Systems and methods for real-time correction of strain traces of conduction delayed patients
By depicting the cardiac cycle by detecting mechanical events in the heart within a deformability imaging system, the problem of inaccurate ECG data is solved, the accuracy of cardiac deformability measurement and cardiac function assessment is improved, and system resource consumption is reduced.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-13
AI Technical Summary
Existing morphological imaging systems often fail to accurately depict cardiac cycles when determining them because ECG data is not correlated with actual mechanical events, thus affecting the accuracy of cardiac function assessment.
By analyzing cardiac imaging data, a set of mechanical events in the heart are detected, the cardiac cycle is depicted based on the detected mechanical events, and deformable imaging is used to determine cardiac deformability information, reducing reliance on ECG data.
It improves the accuracy of deformable imaging measurements, enhances the accuracy of cardiac function assessment, and saves system resources.
Smart Images
Figure CN121647723A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to systems and methods for using deformability imaging to determine information related to cardiac deformities in a region of interest of a subject's heart. More specifically, this disclosure relates to systems and methods for using deformability imaging and depiction of the cardiac cycle determined using imaging data of the region of interest of the heart to determine information related to cardiac deformities in the region of interest of a subject's heart. Background Technology
[0002] A cardiac cycle refers to the sequence of cardiac events that cause blood to move through the heart and throughout the body. A single execution of a cardiac cycle results in a single heartbeat. Generally, a cardiac cycle includes diastole and systole. Diastole can begin with the closure of the aortic and pulmonary valves and end with the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves. Systole can begin with the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves and end with the closure of the aortic and pulmonary valves. During a cardiac cycle, the heart muscle contracts and relaxes to facilitate blood circulation through the chambers and valves of the heart. During diastole, the heart relaxes, allowing blood to fill the atria and flow into the ventricles via the atrioventricular valves. During systole, the ventricles contract, the atrioventricular valves close to prevent backflow, and the semilunar valves open to eject blood into the aorta and pulmonary arteries. After systole, the heart relaxes again, allowing the cardiac cycle to repeat.
[0003] Deformation imaging refers to imaging techniques used to assess myocardial deformation. Deformation, or "strain," refers to the change in the length of the heart muscle from end-diastole to end-systole. Deformation imaging can be used to assess myocardial mechanics. For example, it can be used to detect cardiomyopathy, heart disease, and myocardial dysfunction.
[0004] For deformable imaging, the region of interest in the heart can be segmented into a set of myocardial segments. Deformable imaging techniques (e.g., template matching, image registration, artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, etc.) can be used to track these myocardial segments during the cardiac cycle. Strain values for this set of myocardial segments can be determined based on the tracking of these segments. For example, strain curves or "strain traces" that include the strain values of the myocardial segments during the cardiac cycle can be determined. Various relevant strain values (e.g., end-systolic strain, peak systolic strain, peak strain, etc.) can be determined from the strain curves.
[0005] For deformability imaging, one or more reference time points can be used to depict the cardiac cycle. Generally, end-diastole is chosen as the reference time point. End-diastole is characterized by mitral valve closure. Various events can be used as substitutes for mitral valve closure. For example, events may include the onset of a QRS complex as measured by electrocardiogram (ECG) data, the presence of an R peak in ECG data, the peak of a strain curve, etc. Another reference point (such as end-systole) can be used to establish reference locations and / or reference lengths of myocardial segments for deformability imaging.
[0006] In some cases, the actual timing of mitral valve closure and the timing of surrogate events in ECG data may not be correlated. For example, a surrogate event may not be associated with actual mitral valve closure in subjects experiencing conduction delay or ECG abnormalities. In particular, QRS complexes may be prolonged in subjects experiencing left or right bundle branch block. In such cases, the start time of the QRS complex may not correspond to the timing of mitral valve closure.
[0007] In these cases, the depicted cardiac cycle may not accurately correspond to the subject's actual cardiac cycle. Therefore, the distorted imaging system can determine strain values in myocardial segments during the depicted cardiac cycle, which does not correspond to the subject's actual cardiac cycle. Furthermore, the distorted imaging system can determine various distorted imaging measurements at time-specific events, which may not correspond to the actual underlying cardiac event and are therefore potentially inaccurate. In this way, the overall assessment of cardiac function may be inaccurate because the distorted imaging measurements for the depicted cardiac cycle do not correspond to the subject's actual underlying cardiac cycle. Summary of the Invention
[0008] This invention provides a more detailed description of concepts in specific embodiments. It should not be used to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor should it be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0009] In one aspect, a system may include a memory configured to store instructions; and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions to: receive imaging data of a region of interest (ROI) of a subject's heart; analyze the imaging data of the ROI of the subject's heart to detect a set of mechanical events of the subject's heart; determine a depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart based on the detected set of mechanical events; use deformable imaging to determine information related to cardiac deformities in the ROI of the subject's heart based on the depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart; and display the information related to cardiac deformities in the ROI of the subject's heart.
[0010] In another aspect, a method may include: receiving imaging data of a region of interest (ROI) of a subject's heart; analyzing the imaging data of the ROI of the subject's heart to detect a set of mechanical events of the subject's heart; determining a depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart based on the detected set of mechanical events; using deformability imaging based on the depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart to determine information related to cardiac deformities in the ROI of the subject's heart; and displaying the information related to cardiac deformities in the ROI of the subject's heart.
[0011] In another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receive imaging data of a region of interest in the heart of a subject; analyze the imaging data of the region of interest in the subject's heart to detect a set of mechanical events in the subject's heart; determine a depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart based on the detected set of mechanical events; use deformable imaging based on the depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart to determine information related to cardiac deformities in the region of interest in the subject's heart; and display the information related to cardiac deformities in the region of interest in the subject's heart. Attached Figure Description
[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram of an example system 100 used to determine information related to cardiac deformation in the region of interest of a subject's heart by using deformable imaging and depicting the cardiac cycle of the heart using imaging data of the region of interest of the heart.
