System, methods, and instrumentation for image guided prostate treatment

Inventors

Glossop, Neil David • Wood, Bradford Johns

Assignees

Philips Electronics Ltd Canada • Koninklijke Philips NV • US Department of Health and Human Services

Abstract

The invention provides systems, methods, and instrumentation for aiding the performance of an image guided procedure of the anatomy of a patient such as, for example, the prostate. The invention includes a plurality of lumens therein and a balloon portion or other fixating portion. In some embodiments, the catheter includes a lumen for introducing a contrast agent visible to an imaging modality external to the anatomy of the patient. Image space data of the catheter within the anatomy of the patient may be obtained using the imaging modality. The catheter also includes at least a lumen for inserting a registration device for obtaining patient space data regarding the anatomy of the patient. Other lumens and/or other elements visible to the imaging modality may be used. The image space data may be registered to the patient space data for use during an image guided procedure to the anatomy of the patient.

Core Innovation

The invention provides systems, methods, and instrumentation for aiding the performance of an image guided procedure of anatomy, such as the prostate. It includes a catheter with a plurality of lumens and a balloon or other fixation portion. The catheter comprises lumens for drainage, balloon inflation, introduction of a registration device to obtain patient space data, insertion of imaging coils, and introduction of therapeutic or diagnostic instruments. These lumens may be multipurpose and the catheter may include features to enhance visibility under imaging modalities, such as markings or fiducials on the balloon. This catheter enables obtaining image space data and patient space data, which can be registered to guide image guided procedures.

The problem addressed is the difficulty in performing accurate registration between preoperative images (such as MR) and intraoperative images (such as ultrasound) during prostate interventions. Prostate movement due to patient motion, instrument insertion, or breathing causes loss of registration accuracy, leading to ineffective fusion imaging and inaccurate needle placement. Current imaging methods are either limited by poor visibility (ultrasound) or complexity and cost (MRI). There is a need for improved instrumentation and methods to maintain accurate registration and location tracking of instruments in the anatomy during image guided procedures.

The invention solves these problems by using an enhanced catheter with multiple lumens and fixating balloon to obtain and maintain registration between preoperative image space data and intraoperative patient space data. The catheter can be fixed in the anatomy near the organ of interest, such as the prostate, allowing relatively immobile reference points. It incorporates elements visible to imaging modalities and sensor elements trackable in patient space. A registration device and dynamic referencing device can be introduced into dedicated lumens to enable continuous registration and tracking of organ motion. Image data from internal coils, external imaging, and instrument tracking are integrated through computerized systems to guide therapeutic instruments with graphical overlays during procedures.

Claims Coverage

The claims include three independent claims covering methods and systems involving a catheter with a special lumen path, registration, dynamic referencing, and image guided procedure registration techniques. Four main inventive features are discerned from these.

The claims focus on a catheter design with a special lumen path visible in imaging, the use of distinct lumens for registration and dynamic referencing devices with position indicating elements, registration methods correlating image space and patient space data, and an integrated system for image guided procedures using these features.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications