System and method for probabilistic ablation planning
Inventors
Kruecker, Jochen • Dalal, Sandeep • Wood, Bradford Johns • Xu, Sheng
Assignees
Koninklijke Philips NV • US Department of Health and Human Services
Publication Number
US-10423757-B2
Publication Date
2019-09-24
Expiration Date
2031-11-07
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Abstract
A system and method for ablation planning includes defining (502) shapes and sizes for one or more ablation volumes based on probability of treatment, and determining (510) a target volume to be treated. A procedure plan is provided (516) by determining a number and location of planned ablations within the target volume using the one or more ablation volumes. A joint probability distribution (520) is determined for at least two planned ablations in the target volume. A final configuration is visualized (530) to determine if plan objectives are met based on a probability of treatment for the target volume.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a system and method for probabilistic ablation planning that includes defining shapes and sizes for one or more ablation volumes based on probability of treatment, determining a target volume to be treated, planning a procedure by determining a number and location of planned ablations within the target volume using the defined ablation volumes, and computing a joint probability distribution for at least two planned ablations in the target volume. The system visualizes a final configuration to determine if plan objectives are met based on a probability of treatment for the target volume.
The problem being solved arises from the difficulty of composite ablation planning where current methods rely heavily on physician intuition and experience rather than quantitative or computerized planning. Tumors larger than a single ablation volume require multiple overlapping ablations for full coverage, yet it is challenging to guarantee complete or optimal coverage of the planned treatment volume (PTV), potentially leading to inefficient and time-consuming procedures with excessive or insufficient ablations. There is a recognized need for an approach that accounts for variability and uncertainty in ablation size and shape due to tissue heterogeneity and physiological conditions.
The core innovation addresses these challenges by employing a probabilistic approach that defines individual ablation probability maps representing spatially varying likelihoods of successful tissue ablation. Joint ablation probability maps are computed from overlapping ablations to capture synergistic effects. This approach allows optimization of the number and placement of ablations to achieve desired confidence levels of coverage of the target volume. The system supports iterative plan updates based on feedback during the procedure, incorporating real-time data to adjust and visualize treatment progress and optimize subsequent ablations. This facilitates more accurate planning and execution of ablation procedures with quantifiable confidence in treatment coverage.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains two independent claims describing a workstation and a system that implement probabilistic ablation planning with key features centered on defining ablation volumes by treatment probability, calculating joint probability distributions, and optimizing ablation placements within a target volume.
Defining ablation volumes based on treatment probability distribution
A probability estimation module defines shapes and sizes of ablation volumes according to a treatment probability distribution representing the likelihood of complete treatment within each ablation volume.
Determination of joint probability distribution for multiple ablations
The probability estimation module determines a joint probability distribution for at least two planned ablations within the target volume, accounting for overlaps and synergistic effects.
Optimization of ablation number and placement based on joint probabilities
A planning tool assigns ablation volumes to discrete parts of the target volume, determining the number and location of planned ablations, and optimizes a metric using a spatial representation of the joint probability map to produce a final configuration with spatially varying treatment probabilities.
Visualization of treatment probabilities relative to medical images
The system includes a display to show treatment probabilities, including color-coded three-dimensional probability distribution maps overlaid on images of the target volume.
Adjustment of treatment probability distributions based on clinical factors
The probability estimation module can adjust treatment probability distributions based on factors such as perfusion and iterative updates to reflect cumulative effects of multiple ablations.
Integration with ablation probe and feedback for treatment execution
In the system claim, an ablation probe is configured to ablate tissue in the target volume with probability maps displayed during procedure execution to guide and update the treatment plan.
Overall, the independent claims cover the innovative combination of probabilistic modeling of ablation volumes, joint probability computation, optimization of ablation planning, and interactive visualization and adaptation of treatment plans supported by a workstation and system integrating these features for effective ablation procedures.
Stated Advantages
Provides a quantitative, computerized planning tool for ablation procedures that moves beyond physician intuition.
Enables optimization of ablation number and placement to achieve complete and efficient coverage of the planned treatment volume.
Accounts for variability and uncertainty in ablation size and shape using a probabilistic approach, improving confidence in treatment outcomes.
Supports visualization of probability distributions and treatment feedback for improved intra-procedural guidance and plan updates.
Incorporates clinical factors such as tissue perfusion and synergistic effects of multiple ablations into planning and execution.
Documented Applications
Planning and execution of tumor ablation procedures such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), cryo-ablation, microwave ablation, and other internal treatment methods.
Guidance and optimization of composite ablation treatments involving multiple overlapping ablations to treat larger tumors or lesions.
Intra-procedural visualization and updating of ablation plans based on real-time imaging and probe tracking feedback.
Treatment planning in various biological areas of the body including lungs, gastro-intestinal tract, excretory organs, and blood vessels.
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