Calcium fracture indication for intravascular imaging graphical user interface

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a graphical user interface (GUI) arranged to convey information related to the IVUS images and calcium fracture detected in a vessel represented in the IVUS images. The GUIs can be generated to include a cross-section view and a longitudinal view of the vessel and an indication of locations of calcium fracture relative to a frame depicted in the cross-sectional view.

Description

Docket No. 2001.3913111CALCIUM FRACTURE INDICATION FOR INTRAVASCULAR IMAGING GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No.63 / 753,844, filed February 5, 2025, entitled " CALCIUM FRACTURE INDICATION FOR INTRAVASCULAR IMAGING GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to intravascular imaging systems, such as intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to an improved graphical user interface for intravascular imaging systems comprising an indication of calcium fracture.BACKGROUND

[0003] Intravascular imaging (IVI) devices are insertable into a patient's vasculature and configured to capture images from within the vessel lumen. Two common intravascular imaging modalities are intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Such imaging modalities have proven diagnostic capabilities for a variety of diseases and disorders. For example, IVI devices are often used as part of a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and can be used to plan, treat, and assess treatment for various obstructive coronary artery diseases, such as, unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction (MI), coronary artery disease (CAD), or the like.

[0004] As noted, an example IVI system is an IVUS system. An IVUS system includes a control module with a pulse generator, a motor drive unit, image acquisition and processing components, and a monitor. The IVUS system further includes a catheter with an ultrasound transducer included as part of the distal end of the catheter. The catheter is positioned in a lumen or cavity within, or in proximity to, a region to be imaged, such as a cardiac vessel. Often, a series of images or series of image frames are captured while the catheter is moved (e.g., pulled proximally, or the like) within the vessel lumen.Docket No. 2001.3913111

[0005] This series of image frames represent the vessel lumen structure (e.g., vessel wall, lumen, plaque, calcium, stents, etc.) along a longitudinal section of the vessel. Such images can be captured as part of a pre-PCI procedure to aid a physician in determining how to treat the patient, for example, what stent size is appropriate to treat a stenosis, stent landing zones, or the like. Further, such images can be captured as part of a post-PCI procedure to assess the results of the procedure, such as the placement and / or expansion of the stent.

[0006] However, it can be difficult for physicians to visualize the complete structure of the vessel lumen and / or the effectiveness of the PCI from the raw series of image frames. For example, with current IVI systems, the physician must identify calcium and the presence of fracture in the calcium from the raw IVI images (e.g., IVUS run, or the like). The physician uses this information to make their clinical decisions. However, as this process is manual, it increases procedure lengths and is a potential area where misinterpretation of calcium within the vessel can occur.

[0007] Thus, there is a need for an identification and indication of calcium fracture.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0008] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to necessarily identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] In general, the present disclosure provides systems and techniques to detect calcium and calcium fracture from a series of image frames captured via an IVI modality and to generate a graphical user interface (GUI) where the calcium fracture is indicated.

[0010] For example, the present disclosure provides an improvement to computing devices and particularly to IVI guidance systems (e.g., an IVUS guidance system, or the like) in that the IVI guidance system provides a graphical user interface arranged to convey calcium fracture and locations of the calcium fracture along the imaged length of the vessel. The examples described herein use an IVUS guidance system as the basis of the examples. However, other IVI modalities could be implemented (e.g., OCT, or the like).

[0011] With some embodiments, an IVUS guidance system may include machine learning features to process and analyze the signals generated during an IVUS run. Such information can include automatic detection of calcium and areas of calcium fracture within a vessel. TheDocket No. 2001.3913111 system can be configured to generate a GUI that includes indications of the calcium fracture and display the GUI on a display device. Thereby relieving the physician of manually trying to identify the calcium and calcium fracture locations.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0013] FIG. 1 A illustrates an example cardiac vasculature structure with a stent placed in one of the cardiac arteries and an IVUS catheter inserted into the one of the cardiac arteries.

[0014] FIG. IB illustrates an IVUS imaging system including the IVUS catheter shown in FIG. 1A.

[0015] FIG. 2A illustrates an example series of IVUS image frames.

[0016] FIG. 2B illustrates a longitudinal representation of the example series of IVUS image frames of FIG. 2A.

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates an IVUS navigation system.

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a first graphical user interface (GUI).

[0019] FIG. 5A illustrates a second GUI.

[0020] FIG. 5B illustrates a third GUI.

[0021] FIG. 5C illustrates a fourth GUI.

[0022] FIG. 5D illustrates a fifth GUI.

[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a sixth GUI.

[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates a seventh GUI.

[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates an eighth GUI.

[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates a logic flow to generate a GUI comprising calcium fracture indications.

[0027] FIG. 10 illustrates a computer-readable storage.

[0028] FIG. 11 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of a machine.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONDocket No. 2001.3913111

[0029] The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure such that the following detailed description of the disclosure may be better understood. It is to be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. The novel features of the disclosure, both as to its organization and operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

[0030] As noted, the present disclosure relates to IVI guidance systems, such as, IVUS guidance systems. Further, the present disclosure relates to automatic assessment of the IVI images. In particular, the disclosure provides a graphical user interface (GUI) arranged to convey information related to the IVI images and assessment of the vessel and / or lesion.

[0031] As noted, the disclosure uses IVUS as the example imaging modality. As such, an example IVUS imaging system, cardiac vasculature structure, and series of IVUS images are described prior to describing the improvements to IVI guidance systems and the GUI of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 1 A illustrates a cardiac vasculature structure 100 having a cardiac artery 102 (e.g., cardiac artery, vessel, or the like) with several side branches 104 (e.g., descending arteries, marginal arteries, vessels, or the like) branching off the cardiac artery 102.

[0033] It is to be appreciated that various cardiac interventions, often referred to as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), can be guided by IVUS.

