Virtual Contrast Simulation for CT and MRI Surgical Planning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Interventional radiologists and surgeons face challenges in selecting optimal hardware for surgeries due to uncertainties, often using multiple pieces of hardware before determining the optimal one during the procedure.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that assign tissue type properties to voxels in medical images, allowing for three-dimensional simulations by manipulating voxels based on these properties and user inputs, enabling virtual motion, deformation, and radiological dissection, which includes creating, manipulating, and eliminating voxels to simulate surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pieces of hardware are used during surgery to determine the optimal one, then the reliability of surgical outcome is improved, but the loss of time and complexity of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by conducting virtual simulations of surgical procedures using 3D medical images and physics-based models before the actual surgery. Multiple hardware options are virtually tested in advance to determine the optimal hardware configuration, eliminating the need to try multiple physical hardware pieces during the actual surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of surgical hardware and anatomical structures in a 3D simulation environment. These digital twins allow surgeons to test different hardware configurations and surgical approaches virtually before committing to the actual procedure, thereby avoiding the need to use multiple physical hardware pieces during surgery.
2Reliability
If multiple pieces of hardware are tested during surgery, then the reliability of selecting optimal hardware is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical trial-and-error process of testing multiple physical hardware pieces during surgery with a computational simulation system. Physics-based models and 3D rendering technologies substitute for actual mechanical manipulation of multiple hardware devices, thereby reducing surgical procedure complexity while maintaining reliable hardware selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation system performs preliminary evaluation of multiple hardware options in a virtual environment before the actual surgery. This advance planning phase identifies the optimal hardware configuration, eliminating the need for complex intraoperative hardware exchanges and simplifying the actual surgical procedure.
3Reliability
If invasive procedures are performed to test hardware options, then the reliability of surgical planning is improved, but the harm to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual copies and digital simulations to test hardware options and surgical approaches. Instead of performing invasive procedures on the actual patient to test hardware, the system creates and manipulates digital replicas of anatomical structures and surgical instruments, thereby eliminating patient harm while maintaining reliable surgical planning.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation system acts as an intermediary between surgical planning and actual patient procedures. It provides a virtual testing ground that mediates between the need for reliable hardware selection and the need to avoid patient harm, allowing all testing to occur in a risk-free computational environment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for performing a contrast simulation of a CT or MRI scan is disclosed. Voxel(s) within a three-dimensional dataset are modified using an artificial intelligence algorithm to generate a virtual contrast three-dimensional dataset. The modification includes altering the numerical value(s) of voxels corresponding to body tissue(s) in accordance with said blood flow through said body tissue, such that an appearance of contrast is created. Multi-phase simulations can be performed to track contrast flow through the vascular tree. Some embodiments comprise inserting virtual contrast in conjunction with performing a deformity of the vascular structure.