Planning and facilitation systems and methods for cryosurgery

Abstract

Systems and methods for planning a cryoablation procedure and for facilitating a cryoablation procedure utilize integrated images displaying, in a common virtual space, a three-dimensional model of a surgical intervention site based on digitized preparatory images of the site from first imaging modalities, simulation images of cryoprobes used according to an operator-planned cryoablation procedure at the site, and real-time images provided by second imaging modalities during cryoablation. The system supplies recommendations for and evaluations of the planned cryoablation procedure, feedback to an operator during cryoablation, and guidance and control signals for operating a cryosurgery tool during cryoablation. Methods are provided for generating a nearly-uniform cold field among a plurality of cryoprobes, for cryoablating a volume with smooth and well-defined borders, thereby minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

1 - 44 . (canceled) 
   
   
       45 . A method for planning a cryosurgical ablation procedure, comprising:
 (a) utilizing a first imaging modality to create digitized preparatory images of an intervention site;   (b) utilizing a three-dimensional modeler to create a three-dimensional model of said intervention site based on said digitized preparatory images;   (c) utilizing a simulator to simulate a cryosurgical intervention, which simulator comprises a displayer operable to display in a common virtual space an integrated image comprising a visualization of said three-dimensional model of said intervention site and a virtual display of at least one simulated cryoprobe inserted at least one selected locus; and   (d) utilizing a predictor to predict an effect on body tissues of a patient of operation of said at least one cryoprobe at said at least one selected locus according to selected operational parameters, said predictor being operable to predict size and shape of a prostate two or more weeks after said operation of said at least one cryoprobe,   thereby enabling to plan said cryoablation procedure in view of said predicted effect.   
   
   
       46 . The method of  claim 45 , further comprising displaying, in said integrated image, a visualization of an effect predicted by said predictor. 
   
   
       47 . The method of  claim 45 , wherein said simulator further comprises an interface useable by an operator for specifying at least one operator-specified locus for insertion of said at least one simulated cryoprobe. 
   
   
       48 . The method of  claim 45 , wherein said simulator further comprises an interface useable by an operator for specifying operator-specified parameters for operation of said at least one simulated cryoprobe. 
   
   
       49 . The method of  claim 45 , wherein said simulator further comprises a recommender operable to recommend a position for inserting a cryoprobe into a body of a patient. 
   
   
       50 . The method of  claim 45 , wherein said simulator further comprises a recommender for recommending operating parameters for a cryoprobe inserted in a body of a patient. 
   
   
       51 . The method of  claim 45 , further comprising using said predictor to predictor size and position of an iceball created by operation of said at least one simulated cryoprobe. 
   
   
       52 . The method of  claim 45 , further comprising using said predictor to predict size and position of an area of total tissue destruction created by operation of said simulated cryoprobes. 
   
   
       53 . The method of  claim 45 , further comprising using a recommender to recommend temperature and duration for cooling of said at least one simulated cryoprobe.