[0013] Figure 2 This is a diagram of an example deformable imaging system used to determine information related to cardiac deformation in the region of interest of the subject's heart by using deformable imaging and depicting the cardiac cycle of the heart using imaging data of the region of interest of the heart.
[0014] Figure 3 This is a diagram of an example ultrasound system used to receive ultrasound data of the region of interest of a subject's heart.
[0015] Figure 4 This is a diagram of an example preoperative imaging system used to receive preoperative imaging data of the region of interest of a patient's heart.
[0016] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an example process for determining information related to cardiac deformation in the region of interest of a subject's heart by using deformable imaging and depicting the cardiac cycle of the heart using imaging data of the region of interest of the heart.
[0017] Figure 6This is a diagram of an example user interface showing lines corresponding to the anatomical M-pattern data used to detect the closure of the mitral valve in a subject, and a depiction of the subject's cardiac cycle determined based on the detection of the mitral valve closure using the anatomical M-pattern data.
[0018] Figure 7 This is a diagram of an example user interface that displays lines corresponding to anatomical M-pattern data used to detect mitral valve closure in a subject, and B-pattern data of the anatomical M-pattern data corresponding to those lines.
[0019] Figure 8 This is a diagram of an example user interface showing lines corresponding to anatomical M-pattern data used to detect mitral valve closure in a subject.
[0020] Figure 9 This is a diagram of an example user interface displaying anatomical M-pattern data used to detect mitral valve closure in a subject.
[0021] Figure 10 This is a diagram of an example user interface showing an extended cardiac cycle from a reference ECG, a first depicted cardiac cycle determined using ECG data, and a second depicted cardiac cycle determined using imaging data. Detailed Implementation
[0022] As explained above, some deformable imaging systems can use events from ECG data to depict the cardiac cycle for deformable imaging measurements. Furthermore, as explained above, events in ECG data used as surrogates for actual mechanical events of the heart may not be correlated with the actual underlying mechanical events. In these cases, the depicted cardiac cycle may not accurately correspond to the subject's actual cardiac cycle. Therefore, various deformable imaging measurements at time-specific events may not correspond to the actual underlying cardiac events and are thus potentially inaccurate. In this way, the overall assessment of cardiac function may be inaccurate.
[0023] Some embodiments of this paper provide a technique for detecting a set of mechanical events of the heart using imaging data and for plotting a cardiac cycle using the detected set of mechanical events. Therefore, some embodiments of this paper improve the accuracy of the correspondence between the plotted cardiac cycle used for deformable imaging and the subject's actual cardiac cycle. In this way, some embodiments of this paper improve the accuracy of deformable imaging measurements and the accuracy of using deformable imaging to assess cardiac function. Therefore, some embodiments of this paper provide technical improvements in the field of deformable imaging and provide technical improvements to systems and methods used for deformable imaging. Furthermore, some embodiments of this paper reduce or eliminate the need for user correction of the plotted cycle, thereby saving processor and memory resources of the system used for deformable imaging.
[0024] Figure 1 This is a diagram of an example system used to determine information related to cardiac deformation in the region of interest of a subject's heart by depicting the cardiac cycle using deformable imaging and imaging data of the heart's region of interest. (See diagram for example.) Figure 1 As shown, system 100 may include deformable imaging system 110, ultrasound system 120, preoperative imaging system 130, and network 140.
[0025] The deformable imaging system 110 can be configured to receive imaging data of a region of interest (ROI) of a subject's heart; analyze the imaging data of the ROI of the subject's heart to detect a set of mechanical events of the subject's heart; determine a depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart based on the detected set of mechanical events; use deformable imaging to determine information related to cardiac deformities of the ROI of the subject's heart based on the depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart; and display the information related to cardiac deformities of the ROI of the subject's heart. For example, the deformable imaging system 110 can be a computer, a server, a medical device, etc.
[0026] The ultrasound system 120 can be configured to receive ultrasound data of a region of interest in the heart of a subject. For example, the ultrasound system 120 can be a two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound system, a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound system, a four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound system, a Doppler ultrasound system, etc. The subject can be a human, an animal, or a phantom, etc.
[0027] The preoperative imaging system 130 can be configured to receive preoperative imaging data of the region of interest of the patient's heart. For example, the preoperative imaging system 130 can be a computed tomography (CT) system, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, an ultrasound system, an X-ray system, or a positron emission tomography (PET) device.
[0028] Network 140 may permit communication between deformable imaging system 110, ultrasound system 120, and preoperative imaging system 130. For example, network 140 may be a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), cellular network, private network, ad hoc network, intranet, Internet, fiber-optic network, wired network, wireless network, and / or a combination of these or other types of networks.
[0029] The number and arrangement of systems 100 are provided as examples. In implementation, systems 100 may include additional systems, fewer systems, different systems, or systems related to... Figure 1The systems shown are arranged differently. Additionally or alternatively, a group of systems of system 100 (e.g., one or more systems) may be integrated into a single system and / or perform one or more functions described as being performed by another system or another group of systems of system 100.
[0030] Figure 2 This is a diagram of an example deformable imaging system 110 used to determine information related to cardiac deformities in the region of interest of the subject's heart by depicting the cardiac cycle using deformable imaging and imaging data of the heart's region of interest. (See diagram 110 for example.) Figure 2 As shown, the deformable imaging system 110 may include a bus 202, a processor 204, a memory 206, a storage component 208, an input component 210, an output component 212, and a communication interface 214.
[0031] Bus 202 includes components that allow communication between components of the deformable imaging system 110. Processor 204 may be implemented using hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. Processor 204 may be a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), accelerated processing unit (APU), microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another type of processing component.
