Vertebral Image Registration And Fusion For Low-Dose Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical imaging techniques, such as low-dose cone beam CT and ultrasound, suffer from low resolution, impairing the precision of surgical information generation, especially in spinal interventions.
Innovation Solution
A method that segments pre-operatively and intra-operatively acquired image data of vertebrae, determines a transformation to register corresponding image segments, and blends high-resolution pre-operative data with low-resolution intra-operative data to enhance surgical information accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If low-dose imaging techniques such as cone beam CT are used intra-operatively to reduce radiation exposure, then radiation exposure for patient and surgical personnel is reduced, but image resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges pre-operative high-resolution image data with intra-operative low-resolution image data through registration and fusion techniques. The system combines the detailed anatomical information from pre-operative scans with the current surgical state from intra-operative scans, creating enhanced surgical information that maintains high resolution while reflecting intra-operative conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary image acquisition and processing pre-operatively when high-resolution imaging can be conducted without radiation constraints. Pre-operative CT or MRI scans are acquired with optimal resolution, then registered to intra-operative images to provide high-quality reference data for surgical navigation.
2Measurement precision
If pre-operatively acquired high-resolution image data is used for surgical planning, then surgical information precision is improved, but the data does not reflect intra-operative anatomical changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where intra-operative image data is used to update and correct the pre-operative surgical plan. The system continuously compares planned trajectories with actual intra-operative anatomy, allowing real-time adjustments to account for anatomical variations discovered during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms static pre-operative planning data into dynamic surgical information by integrating intra-operative imaging. The surgical navigation system updates anatomical models in real-time based on intra-operative scans, allowing the plan to adapt to actual surgical conditions and anatomical variations.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for generating surgical information from intra-operatively acquired image data of vertebrae and pre-operatively acquired image data of the vertebrae are provided. One method includes accessing a first image from the pre-operatively acquired image data and a second image from the intra-operatively acquired image data, processing the images to obtain first image segments and to determine image regions, determining a first transformation that registers the first image segment to the first image region, and determining a second transformation that is different from the first transformation and registers the second image segment to the second image region. The method further includes generating surgical information by blending the image segments of the first image with the image regions of the second image based on the transformation and causing an output device to show a visualization of the surgical information.