Aneurysm Mechanical Force Detection via Fluid Dynamics Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detecting small aneurysms is challenging due to their minute size and similarity to vasculature, and the presence of bone in the skull makes visualization difficult, especially in CTA exams, where these aneurysms are often indistinguishable and can lead to fatal hemorrhages.
Innovation Solution
A method using automated segmentation and quantification tools to determine changes in aneurysms through longitudinal exams, incorporating a fluid dynamics model to analyze mechanical force attributes on the aneurysm wall, and visualizing these attributes in three-dimensional renditions with visual cues, along with four-dimensional image data to track contrast flow and vessel flow information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional CTA imaging is used to detect small aneurysms, then the imaging process is simple and quick, but the detection precision is insufficient due to minute size and similarity to vasculature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging and analysis process into multiple specialized components: 4D flow data acquisition, vessel segmentation, fluid dynamics modeling, mechanical force calculation, and visualization modules. Each component processes a specific aspect of the data, allowing for high precision detection while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluid dynamics modeling as an intermediary layer between the raw 4D flow data and the final aneurysm detection. This intermediary process transforms complex flow information into meaningful mechanical force attributes (wall shear stress, pressure gradients) that highlight aneurysm locations and risks, bridging the gap between simple imaging and precise detection.
2Measurement precision
If bone in the skull is present during CTA imaging, then the imaging process remains standard, but the visualization quality deteriorates due to interference with aneurysm visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes bone artifacts from the imaging data through specialized processing of 4D flow information. By focusing on hemodynamic parameters rather than raw anatomical images, the system eliminates bone interference while preserving critical vascular and aneurysm information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from standard anatomical imaging to hemodynamic parameters (flow velocity, wall shear stress, pressure gradients). This parameter transformation allows visualization of aneurysms based on their functional characteristics rather than their anatomical appearance, overcoming bone interference that obscures structural details.
3Measurement precision
If automated segmentation and fluid dynamics modeling are implemented, then the detection accuracy improves, but the computational time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary segmentation of vessels and identification of regions of interest from 4D flow data before conducting full fluid dynamics analysis. This preliminary action reduces the computational domain and focuses intensive processing only on areas where aneurysms are likely to occur, maintaining high accuracy while reducing overall processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies full fluid dynamics modeling selectively to specific regions of interest rather than the entire vasculature. By performing partial analysis only where hemodynamic abnormalities are detected, the system achieves sufficient detection accuracy without the computational burden of complete volumetric analysis.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables accurate detection and visualization of mechanical force attributes on aneurysm walls, aiding in the identification and assessment of aneurysm risk, thereby improving the diagnosis and management of potentially fatal conditions.
Implementation Method 1
determining a mechanical force attributes on a wall of an aneurism from the vessel flow information using a fluid dynamics model wherein the mechanical force attributes varies in proportion to a velocity of a fluid in the vasculature
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations changes in an aneurysm in a patient over time are identified by determining temporal differences between segmented aneurysms in a plurality of longitudinal exams and visually presenting the temporal differences.