Automated 3D Brain Infusion Coverage Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies are unable to accurately estimate infusion coverage in real-time during brain drug therapy procedures, leading to sub-optimal and unsafe drug deliveries due to reliance on subjective visual assessments and standardized protocols that do not account for patient-specific variations.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that generates real-time 3D infusate delivery representations by subtracting pre-infusion from post-infusion brain images, comparing these to segmented 3D brain representations to estimate coverage within the target brain region, and providing visual notifications for optimal parameter adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If subjective visual assessment methods are used to monitor infusion coverage, then the system is simple to operate, but the measurement precision and reliability of infusion coverage estimation are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated image processing system as an intermediary between the infusion procedure and the assessment of infusion coverage. This system uses image subtraction algorithms to objectively quantify infusate distribution, replacing subjective visual assessment with precise automated measurement while maintaining operational simplicity through computerized analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual assessment method with an automated computational system that uses image processing algorithms. The system substitutes human visual judgment with computer-based image subtraction and analysis, achieving higher measurement precision without significantly increasing operational complexity.
2Ease of operation
If standardized infusion protocols are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to patient-specific variations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic infusion protocol that adapts to patient-specific anatomy in real-time. The system uses 3D brain representations and automated image analysis to adjust infusion parameters based on individual patient variations, transforming static standardized protocols into dynamic, adaptive procedures that maintain ease of operation through computerized guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary 3D brain representation generation and target region segmentation before the infusion procedure. This advance preparation allows the system to customize infusion parameters for each patient's specific anatomy while maintaining operational simplicity during the actual infusion, as the adaptive planning is completed beforehand.
3Volume of stationary object
If multiple infusion points are used to achieve broader coverage, then the infusate coverage volume is improved, but the device complexity and procedure difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the target brain region into multiple sub-regions and identifies optimal infusion points within each segment. This segmentation approach systematically determines the necessary number and location of infusion points based on patient-specific anatomy, achieving comprehensive coverage while managing complexity through structured analysis rather than ad hoc decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses 3D brain representations as virtual copies of the patient's actual brain anatomy to plan and optimize infusion point placement. This virtual modeling allows comprehensive coverage planning without increasing physical device complexity, as the computational model handles the complexity of multiple infusion points while the physical system remains relatively simple.
4Reliability
If real-time infusion coverage monitoring is implemented, then the reliability and safety of drug therapy are improved, but the use of energy and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous real-time monitoring of infusion coverage using automated image processing. The system continuously acquires images, performs subtraction analysis, and updates coverage assessment throughout the infusion procedure, maintaining high reliability and safety through uninterrupted monitoring while managing computational resources through efficient automated algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs self-service image processing where the system automatically acquires, processes, and analyzes images without requiring intensive external computational resources. The automated image subtraction and coverage calculation algorithms handle the computational workload independently, reducing the need for additional energy-intensive processing while maintaining continuous real-time monitoring capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods provide automated systems for accurately estimating infusion coverage within a target brain region in real-time (or approximately real-time) during surgical procedures. Such accurate and real-time infusion coverage estimation enables intraoperative monitoring and adjustment of infusion parameters (e.g., cannula tip location, infusate delivery flow rate, etc.) for achieving optimal/improved infusion coverage for a given drug therapy. Accordingly, examples of the presently disclosed technology can improve the efficacy and safety of drug therapies delivered to the brain.