soft-tissue objects like lesions during medical procedures, especially in environments where expensive MRI or CT systems are not available.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves recognizing metal artifacts in 2D input images, applying masks to remove these artifacts, and using in-painting techniques to generate alternative pixel data, followed by back projection to create clear 3D volumes for navigation and treatment guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If fluoroscopic imaging is used to visualize treatment targets during medical procedures, then real-time imaging capability is provided, but metal artifacts from medical devices severely degrade image quality and obstruct the view of small soft-tissue objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluoroscopic image into multiple components: metal artifact regions, soft-tissue regions, and bone regions. By identifying and separating metal artifact areas from soft-tissue regions of interest, the system can process and enhance different regions independently, preserving real-time imaging capability while improving soft-tissue visualization quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that acts between the raw fluoroscopic image and the final displayed image. This intermediary system applies metal artifact reduction algorithms, edge enhancement, and contrast adjustment to eliminate metal artifacts while preserving or enhancing soft-tissue structures, thereby resolving the contradiction between real-time imaging and image quality.
2Measurement precision
If MRI or CT systems are used to generate 3D volumetric data for navigation planning, then accurate 3D visualization of treatment targets is achieved, but the cost and availability become prohibitive in many clinical settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy or model of 3D volumetric data from 2D fluoroscopic images. By using metal artifact reduction and image processing techniques to generate pseudo-3D representations or enhanced 2D images that simulate 3D volumetric data quality, the system provides navigation planning capability without requiring expensive MRI or CT systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs computationally efficient image processing algorithms that can be executed on standard fluoroscopic equipment, replacing the need for expensive MRI or CT systems. The processing pipeline uses affordable computational resources to achieve 3D visualization quality, making the technology accessible in cost-sensitive clinical environments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If metal treatment and monitoring devices are used during surgical procedures, then treatment and monitoring functions are provided, but strong metal artifacts are produced that reduce image quality and obstruct the view of treatment targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful metal artifacts into useful information by detecting metal device positions and orientations from the artifacts themselves. The system then uses this information to apply targeted corrections, such as adjusting contrast and edge enhancement in specific regions, thereby eliminating the obstructive effect of metal artifacts while preserving the treatment and monitoring functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies contrast and color enhancement techniques to differentiate between metal artifacts and soft-tissue structures. By adjusting image processing parameters such as contrast, saturation, and edge enhancement in metal-affected regions, the system makes soft-tissue structures more visible despite the presence of metal devices, maintaining both treatment functionality and image quality.
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 effectively removes metal artifacts, enhancing image quality and allowing for precise 3D visualization of treatment targets, improving the accuracy of medical device placement and reducing tissue damage during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
recognizing a metal artifact in each of the plurality of 2D input images, removing the metal artifacts from the plurality of 2D input images based on the recognizing of the metal artifact
Implementation Method 2
back projecting filtered 2D images to generate a three dimensional (3D) volume
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to a method for generating a three dimensional (3D) volume including a treatment target including receiving a plurality of two dimensional (2D) input images of a patient, determining a metal artifact in each of the plurality of 2D input images, removing the metal artifacts from the plurality of 2D input images based on the determination of the metal artifact, and replacing metal artifacts with alternative pixel data to generate a plurality of filtered 2D images. A 3D volume is generated from the plurality of filtered 2D images. The plurality of 2D input images including a treatment target.