Probe Tracking Registration Visual Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging systems face challenges in accurately tracking the location of probes within the body, particularly during procedures like ablation, where movement due to breathing introduces errors in registration, leading to inaccuracies in previously measured locations.
Innovation Solution
A system that performs a first and second registration of a tracking system with a baseline coordinate system, using field-based and impedance-based location tracking, and presents locations with distinct visual effects, such as colors, to identify and differentiate between potentially erroneous locations, allowing for re-measurement decisions by physicians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time three-dimensional imaging is used to track probe location, then visualization accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex real-time 3D imaging systems with a coordinate tracking system that uses electromagnetic fields and mathematical transformations. Instead of continuously imaging the probe's position in three-dimensional space, the system uses a tracking system with sensors that detect probe position through electromagnetic field interactions, then applies coordinate transformations to map these positions to the baseline coordinate system. This substitution dramatically reduces system complexity while maintaining tracking accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If multiple registrations are performed to correct for organ movement, then location accuracy is improved, but time consumption and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a baseline registration at the beginning of the procedure to establish the initial coordinate relationship between the tracking system and the organ. This preliminary action creates a reference framework that can be used throughout the procedure. When movement is detected, the system applies pre-defined coordinate transformations based on the baseline registration rather than performing complete re-registrations, significantly reducing the time required to correct for organ movement while maintaining accuracy.
3Reliability
If visual differentiation of locations from different registrations is implemented, then error identification is improved, but display complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color coding to differentiate between locations measured under different registration conditions. Locations that were measured before organ movement is detected are displayed in one color, while locations measured after movement and coordinate transformation are displayed in another color. This simple visual differentiation method enables physicians to quickly identify potentially erroneous locations without requiring complex display mechanisms or additional processing, thereby improving reliability while minimizing display complexity.
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 enhances the accuracy of probe location tracking by visually distinguishing between locations measured under different registrations, enabling better error management and procedural precision during medical procedures like cardiac ablation.
Implementation Method 1
a tracking system configured to track a location of a probe within an organ of a human body
Implementation Method 2
field-based and impedance-based location tracking
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, including performing a first registration of a tracking system, which is configured to track a location of a probe within a human body organ, with a baseline coordinate system, and measuring first locations of the probe within the organ following the first registration. First indicators marking the first locations with a first visual effect are presented on an image of the organ, at positions on the image that are determined based on the first registration. After measuring the first locations, a second registration of the tracking system with the baseline coordinate system is performed, and second locations of the probe within the organ following the second registration are measured. Second indicators marking the second locations with a second effect, which is visually distinct from the first effect, are presented on the image of the organ, at positions on the image that are determined based on the second registration.