[0034] For example, prior to performing a PCI procedure, during a PCI procedure, and / or after a PCI procedure; an intravascular imaging catheter (e.g., IVUS imaging catheter 106) is inserted into the cardiac artery 102 via a guide catheter 108 and images of the cardiac artery 102 are captured. These images are often captured pre-PCI as well as post-PCI. During imaging, the IVUS imaging catheter 106 includes an ultrasound transducer 110 disposed on a distal end of the IVUS imaging catheter 106. The IVUS imaging catheter 106 can be pulled back from a distal point 112 in the cardiac artery 102 to a proximal point 114 in the cardiac artery 102 and intravascular image frames are captured while the IVUS imaging catheter 106 is pulled back.Docket No. 2001.3913111

[0035] As indicated in this figure, the cardiac artery 102 includes calcium 116 disposed in the vessel. Often, in a PCI procedure, a physician can choose to break up calcium in the cardiac artery 102 (e.g., the calcium 116, or the like). It is to be appreciated that by breaking up the calcium or causing a calcium “fracture” the efficacy or outcome is the PCI procedure is improved. For example, fractured calcium allows for better expansion (e.g., stent expansion, or the like).

[0036] FIG. IB illustrates an IVUS imaging system 118. The IVUS imaging system 118 is depicted including IVUS imaging catheter 106, which is couplable to a control system 122. The control system 122 may include, for example, processor 124, pulse generator 126, and drive unit 128. In at least some embodiments, the pulse generator 126 forms electric pulses that may be input to one or more transducers (e.g., ultrasound transducer 110, or the like) disposed on IVUS imaging catheter 106.

[0037] With some embodiments, ultrasound transducer 110 can be part of an imaging core and coupled to the proximal end of IVUS imaging catheter 106 via a drive cable or drive shaft. Mechanical energy from the drive unit 128 can be used to rotate the imaging core (and thus the ultrasound transducer 110).

[0038] The electrical pulses generated by pulse generator 126 can be delivered to the ultrasound transducer 110 while the ultrasound transducer 110 is rotated by the drive unit 128. The electrical signals are transformed by the ultrasound transducer 110 into acoustic pulses that are transmitted through the tissue of cardiac vasculature structure 100. The tissue and / or structure (e.g., calcium, etc.) of the cardiac vasculature structure 100 reflects the acoustic pulses, which are absorbed by the ultrasound transducer 110 and transformed into electric pulses. The transformed electric pulses are delivered to the processor 124 and converted into IVUS images displayable on a monitor.

[0039] In general, IVUS imaging system 118 can detect calcium 116 from images of the cardiac artery 102 captured by the IVUS imaging catheter 106. The calcium, and particularly the locations and calcium fractures, can be identified. For example, processor 124 can implement a calcium detection algorithm. Further, processor 124 can generate a GUI comprising indications of the detected calcium and locations and calcium fracture along the cardiac artery 102. As such, the GUI provided herein will facilitate quick identifications of the presence of calcium fracture within the intravascular ultrasound image, thereby increasing workflow, outcomes, and patient safety.Docket No. 2001.3913111

[0040] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate a series of IVUS image frames 200a and a longitudinal view 200b of the series of IVUS image frames 200a. As described above, several IVUS image frames can be captured while IVUS imaging catheter 108 is moved through cardiac artery 102. For example, FIG. 2A depicts the series of IVUS image frames 200a including IVUS image frames 202-1, 202-2, 202-3 to 202-n, where n is a positive integer, in this case, greater than ten (10). In practice, n can be any positive integer greater than or equal to two (2) but will often be greater than one hundred.

[0041] The series of IVUS image frames 200a can be stacked or grouped and depicted longitudinally to represent a longitudinal slice of the cardiac artery 102 from distal point 114 to proximal point 116. For example, FIG. 2B illustrates longitudinal view 200b which shows a longitudinal slice of cardiac artery 102 from distal point 114 to proximal point 116 formed from the series of IVUS image frames 200a.

[0042] As noted above, calcium and / or calcium fracture may be represented in the series of IVUS image frames 200a. The disclosure provides to detect calcium fracture from the series of IVUS image frames 200a and to generate a GUI comprising indications of the location of the detected calcium fracture.

[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates an IVUS image visualization system 300, which can be implemented to detect calcium and calcium fracture and display the locations of the detected calcium fracture as part of a pre-PCI procedure. In general, IVUS image visualization system 300 is a system for processing, annotating, and / or presenting IVUS images. IVUS image visualization system 300 can be implemented in a commercial IVUS guidance or navigation system, such as, for example, the AVVIGO™ Guidance System available from Boston Scientific®. The present disclosure provides advantages over prior or conventional IVUS navigation systems in that the locations of calcium fracture are identified, thereby allowing a user (e.g., physician, or the like) to select relevant locations and treatment options and make clinical decisions to improve patient outcomes in a post-PCI procedure.

[0044] IVUS image visualization system 300 includes a computing device 302 and display 304. Optionally, IVUS image visualization system 300 includes an IVUS imaging system, such as IVUS imaging system 118. Where IVUS image visualization system 300 includes IVUS imaging system 118, IVUS image visualization system 300 could be implemented as part of control system 122 or alternatively, control system 122 could be implemented as part of computing device 302 of IVUS image visualization system 300. IVUS image visualizationDocket No. 2001.3913111 system 300 will be described with reference to cardiac vasculature structure 100 and IVUS imaging system 118 of FIG. 1A and FIG. IB as well as the series of IVUS image frames 200a and longitudinal view 200b of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, for clarity and ease of discussion.However, it is noted that IVUS image visualization system 300 could be implemented for use with another IVUS imaging system or even another intravascular imaging system utilizing a different imaging modality than IVUS imaging system 118.

