Phase-Specific Cardiac Respiratory Image Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluoroscopy and CT systems cannot generate registered images that accurately illustrate anatomical features in both 2D and 3D models corresponding to specific phases of the cardiac and respiratory cycles, limiting their effectiveness in medical imaging.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to generate registered images by creating a 3D model of an anatomical region associated with predetermined phases of the cardiac and respiratory cycles, using a combination of CT and fluoroscopy image acquisition systems, cardiac and respiratory monitoring, and registration computer processes to align 2D images with the 3D models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy and CT systems are used to generate 2-D images and 3-D models, then anatomical imaging is achieved, but the ability to generate registered images corresponding to specific phases of cardiac and respiratory cycles is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous cardiac and respiratory cycles into discrete predetermined phases. The system divides the cyclic physiological processes into specific time intervals or phase markers, allowing selection of images corresponding to particular phases. This segmentation enables the system to provide phase-specific registered images while maintaining the ability to handle multiple phases, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining and pre-processing images according to predetermined phases of cardiac and respiratory cycles. The system anticipates the need for specific phase images by organizing and preparing them in advance, allowing rapid retrieval and registration when needed. This preliminary organization enables both high precision for specific phases and versatility across multiple phases.
2Speed
If 2-D fluoroscopy images are generated, then real-time imaging is achieved, but the ability to create phase-registered 3-D anatomical models is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges 2-D fluoroscopy images with 3-D anatomical models by integrating real-time 2-D imaging data with pre-processed 3-D models. The system combines the speed advantage of fluoroscopy with the precision advantage of 3-D modeling through image registration techniques that align 2-D images with corresponding phases of 3-D models. This merging enables both real-time imaging and accurate 3-D registration simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses phase information as an intermediary to bridge 2-D fluoroscopy images and 3-D anatomical models. By introducing phase markers or time-synchronization signals as a mediating element, the system can match 2-D images with the correct 3-D model phases. This intermediary mechanism enables accurate registration while preserving the real-time imaging capability of fluoroscopy.
3Productivity
If anatomical imaging is performed without phase-specific registration, then imaging speed is maintained, but anatomical accuracy during dynamic cycles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by synchronizing image acquisition with the periodic nature of cardiac and respiratory cycles. The system uses the regular, repeating patterns of these physiological cycles to its advantage, capturing images at specific points in each cycle (predetermined phases). This periodic synchronization maintains high imaging throughput while ensuring that each captured image corresponds to a consistent, accurately registrable phase of the cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of image acquisition by transitioning from continuous or random timing to phase-synchronized timing. By adjusting the acquisition timing parameter to match predetermined phases of the cardiac and respiratory cycles, the system maintains productivity while dramatically improving anatomical accuracy. The parameter change enables the system to capture images at optimal moments in the cycle without losing overall imaging efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating a registered image relative to a cardiac cycle and a respiratory cycle of a person is provided. The method includes generating a plurality of 2-D images of an anatomical region of the person. The method further includes generating a 3-D model of the anatomical region of the person. The 3-D model is associated with a predetermined phase of the cardiac cycle and a predetermined phase of the respiratory cycle. The method further includes selecting a first 2-D image from the plurality of 2-D images associated with the predetermined phase of the cardiac cycle and the predetermined phase of the respiratory cycle. The method further includes generating the registered image of the anatomical region utilizing the first 2-D image and the 3-D model. The method further includes storing the registered image in a memory device.