Virtual X-Ray Image Generation for Vascular Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
During vascular intervention, patients and medical teams are exposed to excessive radiation due to frequent x-ray imaging, and the lack of depth information in 2D x-ray images makes it difficult to accurately determine the 3D vascular structure and surgical instrument position, leading to potential errors such as vascular perforation.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system that generates a virtual x-ray image from a 3D image by determining the projection direction of the x-ray source and patient, allowing for the creation of a 2D representation of the 3D image, and overlays a local model of the 3D image onto the virtual x-ray image for improved visualization and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If frequent x-ray imaging is performed during surgery to determine instrument position and blood vessel state, then real-time guidance accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure to patient and medical team increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
A 3D image of the patient's vascular structure is obtained before the surgery begins. This pre-acquired 3D image serves as a reference model that can be repeatedly viewed and analyzed without additional radiation exposure, allowing the surgical team to plan the procedure and track instrument positions throughout the surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the patient's vascular structure from the pre-acquired 3D image. This virtual model can be manipulated, viewed from different angles, and used for measurement without requiring repeated actual x-ray imaging, thereby eliminating continuous radiation exposure while maintaining guidance capability.
2Device complexity
If only 2D x-ray images are used during surgery, then the imaging system remains simple, but depth information is lost making it difficult to determine 3D vascular structure and instrument position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the 3D vascular structure into a 2D virtual x-ray image that can be displayed on standard monitors. This virtual 2D image is generated by projecting the 3D data along a specific projection direction, effectively adding depth perception back into the 2D display without requiring complex 3D imaging hardware during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of the projection direction parameters to generate virtual x-ray images from different angles. By changing the projection parameters, the surgical team can optimize the view for specific surgical needs while maintaining the benefits of 3D data representation in a 2D display format.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a navigation system generating virtual x-ray images from 3D data is implemented, then radiation exposure is reduced, but system complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual x-ray image as an intermediary representation between the pre-acquired 3D data and the surgical display needs. This virtual image acts as a mediator that translates complex 3D volumetric data into a familiar 2D x-ray-like format that surgeons can easily interpret, reducing the cognitive load and training requirements despite the underlying system complexity.
4Measurement precision
If 3D imaging is used to provide depth information, then surgical accuracy is improved, but the cost and complexity of imaging equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the complex 3D imaging procedure before surgery when complete imaging time can be allocated. The pre-acquired 3D image serves as a comprehensive reference that eliminates the need for complex real-time 3D imaging equipment during the surgery itself, as the 3D data is already captured and can be virtually manipulated.
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
This approach reduces radiation exposure to patients and enhances surgical accuracy by providing a clear, 3D representation of vascular structures and instrument positions, reducing reliance on operator experience and improving surgical stability.
Implementation Method 1
a virtual x-ray image is generated from a 3D image to reduce an amount of x-rays exposed to a patient
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method of generating a virtual x-ray image, the method including: obtaining a 3-dimensional (3D) image of a patient; determining a projection direction of the 3D image in consideration of a position relationship between an x-ray source of an x-ray device and the patient; and generating a virtual x-ray image by projecting the 3D image on a 2D plane in the determined projection direction.