[0045] Computing device 302 can be any of a variety of computing devices. In some embodiments, as noted above, computing device 302 can be incorporated into and / or implemented by a console to be coupled to an intravascular imaging device (e.g., IVUS imaging system 118, IVUS imaging catheter 106, or the like). With some embodiments, computing device 302 can be a workstation or server communicatively coupled to IVUS imaging system 118. With still other embodiments, computing device 302 can be provided by a cloud-based computing device, such as, by a computing as a service system accessibly over a network (e g., the Internet, an intranet, a wide area network, or the like). Computing device 302 can include processor 306, memory 308, input and / or output (I / O) devices 310, network interface 312, and IVUS imaging system acquisition circuitry 314.

[0046] Display 304 may include any of a variety of devices arranged to display graphical information, such as, a light emitting diode (LED) display, or the like. It is to be appreciated that although display 304 is depicted separate from computing device 302, display 304 could be implemented as part of computing device 302 or be distinct from computing device 302.

[0047] The processor 306 may include circuity or processor logic, such as, for example, any of a variety of commercial processors. In some examples, processor 306 may include multiple processors, a multi-threaded processor, a multi-core processor (whether the multiple cores coexist on the same or separate dies), and / or a multi-processor architecture of some other variety by which multiple physically separate processors are in some way linked. Additionally, in some examples, the processor 306 may include graphics processing portions and may include dedicated memory, multiple-threaded processing and / or some other parallel processing capability. In some examples, the processor 306 may be an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable integrated circuit (FPGA).

[0048] The memory 308 may include logic, a portion of which includes arrays of integrated circuits, forming non-volatile memory to persistently store data or a combination of nonvolatile memory and volatile memory. It is to be appreciated, that the memory 308 may beDocket No. 2001.3913111 based on any of a variety of technologies. In particular, the arrays of integrated circuits included in memory 308 may be arranged to form one or more types of memory, such as, for example, dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), NAND memory, NOR memory, or the like.

[0049] I / O devices 310 can be any of a variety of devices to receive input and / or provide output. For example, I / O devices 310 can include, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a foot pedal, a display, a touch enabled display, a haptic feedback device, an LED, or the like.

[0050] Network interface 312 can include logic and / or features to support a communication interface. For example, network interface 312 may include one or more interfaces that operate according to various communication protocols or standards to communicate over direct or network communication links. Direct communications may occur via use of communication protocols or standards described in one or more industry standards (including progenies and variants). For example, network interface 312 may facilitate communication over a bus, such as, for example, peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe), non-volatile memory express (NVMe), universal serial bus (USB), system management bus (SMBus), SAS (e.g., serial attached small computer system interface (SCSI)) interfaces, serial AT attachment (SATA) interfaces, or the like. Additionally, network interface 312 can include logic and / or features to enable communication over a variety of wired or wireless network standards. For example, network interface 312 may be arranged to support wired communication protocols or standards, such as, Ethernet, or the like. As another example, network interface 312 may be arranged to support wireless communication protocols or standards, such as, for example, WiFi, Bluetooth, 5G, or the like.

[0051] The IVUS imaging system acquisition circuitry 314 may include circuity including custom manufactured or specially programmed circuitry configured to receive or receive and send signals with IVUS imaging system 118, including indications of intravascular images, intravascular image frames, or a series of intravascular image frames. For example, IVUS imaging system acquisition circuitry 314 can include image acquisition circuitry (not shown) and / or pulse generator 126.

[0052] Memory 308 can include instructions 316, series of IVUS image frames 200a, detected calcium fracture 318, assessments 320, calcium fracture indications 322, and GUI 324.

[0053] During operation, processor 306 can execute instructions 16 to cause computing device 302 to receive (e.g., from IVUS imaging system 118, or the like) a recording of anDocket No. 2001.3913111 “IVUS run” and store the recording as the series of IVUS image frames 200a in memory 308. For example, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to receive information elements from IVUS imaging system 118 comprising indications of IVUS image frames 202-1, 202-2, 202-3 to 202-n, captured by IVUS imaging catheter 106 while IVUS imaging catheter 106 is pulled through cardiac artery 102 from distal point 112 to proximal point 114 through the calcium 116. It is to be appreciated that the series of IVUS image frames 200a can be stored in a variety of image formats or even non-image formats or data structures.

[0054] The present disclosure provides to process the series of IVUS image frames 200a to detect calcium and calcium fracture from the series of IVUS image frames 200a and display visual indications of the locations of the detected calcium fracture via a GUI. In some examples, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to receive indications of calcium fracture from series of IVUS image frames 200a and store the indications as detected calcium fracture 318. With some examples, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to detect the calcium fracture represented in the series of IVUS image frames 200a and store indications of the detected calcium fracture as detected calcium fracture 318. For example, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to identify frames of series of IVUS image frames 200a (e.g., IVUS image frames 202-2, 202-3, etc.) where calcium is detected and identify areas of discontinuity and / or “fracture” in the calcium and store indications of the calcium fracture and / or the frames of the series of IVUS image frames 200a associated with the detected calcium fracture as detected calcium fracture 318.

[0055] Complete details of calcium fracture detection techniques, such as techniques to identify frames of series of IVUS image frames 200a in which calcium is present is beyond the scope of this disclosure. However, with some examples, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to identify the detected calcium fracture 318 from the series of IVUS image frames 200a using machine learning (ML) models trained to identify frames of a series of frames in which calcium is represented. As another example, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to identify the detected calcium fracture 318 from the series of IVUS image frames 200a using image processing algorithms (e.g., image segmentation, etc.). With yet another example, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to identify the detected calcium fracture 318 from the series of IVUS image frames 200a using a combination of image processing techniques and ML models. For example, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to apply a cross-sectionalDocket No. 2001.3913111 segmentation to the frames of the series of IVUS image frames 200a and then infer frames representing calcium fracture from the frame segmentations using an ML model.