[0032] Processor 204 may include one or more processors capable of being programmed to perform functions. Processor 204 may include one or more processors 204 configured to perform the operations described herein. For example, a single processor 204 may be configured to perform all the operations described herein. Alternatively, multiple processors 204 may be collectively configured to perform all the operations described herein, and each of the multiple processors 204 may be configured to perform a subgroup of operations described herein. For example, a first processor 204 may perform a first subgroup of operations described herein, a second processor 204 may be configured to perform a second subgroup of operations described herein, and so on.
[0033] Memory 206 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., flash memory, magnetic memory, and / or optical memory) that stores information and / or instructions for use by processor 204.
[0034] Storage component 208 may store information and / or software related to the operation and use of morphing imaging system 110. For example, storage component 208 may include hard disk (e.g., magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk and / or solid-state disk), compact disc (CD), digital multifunction disc (DVD), floppy disk, cassette, magnetic tape and / or another type of non-transitory computer-readable medium and corresponding drives.
[0035] Input component 210 may include components that allow the morphing imaging system 110 to receive information, such as via user input (e.g., a touchscreen display, keyboard, keypad, mouse, buttons, switches, camera, and / or microphone). Additionally or alternatively, input component 210 may include sensors for sensing information (e.g., a Global Positioning System (GPS) component, accelerometer, gyroscope, and / or actuator). Output component 212 may include components that provide output information from the morphing imaging system 110 (e.g., a display, a speaker for outputting sound at an output sound level, and / or one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs)).
[0036] Communication interface 214 may include transceiver-like components (e.g., a transceiver and / or separate receiver and transmitter) that enable morphing imaging system 110 to communicate with other systems, such as via wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless connections. Communication interface 214 may permit morphing imaging system 110 to receive information from and / or provide information to another system. For example, communication interface 214 may include an Ethernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, an infrared interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a Wi-Fi interface, a cellular network interface, etc.
[0037] The deformable imaging system 110 can perform one or more of the processes described herein. The deformable imaging system 110 can perform these processes based on software instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as memory 206 and / or storage component 208, executed by processor 204. A computer-readable medium can be defined herein as a non-transitory memory device. A memory device can include memory space within a single physical storage device or memory space distributed across multiple physical storage devices.
[0038] Software instructions can be read from another computer-readable medium or from another system into memory 206 and / or storage component 208 via communication interface 214. When executed, the software instructions stored in memory 206 and / or storage component 208 cause processor 204 to perform one or more processes described herein. Additionally or alternatively, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to perform one or more processes described herein. Therefore, the specific implementations described herein are not limited to any particular combination of hardware circuitry and software.
[0039] Figure 2 The number and arrangement of components shown are provided as an example. In practice, the deformable imaging system 110 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or components with... Figure 2 The components shown are arranged differently. Additionally or alternatively, one set of components (e.g., one or more components) of the deformable imaging system 110 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of the deformable imaging system 110.
[0040] Figure 3 This is a diagram of an example ultrasound system 120 used to receive ultrasound data of a region of interest from the heart of a patient. (See diagram for example.) Figure 3 As shown, the ultrasound system 120 may include an ultrasound probe 302, a transmit beamformer 304, a transmitter 306, an element 308, a receiver 310, a receive beamformer 312, a user input device 314, a processor 316, a display 318, a memory 320, and a communication interface 322. The aforementioned components may be connected via wired or wireless connections.
[0041] The ultrasound probe 302 can be configured to receive ultrasound data. For example, the ultrasound probe 302 can be a linear probe, a phased array probe, a curved linear probe coupled to a positioning and tracking system, a mechanically manipulated linear array transducer, a phased array transducer, a curved linear array transducer, an electronically manipulated 2D transducer array, an electronic 3D (e3D) probe, an electronic 4D (e4D) probe, or a low-profile wearable patch version of any of the aforementioned probes. According to one embodiment, the ultrasound probe 302 can be configured to generate ultrasound signals, emit ultrasound signals toward the region of interest of the subject, receive echo ultrasound signals backscattered from the region of interest of the subject, generate ultrasound data based on the echo ultrasound signals, and output the ultrasound data.
[0042] Transmit beamformer 304 can be configured to apply a delay time to the electrical signal provided to element 308 to focus the corresponding ultrasonic signal at the region of interest. Transmitter 306 can be configured to send an electrical signal to element 308 to drive element 308 to emit an ultrasonic signal toward the region of interest. Element 308 can be configured to receive the electrical signal from transmitter 306, convert the electrical signal into an ultrasonic signal, and emit the ultrasonic signal toward the region of interest. Element 308 can be configured to receive the echo ultrasonic signal backscattered from the region of interest, convert the echo ultrasonic signal into an electrical signal, and provide the electrical signal to receiver 310. Receiver 310 can be configured to receive the electrical signal from element 308 and provide the electrical signal to receiver beamformer 312. Receiver beamformer 312 can apply a delay time to the electrical signal received from element 308.
[0043] User input device 314 may be configured to receive user input and provide the user input to processor 316. For example, user input device 314 may be a touch screen display, keyboard, keypad, mouse, button, switch, or microphone, etc. Additionally or alternatively, user input device 314 may be configured to sense information. For example, user input device 314 may sense information from an electromagnetic positioning system, inertial measurement system, accelerometer, gyroscope, or actuator, etc.
[0044] Processor 316 may be configured to perform the operations described herein. For example, processor 316 may be a CPU, GPU, APU, microprocessor, microcontroller, DSP, FPGA, ASIC, or another type of processing component. Processor 316 may be implemented using hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. Processor 316 may include one or more processors 316 configured to perform the operations described herein. For example, a single processor 316 may be configured to perform all the operations described herein. Alternatively, multiple processors 316 may be collectively configured to perform all the operations described herein, and each of the multiple processors 316 may be configured to perform a subgroup of operations described herein. For example, a first processor 316 may perform a first subgroup of operations described herein, a second processor 316 may be configured to perform a second subgroup of operations described herein, and so on.
[0045] Processor 316 can be configured to control ultrasound probe 302 to receive ultrasound data. Processor 316 can be configured to control which elements in element 308 are active and to control the shape of the beam emitted from ultrasound probe 302. Processor 316 can generate ultrasound images for display. For example, processor 316 can generate B-mode images, color Doppler images, anatomical M-mode images, or color M-mode images, etc. Ultrasound images can be 3D images, 2D images, single-plane images, dual-plane images, tri-plane images, or multi-plane images, etc. Ultrasound images can correspond to various anatomical planes (e.g., sagittal, coronal, and transverse) of the region of interest.
[0046] Display 318 can be configured to display information. For example, display 318 can be a monitor, LED display, cathode ray tube, projector display, touch screen, tablet computer, or mobile phone. Display 318 can display ultrasound images based on ultrasound data in real time. For example, display 318 can display ultrasound images within one second, two seconds, five seconds, etc., of ultrasound data acquired by ultrasound probe 302.
[0047] Memory 320 may be configured to store information and / or instructions for use by processor 316. Memory 320 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. For example, memory 320 may be random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., flash memory, magnetic memory, and / or optical memory) for storing information and / or instructions for use by processor 316. Memory 320 may be configured to store instructions that, when executed by processor 316, cause processor 316 to perform the operations described herein.
[0048] The communication interface 322 may be configured to enable the processor 316 to communicate with other systems, such as via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections. For example, the communication interface 322 may include an Ethernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, an infrared interface, an RF interface, a USB interface, a Wi-Fi interface, or a cellular network interface.
[0049] Figure 3 The number and arrangement of components in the ultrasound system 120 shown are provided as an example. In practice, the ultrasound system 120 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or components with... Figure 3 The components shown are arranged differently. Additionally or alternatively, one set of components (e.g., one or more components) of the ultrasound system 120 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of the ultrasound system 120.
[0050] Figure 4 This is a diagram of an example preoperative imaging system 130 used to receive preoperative imaging data of the region of interest of a patient's heart. (See diagram) Figure 4 As shown, the preoperative imaging system 130 may include a gantry 402, a rotating frame 404, an X-ray source 406, an X-ray detector 408, a patient table 410, a processor 412, a memory 414, a display 416, a user input device 418, a communication interface 420, a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) 422, and a server 424.
[0051] Processor 412 may be configured to control the operation of preoperative imaging system 130. For example, processor 412 may be a CPU, GPU, APU, microprocessor, microcontroller, DSP, FPGA, or ASIC. Processor 412 may be implemented using hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. Processor 412 may include one or more processors 412 configured to perform the operations described herein. For example, a single processor 412 may be configured to perform all the operations described herein. Alternatively, multiple processors 412 may be collectively configured to perform all the operations described herein, and each of the multiple processors 412 may be configured to perform a subgroup of operations described herein. For example, a first processor 412 may perform a first subgroup of operations described herein, a second processor 412 may be configured to perform a second subgroup of operations described herein, and so on.
[0052] The processor 412 can be configured to control the movement of the rack 402, the rotating frame 404, the X-ray source 406, the X-ray detector 408, and the patient table 410.
[0053] Memory 414 may be configured to store information and / or instructions for use by processor 412. Memory 414 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. For example, memory 414 may be RAM, ROM, flash memory, magnetic memory, or optical memory, etc. Memory 414 may be configured to store instructions that, when executed by processor 412, cause processor 412 to perform the operations described herein.
[0054] Display 416 can be configured to display information. For example, display 416 can be a monitor, LED display, cathode ray tube, projector display, touch screen, tablet computer, or mobile phone.
[0055] User input device 418 may be configured to receive user input and provide the user input to processor 412. For example, user input device 418 may be a touchscreen display, keyboard, keypad, mouse, button, switch, or microphone. Additionally or alternatively, user input device 418 may be configured to sense information. For example, user input device 418 may sense information from an electromagnetic positioning system, inertial measurement system, accelerometer, gyroscope, or actuator.
[0056] Communication interface 420 may be configured to enable processor 412 to communicate with other devices, such as via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections. For example, communication interface 420 may include an Ethernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, an infrared interface, an RF interface, a USB interface, a Wi-Fi interface, or a cellular network interface. PACS 422 may be configured to communicate with external systems and / or networks to allow users at various locations to access medical images. Server 424 may be configured to store one or more models as described herein. For example, server 424 may be a local server, a cloud server, or a virtual machine.
[0057] Figure 4 The number and arrangement of components of the preoperative imaging system 130 shown are provided as an example. In practice, the preoperative imaging system 130 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or components related to... Figure 4 The components shown are arranged differently. Additionally or alternatively, one set of components (e.g., one or more components) of the preoperative imaging system 130 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of the preoperative imaging system 130.
[0058] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an example process for determining information related to cardiac deformation in the region of interest of a subject's heart by using deformable imaging and depicting the cardiac cycle of the heart using imaging data of the region of interest of the heart.
[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, process 500 may include receiving imaging data of the region of interest of the subject's heart (operation 510). For example, deformable imaging system 110 may receive imaging data of the region of interest of the subject's heart.
[0060] According to one implementation, the deformable imaging system 110 can receive imaging data of the region of interest of a subject's heart from an ultrasound system 120, a preoperative imaging system 130, a database, etc. The imaging data can be any type of medical imaging data, such as ultrasound data, CT data, MRI data, X-ray data, PET data, etc. The deformable imaging system 110 can receive imaging data based on requested imaging data, acquired imaging data, the occurrence of an event, predetermined time frames, etc.
[0061] According to one implementation scheme, the region of interest may include one or more anatomical features of the heart, such as the left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium, right ventricle, mitral valve, aortic valve, pulmonary valve, tricuspid valve, etc. The subject may be a patient, animal, or phantom.
[0062] According to one embodiment, the deformable imaging system 110 can receive imaging data of the region of interest (ROI) of a subject's heart and ECG data of the ROI of the subject's heart. The imaging data and ECG data may be temporally correlated. Alternatively, the deformable imaging system 110 can receive imaging data of the ROI of the subject's heart, and may not receive the subject's ECG data, such as when ECG data is unavailable.
[0063] like Figure 5 As further shown, process 500 may include analyzing imaging data of a region of interest in the subject's heart to detect a set of mechanical events in the subject's heart (operation 520). For example, deformable imaging system 110 may analyze imaging data of a region of interest in the subject to detect a set of mechanical events in the subject's heart.
[0064] According to one implementation, the deformable imaging system 110 can analyze imaging data to detect a set of mechanical events. For example, the deformable imaging system 110 can use template matching technology, image registration technology, AI technology, etc., to analyze imaging data to detect the set of mechanical events.
[0065] According to one implementation, this set of mechanical events may be associated with end-diastole. For example, this set of mechanical events may include closure of the mitral valve, closure of the tricuspid valve, etc. Additionally or alternatively, this set of mechanical events may be associated with end-systole. For example, this set of mechanical events may include closure of the aortic valve, closure of the pulmonary valve, etc. Alternatively, this set of mechanical events may include opening of the mitral valve, aortic valve, tricuspid valve, or pulmonary valve.
[0066] According to one implementation, this set of mechanical events may include blood flow through the mitral, aortic, tricuspid, or pulmonary valves; increased blood flow through the mitral, aortic, tricuspid, or pulmonary valves; decreased blood flow through the mitral, aortic, tricuspid, or pulmonary valves. Alternatively, this set of mechanical events may include blood flow through the left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium, or right ventricle; increased blood flow through the left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium, or right ventricle; decreased blood flow through the mitral, aortic, tricuspid, or pulmonary valves.
[0067] According to one implementation, the set of mechanical events may include peak relaxation or peak contraction of the left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium, or right ventricle.
[0068] According to one embodiment, and as a specific example, the deformable imaging system 110 can analyze anatomical M-mode ultrasound data of a region of interest in a subject's heart to detect mitral valve closure. In this case, the deformable imaging system 110 can receive anatomical M-mode ultrasound data corresponding to one or more lines passing through the mitral valve of the subject's heart and one or more points between the left and right base points of the left ventricle of the subject's heart. For example, the deformable imaging system 110 can detect mitral valve closure based on detecting specific values in the anatomical M-mode data, detecting patterns in the anatomical M-mode data, etc. The deformable imaging system 110 can detect the closure or opening of the other valve in a similar manner as described above.
[0069] According to one embodiment, and as another example, the deformable imaging system 110 can analyze color Doppler ultrasound data of a region of interest in the heart of a subject to detect mitral valve closure. For example, the deformable imaging system 110 can detect blood flow through the mitral valve, detect a reduction in blood flow through the mitral valve, detect the absence of blood through the mitral valve, etc. The deformable imaging system 110 can detect the closure or opening of the other valve in a similar manner to that described above.
[0070] According to one implementation, and as another example, the deformable imaging system 110 can analyze B-mode ultrasound data of a region of interest in the heart of a subject to detect mitral valve closure. For example, the deformable imaging system 110 can input B-mode ultrasound data into an AI model and receive an output from the AI model indicating mitral valve closure. In this case, the AI model can be trained using training data including B-mode ultrasound data and indications of mitral valve closure. The AI model can be trained to detect mitral valve closure. The deformable imaging system 110 can detect the closure or opening of the other valve in a similar manner to that described above.
[0071] According to one implementation, and as another example, the deformable imaging system 110 can analyze ultrasound data of the region of interest of the subject's heart to detect peak relaxation or peak contraction of the left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium, or right ventricle.
[0072] Alternatively, the deformable imaging system 110 may use any other type of medical imaging data and / or any other type of technique to detect this set of mechanical events. Furthermore, as an alternative, the deformable imaging system 110 may detect two separate mechanical events. For example, the deformable imaging system 110 may detect the closure of the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve, or the closure of the aortic valve and the pulmonary valve. The deformable imaging system 110 may correlate multiple detected events. In this way, the deformable imaging system 110 can more accurately detect a reference time point, such as end-diastole, by detecting multiple mechanical events indicating the occurrence of a reference time point.
[0073] like Figure 5 As further shown, process 500 may include determining a depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart based on a set of detected mechanical events (operation 530). For example, deformable imaging system 110 may determine a depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart based on a set of detected mechanical events.
[0074] According to one embodiment, the depiction of the cardiac cycle of a subject's heart may include a first reference time point and a second reference time point. In this way, the first and second reference time points can depict the cardiac cycle. The first reference point may correspond to a first detected mechanical event (e.g., mitral valve closure), and the second reference point may correspond to a second detected mechanical event (e.g., subsequent mitral valve closure). Alternatively, the first reference point may be offset by a certain time from the first detected event, and the second reference point may be offset by a certain time from the second detected event.
[0075] According to one embodiment, the deformable imaging system 110 can determine a frame of imaging data corresponding to a first reference time point, and determine a second frame of imaging data corresponding to a second reference time point. Furthermore, the deformable imaging system 110 can determine an intermediate frame between the first and second frames, and use the first frame, the intermediate frame, and the second frame to determine information related to cardiac deformation in the region of interest of the heart during a depicted cardiac cycle of a subject using deformable imaging, as described below. According to one embodiment, the deformable imaging system 110 can use the techniques described above to determine multiple depictions of a subject's heart during multiple cardiac cycles, and use corresponding imaging data from the cardiac cycles of the corresponding depictions.
[0076] like Figure 5 As further shown, process 500 may include using deformable imaging to determine information related to cardiac deformities in the region of interest of the subject's heart based on a depiction of the subject's cardiac cycle (operation 540). For example, deformable imaging system 110 may use deformable imaging and imaging data corresponding to a depiction of the subject's cardiac cycle to determine information related to cardiac deformities in the region of interest of the subject's heart.
