Method of localizing objects in interventional radiology

US6574493B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS NV · NL

Inventors

• Volker Rasche · Hamburg, DE
• Georg Schmitz · Meckenheim, DE
• Jörg Sabczynski · Norderstedt, DE
• Waldemar Zylka · Hamburg, DE
• Johannes J. Van Vaals · Eindhoven, NL

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 23, 2001
• Grant date: Jun 3, 2003
• Expiry date: May 12, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/3983
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The invention relates to a method enabling the localization of objects, for example surgical instruments, in interventional radiology. The method utilizes the known geometrical shape of the object to be localized in order to simulate projections therefrom for comparison with real projection images. Optimum correspondence between simulation and real image yields the desired object position and object orientation. The invention is based on digital image processing and can be used in conjunction with customary radiological diagnostic apparatus such as C-arm fluoroscopy apparatus, computed tomography apparatus or magnetic resonance tomography apparatus. Objects to be localized can be provided with markers whose spatial position yields an unambiguous projection image.