Method and apparatus for volumetric image navigation
First Claim
1. A method for generating an image of a three-dimensional object, said method comprising the steps of:
- acquiring volumetric first scan data for the object;
utilizing said first scan data to reconstruct first virtual image data representing structural information in said first scan data;
selecting a viewpoint for displaying an image of said object based on said first virtual image data;
manipulating said first virtual image data to generate a first three-dimensional perspective image of said object from said viewpoint; and
is displaying said first three-dimensional perspective image.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A surgical navigation system has a computer with a memory and display connected to a surgical instrument or pointer and position tracking system, so that the location and orientation of the pointer are tracked in real time and conveyed to the computer. The computer memory is loaded with data from an MRI, CT, or other volumetric scan of a patient, and this data is utilized to dynamically display 3-dimensional perspective images in real time of the patient'"'"'s anatomy from the viewpoint of the pointer. The images are segmented and displayed in color to highlight selected anatomical features and to allow the viewer to see beyond obscuring surfaces and structures. The displayed image tracks the movement of the instrument during surgical procedures. The instrument may include an imaging device such as an endoscope or ultrasound transducer, and the system displays also the image for this device from the same viewpoint, and enables the two images to be fused so that a combined image is displayed. The system is adapted for easy and convenient operating room use during surgical procedures.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method for generating an image of a three-dimensional object, said method comprising the steps of:
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acquiring volumetric first scan data for the object;
utilizing said first scan data to reconstruct first virtual image data representing structural information in said first scan data;
selecting a viewpoint for displaying an image of said object based on said first virtual image data;
manipulating said first virtual image data to generate a first three-dimensional perspective image of said object from said viewpoint; and
is displaying said first three-dimensional perspective image. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. Apparatus for generating an image of a three-dimensional object, comprising:
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a computer having a memory;
display means communicative with said computer;
input means communicative with said computer;
pointer means communicative with said computer, said pointer means being movable by the user; and
position tracking means communicative with said computer and said pointing means, such that said position tracking means detects the position and orientation of said pointer means continually and communicates said position and orientation to said computer;
wherein said computer memory contains volumetric first scan data for the object, and further contains a program which causes said computer to perform the steps of;
utilizing said first scan data to reconstruct first virtual image data representing structural information in said first scan data;
determining a viewpoint for displaying an image of said object based on said first virtual image data to be the position and orientation of said pointer means detected by said position tracking means;
manipulating said first virtual image data to generate a first three-dimensional perspective image of said object from said viewpoint; and
displaying said first three-dimensional perspective image. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification