Virtual Anatomical Landmark Superimposition on Fluoroscopic Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Anatomical landmarks within a patient's body are often poorly visible or invisible on fluoroscopic images, limiting their identification during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for superimposing virtual anatomical landmarks on images using a localization system and control unit, which records location readings from a medical device, compensates for patient and anatomical motion, and transforms these readings into an image coordinate system for accurate representation on fluoroscopic images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If anatomical landmarks are directly observed on fluoroscopic images, then no additional processing is needed, but the landmarks are poorly visible or invisible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of anatomical landmarks by recording location readings from medical devices and transforming them into image coordinate systems. These virtual landmarks are then superimposed on fluoroscopic images, providing visible representations of otherwise invisible anatomical structures without altering the original imaging process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that includes a localization system, coordinate system registration, and image processing unit. This intermediary transforms device location data into visual landmark representations that can be overlaid on fluoroscopic images, bridging the gap between invisible anatomical structures and visible imaging
2Measurement precision
If virtual landmarks are superimposed on images, then landmark visibility is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified system: the localization system tracks medical device positions, the coordinate system registration aligns device coordinates with image coordinates, and the image processing unit superimposes virtual landmarks. This multi-functional integration reduces overall system complexity compared to separate independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs coordinate system registration and transformation operations without requiring manual intervention. The localization system continuously tracks device positions and automatically updates virtual landmark positions on images in real-time, reducing operational complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If location readings are recorded without motion compensation, then the process is simpler, but accuracy decreases due to patient and anatomical motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs motion compensation by predicting anatomical motion based on recorded patient movements and respiration patterns. This preliminary action adjusts the virtual landmark positions before superimposition, ensuring accurate alignment with the actual anatomical structures despite motion occurring between image acquisition and landmark recording
4Ease of operation
If virtual landmarks are designated only in body lumens, then the system is easier to operate, but adaptability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the virtual landmark designation capability from body lumens to any region within the patient's body including heart chambers and other cavities. The system maintains a unified approach to landmark recording and superimposition regardless of the anatomical region, achieving both ease of operation and broad adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A system for superimposing virtual anatomical landmarks on an image includes a medical positioning system (MPS) for producing location readings with respect to points within a region of interest in accordance with an output of a location sensor disposed in a medical device. A coordinate system of the MPS is registered with an image coordinate system. A control unit receives a signal from a user to record a location reading when the medical device is at a desired point in the region of interest where the user desires to place a virtual landmark, modifies the recorded location reading for motion compensation, transforms the motion-compensated location reading from the MPS coordinate system to the image coordinate system to produce a target location, and then superimposes a representation of the virtual landmark on the image at the target location.