Abstract: The present invention provides a method, including: obtaining a first image from a first imaging modality; identifying on the first image from the first imaging modality obtaining a second image from a second imaging modality; generating a compatible virtual image from the first image from the first imaging modality; mapping planning data on the compatible virtual image; coarse registering of the second image from the second imaging modality to the first image from the first imaging modality; identifying at least one element of the mapped planning data from the compatible virtual image; identifying at least one corresponding element on the second imaging modality; mapping the at least one corresponding element on the second imaging modality; fine registering of the second image from the second imaging modality to the first image from the first imaging modality; generating a third image.

Abstract: A navigation system for use in a luminal network of a patient, such as the airways, that is able to analyze a three-dimensional model of the luminal network and automatically determine a pathway from an entry point to a designated target. The system further automatically assigns waypoints along the determined pathway in order to assist a physician in navigating a probe to the designated target.

Abstract: Real-time, enhanced imaging of remote areas, too minute for CT imaging, is made possible through a probe having a radiopaque tip as well as radiopaque volume markers. When deployed, the markers outline the space containing the tip such that both the tip and the volume containing the tip are viewable on a fluoroscope. This device may be used in conjunction with or independently of 3-D volumes created from CT scans and 3-D tip sensors.

Abstract: A navigation system for use in a luminal network of a patient, such as the airways, that is able to analyze a three-dimensional model of the luminal network and automatically determine a pathway from an entry point to a designated target. The system further automatically assigns waypoints along the determined pathway in order to assist a physician in navigating a probe to the designated target.

Abstract: A registration method whereby a sensor-based approach is used to establish initial registration and whereby upon the commencement of navigating an endoscope, image-based registration methods are used in order to more accurately maintain the registration between the endoscope location and previously-acquired images. A six-degree-of-freedom location sensor is placed on the probe in order to reduce the number of previously-acquired images that must be compared to a real-time image obtained from the endoscope.

Abstract: A system and method for enhanced navigation for use during a surgical procedure including planning a navigation path to a target using a first data set of computed tomography images previously acquired; navigating a marker placement device to the target using the navigation path; placing a plurality of markers in tissue proximate the target; acquiring a second data set of computed tomography images including the plurality of markers; planning a second navigation path to a second target using the second data set of computed tomography images; navigating a medical instrument to a second target; capturing fluoroscopic data of tissue proximate the target; and registering the fluoroscopic data to the second data set of computed tomography images based on marker position and orientation within the real-time fluoroscopic data and the second data set of computed tomography images.

Abstract: A system for enhanced surgical navigation including a computing device and an imaging device. The computing device is configured to import a navigation path to a target using a first data set of computed tomography images previously acquired, display the navigation path on a graphical user interface for navigation to the target and placement of a plurality of markers in tissue proximate the target, and acquire a second data set of computed tomography images including the plurality of markers. The imaging device is configured to capture fluoroscopic data of tissue proximate the plurality of markers. The computing device is further configured to register the fluoroscopic data to the second data set of computed tomography images based on marker position and marker orientation within the fluoroscopic data and marker position and orientation within the second data set of computed tomography images.

Abstract: Real-time, enhanced imaging of remote areas, too minute for CT imaging, is made possible through a probe having a radiopaque tip as well as radiopaque volume markers. When deployed, the markers outline the space containing the tip such that both the tip and the volume containing the tip are viewable on a fluoroscope. This device may be used in conjunction with or independently of 3-D volumes created from CT scans and 3-D tip sensors.

Abstract: A registration method whereby a sensor-based approach is used to establish initial registration and whereby upon the commencement of navigating an endoscope, image-based registration methods are used in order to more accurately maintain the registration between the endoscope location and previously-acquired images. A six-degree-of-freedom location sensor is placed on the probe in order to reduce the number of previously-acquired images that must be compared to a real-time image obtained from the endoscope.

