3D Blood Flow Imaging for Aneurysm Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing methods for reconstructing blood flow in vascular trees are limited to tubular structures and cannot effectively handle ambiguous structures like aneurysms, which are non-tubular.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device and method that reconstructs 3D volume images from X-ray projection images, segments the vessel tree, forward projects it onto specific planes, and maps time-series image values from alternate projection directions onto corresponding voxels to create a 4D data set showing temporal and spatial grey value changes within the vascular tree, including aneurysms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vessel structuring methods are used for blood flow reconstruction, then tubular structures with unambiguous connection can be imaged, but ambiguous structures like aneurysms cannot be reconstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D projection image analysis to 3D volume image reconstruction by acquiring X-ray projections from multiple projection directions and synthesizing a 3D volume image. This dimensional change enables the representation of ambiguous structures like aneurysms that cannot be adequately depicted in 2D projections, while maintaining reliable blood flow information through the additional spatial dimension
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal 3D volume image reconstruction method that can handle both tubular vascular structures and ambiguous non-tubular structures like aneurysms. The method integrates blood flow information from multiple projection directions into a single 3D representation that universally applies to various vascular pathologies, eliminating the need for separate processing methods for different structure types
2Adaptability or versatility
If 3D volume images are reconstructed from multiple projection directions, then ambiguous structures can be visualized, but the complexity of the image processing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vascular tree from the 3D volume image by identifying and isolating vessel structures from surrounding tissues and organs. This segmentation process divides the complex 3D volume data into manageable vascular components, enabling focused analysis of ambiguous structures like aneurysms while reducing the overall processing complexity by eliminating irrelevant data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a forward projection unit as an intermediary that projects the segmented 3D vascular tree back onto 2D projection planes. This intermediary step facilitates the mapping of blood flow information from multiple projection directions onto corresponding voxels in the 3D volume image, simplifying the integration process and making the system more manageable
3Loss of information
If time series of 3D volume images are generated to show blood flow, then detailed temporal and spatial information is obtained, but the data processing requirements and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary segmentation of the vascular tree from the 3D volume image before generating the time series of blood flow images. By pre-processing and isolating the vascular structures in advance, the system reduces the computational burden during time series generation, maintaining detailed temporal and spatial blood flow information while minimizing processing time through efficient data preparation
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
Enables the display of temporal and spatial grey value changes within aneurysms, providing detailed information on blood flow that existing methods cannot achieve, by integrating time and spatial information into a 4D volume data set.
Implementation Method 1
a first imaging unit having a first X-ray source and a first X-ray detector for acquisition of a first series of X-ray projection images of the object from different projection directions
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing device is proposed and includes a reconstruction unit (51) for reconstruction of a 3D volume image of said object from said first series of X-ray projection images (D), a segmentation unit (52) for segmentation of the vessel tree from said 3D volume image, a forward projection unit (54) for forward projection of the segmented vessel tree onto said first and projection plane (R1, R2), respectively, and a mapping unit (55) for mapping of the image values of pixels of the vessel tree in said second and third, respectively, series of X-ray projection images onto corresponding voxels of said 3D volume image to obtain said time series of 3D volume images showing the blood flow in the vascular tree of the object.