Methods, systems and computer readable mediums for evaluating and displaying a breathing motion
Inventors
Wiesner, Stefan • Guerin, Erwan • DAY, Jon Sebastien • Huber, Michael
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Assignees
Siemens Healthineers International AG
Member
Siemens HealthineersSiemens Healthineers is dedicated to pioneering breakthroughs in healthcare, providing innovative technologies and services in diagnostic and therapeutic imaging, laboratory diagnostics, and digital health solutions. Our mission is to enhance healthcare providers' value and improve patient outcomes globally. We are also committed to sustainability, aiming to minimize environmental impact while advancing healthcare.
Siemens Healthineers is dedicated to pioneering breakthroughs in healthcare, providing innovative technologies and services in diagnostic and therapeutic imaging, laboratory diagnostics, and digital health solutions. Our mission is to enhance healthcare providers' value and improve patient outcomes globally. We are also committed to sustainability, aiming to minimize environmental impact while advancing healthcare.
Publication Number
US-12333738-B2
Publication Date
2025-06-17
Expiration Date
2042-06-30
Abstract
At least one example embodiment provides a method including obtaining surface information of a patient using a camera; determining a motion of the patient based on the surface information; and providing an indicator of a region of interest (ROI) of the patient based on the motion.
Core Innovation
The invention provides methods, systems, and computer readable mediums for evaluating and displaying the breathing motion of a patient by obtaining surface information using a camera, determining patient motion based on that surface information, and providing an indicator of a region of interest (ROI) on the patient based on the motion.
The problem being solved relates to limitations posed by normal physiological movements, such as respiration, during radiation therapy and medical procedures. These movements can cause positional changes in the treatment or measurement areas, potentially resulting in misaligned radiation beams that do not fully cover targeted tissue like tumors. Current approaches, such as 4D CT using manual positioning of reflective markers on the chest, require manual intervention to select appropriate respiratory observation points, which can be time-consuming and less precise.
The invention simplifies motion monitoring by automatically detecting a particular region on the patient's surface to extract respiratory signals, providing displays of patient motion, and motion statistics for different patient surface regions. It reduces user time to find suitable motion observation points and provides enhanced breathing behavior information, including ratios of chest wall to abdominal motion. This is achieved by generating motion maps from multi-dimensional surface data and identifying ROIs based on motion intensity and quality metrics such as signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes two sets of independent claims, covering methods and apparatus. The main inventive features relate to obtaining surface information, determining patient motion, and providing indicators of a region of interest based on motion data.
Region-of-interest determination based on patient motion
A method of obtaining surface information of a patient using a camera, determining patient motion from this information, and providing an indicator of a region of interest (ROI) corresponding to the area with the highest movement value, wherein the ROI is determined based on the motion.
Multi-area motion signal acquisition for ROI determination
Obtaining motion signals from at least two different areas of the patient, such as a first and a second area, and determining the ROI based on the comparison of these motion signals.
Use of signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios for ROI selection
Determining the ROI based on either the signal-to-noise ratio associated with an area of the patient or the contrast-to-noise ratio between movements in an area and a static area, to improve motion signal quality in ROI selection.
Use of dynamic and static motion maps for visualization
Providing a first motion map that reflects real-time measurements changing over time and displaying an average motion map representing average vertical motion, which is static, including the ROI and an indicator over the ROI.
Conversion of 3D point cloud surface information into 2D motion maps
Using three-dimensional point cloud data for surface information and displaying the ROI indicator on two-dimensional motion maps for user interface visualization.
Apparatus with processing circuitry configured for surface data processing and ROI indication
An apparatus configured with processing circuitry that causes the device to perform surface data acquisition, motion determination, ROI selection based on highest movement value, and providing an indicator of the ROI in accordance with the described method features.
The independent claims cover both methods and apparatus that process patient surface data to determine and visually indicate regions of interest based on motion signals, employing advanced signal quality metrics and layered visualizations, providing improved and automated respiratory motion evaluation.
Stated Advantages
Simplifies motion monitoring by automatically detecting regions on the patient's surface to extract respiratory signals, reducing the need for manual selection of motion observation points.
Provides visualizations and statistics on breathing motion, including distinguishing between chest wall and abdominal motions, which assists users in evaluating breathing behavior.
Allows clear identification of patient areas with highest respiratory motion intensity and quality, potentially improving the accuracy of radiation therapy targeting and patient monitoring.
Documented Applications
Use in radiation therapy systems, such as those employing CT or LINAC, to monitor and visualize patient breathing motion during treatment or imaging.
Respiratory motion control during medical procedures, including patient setup, monitoring to ensure patient position, and gating or beam control based on breathing motion.
Integration with surface-guided monitoring systems that combine external 3D patient surface information with internal imaging for automated treatment workflows.
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