Method and apparatus for medical intervention procedure planning

Abstract

An imaging system for use in medical intervention procedure planning includes a medical scanner system for generating a volume of cardiac image data, a data acquisition system for acquiring the volume of cardiac image data, an image generation system for generating a viewable image from the volume of cardiac image data, a database for storing information from the data acquisition and image generation systems, an operator interface system for managing the medical scanner system, the data acquisition system, the image generation system, and the database, and a post-processing system for analyzing the volume of cardiac image data, displaying the viewable image and being responsive to the operator interface system. The operator interface system includes instructions for using the volume of cardiac image data and the viewable image for bi-ventricular pacing planning, atrial fibrillation procedure planning, or atrial flutter procedure planning.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 065,595 filed Nov. 1, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]This invention relates generally to an imaging system, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for use of the imaging system in medical intervention procedure planning.[0003]Medical diagnostic and imaging systems are present in modern health care facilities. Such systems provide invaluable tools for identifying, diagnosing and treating physical conditions and greatly reduce the need for surgical diagnostic intervention. In many instances, final diagnosis and treatment proceed only after an attending physician or radiologist has complemented conventional examinations with detailed images of relevant areas and tissues via one or more imaging modalities.[0004]Medical diagnosis and treatment can also be performed by using an interventional procedure such as c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes an imaging system for use in medical intervention procedures, such as cardiac interventions. The system includes a scanner for generating cardiac image data, a data acquisition system for acquiring the data, an image generation system for creating a viewable image from the data, a database for storing information from the acquisition and image generation systems, an operator interface system for managing the scanner, data acquisition, image generation, and database, and a post-processing system for analyzing the cardiac image data and displaying it in a viewable form. The system can also include a computer system for managing probe information and a display for visualizing the information in combination with the probe information. The patent also describes a method for generating an image for planning a medical intervention procedure, which involves acquiring cardiac image data, managing it, viewing it, identifying anatomical landmarks, registering the procedure planning image with the coordinate system, and displaying it in real-time during the procedure. Overall, the system and method provide a way to improve the accuracy and precision of medical intervention procedures by utilizing cardiac image data and analysis."

Problems solved by technology

Some patients with CHF also experience left bundle branch block (LBBB), which negatively impacts the electrical conduction system of the heart.

In patients with CHF and LBBB, delayed left ventricular ejection results from delayed ventricular depolarization, and in the presence of LBBB, ventricular contraction is asymmetrical, which causes ineffective contraction of the left ventricle.

Interventional bi-ventricular pacing therapy may involve a lengthy procedure, may result in unsuccessful lead placement in the CS due to the CS anatomy, or the lead itself may dislodge from the CS.

In most cases, these situations are identified only at the time of the interventional procedure, resulting in abandonment of the procedure or the scheduling of a second procedure where, using a surgical incision, the LV lead is placed epicardially.

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