Abstract: Methods and systems for navigating to a target through a patient's bronchial tree are disclosed including a bronchoscope, a probe insertable into a working channel of the bronchoscope and including a location sensor, and a workstation in operative communication with the probe and the bronchoscope, the workstation including a user interface that guides a user through a navigation plan and is configured to present a central navigation view including a plurality of views configured for assisting the user in navigating the bronchoscope through central airways of the patient's bronchial tree toward the target, a peripheral navigation view including a plurality of views configured for assisting the user in navigating the probe through peripheral airways of the patient's bronchial tree to the target, and a target alignment view including a plurality of views configured for assisting the user in aligning a distal tip of the probe with the target.

Abstract: A medical image display apparatus for displaying medical images of a lung on a screen includes a network interface receiving positional information of a navigation instrument from a position sensor of the navigation instrument, a video stream from an optical sensor of the navigation instrument, and medical images from an imaging device, a memory storing a plurality of medical images and instructions, a processor executing the instructions, and a display dynamically displaying images on the screen. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the medical image display apparatus to determine whether status information indicates a pathway reviewing mode, a target management mode, or a navigation mode. The instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the display to dynamically select and update images, which are displayed on the screen, among the plurality of medical images based on the positional information of the navigation instrument and status information.

Abstract: A method for using an assembled three-dimensional image to construct a three-dimensional model for determining a path through a lumen network to a target. The three-dimensional model is automatically registered to an actual location of a probe by tracking and recording the positions of the probe and continually adjusting the registration between the model and a display of the probe position. The registration algorithm becomes dynamic (elastic) as the probe approaches smaller lumens in the periphery of the network where movement has a bigger impact on the registration between the model and the probe display.

Abstract: Methods for registering a three-dimensional model of a body volume to a real-time indication of a sensor position that involve analyzing scanned and sensed voxels and using parameters or thresholds to identify said voxels as being either tissue or intraluminal fluid. Those voxels identified as fluid are then used to construct a real-time sensed three-dimensional model of the lumen which is then compared to a similarly constructed, but previously scanned model to establish and update registration.

Abstract: A catheter having a sensor at a distal end thereof, useable to detect and create signals from an electromagnetic field. The sensor is constructed and arranged to leave a lumen of the catheter open such that it may be used to pass instruments therethrough once a target location has been reached.

Abstract: A method for using an assembled three-dimensional image to construct a three-dimensional model for determining a path through a lumen network to a target. The three-dimensional model is automatically registered to an actual location of a probe by tracking and recording the positions of the probe and continually adjusting the registration between the model and a display of the probe position. The registration algorithm becomes dynamic (elastic) as the probe approaches smaller lumens in the periphery of the network where movement has a bigger impact on the registration between the model and the probe display.

Abstract: A technique for automatically generating a virtual model of a branched structure using as an input a plurality of images taken of the branched structure. The technique employs an algorithm that avoids inaccuracies associated with sub-optimal threshold settings by “patching” holes or leaks created due to the inherent inconsistencies with imaging technology. By “patching” the holes, the algorithm may continue to run using a more sensitive threshold value than was previously possible.

Abstract: A catheter having a sensor at a distal end thereof, useable to detect and create signals from an electromagnetic field. The sensor is constructed and arranged to leave a lumen of the catheter open such that it may be used to pass instruments therethrough once a target location has been reached.

Abstract: Methods for registering a three-dimensional model of a body volume to a real-time indication of a sensor position that involve analyzing scanned and sensed voxels and using parameters or thresholds to identify said voxels as being either tissue or intraluminal fluid. Those voxels identified as fluid are then used to construct a real-time sensed three-dimensional model of the lumen which is then compared to a similarly constructed, but previously scanned model to establish and update registration.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting three-dimensional image volume data utilizing an orientationally-sensitive display device whereby the image volume is navigable simply by tilting, raising and lowering the display device. Doing so presents an image on the screen that relates to the angle and position of the display device such that the user gets the impression that the device itself is useable as a window into the image volume, especially when the device is placed on or near the source of the image data, such as a patient.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting three-dimensional image volume data utilizing an orientationally-sensitive display device whereby the image volume is navigable simply by tilting, raising and lowering the display device. Doing so presents an image on the screen that relates to the angle and position of the display device such that the user gets the impression that the device itself is useable as a window into the image volume, especially when the device is placed on or near the source of the image data, such as a patient.