Angulation Planning for 3D Angiography via CT-Angio Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating three-dimensional angiography of body vessel segments face challenges in achieving accurate and quick computation of fractional flow reserve (FFR) values, with non-invasive methods providing low spatial resolution and invasive methods struggling with blood flow estimation and lacking information on myocardial mass.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating an x-ray device that involves three-dimensional reconstruction of the body vessel segment, computation of a center line, registration with the x-ray device, and assessment of recording angles to create a three-dimensional angiography with improved accuracy and reduced radiation exposure, using assessment criteria such as superimposition, accessibility, and image quality to optimize recording angles for precise FFR value computation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive CT methods are used for three-dimensional reconstruction, then spatial resolution is reduced, but radiation exposure is decreased and myocardial mass information is available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CT data (providing myocardial mass information and lower radiation) with angiography data (providing high spatial resolution) into a hybrid three-dimensional model. This merging allows the system to leverage the advantages of both modalities: the anatomical context from CT and the vascular detail from angiography, thereby resolving the contradiction between radiation exposure and spatial resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a multi-functional imaging approach where the three-dimensional model serves multiple purposes: it provides high spatial resolution for stenosis geometry, includes myocardial mass information from CT, and reduces overall radiation exposure by minimizing the number of angiographic recordings needed. This universal model addresses multiple requirements simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If invasive angiography methods are used for three-dimensional reconstruction, then spatial resolution is improved, but blood flow estimation becomes complex and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary three-dimensional reconstruction using CT data before the angiography procedure. This preliminary model provides the anatomical framework and myocardial mass information in advance, so that during the angiography, only minimal additional recordings are needed to complete the model. This preliminary action significantly reduces the time consumption during the actual angiography procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The CT-based three-dimensional model acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between pre-procedural planning and intra-procedural imaging. It provides the structural framework that simplifies the subsequent angiography process, reducing the complexity of blood flow estimation and the time required for complete three-dimensional reconstruction.
3Measurement precision
If multiple recordings are performed to improve angiography quality, then image quality is improved, but radiation exposure to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the preliminary CT-based three-dimensional model as feedback to guide the angiography process. By comparing the expected anatomy from CT with the actual angiographic images, the system can determine the minimum number of recordings needed to achieve sufficient image quality, thereby avoiding unnecessary additional recordings that would increase radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing complete multiple recordings to ensure image quality, the system uses partial action by relying on the preliminary CT model for most anatomical information and only performing minimal additional angiographic recordings to capture the vascular details. This partial approach achieves sufficient image quality while minimizing radiation exposure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for operating an x-ray device for a creation of a three-dimensional angiography of a body vessel segment. A three-dimensional reconstruction of the body vessel segment is provided to a computing device of the x-ray device. A center line of the body vessel segment is computed. An axis of rotation is laid through the center line. The three-dimensional reconstruction is registered with the x-ray device. The suitability of at least one recording angle pair with a first and a second recording angle for the creation of the three-dimensional angiography is assessed on the basis of an assessment criterion by the computing device. One of the at least one assessed recording angle pairs is selected for creation of the three-dimensional angiography as a function of a result of the assessment, in order to improve the creation of the three-dimensional angiography.