TEE Probe Scan Region Alignment Using 3D CT Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical diagnostic-imaging systems, particularly those using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probes, face challenges in accurately aligning the ultrasonic scan region with the desired cross-section for heart valve treatment, as the probe's movable range and tiltable angles are limited, making it difficult to match the scan region with pre-operational CT image data.
Innovation Solution
The system includes processing circuitry that acquires three-dimensional medical image data, extracts the probe's movable range, and sets a target scan region based on this data, allowing for easy alignment and display of the scan region, using a TEE probe that can rotate and tilt electronically to match the desired scan plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a TEE probe is used for imaging a heart valve, then the probe can be inserted to image the heart by ultrasound, but it is difficult to scan a desired area due to limited movable range and tiltable angles
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring three-dimensional medical image data (such as CT data) before the actual ultrasonic imaging procedure. Based on this pre-acquired data, the system extracts the movable range of the probe and determines the optimal scan region in advance. This preliminary planning allows the operator to know exactly where to position and orient the probe before insertion, compensating for the limited movable range and tiltable angles of the TEE probe during the actual procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional ultrasonic imaging to three-dimensional medical image data acquisition and processing. By utilizing 3D CT data, the system can extract spatial information about the probe's movable range and determine the optimal scan region in three-dimensional space. This dimensional enhancement allows for better alignment and positioning planning, enabling the operator to achieve the desired scan region despite the physical constraints of the TEE probe's movable range and tiltable angles.
2Measurement precision
If the scan region of ultrasonic images is to match the cross section of MPR images from CT data, then accurate alignment is needed, but the probe's limited movable range makes this alignment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy or model of the patient's anatomy using three-dimensional medical image data (CT data) acquired before the procedure. From this 3D data, the system extracts the probe's movable range and determines the optimal scan region that corresponds to the desired cross-section (such as MPR images). This virtual model serves as a guide, allowing the operator to plan the probe positioning and orientation in advance, achieving accurate alignment between the ultrasonic scan region and the CT cross-section without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
3Productivity
If manual adjustment of probe position and angle is used, then the operator has control, but it is time-consuming and difficult to achieve the desired scan region matching
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining the optimal scan region based on pre-acquired three-dimensional medical image data. The processing circuitry automatically extracts the probe's movable range from the 3D data, calculates the optimal scan region that matches the desired cross-section, and provides guidance to the operator. This automated process eliminates the need for time-consuming manual trial-and-error adjustment, significantly improving both the efficiency (productivity) and accuracy (measurement precision) of scan region alignment while reducing the complexity of the procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical diagnostic-imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires three-dimensional medical image data in which a subject is imaged. The processing circuitry extracts a movable range of a probe based on a structure of the subject shown in the three-dimensional medical image data. The processing circuitry sets a target scan region to be a subject to scanning by the probe based on the extracted movable range. The processing circuitry displays the target scan region in the three-dimensional medical image data.