[0056] Further, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to derive the assessments 320 for each of the detected calcium fracture 318. In general, for each detected calcium fracture 318, the assessments 320 can include vessel and / or lumen borders, raw vessel and / or lumen areas, smoothed vessel and / or lumen areas, a plaque burden, calcium arc length, calcium reverb present, or the like. Complete detail of derivation of stent assessments is beyond the scope of this disclosure. However, with some examples, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to determine the assessments (e.g., boundaries, area, plaque burden, expansion ratio, etc.) of the vessel and / or lumen depicted in each frame of the series of IVUS image frames 200a associated with each detected calcium fracture 318. In some embodiments, this can include identifying key frames and then deriving the assessments 320 based on the identified key frames. With some embodiments, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to determine the assessments 320 using image processing techniques, ML models, or a combination of image processing techniques and ML models.

[0057] Examples of processing IVUS images to detect calcium may be described in more detail in United States Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0157672, titled “Intravascular Ultrasound Imaging and Calcium Detection Methods” and filed on March 1, 2022; United States Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0112017, titled “Medical Device Systems for Automatic Lesion Assessment” and filed on October 5, 2022; United States Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0380806, titled “Systems and Methods for Intravascular Visualization” and filed on May 26, 2023; United States Patent Application Publication No. 2024 / 0081781, which applications are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0058] Processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to generate calcium fracture indication 322 (or indications) for detected calcium fracture 318 and to generate GUI 324 from the calcium fracture indications 322. In general, the calcium fracture indications 322 and / or GUI 324 can comprise visual indications of the series of IVUS image frames 200a, the detected calcium fracture 318, and the assessments 320. The areas with detected calcium fracture 318 and / or assessments 320 can be visually depicted in GUI 324.

[0059] FIG. 4 illustrates a GUI 400, which can be generated according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, GUI 400 can be generated by IVUS image visualization system 300 as GUI 324 and displayed on display 304. As depicted, GUI 400Docket No. 2001.3913111 includes a number of graphical components or visual indications, such as, menus 402a and 402b, cross-section view 404, and vessel long view 406, and vessel profile view 408.

[0060] With some embodiments, a processor (e.g., processor 124, processor 306, or the like) can be configured to execute instructions (e.g., instructions 316, or the like) to generate GUI 400. In some examples, GUI 400 can be generated responsive to an automatic calcium and / or calcium fracture detection process. For example, with some embodiments, IVUS image visualization system 300 can be arranged to automatically detect calcium in cardiac artery 102 from the series of IVUS image frames 200a and identify locations of calcium fracture (e.g., via machine learning, image classification, or the like). Responsive to this detection, GUI 400 could be generating to include visual indications of the locations of the calcium fracture.

[0061] Menu 402a can comprise GUI inputs such as button, drop down menus, selection icons, or the like. Menu 402a can include GUI input options to select measurement and annotation tools, length tools, modification reset buttons, or the like. Menu 402b can comprise GUI inputs such as buttons, drop down menus, selection icons, or the like. Menu 402b can include GUI inputs options to select views related to views of the IVUS images, layout options, annotations, navigation, dynamic review options, status of the computing device, or the like.

[0062] Cross-section view 404 can comprise a cross-sectional view, or on-axis view, of one (e.g., a frame, or the like) of the series of IVUS image frames 200a. For example, cross-section view 404 can include IVUS image frame 202-1 (or IVUS image frame 202-2 to 202-n). Further, cross-section view 404 can include assessments 410. With some examples, the assessments can include visual indications of vessel and / or lumen borders, indications of vessel and / or lumen area, indications of a plaque burden, indications of a calcium arc length, and / or a calcium fracture indication 322.

[0063] Vessel long view 406 can include the series of IVUS image frames 200a represented longitudinally, for example, as depicted in longitudinal view 200b of FIG. 2B. Vessel profile view 408 can include a visual depiction of the longitudinal profile of the vessel. For example, vessel profile view 408 can include indications of the lumen border and vessel border, indications of plaque, indications of a stent, indications of key frames, or the like. Further, vessel long view 406 and vessel profile view 408 can include a navigation slider (see FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D), which can be selected and used by a user (e.g., physician, or the like) to navigate through the series of IVUS image frames 200a. In some examples, the slider can be linked to the cross-section view 404 such that the frame depicted in cross-section view 404 correspondsDocket No. 2001.3913111 to the location of the slider along longitudinal view 200b. That is, as the slider is moved the image displayed in cross-section view 404 can change to match the location of the slider.

[0064] Further, vessel long view 406 and vessel profile view 408 can include assessments 412. With some examples, assessments 412 can include visual indications of plaque, plaque burden, calcium, detected calcium fracture 318, stent expansion, or the like.

[0065] FIG. 5A illustrates a GUI, which can be generated according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, GUI 500a can be generated by IVUS image visualization system 300 as GUI 324 and displayed on display 304. In particular, with some embodiments, responsive to receiving the series of IVUS image frames 200a, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to detect calcium 116 and generate detected calcium fractures 318. Further, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to generate GUI 500a comprising visual indications of the detected calcium fracture 318.

[0066] GUI 500a can include menus 402a and 402b, cross-section view 404 and vessel long view 406. In vessel long view 406, slider 502 is represented. As described above, GUI 500a provides slider 502 such that a user can scrub across the series of IVUS image frames 200a. Further, in cross-section view 404 a frame of the series of IVUS image frames 200a (e.g., corresponding to the slider location, or the like) is depicted along with various assessments 410 (e.g., lumen and vessel borders, area, plaque burden, calcium arc, etc. Further, calcium fracture icon 504 is depicted in a location around the radius of the vessel showing the area of calcium fracture. It is noted that multiple areas of fracture could be shown (FIG. 7) for one frame of series of IVUS image frames 200a. With some examples, the calcium fracture icon can be a dark circle (e g., black) with a lighter colored (e g., white) lightning bolt or “fracture” feature disposed therein.

[0067] Additionally, GUI 500a can include assessments 412 in vessel long view 406. With some examples, assessments 412 can include visual indications of key frames (e g., brackets, or the like), a visual indication of the location of the minimum lumen area, etc.

