Surgical Navigation Data Registration Using Real-Time Offset Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for registering data from tracking and imaging subsystems in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) are inadequate for real-time, three-dimensional alignment, often requiring manual verification and failing to automatically quantify misalignments, which can result from tool damage or system calibration issues.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that automatically compare and register data sets from tracking and imaging subsystems in real-time, using a data processing subsystem to adjust tracking or imaging systems based on offset calculations in three dimensions, enabling precise alignment and integration of tracking and imaging data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual comparison methods are used to assess alignment between tracking and imaging subsystems, then system accuracy can be evaluated, but the process is time-consuming, requires manual verification, and only provides feedback in one plane at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual comparison methods with an automated computer-based system that performs three-dimensional registration calculations. The computer automatically processes coordinate data from both subsystems, computes transformation matrices, and determines alignment accuracy without requiring manual measurement or visual verification, thereby dramatically reducing registration time while maintaining or improving precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional visual comparison in single planes to comprehensive three-dimensional registration analysis. By processing spatial coordinates in all three dimensions simultaneously and calculating transformation matrices that account for x, y, and z axis variations, the system provides complete spatial alignment assessment rather than limited planar evaluation
2Reliability
If traditional point-pair or surface registration techniques are used, then data from different systems can be transformed into one coordinate system, but these methods are not practical for substantially real-time navigation and tracking systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the coordinate system relationships and transformation matrices between the tracking and imaging subsystems before actual surgical navigation begins. The system pre-processes reference data, identifies corresponding anatomical landmarks, and computes initial registration parameters, enabling rapid real-time updates during procedures without requiring complex calculations at each moment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by using adjustable transformation matrices that can be dynamically modified based on real-time feedback. The system allows for iterative refinement of registration parameters, scaling factors, and rotation angles to optimize alignment accuracy while maintaining computational efficiency for real-time operation
3Measurement precision
If manual verification and visual feedback methods are used for registration, then misalignments can be observed, but the system cannot automatically quantify or improve misalignment and system accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated feedback by continuously monitoring the alignment between tracking and imaging subsystems, automatically calculating deviation metrics, and providing real-time correction guidance. The system computes quantitative measures of misalignment, determines optimal transformation adjustments, and can automatically apply correction parameters to improve registration accuracy without requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically executing the complete registration process including data processing, transformation matrix calculation, alignment verification, and accuracy assessment without requiring manual verification. The computer-based system independently manages the entire registration workflow, self-corrects registration errors, and maintains optimal alignment between subsystems throughout the procedure
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 solution allows for accurate, real-time registration of tracking and imaging data in three dimensions, improving system accuracy and assisting clinicians during MIS procedures by automatically adjusting for misalignments and tool orientation, enhancing surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
the tracking subsystem tracks the object electromagnetically, at least in part
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for correlating data including: receiving from a tracking subsystem a first data set including a tracked position of an object; receiving from an imaging subsystem a second data set including an image of the object; and comparing automatically at least a portion of the first data set with at least a portion of the second data based at least in part on the tracked position of the object and the image of the object. In an embodiment, the comparing automatically the first data set with the second data set is performable in real-time. In an embodiment, the method further includes registering the first data set with the second data set. In an embodiment, the tracking subsystem tracks the object electromagnetically, at least in part. In an embodiment, the imaging subsystem includes an x-ray imaging subsystem. In an embodiment, the first data set is generatable by the tracking subsystem substantially in real-time. In an embodiment, the method further includes determining an offset between at least a portion of the first data set and at least a portion of the second data set. In an embodiment, the method further includes performing an adjustment based at least in part on the offset on at least one of: the tracking subsystem, the imaging subsystem, and a data processing subsystem.