TEE Probe Guidance Device for Interventional Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interventional devices, such as catheters, are poorly visible in TEE images due to their acoustic properties, leading to suboptimal imaging and navigation during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A guidance device for a TEE probe that includes an image data provision unit and a processing unit to determine the centerline of the interventional device and calculate an optimal viewing plane for the TEE probe, ensuring the ultrasound signal propagation vector is collinear with the surface normal of the device, thereby improving visibility by adjusting the probe's position and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard TEE imaging is used to monitor interventional devices, then anatomical structure and function can be visualized with excellent detail, but the interventional device itself is hardly visible or rendered with artifacts due to acoustic properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that combines fluoroscopy imaging with TEE probe guidance. The fluoroscopy system serves as a mediator that provides clear visualization of the interventional device, while the TEE probe captures anatomical structures. The processing unit integrates both imaging modalities to overcome the limitation of TEE alone in visualizing interventional devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two different imaging modalities - fluoroscopy and TEE ultrasound - into a combined guidance system. By integrating the strengths of both systems (fluoroscopy for device visibility, TEE for anatomical detail), the solution resolves the contradiction between visualizing the device and visualizing the anatomy simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If the TEE probe is positioned to capture anatomical structures, then detailed anatomical imaging is achieved, but the interventional device remains poorly visible due to suboptimal probe orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processing unit continuously analyzes fluoroscopy images to determine the optimal TEE probe orientation. The system provides real-time guidance feedback to the operator, indicating how to adjust the probe position and orientation to improve device visibility while maintaining anatomical visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the fluoroscopy images to pre-determine the optimal probe orientation before the operator adjusts the probe. This preliminary action reduces the complexity of manual probe positioning by providing pre-calculated optimal angles and positions based on the current procedural state.
3Measurement precision
If manual probe adjustment is used to improve device visibility, then the operator can optimize imaging, but the procedure time increases and navigation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically determine and guide optimal probe positioning without requiring continuous manual adjustment by the operator. The processing unit autonomously analyzes imaging data and calculates optimal probe orientations, reducing the time and effort required for manual optimization while maintaining high visibility of the interventional device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical probe adjustment with an automated computational system. Instead of relying on operator skill and time-consuming trial-and-error positioning, the system uses image processing algorithms to automatically determine optimal probe orientation, significantly reducing procedure time and improving navigation efficiency.
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 the visibility of interventional devices in TEE image data, facilitating improved navigation and imaging during complex medical interventions by optimizing the TEE probe's position and orientation relative to the device.
Implementation Method 1
TEE imaging, which is a form of ultrasound imaging, is able to show an interventional device and its surrounding anatomy simultaneously
Implementation Method 2
the first image data are fluoroscopy X-ray image data
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a guidance device (10) for a TEE probe (20), a medical imaging system (1), a method for guiding a TEE probe (20), a computer program element for controlling such device and a computer readable medium having stored such computer program element. The guidance device (10) for a TEE probe (20) comprises an image data provision unit (11), and a processing unit (12). The image data provision unit (11) is configured to provide first image data showing an interventional device (40) and a TEE probe (20) in an initial position and orientation. The processing unit (12) is configured to determine a centerline of the interventional device (40) in the first image data. The processing unit (12) is configured to determine a plane (41) orthogonal to a tangent of the centerline as viewing plane. The processing unit (12) is configured to calculate an imaging plane and an imaging orientation of the TEE probe (20) to lie approximately in the viewing plane. The processing unit (12) is configured to provide the calculated data as guidance data.