Standard Fluoroscopy 3D Reconstruction for Soft-Tissue Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging systems, such as MRI and CT, are costly and not always available in the same location as the procedure, and standard fluoroscopic images struggle to visualize small soft-tissue objects due to obscuration by dense tissues, necessitating expensive and cumbersome CT or Cone-beam CT scans for navigation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method to construct three-dimensional pseudo-volumetric data from standard fluoroscopic images using iterative algorithms, determining the pose of the imaging device through various techniques, and filtering out obscuring tissues to enhance visibility of soft-tissues, allowing for real-time navigation and treatment confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard fluoroscopic imaging is used, then the imaging device is widely available and cost-effective, but small soft-tissue objects cannot be visualized due to obscuration by dense tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms 2D fluoroscopic projections into 3D volumetric data by acquiring multiple projections from different angles and reconstructing them using iterative algorithms. This dimensional transformation enables depth discrimination and separation of overlapping structures, allowing visualization of soft-tissue objects that are obscured in conventional 2D fluoroscopy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an iterative reconstruction algorithm as an intermediary processing step between the raw fluoroscopic projections and the final volumetric image. This intermediary computational process filters out obscuring dense tissues and enhances soft-tissue contrast, enabling visualization without requiring expensive specialized imaging equipment.
2Measurement precision
If CT or Cone-beam CT is used for three-dimensional volume reconstruction, then soft-tissue objects are visible, but the cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a standard fluoroscopic imaging device to perform multiple functions: acquiring 2D projections, reconstructing 3D volumetric data, and visualizing soft-tissue structures. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized CT or Cone-beam CT equipment, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining soft-tissue visualization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a computational 3D volumetric copy of the patient anatomy from 2D fluoroscopic projections. This virtual 3D reconstruction replicates the soft-tissue visualization capability of CT imaging but uses widely available fluoroscopic equipment, significantly reducing hardware costs and device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple fluoroscopic images from different angles are acquired for three-dimensional reconstruction, then soft-tissue visibility improves, but the acquisition time and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent acquires multiple fluoroscopic projections continuously during a single imaging procedure rather than requiring separate scanning sessions. The iterative reconstruction algorithm processes these continuous projections to generate real-time 3D volumetric data, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the procedure and minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical multi-modal imaging systems with a computational approach using standard fluoroscopy. By substituting mechanical/physical complexity with algorithmic processing, the system achieves soft-tissue visualization without requiring additional specialized hardware or extended acquisition protocols.
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
Enables accurate navigation and treatment confirmation of medical devices relative to soft-tissue targets without the high costs and radiation exposure of CT or Cone-beam CT, using standard fluoroscopic imaging devices available in most procedure rooms.
Implementation Method 1
a fluoroscopic imaging device configured to acquire a fluoroscopic video of a target area about a plurality of angles relative to the target area
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for constructing fluoroscopic-based three-dimensional volumetric data of a target area within a patient from two-dimensional fluoroscopic images including a structure of markers, a fluoroscopic imaging device configured to acquire a sequence of images of the target area and of the structure of markers, and a computing device. The computing device is configured to estimate a pose of the fluoroscopic imaging device for at least a plurality of images of the sequence of images based on detection of a possible and most probable projection of the structure of markers as a whole on each image of the plurality of images. The computing device is further configured to construct fluoroscopic-based three-dimensional volumetric data of the target area based on the estimated poses of the fluoroscopic imaging device.