3D Medical Image Guidance for Patient-Specific Prosthetic Valve Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures require a one-size-fits-all approach for inserting prosthetic valves, which does not account for the unique anatomical variations among patients, necessitating individualized adjustments for proper valve retention.

Innovation Solution

A medical image processing apparatus and method that acquires three-dimensional medical images, specifies regions of interest, determines display directions, and calculates feature amounts to guide the precise alignment and rotation of prosthetic valves based on patient-specific anatomical structures, particularly the aortic valve's commissures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a standardized insertion procedure is used for all patients, then the surgical procedure is simplified and can be performed efficiently, but the accuracy of prosthetic valve alignment deteriorates due to anatomical variations among patients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical procedure efficiencyVSAvoidprosthetic valve alignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by customizing the insertion procedure for each patient based on their specific anatomical characteristics. The system calculates patient-specific insertion angles and rotational amounts by analyzing individual aortic valve structures, ensuring that each patient receives a tailored procedure rather than a standardized approach. This allows high precision for each individual case while maintaining overall procedural efficiency through automated calculations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the insertion angle and rotational amount parameters based on patient-specific anatomical measurements. The system calculates optimal values for these parameters by analyzing the spatial relationships between aortic valve commissures and coronary arteries, then applies these customized parameters to guide the surgical procedure, thereby achieving both precision and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If patient-specific customization is implemented for each patient, then the accuracy of prosthetic valve alignment is improved, but the complexity of the surgical procedure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprosthetic valve alignment accuracyVSAvoidsurgical procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing an automated calculation system that independently determines the optimal insertion angle and rotational amount for each patient. The system automatically processes three-dimensional medical images, identifies anatomical landmarks, computes spatial relationships, and generates customized procedure parameters without requiring complex manual measurements or calculations by surgeons. This automation reduces procedural complexity while maintaining high customization accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement and calculation methods with an automated image processing and computational system. Instead of requiring surgeons to perform complex geometric calculations and manual measurements during surgery, the system uses computer-based algorithms to analyze medical images and compute optimal insertion parameters, thereby reducing procedural complexity while enhancing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If manual measurement and calculation methods are used, then the procedure can be performed without complex equipment, but the time required for preoperative planning and measurement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment simplicityVSAvoidpreoperative planning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing automated three-dimensional image analysis and calculation of insertion parameters during the preoperative planning phase. The system processes medical images, identifies anatomical structures, and computes optimal insertion angles and rotational amounts before surgery begins. This advance preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming manual measurements during surgery while using standard medical imaging equipment already available in most hospitals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260017782A1Medical image processing apparatus and medical image processing method

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 CANON KK

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires a three-dimensional medical image of a patient requiring retainment of a prosthetic valve. The processing circuitry specifies a first region of interest from the three-dimensional medical image. The processing circuitry specifies a first direction of the three-dimensional medical image based on the first region of interest. The processing circuitry specifies a second region of interest from the three-dimensional medical image. The processing circuitry specifies a second direction of the three-dimensional medical image based on the second region of interest. The processing circuitry calculates a first feature amount associated with the retainment based on the first direction and the second direction.