A method for registering an angiographic image onto a real-time X-ray image for percutaneous coronary intervention

Abstract

This paper aims to provide an image guided navigation technique for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to cardiologists by offering a registered, an angiographic image overlaid onto a real-time (10–15 Hz) X-ray image from fluoroscopy. In the current PCI, cardiologists usually check two different X-ray images side-by-side. One is a real-time X-ray image on which a guidewire and catheter are clearly shown, and the other is a series of angiographic images obtained by administering a contrast agent to the coronary vessels. To manipulate guidewires/catheters while alternating between the two separate images on separate screens, a deep understanding of the anatomy of coronary vessels is usually necessary. Hence, novice cardiologists should experience several hundred cases through long term training for proficient manipulation. Moreover, frequent injection of the contrast media may cause problems in patient’s liver function and increase radiation exposure to both the patient and cardiologists. In order to solve the aforementioned problems, we propose an image registration of the two separate images into a single image, providing intuitive visual guidance in PCI procedures.