Optical Instrument Tracking Without X-Ray Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interventional device tracking methods, particularly in medical imaging, require cumbersome and radiation-intensive marker systems, which hinder movement and increase X-ray dose exposure.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing optical cameras to provide 2D images from different viewing directions, spatially registering these images with pre-interventional 3D data to generate a 3D line representation of the instrument, eliminating the need for additional X-ray imaging and marker attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infrared markers are attached to surgical instruments for tracking, then tracking reliability and accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases and freedom of movement is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking function from physical markers attached to instruments and implements it through optical detection of the instrument's geometric shape and motion in 2D images. This eliminates the need for additional markers while maintaining tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual 3D representation of the instrument by processing 2D image sequences, effectively copying the instrument's geometry and motion without requiring physical duplication or additional hardware on the instrument itself.
2Reliability
If visible-light cameras with markers are used for instrument tracking, then tracking is achieved, but harmful factors increase due to additional mass and restricted movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful markers from the instrument while preserving tracking functionality through optical detection of the instrument's natural geometric features and motion patterns in 2D images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical marker attachment system with an optical detection system that analyzes 2D image sequences to extract instrument position and orientation, eliminating physical modifications to the instrument.
3Measurement precision
If X-ray imaging is used for instrument tracking, then accurate positioning is achieved, but harmful factors increase due to X-ray radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces X-ray imaging with optical camera-based 2D image analysis to track instrument position. The system processes sequences of 2D images to calculate instrument trajectory and position without requiring ionizing radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual 3D model of instrument position by processing 2D image sequences, providing accurate positioning information without the need for X-ray imaging or other radiation-based techniques.
4Measurement precision
If specially produced instruments with patterns are used, then tracking performance is improved without mechanical disadvantages, but device complexity increases due to special production requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables tracking of standard surgical instruments without requiring special production modifications. The system works with any instrument that has a recognizable geometric shape, making the tracking capability universally applicable to existing instrument inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the tracking function from the instrument manufacturing process itself and implements it through post-processing of 2D images. This eliminates the need for specially produced instruments while maintaining tracking accuracy.
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 accurate and efficient live tracking of instruments without additional X-ray radiation, allowing for precise navigation during medical procedures using existing surgical instruments with a rigid cylinder geometry.
Implementation Method 1
The interface unit is configured to provide at least two current 2D images of a region of interest of a subject acquired with optical cameras in at least two different viewing directions. The 2D images show an instrument in the region of interest
Implementation Method 2
The processing unit is configured to spatially register the 2D images with pre-interventional 3D data of the region of interest of the subject. The processing unit is configured to project the instrument 3D line on pre-interventional 3D data of the region of interest of the subject generating a combined navigation image
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to interventional device tracking. In order to provide a facilitated tracking of instruments with less X-ray radiation, a system (10) for tracking an interventional device is provided that comprises an interface unit (12), a data storage unit (14), a processing unit (16) and an output unit (18). The interface unit is configured to provide at least two current 2D images of a region of interest of a subject acquired with optical cameras in at least two different viewing directions. The 2D images show an instrument in the region of interest, wherein the instrument has a geometry that comprises a rigid cylinder. The processing unit is configured to identify at least one straight line, representing the instrument, in each of the at least two current 2D images. The processing unit is further configured to determine an instrument 3D line based on the identified at least one straight line in each of the at least two current 2D images. The processing unit is also configured to project the instrument 3D line on pre-interventional 3D data of the region of interest of the subject generating a combined navigation image. The output unit is configured to provide the combined navigation image to the user.