Quantitative Endoscopy Registration for Tumor Delineation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for target delineation in radiotherapy, particularly in cancers like head and neck, esophagus, and lung, face inaccuracies due to reliance on visual interpretation of endoscopy images relative to volumetric imaging, which can miss tumors and expose normal tissues to radiation, leading to potential morbidity and late side-effects.
Innovation Solution
A method for quantitatively registering 2D endoscopic images with 3D volumetric imaging datasets, using endoscopic tracking to accurately overlay and project 2D regions of interest onto 3D surfaces, enabling precise tumor delineation and treatment planning by integrating endoscopic and volumetric data for improved accuracy and reduced variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual interpretation of endoscopy images relative to volumetric imaging is used for target delineation, then treatment planning can be performed, but inaccuracies occur leading to missed tumors and exposure of normal tissues to radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges 2D endoscopic images with 3D volumetric imaging data by registering the endoscopic images to the volumetric dataset using anatomical landmarks and transformation matrices. This combination allows the strengths of both modalities to be utilized: the detailed surface visualization of endoscopy and the three-dimensional context of volumetric imaging, thereby improving target delineation accuracy and reducing errors in tumor identification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary registration process that uses anatomical landmarks and coordinate transformation matrices as mediators between the endoscopic and volumetric imaging systems. This intermediary layer enables accurate spatial correspondence between the two imaging modalities, allowing precise transfer of endoscopic findings to the volumetric dataset without direct visual interpretation errors
2Reliability
If large planning margins are used to minimize the risk of missing tumors, then tumor coverage is improved, but morbidity and late side-effects increase due to exposure of normal tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using large geometric margins with an information-based approach using quantitatively registered endoscopic images. By accurately identifying tumor boundaries through the registered endoscopic data, the system enables precise target delineation that conforms to the actual tumor extent rather than relying on conservative margin expansion, thereby protecting normal tissues from unnecessary radiation exposure
3Ease of operation
If qualitative evaluation of physical exam findings is used to create composite targets, then treatment planning is possible, but precision is limited due to reliance on anatomic landmark relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a quantitative copy of the endoscopic image data within the volumetric imaging space through registration. Instead of relying on qualitative interpretation and manual mapping of anatomical landmarks, the system generates an accurate spatial copy of the endoscopic findings in the volumetric dataset, preserving the precise location and extent of tumor involvement without the errors inherent in manual landmark-based methods
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer program product and processor for quantitatively registering a 2D endoscopic ROI in a 3D volumetric imaging dataset. An endoscopic dataset and a volumetric imaging are registered to a common coordinate system. A 2D endoscopic ROI is generated within the endoscopic imaging dataset. A 3D surface ROI is generated within the volumetric imaging dataset corresponding to the 2D endoscopic ROI, based on a projection of the 2D endoscopic ROI to the registered common coordinate system.