Slotted Filter X-Ray Imaging for Spinal Surgery Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems face challenges in accurately registering and localizing surgical instruments and implants within 3D images during procedures, particularly in spinal surgeries, due to limitations in 3D-2D image registration and parallax effects caused by x-ray projections from multiple angles.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a slotted filter to generate multiple x-ray fans, allowing for precise image acquisition and stitching of projections to form long views, combined with advanced image processing techniques for registration and localization of instruments and implants within 3D models, enabling accurate pose estimation and reduced parallax distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple x-ray projections are acquired from different angles to improve localization accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but parallax distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
A slotted filter is introduced as an intermediary component between the x-ray source and the patient. The filter contains multiple slots that generate fan-shaped x-ray beams, serving as a mediator to create controlled parallax views while maintaining geometric relationships that enable accurate registration between 2D projections and 3D anatomical models.
Solution Approach 2:
The x-ray beam is segmented into multiple fan-shaped beams through the slotted filter, with each slot creating a distinct projection angle. This segmentation allows simultaneous acquisition of multiple views with known geometric relationships, improving localization accuracy while the known geometry compensates for parallax effects.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple projections are stitched to form long views to extend field of view, then area of stationary object increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system employs dynamic movement of the x-ray source and detector along an arc trajectory, allowing the same physical detector to capture different regions of the patient's anatomy at different positions. This dynamic approach extends the effective field of view without requiring a larger detector or multiple fixed imaging stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The slotted filter serves multiple functions: it generates fan-shaped beams for extended field of view, provides known geometric relationships for registration, and enables simultaneous multi-angle imaging. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components to achieve each of these objectives.
3Measurement precision
If 3D-2D image registration is performed to localize instruments and implants, then measurement precision improves, but computational resources and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slotted filter geometry and slot positions are predetermined and known beforehand. These pre-known geometric parameters are used to pre-calculate projection matrices and registration transformations, eliminating the need for complex real-time optimization during surgical procedures. The registration process is simplified because the geometric relationships are already established by the filter design.
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 enhances the accuracy and efficiency of surgical procedures by providing precise localization of instruments and implants, minimizing radiation exposure and improving surgical planning and execution, while reducing computational resources and time.
Implementation Method 1
A system to acquire image data of a subject with an imaging system may use x-rays
Implementation Method 2
A parallax effect exists and may allow for different views of the same position of the subject
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system is disclosed for analyzing and evaluating image data of a subject. The image data can be collected with an imaging system in a selected manner and/or motion. More than one projection may be combined to generate and create a selected view of the subject. The evaluation may be a location determination of a member positioned within the subject.