Patent Document ID: 7711405
Application ID: 10833742
Patent Status: 1

Claim One:
1. A computer implemented method for registering a pre-operative image with an intra-operative image comprising the steps of: receiving a pre-operative, high-resolution image of an object; obtaining an initial intra-operative, low-resolution image of the object; rigidly registering the pre-operative high-resolution image with the initial intra-operative low-resolution image; during an operative procedure, acquiring a plurality of successive updated intra-operative low-resolution images; non-rigidly registering each updated intra-operative low-resolution image with the initial intra-operative low-resolution image to determine an incremental deformation field, wherein the non-rigid registration of the updated image reconciles deformations of the object; and warping the pre-operative high-resolution image using the rigid registration and the each incremental deformation field to match to an anatomy as presented by the each updated intra-operative low-resolution image, wherein the warped pre-operative high-resolution image is merged with each updated intra-operative low-resolution image, wherein details associated with the pre-operative high-resolution image are incorporated into the intra-operative low-resolution images.