[0077] The morphological imaging system 110 can be configured to perform morphological imaging using morphological imaging techniques such as template matching (e.g., speckle tracking), image registration, image segmentation, and AI. The morphological imaging system 110 can be configured to perform morphological imaging using imaging data from the ultrasound system 120, preoperative imaging system 130, etc. The imaging data can be ultrasound data, CT data, MRI data, X-ray data, PET data, etc. The morphological imaging system 110 can use imaging data corresponding to the cardiac cycle depicted by the subject, as described above.
[0078] To perform deformable imaging, and according to one embodiment, deformable imaging system 110 can segment a region of interest in the heart into a set of myocardial segments and use deformable imaging to track the corresponding segments over time during the depicted cardiac cycle. Furthermore, deformable imaging system 110 can determine the corresponding strain values of the set of myocardial segments over time based on tracking the corresponding segments using deformable imaging. For example, deformable imaging system 110 can determine the strain value based on the initial length and final length of the segment. As an example, if the initial length of the segment is "10" and the final length of the segment is "8", then deformable imaging system 110 can determine a strain value of "-20%". As another example, if the initial length of the segment is "8" and the final length of the segment is "10", then deformable imaging system 110 can determine a strain value of "20%". Deformable imaging system 110 can generate corresponding strain curves for the set of myocardial segments.
[0079] According to one implementation scheme, information related to cardiac deformation in the region of interest of the subject's heart may include strain values of myocardial segments, the time taken to reach the maximum strain value of the corresponding myocardial segment, specific myocardial segments associated with time taken greater than or less than a corresponding threshold, mechanical dispersion values, cardiac mechanical asynchrony parameters, etc. Additionally or alternatively, information related to cardiac deformation in the region of interest of the subject's heart may include end-systolic strain corresponding to the strain value at end-systole, peak systolic strain corresponding to the peak strain value during systole, positive peak systolic strain corresponding to local myocardial stretching, peak strain corresponding to the peak strain value throughout the cardiac cycle, etc. Additionally or alternatively, information related to cardiac deformation in the region of interest of the subject's heart may include the velocity, displacement, strain rate, etc., of myocardial segments.
[0080] According to one embodiment, the deformability imaging system 110 can determine information related to cardiac deformation in a region of interest of a subject's heart for a single depicted cardiac cycle. For example, the deformability imaging system 110 can receive imaging data, depict cardiac cycles, and determine information related to cardiac deformation for the depicted cardiac cycle by using specific imaging data corresponding to the depicted cardiac cycle. Alternatively, the deformability imaging system 110 can use the techniques described above to determine multiple depictions of multiple cardiac cycles of a subject's heart, and use corresponding imaging data from the corresponding depicted cardiac cycles to determine corresponding information related to cardiac deformation for the multiple depicted cardiac cycles.
[0081] like Figure 5As further shown, process 500 may include displaying information related to cardiac deformation in the region of interest of the subject's heart (operation 550). For example, deformation imaging system 110 may display information related to cardiac deformation in the anatomical features of the heart, such as mechanical dispersion values, strain values of the set of segments, the time taken to reach the maximum strain value of the corresponding segment, and specific segments associated with the time taken to be greater than or less than the corresponding threshold.
[0082] According to one embodiment, the morphing imaging system 110 can display a depiction of the cardiac cycle determined using imaging data from a reference subject's ECG. For example, the morphing imaging system 110 can display a first visual indicator on the ECG for a first reference time point and a second visual indicator on the ECG for a second reference time point. In this way, an operator can assess the accuracy of the depicted cardiac cycle.
[0083] According to one embodiment, the morphing imaging system 110 can display a depiction of the cardiac cycle determined using ECG data from a reference subject's ECG, and also displays a depiction of the cardiac cycle determined using imaging data from a reference subject's ECG. For example, the morphing imaging system 110 can determine a first depiction of the cardiac cycle using ECG data by detecting a set of trigger points on the ECG, and display a first visual indicator on the ECG for a first reference time point and a second visual indicator on the ECG for a second reference time point. Furthermore, the morphing imaging system 110 can use imaging data to determine a second depiction of the cardiac cycle, and display a third visual indicator on the ECG for a third reference time point and a fourth visual indicator on the ECG for a fourth reference time point. In this way, an operator can assess whether the first and second depictions are similar, and / or assess whether the first depiction is inaccurate.
[0084] According to one embodiment, the deformability imaging system 110 can determine whether the difference between a first depiction of the cardiac cycle determined using ECG data and a second depiction of the cardiac cycle determined using imaging data meets a threshold. Furthermore, the deformability imaging system 110 can display information indicating whether the difference between the first depiction and the second depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart meets a threshold. According to one embodiment, the deformability imaging system 110 can display information indicating that information related to cardiac deformation in a region of interest of the subject's heart determined using the depiction of the cardiac cycle determined using ECG data is suboptimal. Additionally, the deformability imaging system 110 can provide an option to overlay the results of deformability measurements.
[0085] According to one embodiment, the morphological imaging system 110 can define an extended cardiac cycle, which includes a first depicted cardiac cycle determined using ECG data and a second depicted cardiac cycle determined using imaging data. The extended cardiac cycle can be an extension of the first depicted cardiac cycle and / or the second depicted cardiac cycle by a predetermined length. For example, the extended cardiac cycle may include the first depicted cardiac cycle and / or the second depicted cardiac cycle having half, one-third, one-quarter, etc., of the heart length at both ends of the first depicted cardiac cycle and / or the second depicted cardiac cycle. Furthermore, the morphological imaging system 110 can display visual indicators depicting the extended cardiac cycle. The morphological imaging system 110 can allow an operator to adjust any of the displayed visual indicators to update the depicted cardiac cycle. Based on the adjustment of the displayed visual indicators, the morphological imaging system 110 can use data corresponding to the updated depicted cardiac cycle to determine updated information related to cardiac deformation in the region of interest of the subject's heart.
