Anatomical Map Opening Identification Using Medial-Axis Branches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anatomical mapping techniques, particularly for cardiac chambers like the left atrium, struggle to accurately identify and visualize anatomical openings such as pulmonary veins and the left atrium appendage, requiring manual input from experts and leading to potential errors in diagnostic procedures.
Innovation Solution
A processor-based method that computes a medial axis graph, simplifies it to identify major branches, and uses this graph to automatically orient and identify pulmonary veins and the appendage, followed by a semi-automatic or automatic cutting process to remove irrelevant structures from the map.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual identification methods are used for anatomical openings, then expert judgment can be applied, but time consumption increases and errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic identification of anatomical openings using computational algorithms that process the anatomical map independently, without requiring manual intervention. The medial axis graph computation and automated detection algorithms enable the system to self-identify and locate openings such as pulmonary veins and left atrium appendage, eliminating the need for expert manual annotation while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual expert judgment with computational mechanisms. The system uses mathematical algorithms to compute medial axis graphs, calculate geodesic distances, and automatically detect anatomical openings based on geometric and topological characteristics, substituting the mechanical process of manual analysis with automated computational processes.
2Productivity
If automated identification algorithms are used, then time consumption decreases, but complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the complex task of anatomical opening identification into sequential manageable steps: first computing the medial axis graph, then calculating geodesic distances from reference points, identifying candidate openings based on distance thresholds, and finally validating against anatomical models. This segmentation allows the complex algorithm to be implemented systematically while maintaining computational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary computation of the medial axis graph and pre-identification of major branches before the actual opening detection. By preparing the anatomical map structure in advance and pre-calculating geometric properties, the system reduces the computational burden during the actual identification phase, thereby increasing processing speed despite the inherent complexity of the algorithms.
3Quantity of substance
If the anatomical map includes all structures, then completeness is maintained, but visualization clarity decreases due to irrelevant structures
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically identifies and extracts irrelevant anatomical structures from the complete map. By detecting the boundaries of relevant structures such as pulmonary veins and left atrium appendage, the system separates these from other anatomical elements, creating a cleaned-up visualization that maintains completeness of relevant structures while removing distracting irrelevant information to improve visualization clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different processing qualities to different regions of the anatomical map. Relevant structures identified through the medial axis graph analysis receive enhanced processing and are highlighted or isolated for clear visualization, while irrelevant structures are either suppressed or rendered with reduced prominence. This localized differentiation maintains the completeness of the anatomical representation while optimizing visualization clarity for the specific clinical task.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method includes calculating a medial-axis tree graph of a volume of an organ of a patient in a computerized anatomical map of the volume. A predefined number of major branches in the tree graph are identified. Using the identified major branches, one or more known anatomical opening regions of the volume are identified in the anatomical map.