Real-Time Anatomical Image Tracking Without Surgical Re-Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical imaging technologies fail to accurately track and monitor movement of patient anatomy during procedures, requiring time-consuming re-registration and exposing patients to ionizing radiation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for annotating and updating images in real-time using artificial intelligence to track anatomical elements, adjusting image elements based on movement data without ionizing radiation, and integrating with augmented or virtual reality for precise surgical guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical imaging technologies are used to track anatomical movements, then anatomical elements can be monitored, but time-consuming re-registration is required and patients are exposed to ionizing radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary annotation of image elements corresponding to anatomical elements before surgery begins. These pre-established annotations enable real-time tracking without requiring re-registration during the procedure, as the image elements are already associated with specific anatomical structures and can be updated based on movement data from trackers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the anatomical elements through image annotation, where annotated image elements serve as virtual representations of physical anatomical structures. These digital copies can be updated and tracked without requiring physical re-imaging or re-registration, eliminating the need for repeated exposure to ionizing radiation.
2Reliability
If traditional surgical imaging technologies are used to track anatomical movements, then anatomical elements can be monitored, but patients are exposed to ionizing radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces ionizing radiation-based imaging methods with a non-ionizing approach using pre-annotated images combined with tracker data. Instead of using X-rays or CT scans to track movement, the system updates annotated image elements based on movement information from trackers, eliminating radiation exposure while maintaining tracking accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The annotated image elements serve multiple functions: they provide pre-surgical anatomical reference, enable real-time tracking during surgery, and can be updated continuously without requiring repeated imaging. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate imaging procedures that would expose patients to radiation.
3Productivity
If real-time tracking of anatomical elements is implemented, then updated images can be provided to surgeons, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the anatomical scene into discrete annotated image elements, each corresponding to a specific anatomical element. This segmentation allows independent tracking and updating of individual elements based on tracker data, simplifying the overall processing by breaking down the complex task of full-image re-registration into manageable element-level updates.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for monitoring one or more anatomical elements are provided. An image depicting one or more anatomical elements and a plurality of annotations may be received. The image may comprise a plurality of image elements. Each annotation may correspond to one of the one or more anatomical elements and may be associated with one of the plurality of image elements. Movement information about movement of at least a portion of a particular anatomical element may be received. Image elements corresponding to the particular anatomical element may be identified to yield a set of image elements. The set of image elements may be adjusted based on the movement information to yield an updated image reflecting changes to affected anatomical elements.