[0068] FIG. 5B illustrates a GUI 500b, which can be generated according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, GUI 500b can be generated by IVUS image visualization system 300 as GUI 324 and displayed on display 304. In particular, with some embodiments, responsive to receiving the series of IVUS image frames 200a, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to detect calcium 116 and generate detected calcium fracturesDocket No. 2001.3913111 318. Further, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to generate GUI 500b comprising visual indications of the detected calcium fracture 318.

[0069] Like GUI 500a, GUI 500b can include menus 402a and 402b, cross-section view 404 and vessel long view 406. Further, GUI 500b includes vessel profile view 408 and the vessel long view 406 depicts longitudinal view 200b. GUI 500b likewise includes slider 502, a frame of the series of IVUS image frames 200a depicted in the cross-section view 404 and the vessel profile view 408 depicted below the vessel long view 406. Likewise, GUI 500b includes assessments 410, assessments 412, and calcium fracture icon 504. Like depicted in GUI 500a, the calcium fracture icon 504 of GUI 500b is depicted in a location around the radius of the vessel showing the area of calcium fracture.

[0070] FIG. 5C illustrates a GUI 500c, which can be generated according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, GUI 500c can be generated by IVUS image visualization system 300 as GUI 324 and displayed on display 304. In particular, with some embodiments, responsive to receiving the series of IVUS image frames 200a, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to detect calcium 116 and generate detected calcium fractures 318. Further, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to generate GUI 500c comprising visual indications of the detected calcium fracture 318.

[0071] Like GUIs 500a and 500b, GUI 500c can include menus 402a and 402b, cross-section view 404, vessel long view 406, and vessel profile view 408. Further, GUI 500c includes a coregistration view 506, which depicts an extravascular image of the vessel represented in series of IVUS image frames 200a. With some examples, the co-regi strati on view 506 can include visual depictions of locations along the longitudinal view 200b (e.g., key frames, etc ). GUI 500c likewise includes slider 502, a frame of the series of IVUS image frames 200a depicted in the cross-section view 404 and the vessel profile view 408 depicted below the vessel long view 406. Likewise, GUI 500c includes assessments 410, assessments 412, and calcium fracture icon 504. Like depicted in GUIs 500a and 500b, the calcium fracture icon 504 of GUI 500c is depicted in a location around the radius of the vessel showing the area of calcium fracture.

[0072] FIG. 5D illustrates a GUI 500d, which can be generated according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, GUI 500d can be generated by IVUS image visualization system 300 as GUI 324 and displayed on display 304. In particular, with some embodiments, responsive to receiving the series of IVUS image frames 200a, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to detect calcium 116 and generate detected calcium fracturesDocket No. 2001.3913111 318. Further, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to generate GUI 500d comprising visual indications of the detected calcium fracture 318.

[0073] Like GUIs 500a, 500b and 500c, GUI 500d can include menus 402a and 402b, vessel long view 406 and vessel profile view 408. Further, GUI 500d includes two cross-section views 404 and two sliders 502 where the frames of series of IVUS image frames 200a depicted in each respective cross-section view 404 correspond to the locations of a respective one of sliders 502. GUI 500d likewise includes the vessel profile view 408 depicted below the vessel long view 406, assessments 410, assessments 412, and calcium fracture icon 504. Like depicted in GUIs 500a, 500b and 500c, the calcium fracture icon 504 of GUI 500c is depicted in a location around the radius of the vessel showing the area of calcium fracture.

[0074] It is noted that multiple calcium fracture icons 504 per cross-section view 404 could be depicted (e.g., where multiple fracture locations are detected, or the like). Or, only one of the 404 could depict calcium fracture calcium fracture icons 504 (e.g., where no calcium fractures are detected in the respective frame).

[0075] FIG. 6 illustrates a GUI 600, which can be generated according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, GUI 600 can be generated by IVUS image visualization system 300 as GUI 324 and displayed on display 304. In particular, with some embodiments, responsive to receiving the series of IVUS image frames 200a, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to detect calcium 116 and generate detected calcium fractures 318. Further, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to generate GUI 600 comprising visual indications of the detected calcium fracture 318.

[0076] GUI 600 is like GUI 500b but includes multiple calcium fracture icons 504 depicted around the radius of the vessel, showing areas of calcium fracture.

[0077] FIG. 7 illustrates a GUI 700, which can be generated according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, GUI 700 can be generated by IVUS image visualization system 300 as GUI 324 and displayed on display 304. In particular, with some embodiments, responsive to receiving the series of IVUS image frames 200a, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to detect calcium 116 and generate detected calcium fractures 318. Further, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to generate GUI 700 comprising visual indications of the detected calcium fracture 318.

[0078] GUI 700 is like GUI 500b but includes multiple calcium fracture icons 504. For example, GUI 700 includes a calcium fracture icon 504 depicted around the radius of the vesselDocket No. 2001.3913111 like in GUI 500b. Further, GUI 700 can include a calcium fracture icon 504 depicted on vessel long view 406 and / or vessel profile view 408. In some examples, GUI 700 could include any one or more of the calcium fracture icons 504. Further, GUI 700 includes assessments 412 (e.g., dark solid line on lumen border) in vessel profile view 408 showing the length of detected calcium.

[0079] FIG. 8 illustrates a GUI 800, which can be generated according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, GUI 800 can be generated by IVUS image visualization system 300 as GUI 324 and displayed on display 304. In particular, with some embodiments, responsive to receiving the series of IVUS image frames 200a, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to detect calcium 116 and generate detected calcium fractures 318. Further, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to generate GUI 800 comprising visual indications of the detected calcium fracture 318.

[0080] GUI 800 is like GUI 700 but includes other assessments 412 (e.g., raised solid line on lumen border) in vessel profile view 408 showing areas where the calcium arc is 360°.

