MRI-Derived 3D Mesh Registration for Fluoroscopy Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical navigation systems relying on CT scans expose patients to radiation and face accuracy issues due to uneven MRI plane distribution, limiting their use in robotic guidance and navigation.

Innovation Solution

A method to generate a 3D mesh from MRI images by registering them with a nearest neighbor CT template, enabling seamless integration with fluoroscopy for radiation-free navigation and robotic guidance, using techniques like neural networks for registration seed determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If CT scans are used for surgical navigation, then navigation accuracy is improved, but patient radiation exposure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation accuracyVSAvoidpatient radiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual 3D copy of the patient's anatomy from MRI data that can be used for navigation without requiring repeated CT scans during surgery. This virtual model serves as a radiation-free alternative to actual CT imaging while maintaining navigational accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/x-ray based CT imaging system with a software-based 3D modeling and registration system that uses MRI data. This substitution eliminates the need for ionizing radiation while providing equivalent or superior navigation capabilities through advanced image processing and neural network techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If MRI is used for 3D scanning, then patient radiation exposure is reduced, but navigation accuracy deteriorates due to uneven plane distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient radiation exposureVSAvoidnavigation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the unevenly distributed 2D MRI planes into a uniformly distributed 3D mesh structure through coordinate transformation and interpolation algorithms. This parameter change converts the disadvantageous spatial distribution of MRI data into a format suitable for accurate 3D navigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from 2D MRI image planes to a 3D mesh representation by adding the third spatial dimension through mathematical modeling. This dimensionality change enables the system to compensate for uneven plane distribution and create an accurate three-dimensional model for navigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If 2D-3D registration is performed, then integration of MRI with fluoroscopy is enabled, but complexity of the imaging system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration capabilityVSAvoidimaging system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal 3D mesh model from MRI data that can be registered with multiple types of intraoperative imaging systems including fluoroscopy, C-arms, and other 2D imaging devices. This single 3D representation serves as a common reference frame for various imaging modalities, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a 3D mesh model as an intermediary representation between the preoperative MRI and intraoperative 2D imaging systems. This intermediary enables seamless registration and integration without requiring direct complex transformations between different imaging modalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If large imaging equipment like CT or MRI is used, then 3D scan quality is improved, but availability in operating rooms decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve3D scan qualityVSAvoidavailability in operating room

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the 3D scanning and model creation action beforehand in the radiology department using high-quality MRI equipment. The resulting 3D mesh model is then transported to the operating room, eliminating the need for large imaging equipment to be physically present during surgery while maintaining scan quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy of the patient's anatomy in the form of a 3D mesh model that can be easily transported and used in the operating room. This digital copy replaces the need for physical presence of large imaging equipment, improving availability while maintaining the high scan quality achieved by dedicated radiology department equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS20260108226A1Three-dimensional mesh from magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance imaging-fluoroscopy merge

Publication Date: 2026.04.23 GLOBUS MEDICAL INC

AI summary

An imaging system can be configured to generate a three-dimensional (“3D”) mesh from a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) image. The imaging system can include a computer platform configured to perform operations. The operations can include receiving the MRI image. The operations can further include obtaining a nearest neighbor computerized topography (“CT”) template relative to the MRI image. The operations can further include generating the 3D mesh of the anatomical feature based on the MRI image and the nearest neighbor CT template.