Radiopaque Marker Jigs for Fluoroscopic Pose Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging technologies face challenges in accurately estimating the pose of imaging devices during minimally invasive procedures, leading to difficulties in accurately positioning instruments like endo-bronchial tools within body cavities, especially when the device pose changes, such as during C-arm rotation in fluoroscopic procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a support structure with radiopaque markers positioned in a unique pattern, allowing for multi-view pose estimation by generating augmented bronchograms and determining mutual geometric constraints between different poses of the imaging device, using a combination of devices like protractors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and cameras to track features and estimate relative pose changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging technologies are used without unique marker patterns, then the imaging process is simpler, but pose estimation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces radiopaque markers as intermediary objects attached to the imaging device. These markers serve as mediators between the imaging device and the imaging system, enabling accurate pose estimation by providing detectable reference points that facilitate geometric constraint calculations without fundamentally altering the imaging process
2Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging device pose changes during procedures, then flexibility in positioning is improved, but tracking accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic tracking system that continuously updates pose estimates as the imaging device moves. The system calculates mutual geometric constraints between different poses and uses augmented bronchograms to maintain accurate tracking throughout the procedure, allowing the device to adapt to changing positions while preserving tracking precision
3Measurement precision
If repeated setup processes are performed to ensure accurate positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary pose estimation and geometric constraint calculations using the unique marker pattern before the actual imaging procedure begins. By establishing the initial pose and constraints in advance, the system eliminates the need for repeated setup adjustments during the procedure, saving time while maintaining positioning 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 enables accurate tracking of instrument trajectories and positioning within body cavities, reducing the need for repeated setup processes and enhancing the precision of medical imaging by deriving an augmented image that highlights areas of interest based on estimated poses and anatomical elements.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of radiopaque markers attached to the support structure... an image capturing a given portion of the pattern is unique
Data Source
AI summary
A device for use during a medical imaging process, the device including a support structure and a plurality of radiopaque markers, the support structure configured to be positioned in proximity to at least a portion of a body of a patient during the medical imaging process, the plurality of radiopaque markers attached to the support structure, the plurality of radiopaque markers being positioned in a pattern such that an image capturing a given portion of the pattern is unique from an image capturing any other given portion of the pattern.