[0081] FIG. 9 illustrates a logic flow 900 to generate a GUI, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The logic flow 900 can be implemented by IVUS image visualization system 300 and will be described with reference to IVUS image visualization system 300 for clarity of presentation. However, it is noted that logic flow 900 could also be implemented by an IVUS guidance system different than IVUS image visualization system 300.

[0082] Logic flow 900 can begin at block 902. At block 902 “receive a series of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images of a vessel of a patient, the series of IVUS images comprising a plurality of frames” a series of IVUS images captured via an IVUS catheter percutaneously inserted in a vessel of a patent can be received. For example, information elements comprising indications of the series of IVUS image frames 200a can be received from IVUS imaging system 118 where catheter 120 is (or was) percutaneously inserted into cardiac artery 102. The series of IVUS image frames 200a can comprise frames (e.g., IVUS image frames 202-1 to 202-n) representative of images captured while the catheter 120 is pulled back from the distal point 112 to the proximal point 114. In particular, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to receive information elements comprising indications of series of IVUS image frames 200a from IVUS imaging system 118, or directly from catheter 120 as may be the case.

[0083] Continuing to block 904 “detect calcium fracture from the series of IVUS images” calcium fracture can be detected from the series of IVUS images. For example, processor 306Docket No. 2001.3913111 can execute instructions 316 to detect (e.g., using machine learning and / or image processor) calcium and calcium fracture in the vessel based on the frames of series of IVUS image frames 200a. Continuing to block 906 “generate a graphical component comprising an indication of the calcium fracture relative to the series of IVUS images” a graphical component comprising an indication of the calcium fracture is generated. For example, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to generate assessments 320 comprising a calcium fracture icon.

[0084] Continuing to block 908 “generate a GUI comprising a cross-sectional view of a frame of the series of IVUS images and the graphical component showing the calcium fracture relative to the frame” a GUI comprising a cross-sectional view of a frame of the series of IVUS images and the graphical component indicating the detected calcium fracture relative to the frame is generated. For example, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to generate GUI 324 comprising cross-section view 404 and indications (e g., calcium fracture icon 504) of calcium fracture relative to the frame depicted in cross-section view 404. Continuing to block 910 “render the GUI for display on a display” the GUI can be rendered for display. For example, processor 306 can execute instructions 316 to generate GUI 324 for display by display 304.

[0085] FIG. 10 illustrates computer-readable storage medium 1000. Computer-readable storage medium 1000 may comprise any non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or machine-readable storage medium, such as an optical, magnetic or semiconductor storage medium. In various embodiments, computer-readable storage medium 1000 may comprise an article of manufacture. In some embodiments, computer-readable storage medium 1000 may store computer executable instructions 1002 with which circuitry (e.g., processor 124, processor 306, IVUS imaging system acquisition circuitry 314, and the like) can execute. For example, computer executable instructions 1002 can include instructions to implement operations described with respect to instructions 316, logic flow 900, detected calcium fracture 318, GUI 324, GUI 500a, GUI 500b, GUI 500c, GUI 500d, GUI 600, GUI 700, GUI 800, and / or logic flow 900. Examples of computer-readable storage medium 1000 or machine-readable storage medium may include any tangible media capable of storing electronic data, including volatile memory or non-volatile memory, removable or non-removable memory, erasable or non-erasable memory, writeable or re-writeable memory, and so forth. Examples of computer executable instructions 1002 may include any suitable type of code, such as sourceDocket No. 2001.3913111 code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, object-oriented code, visual code, and the like.

[0086] FIG. 11 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of a machine 1100 in the form of a computer system within which a set of instructions may be executed for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. More specifically, FIG.11 shows a diagrammatic representation of the machine 1100 in the example form of a computer system, within which instructions 1108 (e.g., software, a program, an application, an applet, an app, or other executable code) for causing the machine 1100 to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein may be executed. For example, the instructions 1108 may cause the machine 1100 to execute logic flow 900 of FIG. 9, instructions 316 of FIG.3. More generally, the instructions 1108 may cause the machine 1100 to generate GUIs with functionality and behavior as described herein during a pre-PCI, peri-PCI, or post-PCI using IVUS. It is noted, that the present disclosure provides specific and discrete implementations of GUI representations and behavior that is a significant improvement over the prior art. In particular, the present disclosure provides an improvement to computing technology in that GUIs provide greater visibility and navigation of IVUS images including notation of locations of calcium fracture.

[0087] The instructions 1108 transform the general, non-programmed machine 1100 into a particular machine 1100 programmed to carry out the described and illustrated functions in a specific manner. In alternative embodiments, the machine 1100 operates as a standalone device or may be coupled (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine 1100 may operate in the capacity of a server machine or a client machine in a serverclient network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The machine 1100 may comprise, but not be limited to, a server computer, a client computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a netbook, a set-top box (STB), a PDA, an entertainment media system, a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a mobile device, a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch), a smart home device (e.g., a smart appliance), other smart devices, a web appliance, a network router, a network switch, a network bridge, or any machine capable of executing the instructions 1108, sequentially or otherwise, that specify actions to be taken by the machine 1100. Further, while only a single machine 1100 is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include a collection of machinesDocket No. 2001.3913111 1100 that individually or jointly execute the instructions 1108 to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

[0088] The machine 1100 may include processors 1102, memory 1104, and I / O components 1142, which may be configured to communicate with each other such as via a bus 1144. In an example embodiment, the processors 1102 (e.g., a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) processor, a Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) processor, a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an ASIC, a Radio-Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC), another processor, or any suitable combination thereof) may include, for example, a processor 1106 and a processor 1110 that may execute the instructions 1108. The term “processor” is intended to include multi-core processors that may comprise two or more independent processors (sometimes referred to as “cores”) that may execute instructions contemporaneously. Although FIG. 11 shows multiple processors 1102, the machine 1100 may include a single processor with a single core, a single processor with multiple cores (e.g., a multi-core processor), multiple processors with a single core, multiple processors with multiples cores, or any combination thereof.

