Virtual Access Channel Creation in 3D Medical Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual examination procedures require complex segmentation of 3D images for minimally invasive medical procedures, which can be cumbersome and unreliable, especially in representing anatomical conditions for surgical planning and execution.
Innovation Solution
A system and procedure for creating a virtual access channel in 3D medical images using a computer with a position and orientation-capturing operating unit, allowing dynamic data selection and representation of a virtual channel based on preoperative 3D data records, enabling flexible and minimally invasive planning without absolute anatomical orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex segmentation procedures are used to represent organ morphology in virtual endoscopy, then the spatial representation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for surgical planning - the virtual access channel - from the complex 3D medical images, rather than performing complete segmentation of all organ structures. This selective extraction simplifies the procedure while maintaining the necessary spatial accuracy for accessing target areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of segmenting organs and then creating access paths through them, the patent inverts the approach by directly generating the virtual access channel through data selection and fading procedures, bypassing the need for complete organ segmentation while still achieving accurate spatial representation of the access path.
2Reliability
If complete segmentation of vessel walls is performed for clear fly-through representation, then the reliability of anatomical representation is improved, but the time required for procedure planning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing only the necessary data selection and fading operations to create the virtual access channel, rather than completing full segmentation of all anatomical structures. This partial processing achieves sufficient anatomical representation reliability for surgical planning while significantly reducing the time required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning and orientation capture of the operating unit relative to the 3D data record before executing the data selection and fading procedures. This preliminary action establishes the correct spatial reference framework, enabling rapid generation of the virtual access channel without requiring time-consuming complete segmentation.
3Ease of operation
If dynamic virtual procedures are implemented to allow flexible access channel exploration, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision and reliability of anatomical recognition may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a registration system as an intermediary that continuously maintains the positional and orientational relationship between the operating unit and the 3D data record. This registration mediator ensures that even during dynamic exploration, the virtual access channel remains accurately aligned with the underlying anatomical structures, preserving manufacturing precision while enabling operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics by allowing the operating unit to be freely positioned and oriented within the 3D data record, with the virtual access channel dynamically updating its position and orientation accordingly. This dynamic capability provides ease of operation for exploring different access paths while the registration system maintains anatomical recognition precision throughout the dynamic movements.
Data Source
AI summary
In a system for the producing and displaying a virtual access channel in medical images, having a computer with a monitor, and a position and orientation-capturing operating unit and a method for producing and displaying such a virtual access channel in medical 3D images, the computer contains a preoperatively obtained 3D data record of a patient to be examined and can display this as a 3D image and is connected with the operating unit such that a virtual optical channel of the 3D data record is excised from the data record based on a registration between the operating unit and the data record as well as based on different channel parameters, and is displayed on the monitor of the computer.