Angiographic Image Selection Using Viewing-Angle Cost Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selecting angiographic images in medical imaging are inefficient and time-consuming, particularly when determining the severity of arterial stenosis or verifying stent placement, due to manual review and adjustment of viewing angles to minimize foreshortening and overlap.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatically selecting an angiographic image based on evaluating the viewing angle using cost functions to minimize foreshortening and overlap, utilizing a shell surface model to determine optimal viewing angles for clear imaging of target regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual review of angiographic images is performed to find optimal viewing angles, then image selection accuracy is improved, but procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically evaluating viewing angles and selecting optimal images without requiring manual intervention. The computer system independently analyzes angiographic images, determines viewing angles, and selects appropriate images for display, eliminating the need for manual review while maintaining selection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual review process with an automated computer-based system. The system uses computational algorithms to evaluate viewing angles and select images, substituting the manual mechanical process of clinician review with automated digital processing that achieves the same objective more efficiently.
2Measurement precision
If multiple angiographic images are recorded at different angles to ensure clear visualization, then image quality is improved, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and evaluating viewing angles before acquiring images. The computer system analyzes the 3D vasculature model and determines optimal viewing angles in advance, allowing the system to select or acquire only the necessary images from pre-recorded angles, thereby reducing redundant radiation exposure while ensuring image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting viewing angle parameters based on the specific vascular anatomy and target region. The system varies angular parameters to identify optimal viewing conditions, selecting images that provide clear visualization with minimal radiation exposure by optimizing the angular parameters rather than recording all possible angles.
3Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of viewing angles is performed to minimize foreshortening, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining optimal viewing angles and selecting images without requiring manual adjustment. The computer system independently evaluates foreshortening conditions and selects images that minimize measurement errors, eliminating the need for manual device operation while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously evaluating viewing angles and image quality metrics. The system provides feedback on foreshortening conditions and automatically adjusts image selection based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that maintains measurement accuracy without requiring manual intervention to adjust viewing angles.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2B
Figure 3~4B
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for selecting (i) an imaging angle with minimized foreshortening and/or overlap of a target region from one of a plurality of an existing angiographic images and/or (ii) selecting an imaging angle for new images so that foreshortening and/or overlap are minimized. In some embodiments, a viewing angle cost function is determined that defines one or more optimal viewing angles at least with respect to minimizing foreshortening of the target region. Using the cost function, an image may be selected from among the plurality of images, which potentially does not match the optimal imaging angle due to the optimal imaging angle having a high cost as a result of overlapping vascular features. The selected image may have an imaging angle that corresponds to a lower cost due to less overlap compared to the optimal imaging angle.