[0089] The memory 1104 may include a main memory 1112, a static memory 1114, and a storage unit 1116, both accessible to the processors 1102 such as via the bus 1144. The main memory 1104, the static memory 1114, and storage unit 1116 store the instructions 1108 embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The instructions 1108 may also reside, completely or partially, within the main memory 1112, within the static memory 1114, within machine-readable medium 1118 within the storage unit 1116, within at least one of the processors 1102 (e.g., within the processor’s cache memory), or any suitable combination thereof, during execution thereof by the machine 1100.

[0090] The I / O components 1142 may include a wide variety of components to receive input, provide output, produce output, transmit information, exchange information, capture measurements, and so on. The specific I / O components 1142 that are included in a particular machine will depend on the type of machine. For example, portable machines such as mobile phones will likely include a touch input device or other such input mechanisms, while a headless server machine will likely not include such a touch input device. It will be appreciated that the I / O components 1142 may include many other components that are not shown in FIG. 11. The I / O components 1142 are grouped according to functionality merely for simplifying the following discussion and the grouping is in no way limiting. In variousDocket No. 2001.3913111 example embodiments, the I / O components 1142 may include output components 1128 and input components 1130. The output components 1128 may include visual components (e.g., a display such as a plasma display panel (PDP), a light emitting diode (LED) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a projector, or a cathode ray tube (CRT)), acoustic components (e g., speakers), haptic components (e.g., a vibratory motor, resistance mechanisms), other signal generators, and so forth. The input components 1130 may include alphanumeric input components (e.g., a keyboard, a touch screen configured to receive alphanumeric input, a photo-optical keyboard, or other alphanumeric input components), point-based input components (e.g., a mouse, a touchpad, a trackball, a joystick, a motion sensor, or another pointing instrument), tactile input components (e g., a physical button, a touch screen that provides location and / or force of touches or touch gestures, or other tactile input components), audio input components (e.g., a microphone), and the like.

[0091] In further example embodiments, the I / O components 1142 may includebiometric components 1132, motion components 1134, environmental components 1136, or position components 1138, among a wide array of other components. For example, the biometric components 1132 may include components to detect expressions (e.g., hand expressions, facial expressions, vocal expressions, body gestures, or eye tracking), measure bio signals (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, perspiration, or brain waves), identify a person (e.g., voice identification, retinal identification, facial identification, fingerprint identification, or electroencephalogram-based identification), and the like. The motion components 1134 may include acceleration sensor components (e.g., accelerometer), gravitation sensor components, rotation sensor components (e.g., gyroscope), and so forth. The environmental components 1136 may include, for example, illumination sensor components (e.g., photometer), temperature sensor components (e.g., one or more thermometers that detect ambient temperature), humidity sensor components, pressure sensor components (e.g., barometer), acoustic sensor components (e.g., one or more microphones that detect background noise), proximity sensor components (e.g., infrared sensors that detect nearby objects), gas sensors (e.g., gas detection sensors to detection concentrations of hazardous gases for safety or to measure pollutants in the atmosphere), or other components that may provide indications, measurements, or signals corresponding to a surrounding physical environment. The position components 1138 may include location sensor components (e.g., a GPS receiver component), altitude sensor components (e.g., altimeters or barometers that detect air pressureDocket No. 2001.3913111 from which altitude may be derived), orientation sensor components (e.g., magnetometers), and the like.

[0092] Communication may be implemented using a wide variety of technologies. The I / O components 1142 may include communication components 1140 operable to couple the machine 1100 to a network 1120 or devices 1122 via a coupling 1124 and a coupling 1126, respectively. For example, the communication components 1140 may include a network interface component or another suitable device to interface with the network 1120. In further examples, the communication components 1140 may include wired communication components, wireless communication components, cellular communication components, Near Field Communication (NFC) components, Bluetooth® components (e.g., Bluetooth® Low Energy), Wi-Fi® components, and other communication components to provide communication via other modalities. The devices 1122 may be another machine or any of a wide variety of peripheral devices (e.g., a peripheral device coupled via a USB).

[0093] Moreover, the communication components 1140 may detect identifiers or include components operable to detect identifiers. For example, the communication components 1140 may include Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag reader components, NFC smart tag detection components, optical reader components (e.g., an optical sensor to detect onedimensional bar codes such as Universal Product Code (UPC) bar code, multi-dimensional bar codes such as Quick Response (QR) code, Aztec code, Data Matrix, Dataglyph, MaxiCode, PDF417, Ultra Code, UCC RSS-2D bar code, and other optical codes), or acoustic detection components (e.g., microphones to identify tagged audio signals). In addition, a variety of information may be derived via the communication components 1140, such as location via Internet Protocol (IP) geolocation, location via Wi-Fi® signal triangulation, location via detecting an NFC beacon signal that may indicate a particular location, and so forth.

[0094] The various memories (i.e., memory 1104, main memory 1112, static memory 1114, and / or memory of the processors 1102) and / or storage unit 1116 may store one or more sets of instructions and data structures (e.g., software) embodying or utilized by any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. These instructions (e.g., the instructions 1108), when executed by processors 1102, cause various operations to implement the disclosed embodiments.

[0095] As used herein, the terms “machine-storage medium,” “device-storage medium,” “computer-storage medium” mean the same thing and may be used interchangeably in thisDocket No. 2001.3913111 disclosure. The terms refer to a single or multiple storage devices and / or media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and / or associated caches and servers) that store executable instructions and / or data. The terms shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, and optical and magnetic media, including memory internal or external to processors. Specific examples of machine-storage media, computer- storage media and / or device-storage media include non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), FPGA, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The terms “machine-storage media,” “computer- storage media,” and “device-storage media” specifically exclude carrier waves, modulated data signals, and other such media, at least some of which are covered under the term “signal medium” discussed below.

