Peripheral Marker Positioning for Radiation-Sparing 3D Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D reconstructions in medical imaging are limited to a central volume to minimize radiation exposure, excluding markers outside this volume and preventing accurate registration with a 3D navigation coordinate system.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine the position of markers in a 3D image coordinate system by including peripheral volume markers in a subset of image data sets, allowing registration with a 3D navigation system without increasing radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the central volume is increased to include markers outside the original volume, then marker positions can be determined in the 3D reconstruction, but the volume of patient's body exposed to radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the 3D volume into a central volume (for 3D reconstruction) and a peripheral volume (for marker registration). Image data sets are selectively used: some include central volume markers while others include peripheral volume markers. This segmentation allows marker position determination without requiring all markers to be within the central volume, thus avoiding increased radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary registration approach where markers in the peripheral volume are used to establish the relationship between the 3D image coordinate system and the 3D navigation coordinate system. By determining marker positions in the peripheral volume using a subset of image data sets, the system can register the central volume reconstruction to navigation coordinates without exposing the patient to additional radiation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If markers are placed outside the central volume for registration purposes, then radiation exposure is minimized, but the markers are not represented in the 3D reconstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into two functional parts: central volume imaging for 3D reconstruction and peripheral volume imaging for marker registration. By using a subset of image data sets that include peripheral markers, the system recovers marker position information without requiring these markers to be part of the central volume reconstruction, thus maintaining low radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the solution into a dimensional framework where markers exist in both the 3D image coordinate system and the 3D navigation coordinate system. By determining marker positions in the peripheral volume and using them for registration, the system bridges the gap between imaging coordinates and navigation coordinates, effectively recovering marker information through a dimensional transformation rather than requiring spatial inclusion in the central volume.
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 registration of 3D reconstructions with navigation systems by determining marker positions outside the central volume, reducing radiation exposure and enhancing surgical navigation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of images is often captured using X-ray beams due to their high transmittance for most materials
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A method and a device for determining a respective position of one or more markers in a 3D image coordinate system are provided. The method comprises obtaining a plurality of image data sets taken from a 3D volume in which an object and one or more markers are disposed. The 3D volume comprises a central volume containing at least a portion of the object and further comprises a peripheral volume adjacent to the central volume and containing the one or more markers. The image data sets have been taken from at least one of different positions and different orientations relative to the object. A first subset comprises image data sets that each includes at least one dedicated marker of the one or more markers and a second subset comprises at least one image data set that does not include the at least one dedicated marker. The method further comprises selecting, from the image data sets, at least two image data sets of the first subset. The method also comprises determining, from the selected image data sets, a position of the at least one dedicated marker in a 3D image coordinate system of a 3D reconstruction of the central volume with the object portion.