Prostate Imaging Registration via Dual-Modal Markers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for registering prostate images during biopsies lack precision in aligning ultrasound and nuclear images, making it difficult to accurately target and sample tumors in a non-random basis.

Innovation Solution

A device and method utilizing an elongate element with markers readable by both ultrasound and gamma cameras, allowing for precise registration of images by correlating 2D and 3D slices, enabling real-time visualization and guidance of biopsy needles for precise tissue sampling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If nuclear images are taken from a large gantry in close proximity to the surgical field, then image registration precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage registration precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces registration elements as intermediary objects that mediate between the ultrasound probe and the nuclear imaging system. These elements contain markers visible to both imaging modalities, serving as a bridge that enables precise registration without requiring complex direct integration between the gantry and surgical field equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses registration elements that create corresponding markers visible in both ultrasound and nuclear images. By copying the same physical markers into both imaging modalities, the system achieves precise registration through marker correlation rather than through complex direct image mapping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Quantity of substance

If multiple random tissue samples are taken during biopsy, then sampling coverage is improved, but measurement precision of tumor targeting deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of tissue samplesVSAvoidtumor targeting precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time feedback by displaying registered nuclear images overlaid on ultrasound images during the biopsy procedure. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to see tumor locations identified by nuclear imaging and precisely target those areas with biopsy samples, transforming random sampling into targeted sampling guided by image registration feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 and real-time visualization of prostate images, improving the precision of biopsy procedures by aligning ultrasound and nuclear images, facilitating targeted sampling of tumors.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one marker readable by the ultrasound probe has a different density than the average density of prostate tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasound reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the at least one marker readable by the gamma camera has a photo peak energy that is different from a photo peak energy of the tumor imaging fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGamma ray detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS8521253B2Prostate imaging

Publication Date: 2013.08.27 SPECTRUM DYNAMICS MEDICAL LTD

AI summary

A device for registering prostate images, the device comprises an elongate element suitable for insertion into a body passageway, the elongate element comprising at least one marker readable by an ultrasound probe and at least one marker readable by a gamma camera.