System and method for image-based alignment of an endoscope

摘要

Systems and methods for endoscopic procedures employ a first technique to ensure initial correct alignment of an endoscope (100) with a desired target (10). A reference image (51) is then acquired from an imaging arrangement associated with the endoscope. During a subsequent stage of the procedure, tracking of the endoscope position relative to the target is performed partially or entirely by image-based tracking by comparing features in real-time video image (52) produced by imaging arrangement with features in the reference image (51). The feature comparison may be performed visually by a user, or may be automated to offer more specific corrective suggestions to the user.

主权项

1. A method for confirming correct alignment of a distal end of an endoscope including an imaging arrangement during an endoscopic procedure, the method comprising:
positioning the distal end of the endoscope adjacent to a target location and capturing a reference image using the imaging arrangement; sensing a real-time video image using the imaging arrangement; comparing features of the real-time video image with the reference image to determine whether the endoscope is correctly aligned; if the endoscope is not correctly aligned:
measuring a mismatch between the reference image and the real-time video image;providing a visual indication of the mismatch, the visual indication including directionality and magnitude information; andadjusting a position of the endoscope based on the directionality and magnitude information derived from the mismatch; and correlating a sub-window of the reference image provided on a display, and centered on the target location, with a corresponding sliding window of the real-time video image provided on the display.