Reference Catheter Registration for Medical Image Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical navigation systems, such as RPM and CARTO EP, lack the resolution needed for accurate catheter localization within complex anatomical structures like the left atrium and pulmonary veins, and require additional steps and sensors for integrating high-resolution images like CT and MRI with electrophysiological maps, leading to potential inaccuracies and increased procedure time.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses reference elements placed within or on the anatomical body to establish a self-compensating navigational coordinate system, allowing for the registration and integration of high-resolution medical images with graphical information, such as electrophysiological maps, by transmitting signals between these elements and determining their locations within both coordinate systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy is used for catheter navigation, then the catheter location can be visualized, but the resolution is insufficient and soft tissues cannot be imaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges fluoroscopy imaging with ultrasound imaging to create a hybrid navigation system. The fluoroscopy provides catheter visualization while ultrasound provides soft tissue imaging, combining the strengths of both modalities to achieve comprehensive anatomical visualization and accurate catheter localization simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If external coordinate systems are used (CARTO EP system), then magnetic transmitters can track catheter position, but additional sensors are required and patient movement must be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an internal coordinate system where the reference catheter itself serves as the tracking reference. The catheter carries fiducial markers that are automatically tracked by the ultrasound system, eliminating the need for external magnetic transmitters and sensors. The system self-compensates for patient movement by maintaining the coordinate system within the patient's anatomy.
3Measurement precision
If CT and MRI images are integrated with electrophysiological maps, then high-resolution anatomical information is available, but additional manual matching steps are required increasing procedure time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary registration of the internal coordinate system with pre-acquired CT or MRI images before the catheter procedure begins. By establishing the spatial relationship between the coordinate system and high-resolution anatomical images in advance, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming manual matching during the procedure, allowing direct navigation using the registered coordinate system.
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 more accurate and efficient catheter navigation by providing a precise integration of medical images with graphical data, reducing procedure time and improving the accuracy of catheter localization within complex anatomical structures without the need for additional sensors or manual matching steps.
Implementation Method 1
a ranging circuitry configured for determining distances between the reference elements and the location elements
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for processing and/or superimposing a medical image of an anatomical body (e.g., a heart) with graphical information are provided. Reference elements and/or reference catheter are placed in contact with the anatomical body. A physical structure within a navigational coordinate system is located using the reference elements and/or reference catheter. An image reference within an image coordinate corresponding to the physical structure is located. Location of the image reference can be accomplished, e.g., by displaying the medical image and electronically marking the displayed image reference, or by automatically locating image data corresponding to the image reference. The navigational and image coordinate systems are then registered based on the location of the physical structure within the navigational coordinate system and the location of the image reference within the image coordinate system, which allows graphical information to be accurately merged with the medical image data.