3D TEE registration with x-ray fluoroscopy for interventional cardiac applications

Abstract

Live 3D trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) and X-ray fluoroscopy provide complementary imaging information for guiding minimally invasive cardiac interventions. X-ray fluoroscopy is most commonly used for these procedures due to its excellent device visualization. However, its challenges include the 2D projection nature of the images and poor soft tissue contrast, both of which are addressed by the use of live 3D TEE imaging. We propose to integrate 3D TEE imaging with X-ray fluoroscopy, providing the capability to co-visualize both the interventional devices and cardiac anatomy, by accurately registering the images using an electro-magnetic tracking system. Phantom trials validating the proposed registration scheme indicate an average accuracy of 2.04 mm with a standard deviation of 0.59 mm. In the future, this system may benefit the guidance and navigation of interventional cardiac procedures such as mitral valve repair or patent foramen ovale closure. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.