[0086] Figure 6 This is a diagram of an example user interface 600 displaying B-mode data, including lines corresponding to anatomical M-mode data used to detect mitral valve closure in a subject, and a depiction of the subject's cardiac cycle determined based on the detection of mitral valve closure using the anatomical M-mode data. (See diagram 600 for example user interface 600.) Figure 6 As shown, the deformable imaging system 110 can display a user interface 600 including B-mode data of the subject's heart. The deformable imaging system 110 can segment the left ventricle into a set of segments, such as the first segment 602, the second segment 604, the third segment 606, the fourth segment 608, the fifth segment 610, and the sixth segment 612. Furthermore, the deformable imaging system 110 can receive anatomical M-mode data corresponding to a line 614 passing through the mitral valve of the subject's heart (as depicted by line 616) and points between the left and right base points of the left ventricle of the subject's heart (such as between the third segment 606 and the fourth segment 608). Although in Figure 6 A single line 614 is shown, but it should be understood that the deformable imaging system 110 can utilize multiple lines corresponding to the overlay of anatomical M-mode data. For example... Figure 6 As further shown, the deformable imaging system 110 can display a depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart using a reference subject's ECG 618. The depiction may include a first visual indicator 620 corresponding to a first reference time point and a second visual indicator 622 corresponding to a second reference time point. The deformable imaging system 110 can determine the first reference time point based on mitral valve closure detected using anatomical M-mode data corresponding to line 614. Although Figure 6The detection of mitral valve closure is described, but it should be understood that the deformable imaging system 110 may utilize similar techniques associated with the tricuspid valve. For example, the deformable imaging system 110 may utilize one or more anatomical M-mode data lines of the tricuspid valve passing through the apex of the right ventricle and the midpoint of the right ventricle.
[0087] Figure 7 This is a diagram of an example user interface 700 displaying lines corresponding to anatomical M-pattern data used to detect mitral valve closure in a subject, and B-pattern data corresponding to those lines. (See diagram 700 for example user interface 700.) Figure 7 As shown, the deformable imaging system 110 can display B-mode data 702 including a line 704 passing through the mitral valve of the subject's heart and points between the left and right base points of the left ventricle of the subject's heart. Although in Figure 7 A single line 704 is shown, but it should be understood that the deformable imaging system 110 can utilize multiple lines corresponding to the overlay of anatomical M-pattern data. Furthermore, as shown, the deformable imaging system 110 can display anatomical M-pattern data 706 corresponding to line 704. As shown, the deformable imaging system 110 can detect mitral valve closure at a first reference point 708 and subsequent mitral valve closure at a second reference point 710. For example, the deformable imaging system 110 can identify features in the M-pattern data indicating atrioventricular valve closure. The deformable imaging system 110 can be configured to use template matching techniques, image registration techniques, AI techniques, etc., to determine these features. The deformable imaging system 110 can determine a depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart based on the first reference point 708 and the second reference point 710.
[0088] Figure 8 This is a diagram of an example user interface 800 displaying lines corresponding to anatomical M-pattern data used to detect mitral valve closure in a subject. (See diagram 800.) Figure 8 As shown, the deformable imaging system 110 can display B-mode data 802 including a line 804 passing through the mitral valve of the subject's heart and points between the left and right base points of the left ventricle of the subject's heart. Although in Figure 8 A single line 804 is shown, but it should be understood that the deformable imaging system 110 can utilize multiple lines corresponding to the overlay of anatomical M-mode data, which enhances the robustness and accuracy of event time estimation.
[0089] Figure 9 This is a diagram of an example user interface 900 displaying anatomical M-pattern data used to detect mitral valve closure in a subject. (See diagram 900.) Figure 9 As shown, the deformable imaging system 110 can display and Figure 8The anatomical M-pattern data 906 corresponds to line 804 shown. Furthermore, as shown, the deformable imaging system 110 can display the ECG 904 of the subject's heart. Additionally, as shown, the deformable imaging system 110 can display a first visual indication 906 on the ECG 904 corresponding to a first reference time point determined based on the detection of mitral valve closure using the anatomical M-pattern data 906, and a second visual indication 908 on the ECG 904 corresponding to a second reference time point determined based on the subsequent detection of mitral valve closure using the anatomical M-pattern data 906. The deformable imaging system 110 can determine a depiction of the subject's cardiac cycle based on the first and second reference time points.
[0090] Figure 10 This is a diagram of an example user interface 1000 displaying a prolonged cardiac cycle from a reference ECG, a first depicted cardiac cycle determined using ECG data, and a second depicted cardiac cycle determined using imaging data. (See diagram 1000 for example user interface 1000.) Figure 10 As shown, the distorting imaging system 110 can display the subject's ECG 1004, and display an extended cardiac cycle including a first depicted cardiac cycle determined using ECG data and a second depicted cardiac cycle determined using imaging data. The distorting imaging system 110 can display a first visual indicator 1006 and a second visual indicator 1008 depicting the extended cardiac cycle. Furthermore, the distorting imaging system 110 can display a third visual indicator 1010 and a fourth visual indicator 1012 depicting the first depicted cardiac cycle determined using ECG data. Further still, the distorting imaging system 110 can display a fifth visual indicator 1012 and a sixth visual indicator 1014 depicting the second depicted cardiac cycle determined using imaging data. As explained above, the distorting imaging system 110 allows the operator to adjust any of the displayed visual indicators to update the depicted cardiac cycle. Based on the adjustment of the displayed visual indicators, the distorting imaging system 110 can use data corresponding to the updated depicted cardiac cycle to determine updated information related to cardiac deformation in the region of interest of the subject's heart. Although Figure 10 The user interface 1000 is depicted as displaying a first visual indicator 1006 and a second visual indicator 1008 depicting an extended cardiac cycle; however, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the user interface 1000 may not display the first visual indicator 1006 and the second visual indicator 1008. In these cases, the morphological imaging system 110 may utilize the extended cardiac cycle internally, but may not otherwise display a visualization of the extended cardiac cycle to the user.
