Shape Sensing Bronchoscope Navigation Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Bronchoscopy procedures face challenges due to the complex topology of airways, where physicians often get lost despite pre-operative CT imaging, as current methods provide only local information and are compromised by patient breathing and movement, leading to low success rates in navigating to target tissue samples.
Innovation Solution
A shape sensing system that provides a three-dimensional image of the pathway system, using a shape sensing enabled elongated device to measure and compare its shape with the image, allowing for real-time feedback on correct path selection and compensating for deformations caused by breathing or heartbeat, thereby improving navigation accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnetic tracking is used to track the path and register bronchoscopic image with its position, then real-time position tracking is improved, but misalignment between CT and bronchoscopic image occurs due to patient breathing
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs shape sensing sensors that continuously measure the bronchoscope's position and orientation, providing real-time feedback to update the registration between CT and bronchoscopic images, compensating for movements caused by patient breathing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electromagnetic tracking with an optical shape sensing system that uses flexible sensors embedded in the bronchoscope to measure its configuration, providing more accurate and reliable position tracking that is less susceptible to interference from patient movement
2Speed
If real-time X-ray imaging is used to follow the device, then real-time imaging capability is improved, but radiation exposure and limited 3D information are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes X-ray imaging with an optical shape sensing system that uses embedded sensors to measure the bronchoscope's configuration, providing real-time 3D position information without radiation exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses shape sensing sensors as intermediaries to indirectly measure the bronchoscope's position and orientation by detecting its shape, avoiding the need for direct imaging while still providing real-time spatial information
3Device complexity
If bronchoscope provides only local information, then device simplicity is maintained, but navigation accuracy in complex airways deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the bronchoscope by embedding shape sensing sensors that simultaneously measure position, orientation, and shape, transforming a simple viewing device into a multi-functional navigation system
Solution Approach 2:
The system nests shape sensing sensors within the bronchoscope's structure, allowing the sensors to be embedded in the flexible shaft without increasing the overall device diameter, maintaining device simplicity while adding navigation capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for shape sensing assistance in a medical procedure includes providing (402) a three-dimensional image of a distributed pathway system. A shape sensing enabled elongated device is introduced (406) into the pathway system. A shape of the elongated device in the pathway system is measured (410). The shape is compared (414) with the three-dimensional image to determine whether a given path has been selected relative to a target.