Postural-Independent Target Location in Multimodal Diagnostic Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multimodal imaging techniques face challenges in accurately locating targets due to postural changes in soft tissues, particularly when combining MRI and ultrasound images, as different imaging techniques require different patient postures, leading to deformation and errors in target registration during biopsy procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize markers on the external surface of the target region, correlating their positions between different imaging techniques using optical scanning and 3D laser scanning to compensate for postural changes, allowing for the transition of images from one posture to another, enabling precise registration and location of targets regardless of patient position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If different imaging techniques (MRI and ultrasound) are used to acquire diagnostic images, then high quality morphological structure and real time imaging are achieved, but postural changes cause tissue deformation and target registration errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical markers as intermediary objects placed on the patient's body surface. These markers serve as a common reference framework that can be detected by both MRI and ultrasound imaging systems, enabling accurate registration between images acquired in different postures. The markers act as a mediator that bridges the two imaging modalities and compensates for tissue deformation caused by postural changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies mathematical transformation parameters to convert image coordinates from one posture reference frame to another. By calculating transformation matrices based on marker positions in different postures, the system can adjust and align images regardless of the patient's position during imaging, thereby maintaining registration accuracy across different postures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the patient changes posture between imaging sessions, then different imaging techniques can be applied, but the target position cannot be correctly identified in subsequent images
Solution Approach 1:
Optical markers serve as a stable reference framework that remains attached to the patient's body regardless of posture changes. These markers enable the system to adapt to different imaging techniques and postures while maintaining a consistent reference system for target localization, thus preserving measurement precision across varied imaging conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies markers to the patient's body surface before imaging sessions and pre-calculates transformation parameters between different postures. This preliminary setup enables the system to quickly adapt to posture changes and accurately identify target positions in subsequent images without requiring re-calibration during the imaging process.
3Measurement precision
If volumetric high resolution images are acquired, then detailed morphological structure is obtained, but acquisition time increases beyond the frequency of organ motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs volumetric high-resolution MRI imaging in advance to obtain detailed morphological structure. The acquired images are then stored and reused for subsequent ultrasound-guided procedures, eliminating the need to repeat time-consuming volumetric acquisitions while maintaining access to high-resolution anatomical information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the imaging process into two distinct phases: a preliminary high-resolution volumetric imaging phase for detailed morphological assessment, and a subsequent real-time ultrasound phase for dynamic guidance. This segmentation allows each imaging modality to be optimized for its specific purpose without compromising overall efficiency or 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
This approach ensures accurate and reliable postural-independent location of targets, enhancing the precision of biopsy procedures by compensating for tissue deformations and maintaining image registration across different imaging modalities and patient positions.
Implementation Method 1
utilize markers on the external surface of the target region, correlating their positions between different imaging techniques using optical scanning
Implementation Method 2
3D laser scanning to compensate for postural changes
Data Source
AI summary
A method for postural independent location of targets in diagnostic images acquired by multimodal acquisitions, compensating for deformation of soft tissues due to changing posture, includes generating a transition of a digital image of the inside of a target region from a first to a second position by correlating the position of markers placed on the external surface of the target region in a digital image of the inside of the target region and in a digital representation of the external surface of the target region acquired by optically scanning the external surface; and at a later time registering the diagnostic image of the inside of the target region, transitioned into the second position, with a diagnostic image of the same target region acquired with the target region in the second position by matching a second representation of the external surface of the target region in the second position without markers with the diagnostic image of the inside of the target region transitioned into the second position.