[0091] Although this disclosure describes the depiction of a single cardiac cycle, it should be understood that the deformability imaging system 110 can determine multiple depictions of multiple cardiac cycles of a subject's heart and use corresponding imaging data corresponding to the multiple depicted cardiac cycles to determine information related to cardiac deformability. Although this disclosure describes the adjustment of the cardiac cycle for strain calculation with reference to the left ventricle, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein are applicable to the adjustment of the cardiac cycle for strain calculation in other ventricles. For example, anatomical M-pattern data of the right ventricle can be obtained, and similar techniques can be applied relative to the tricuspid valve to adjust the cycle. Furthermore, for the right ventricular chamber, the anatomical M-pattern can pass through the apex and tricuspid valve plane.
[0092] Although this disclosure addresses the problem specifically for the pathology of left ventricular chamber and left bundle branch block, the techniques described herein can also be applied to right ventricular chamber and right bundle branch block. In this way, the embodiments described herein are extended to periodic depiction for strain calculations in patients with conduction abnormalities, as this could lead to inaccurate timing estimates of cardiac events by ECG substitutes.
[0093] To enhance timing estimation, the technique presented in this paper generates a stack of anatomical M-pattern data instead of using a single line to define the anatomical M-pattern. This is achieved by combining multiple lines passing through the apex and plane of the atrioventricular valve.
[0094] The embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and described above are merely exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims, including any equivalents included within the scope of the claims. Various modifications are possible and will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Any combination of non-mutually exclusive features described herein is intended to be within the scope of the invention. That is, features of the described embodiments may be combined with any suitable aspect described above, and optional features of any aspect may be combined with any other suitable aspect. Similarly, features listed in dependent claims may be combined with non-mutually exclusive features of other dependent claims, particularly where the dependent claims are subordinate to the same independent claim. In some jurisdictions that claim a single claim dependency, such dependencies may have been used in practice, but this should not be construed as meaning that features in dependent claims are mutually exclusive.
Claims
1. A system (100), the system comprising: A memory (206) configured to store instructions; as well as One or more processors (204), said one or more processors being configured to execute the instructions to: Receive (510) imaging data of the region of interest of the subject's heart; (520) Analyze the imaging data of the region of interest of the subject's heart to detect a set of mechanical events of the subject's heart; The description of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart is determined based on a set of detected mechanical events (530); Based on the depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart, deformability imaging is used to determine (540) information related to cardiac deformities in the region of interest of the subject's heart; and Display (550) the information relating to cardiac deformation in the region of interest of the heart of the subject.
2. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the set of mechanical events includes the closure of the atrioventricular valves.
3. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the information relating to cardiac deformation of the heart of the subject includes one or more of end-systolic strain, peak systolic strain, positive peak systolic strain, or peak strain.
4. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the imaging data is anatomical M-mode ultrasound data.
5. The system (100) of claim 4, wherein the anatomical M-mode ultrasound data corresponds to one or more lines passing through the atrioventricular valves of the subject's heart and one or more points between the left and right base points of the ventricles of the subject's heart.
6. The system (100) of claim 4, wherein the one or more processors are configured to detect the set of mechanical events by using template matching, image registration or artificial intelligence techniques to determine features in the anatomical M-pattern data indicating the closure of the atrioventricular valve.
7. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: A set of trigger points on the electrocardiogram of the subject's heart; Another depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart is determined based on the set of trigger points; Determine whether the difference between the depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart and another depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart meets a threshold; and Information is displayed indicating whether the difference between the depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart and another depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart meets the threshold.
8. A method (500), the method comprising: Receive (510) imaging data of the region of interest of the subject's heart; (520) Analyze the imaging data of the region of interest of the subject's heart to detect a set of mechanical events of the subject's heart; The description of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart is determined based on a set of detected mechanical events (530); Based on the depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart, deformability imaging is used to determine (540) information related to cardiac deformities in the region of interest of the subject's heart; as well as Display (550) the information relating to cardiac deformation in the region of interest of the heart of the subject.
9. The method (500) of claim 8, wherein the set of mechanical events includes the closure of the atrioventricular valves.
10. The method (500) of claim 8, wherein the information relating to cardiac deformation of the heart of the subject includes one or more of end-systolic strain, peak systolic strain, positive peak systolic strain, or peak strain.
11. The method (500) according to claim 8, wherein the imaging data is anatomical M-mode ultrasound data.
12. The method (500) of claim 11, wherein the anatomical M-mode ultrasound data corresponds to one or more lines passing through the atrioventricular valves of the subject's heart and one or more points between the left and right base points of the ventricles of the subject's heart.
13. The method (500) of claim 11, wherein detecting the set of mechanical events comprises detecting the set of mechanical events by using template matching technology, image registration technology or artificial intelligence technology to determine features in the anatomical M-pattern data indicating the closure of the atrioventricular valve.
14. The method (500) according to claim 8, further comprising: A set of trigger points on the electrocardiogram of the subject's heart; Another depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart is determined based on the set of trigger points; Determine whether the difference between the depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart and another depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart meets a threshold; as well as Information is displayed indicating whether the difference between the depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart and another depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart meets the threshold.
15. A non-transitory (206) computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors (204), cause the one or more processors (204) to: Receive (510) imaging data of the region of interest of the subject's heart; (520) Analyze the imaging data of the region of interest of the subject's heart to detect a set of mechanical events of the subject's heart; The description of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart is determined based on a set of detected mechanical events (530); Based on the depiction of the cardiac cycle of the subject's heart, deformability imaging is used to determine (540) information related to cardiac deformities in the region of interest of the subject's heart; and Display (550) the information relating to cardiac deformation in the region of interest of the heart of the subject.