[0096] In various example embodiments, one or more portions of the network 1120 may be an ad hoc network, an intranet, an extranet, a VPN, a LAN, a WLAN, a WAN, a WWAN, a MAN, the Internet, a portion of the Internet, a portion of the PSTN, a plain old telephone service (POTS) network, a cellular telephone network, a wireless network, a Wi-Fi® network, another type of network, or a combination of two or more such networks. For example, the network 1120 or a portion of the network 1120 may include a wireless or cellular network, and the coupling 1124 may be a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) connection, a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) connection, or another type of cellular or wireless coupling. In this example, the coupling 1124 may implement any of a variety of types of data transfer technology, such as Single Carrier Radio Transmission Technology (IxRTT), Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO) technology, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) technology, Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) technology, third Generation Partnership Project (3 GPP) including 3G, fourth generation wireless (4G) networks, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard, others defined by various standard-setting organizations, other long range protocols, or other data transfer technology.

[0097] The instructions 1108 may be transmitted or received over the network 1120 using a transmission medium via a network interface device (e.g., a network interface componentDocket No. 2001.3913111 included in the communication components 1140) and utilizing any one of a number of well-known transfer protocols (e.g., hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP)). Similarly, the instructions 1108 may be transmitted or received using a transmission medium via the coupling 1126 (e g., a peer-to-peer coupling) to the devices 1122. The terms “transmission medium” and “signal medium” mean the same thing and may be used interchangeably in this disclosure. The terms “transmission medium” and “signal medium” shall be taken to include any intangible medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying the instructions 1108 for execution by the machine 1100, and includes digital or analog communications signals or other intangible media to facilitate communication of such software. Hence, the terms “transmission medium” and “signal medium” shall be taken to include any form of modulated data signal, carrier wave, and so forth. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a matter as to encode information in the signal.

[0098] Terms used herein should be accorded their ordinary meaning in the relevant arts, or the meaning indicated by their use in context, but if an express definition is provided, that meaning controls.

[0099] Herein, references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to." Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively, unless expressly limited to a single one or multiple ones. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below" and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the claims use the word "or" in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list, unless expressly limited to one or the other. Any terms not expressly defined herein have their conventional meaning as commonly understood by those having skill in the relevant art(s).

[0100] By using genuine models of anatomy more accurate surgical plans may be developed than through statistical modeling.Docket No. 2001.3913111

[0101] Terms used herein should be accorded their ordinary meaning in the relevant arts, or the meaning indicated by their use in context, but if an express definition is provided, that meaning controls.

[0102] Herein, references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to." Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively, unless expressly limited to a single one or multiple ones. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below" and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the claims use the word "or" in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list, unless expressly limited to one or the other. Any terms not expressly defined herein have their conventional meaning as commonly understood by those having skill in the relevant art(s).

[0103] By using genuine models of anatomy more accurate surgical plans may be developed than through statistical modeling.

[0104] Terms used herein should be accorded their ordinary meaning in the relevant arts, or the meaning indicated by their use in context, but if an express definition is provided, that meaning controls.

[0105] Herein, references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to." Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively, unless expressly limited to a single one or multiple ones. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below" and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the claims use the word "or" in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list,Docket No. 2001.3913111 unless expressly limited to one or the other. Any terms not expressly defined herein have their conventional meaning as commonly understood by those having skill in the relevant art(s).

Claims

Docket No. 2001.3913111CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method, comprising:receiving a series of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images of a vessel of a patient, the series of IVUS images comprising a plurality of frames;detecting calcium fracture from the series of IVUS images;generating a graphical component comprising an indication of the calcium fracture relative to the series of IVUS images;generating a GUI comprising a cross-sectional view of a frame of the series of IVUS images and the graphical component showing the calcium fracture relative to the frame; and rendering the GUI for display on a display.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein generating the GUI comprises placing the graphical component around a circumference of the vessel depicted in the frame corresponding to the location of the calcium fracture.

3. The method of any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising:generating a longitudinal view of the series of IVUS images; andgenerating the graphical component comprising the cross-sectional view, the graphical component, and the longitudinal view.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the longitudinal view comprises a slider and wherein the position of the slider along a longitudinal axis of the of the vessel corresponds to the frame.

5. The method of any one of claims 3 or 4, further comprising:generating a vessel profile view from the series of IVUS images; andgenerating the graphical component comprising the cross-sectional view, the graphical component, the longitudinal view, and the vessel profile view.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the vessel profile view comprises an indication of the lumen border and the vessel border along the length of the vessel represented by the series of IVUS images.Docket No. 2001.3913111 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the vessel profile view further comprises an indication of one or more key frames.

8. The method of any one of claims 6 or 7, further comprising:detecting calcium from the series of IVUS images,wherein the vessel profile view further comprises an indication of the length of the detected calcium along a longitudinal axis of the vessel.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:detecting an arc length of calcium from the series of IVUS images,wherein the vessel profile view further comprises an indication of areas where the arc length of the calcium is greater than 360°.

10. The method of any one of the prior claims, wherein the longitudinal view and / or the vessel profile comprises the graphical component.

11. The method of any one of the prior claims, wherein the graphical component comprises a plurality of graphical components each indicating a respective calcium fracture.

12. The method of any one of the prior claims, wherein generating the GUI comprises placing the plurality of graphical component around a circumference of the vessel depicted in the frame corresponding to locations of the respective calcium fractures.

13. The method of any one of the prior claims, wherein the indication of the calcium fracture is a circular icon with a lightning bolt feature.

14. An apparatus, comprising a processor coupled to a memory, the memory comprising instructions executable by the processor, the processor configured to couple to an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging system and configured to execute the instructions, which instructions when executed cause the processor to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. At least one machine readable storage device, comprising a plurality of instructions that in response to being executed by a processor of an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging system cause the processor to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 13.

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