Surgical Tracker Marker Arrangement Using Dual-Modality Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical tracking systems face challenges in accurately determining the marker arrangement of trackers due to deformation, manufacturing tolerances, or lack of precise knowledge about the marker positions, which affects the tracking accuracy and surgical navigation.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing two different imaging modalities, such as a camera and a CT or MRI scanner, to capture and combine image data to determine the marker arrangement, incorporating geometrical relationships between marker portions detectable by both modalities, and applying image processing techniques to align and average positions for accurate marker positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single imaging modality is used to capture marker positions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of marker arrangement deteriorates due to deformation and manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data from two different imaging modalities (optical camera and CT/MRI scanner) to determine marker positions. The optical imaging provides high-precision marker detection while the anatomical imaging provides spatial context, and their integration through coordinate transformation achieves accurate marker arrangement determination that neither modality could achieve alone.
2Measurement precision
If markers are made detectable by multiple imaging modalities, then the measurement precision improves through cross-validation, but the manufacturing precision requirements worsen due to stricter detectability constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different marker properties to different imaging modalities: optical markers (reflective or fluorescent) for camera detection and radiopaque markers (metallic or contrast-containing) for CT/MRI detection. This local differentiation allows each marker type to be optimized for its specific detection modality while maintaining overall system accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tracker is made customizable for patient-specific configuration, then the adaptability improves, but the reliability of marker arrangement determination worsens due to lack of prior knowledge about marker positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary imaging and marker arrangement determination before the surgical procedure begins. By capturing images during setup and determining marker positions in advance, the system establishes a known reference frame that can be used throughout the surgery, ensuring reliable tracking even for customized trackers without pre-defined marker arrangements.
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 accuracy of marker arrangement determination, enabling precise tracking and navigation by accounting for deformations and manufacturing variations, thereby improving surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
a tracker with optical markers as well as a camera capable of detecting light emitted or reflected by the markers
Implementation Method 2
receiving second image data of the markers that were captured using a second imaging modality
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, a computer program product, a device, and a surgical navigation system for determining a marker arrangement that defines positions of markers of a tracker are provided. The markers are detectable by a first imaging modality and a second imaging modality that is different from the first imaging modality. The method comprises receiving first image data of the markers that were captured using the first imaging modality and receiving second image data of the markers that were captured using the second imaging modality. The method further comprises determining the marker arrangement based on the first and second image data.