Surgical Imaging Fusion for Depth Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical imaging technologies, such as robotic and laparoscopic systems, only allow visualization of surface organs, while ultrasound systems provide deeper structure visualization but are not optimized for real-time surgical guidance, making it difficult for surgeons to interpret and integrate these images effectively during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system that merges real-time video feed and ultrasound imaging, tracks anatomy and instruments, and provides augmented reality by superimposing critical structure information over the surgical site, using a combination of optical and ultrasound data processed by a GPU, allowing for 3D reconstruction and actionable guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If ultrasound imaging is used to visualize deeper tissue structures, then the depth of visualization is improved, but the ease of interpretation and real-time surgical guidance capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges optical imaging data from the surgical site with ultrasound imaging data to create a composite augmented reality display. This integration allows surgeons to see both surface anatomy and deeper structures in a unified, easily interpretable view, resolving the contradiction between deep visualization and ease of interpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that automatically processes and fuses ultrasound data with optical data. This intermediary handles the complexity of ultrasound interpretation for the surgeon, transforming raw ultrasound information into intuitive visual overlays that are easy to interpret in real-time.
2Reliability
If multiple imaging systems (video and ultrasound) are integrated for comprehensive visualization, then the quality of surgical guidance is improved, but the device complexity and hardware clutter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both imaging capabilities (video and ultrasound sensors) and marking capabilities in a single device. This universal design provides comprehensive surgical guidance while reducing the number of separate hardware components needed in the operating room.
Solution Approach 2:
The system nests multiple imaging and processing functions within the surgical instrument itself. The video camera, ultrasound probe, and processing units are integrated into the instrument, allowing comprehensive imaging functionality without requiring separate external hardware systems.
3Measurement precision
If real-time processing and fusion of multiple imaging data streams is implemented, then the accuracy of structure localization is improved, but the computational energy requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing of imaging data as it is acquired, pre-aligning and pre-processing video and ultrasound streams before fusion. This preliminary action reduces the computational burden during real-time fusion, maintaining high localization accuracy while managing energy requirements through staged processing.
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
Enhances surgical visualization, improves instrument control, optimizes surgery flow and patient safety, and reduces hardware clutter in the operating room by integrating video and ultrasound imaging with real-time data processing and tracking.
Implementation Method 1
a laparoscopic or robotic ultrasound probe configured to acquire images of structures at the surgical operative site
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical system is configured to augment the visualization environment presented to the surgeon by merging, in real-time, video feed and ultrasound imaging; tracking anatomy and instruments; identifying critical structures; generating and displaying 3-dimensional models of relevant anatomy; providing actionable guidance to the user; and enabling data collection and processing. The surgical system may include a tissue-marking surgical instrument configured to simultaneously identify critical structures beneath an organ surface and mark the organ surface at a location overlapping the identified critical structures.