Instrument Navigation Updates Using Real-Time Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems in medical procedures inaccurately depict the location of instruments within anatomy due to variations in anatomical characteristics and distortions between preoperative and intraoperative phases, leading to difficulties in accurately navigating medical instruments to target locations.
Innovation Solution
Utilize real-time image data from externally positioned imaging systems, such as CT, to determine and update the spatial relationship between the instrument and the target, integrating this data with preoperative information to enhance navigation accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If preoperative navigation information is used to guide the instrument, then the navigation system provides initial guidance, but the navigation information becomes inaccurate due to anatomical variations and distortions between preoperative and intraoperative phases
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system transitions from static preoperative images to dynamic real-time image updates. The system continuously acquires intraoperative images and updates the navigation display to reflect current anatomical positions and instrument locations, making the navigation information adaptive to anatomical changes during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously comparing the planned instrument trajectory with actual instrument position and anatomical landmarks. Intraoperative images provide feedback on anatomical variations, allowing the system to correct navigation information and maintain accuracy throughout the procedure.
2Measurement precision
If real-time image data is acquired from externally positioned imaging systems, then navigation accuracy is improved, but the system complexity and procedure time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system serves multiple functions: it provides real-time anatomical imaging for navigation accuracy, captures instrument positions, and updates the navigation display. By using a single imaging system for multiple purposes, the patent reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high navigation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry acts as an intermediary that integrates data from the external imaging system with the preoperative navigation plan. It processes images, determines spatial relationships, and updates the graphical interface, serving as a mediator between the imaging system and the navigation display to manage system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If real-time image data processing is performed to update navigation information, then navigation accuracy is maintained, but the procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs image acquisition and processing at periodic intervals rather than continuously. This allows real-time navigation updates while managing processing time, maintaining navigation accuracy without requiring constant image acquisition and analysis throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
Preoperative imaging and navigation planning are performed in advance before the actual procedure. This preliminary preparation reduces the amount of real-time processing required during the procedure, allowing faster updates and reducing overall procedure time while maintaining navigation accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for updating navigation information associated with an instrument are discussed herein. For example, graphical interface data can be provided during a procedure to assist a user navigating the instrument within the anatomy to reach a target and/or other locations within the anatomy. The graphical interface data can indicate a first spatial relationship between the instrument and the target. Further, image data from an externally located imaging system can be used to determine a second spatial relationship between the instrument and the target. The graphical interface data can be updated based on the second spatial relationship.