Surgical Probe Positioning via 3D and Ultrasound Image Correlation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical procedures for brain surgeries face inaccuracies due to minor shifts in brain anatomy during operations and deviations from pre-operative planned pathways, leading to complications and increased mortality rates, as surgeons rely solely on pre-operative data without real-time positioning feedback.

Innovation Solution

A guiding and positioning system that combines global and local information using sensors on a probe to determine the probe's position in real-time, integrating 3D imaging with real-time ultrasound data for accurate positioning and alerting surgeons to vital structures, allowing for adjustments during the procedure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If pre-operative data is used for surgical planning, then surgical pathway can be planned in advance, but position accuracy deteriorates due to brain shifts during surgery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical planning timeVSAvoidposition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary surgical pathway planning using pre-operative imaging data (CT/MRI) to establish the optimal route to the target lesion. This preliminary plan is then integrated with intraoperative ultrasound imaging to maintain accuracy despite anatomical shifts during surgery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously acquires intraoperative ultrasound images and compares them with pre-operative planning data to detect brain shifts. This feedback loop allows real-time correction of the surgical pathway to maintain position accuracy throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If real-time positioning feedback is implemented, then position accuracy is maintained during surgery, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges pre-operative planning data with intraoperative ultrasound imaging into a single integrated navigation platform. This combination allows the system to leverage both the comprehensive anatomical information from pre-operative scans and the real-time positional data from ultrasound, maintaining accuracy without requiring multiple separate complex systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The surgical navigation system performs multiple functions: it stores pre-operative planning data, acquires intraoperative ultrasound images, registers the two datasets, detects brain shifts, and provides real-time positioning feedback. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices while maintaining comprehensive surgical guidance capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If pre-operative planned pathway is followed, then surgical procedure can be executed efficiently, but safety deteriorates due to anatomical deviations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical efficiencyVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the surgical pathway by continuously comparing pre-operative planning data with intraoperative ultrasound images. When brain shifts or anatomical deviations are detected, the system automatically updates the navigation guidance to reflect the current anatomical state, allowing the surgeon to maintain efficiency while adapting to changing conditions for enhanced safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system enhances surgical precision by providing real-time position data and alerts, reducing complications and mortality by ensuring accurate placement of the probe relative to pre-planned pathways, even with anatomical shifts during surgery.

Implementation Method 1

a probe to transmit and receive ultrasound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasound: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentEP3145431B1Method and system of determining probe position in surgical site
Publication Date: 2020.05.27 BRAIN NAVI BIOTECH CO LTD
  • EP3145431B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3145431B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3145431B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

One method to determine a position of a probe(112) in a surgical site with a plurality of reference structures may include receiving a three-dimensional image(300) of the surgical site generated before the probe(112) enters the surgical site and receiving a first two-dimensional image(206) generated by the probe(112) from a position within the surgical site. The three-dimensional image(300) is associated with a first coordinate system, and the first two-dimensional image(206) is associated with a second coordinate system. The method also includes acquiring registration to the plurality of reference structures based on the first two-dimensional image(206) to obtain a permissible set of probe pose parameters, extracting a second two-dimensional image(408) based on the permissible set of probe pose parameters from the three-dimensional image(300), and computing a correlation between the first two-dimensional image(206) and the extracted second two-dimensional image(408) to map the position of the probe represented by the second coordinate system to a position represented by the first coordinate system with respect to the three-dimensional image(300).