Probe Visualization Using Mechanical Property Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Impedance-based position sensing technologies for probes within the body often experience sudden fluctuations due to unrealistic shape assumptions, leading to disconcerting visualizations for medical professionals.
Innovation Solution
A method that applies a model of known mechanical properties to apparent coordinates of a probe to compute a cost function, choosing a shape responsive to this function and generating corrected coordinates for accurate visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If impedance-based measurement technology is used for determining probe position, then position sensing capability is achieved, but sudden fluctuations occur in the probe image that are disconcerting to physicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a mechanical model with known properties (stiffness, density, damping) to constrain the probe shape parameters. By changing the parameter representation from raw impedance-derived coordinates to model-constrained coordinates, the system achieves both accurate position sensing and stable visualization. The cost function minimizes deviations from expected mechanical behavior while fitting the measured data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical model as an intermediary between the raw impedance measurements and the final visualized probe position. This model acts as a filter that translates noisy electrical measurements into physically plausible mechanical shapes, eliminating sudden fluctuations while preserving accurate position information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If no shape constraints are applied to probe visualization, then flexibility in representing probe positions is maintained, but unrealistic shapes and sudden fluctuations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the probe shape representation from unconstrained coordinate values to parameters governed by a mechanical model. This change imposes physical realism constraints (stiffness, density, damping) while maintaining enough flexibility to represent actual probe configurations. The cost function balances model compliance with measurement fidelity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an iterative optimization process where the mechanical model provides feedback on whether a proposed probe shape is physically realistic. The cost function continuously adjusts the probe coordinates to satisfy both the measured impedance data and the mechanical model constraints, ensuring realistic shapes without losing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for visualization includes receiving an input indicative of respective apparent coordinates of a plurality of points disposed along a length of a probe inside a body of a subject, and applying a model of known mechanical properties of the probe to the apparent coordinates so as to compute a cost function with respect to shapes that can be assumed by the probe in the body. A shape is chosen responsively to the cost function, and corrected coordinates of the points along the length of the probe are generated based on the shape. The representation of the probe using the corrected coordinates is then displayed.