Needle Positioning via Selective 2D Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging systems face challenges in obtaining real-time 3D images of a region of interest during surgical procedures, as determining 3D images from 2D projections requires significant time and results in a non-negligible X-ray dose.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that acquire a plurality of 2D-projected images of a rectilinear instrument from multiple orientations, determine a 3D reconstruction of the instrument to match the acquired 2D projections, and superimpose this reconstruction over the 3D image of the object, allowing for real-time visualization of the instrument's position within the region of interest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 3D images are obtained by tomographic reconstruction from multiple 2D images, then a complete 3D visualization of the region of interest is achieved, but the X-ray dose to the patient becomes non-negligible and the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for 3D reconstruction by acquiring 2D images at specific orientations rather than acquiring complete tomographic data sets. This selective extraction of necessary projection data reduces the number of X-ray exposures while maintaining sufficient information for accurate 3D instrument positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by acquiring 2D images at a limited number of specific orientations rather than performing complete tomographic reconstruction requiring numerous projections. This partial acquisition strategy provides sufficient data for 3D reconstruction purposes while minimizing unnecessary X-ray exposure to the patient.
2Measurement precision
If complete tomographic reconstruction is performed to obtain real-time 3D images, then accurate 3D visualization is achieved, but the time required for image processing becomes significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs partial 3D reconstruction using only 2D images acquired at specific orientations rather than processing complete tomographic data sets. This partial reconstruction approach reduces computational complexity and processing time while maintaining sufficient accuracy for real-time surgical guidance applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent acquires 2D images at predetermined orientations before reconstruction, allowing for optimized and pre-planned reconstruction algorithms. This preliminary acquisition strategy enables faster processing compared to acquiring and processing complete tomographic data sets in real-time.
3Measurement precision
If multiple 2D images are acquired from different orientations to enable 3D reconstruction, then accurate 3D instrument positioning is achieved, but the number of X-ray exposures and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image acquisition process into discrete orientations, acquiring 2D images at specific predetermined angles rather than continuous scanning. This segmentation reduces the total number of images required while maintaining sufficient geometric information for accurate 3D reconstruction of the instrument position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent acquires 2D images at a limited number of specific orientations rather than performing complete tomographic acquisition. This partial acquisition provides sufficient geometric constraints for 3D reconstruction while reducing the complexity of the acquisition and processing systems.
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
Enables real-time monitoring of needle insertion with reduced X-ray exposure by minimizing the need for extensive 3D image reconstruction, facilitating precise surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a source configured to emit a beam of rays; a detector positioned facing the source and configured to detect the rays emitted by the source
Data Source
AI summary
A method to process images for interventional imaging, wherein a 3D image of an object is visualized with a medical imaging system, the medical imaging system comprising an X-ray source and a detector, is provided. The method comprises acquiring a plurality of 2D-projected images of the object along a plurality of orientations of the imaging chain, wherein a rectilinear instrument has been inserted into the object. The method also comprises determining a 3D reconstruction of the instrument such that a plurality of 2D projections of the 3D image of the instrument, along the respective orientations in the 2D-projected images of the object were acquired, are closest to the acquired 2D-projected images of the object. The method further comprises superimposing the 3D reconstruction of the instrument over the 3D image of the object so as to obtain a 3D image comprising the object and the instrument.