Time-Resolved 3D Angiography with Integrated Flow Velocity Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current angiographic techniques, such as DSA, CTA, and MRA, provide limited qualitative assessment of blood flow dynamics in vasculature, despite advancements in spatial and temporal resolution, and lack integration of functional and dynamic flow information with anatomical imaging.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that integrates flow information, including velocity data, with time-resolved 4D DSA images, using an image processing system to generate and display angiographic volume data with blood velocity information, enabling clinicians to visualize both anatomy and dynamics of blood flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional DSA, CTA, or MRA techniques are used to achieve high spatial and temporal resolution, then anatomical imaging quality is improved, but functional flow information remains limited to qualitative assessment only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines anatomical imaging data from DSA/CTA/MRA with functional flow information by integrating contrast enhancement techniques with flow velocity measurement capabilities. This merging allows simultaneous acquisition of both structural and functional data, transforming qualitative flow assessment into quantitative measurements while preserving high spatial and temporal resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it simultaneously provides high-resolution anatomical imaging and quantitative flow measurement capabilities. By making the system multi-functional, it can extract both structural information and dynamic flow characteristics from the same imaging data, eliminating the need for separate qualitative assessments.
2Measurement precision
If contrast enhancement is used to improve vessel visualization, then anatomical detail is improved, but the ability to quantitatively measure flow dynamics deteriorates due to lack of functional data integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by deriving flow velocity information from contrast concentration-time curves. By analyzing how contrast agent concentration changes over time at different spatial locations, the system transforms anatomical visualization data into quantitative flow metrics, enabling simultaneous achievement of both goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The contrast agent serves as an intermediary that links anatomical structure and flow function. By tracking the contrast agent's movement through the vasculature over time, the system extracts both structural information (vessel location and morphology) and functional information (flow velocity and direction) from the same contrast enhancement process.
3Speed
If MRA techniques are used to achieve time-resolved imaging, then temporal resolution is improved, but spatial resolution and cost effectiveness deteriorate compared to DSA
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies MRA's time-resolved imaging concepts to DSA/CTA data by creating virtual contrast concentration-time curves from the imaging data. This copying approach allows extraction of flow velocity information and temporal dynamics from high-spatial-resolution DSA/CTA datasets, achieving MRA-like temporal resolution without sacrificing DSA's superior spatial resolution.
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 provides high-quality, time-resolved angiographic images that include flow information, enhancing the ability to assess vascular dynamics and function, improving diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making by combining anatomical and functional data.
Implementation Method 1
receive angiographic volume data acquired from a subject using an imaging system
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for generating time resolved series of angiographic volume data having flow information integrated therewith. The method includes generating a series of 3D time-resolved vascular volumes from time resolved x-ray projection data and calculating blood velocity in the vascular volumes x-ray projection data to determine a rate of change of calculated contrast material arrival time at positions along the vascular volumes. The method also includes displaying the 3D time-resolved vascular volumes with a graphical indication of blood velocity in the vascular volumes.