Dynamic Radiography Perfusion Analysis for Contrast-Free Lung Defect Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating pulmonary embolism, such as CT angiography and nuclear medicine scans, are costly, require radiation, and are not accessible in resource-limited settings or suitable for certain patient groups, posing challenges in diagnosing perfusion abnormalities.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing dynamic radiography to obtain and process x-ray images, decompose signals into frequency space, and generate perfusion maps to detect perfusion abnormalities, eliminating the need for expensive equipment and radiation by analyzing blood volume changes during the cardiac cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CT angiography is used to evaluate pulmonary embolism, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but radiation dose and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/radiological system (CT scanner with ionizing radiation) with a dynamic radiographic system using fluoroscopy and image processing. The solution uses temporal analysis of blood pool dynamics during the cardiac cycle rather than spatial resolution through ionizing radiation, substituting one physical modality for another that avoids the harmful effects while maintaining diagnostic capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from static anatomical structure (as in CTA) to dynamic functional parameter (blood volume changes over time during cardiac cycle). By measuring temporal variations in radiographic density corresponding to cardiac phases, the system detects perfusion abnormalities without requiring the high radiation doses of CTA
2Measurement precision
If V/Q scan is used to evaluate pulmonary embolism, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but radiation dose and facility requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the nuclear medicine system (requiring radiotracer production/storage facilities) with a dynamic radiographic system using standard fluoroscopy equipment. The solution substitutes nuclear tracer detection with temporal analysis of natural blood pool dynamics captured through repeated radiographic imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the subject's own blood as the contrast agent by detecting natural variations in blood volume during the cardiac cycle. This eliminates the need for exogenous radiotracers and the complex facility infrastructure required to produce, store, and administer them
3Measurement precision
If CTA is used to evaluate pulmonary embolism, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but accessibility and cost decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a methodology that can be implemented on widely available fluoroscopy equipment rather than specialized CTA scanners. The approach uses standard dynamic radiography capabilities to perform perfusion analysis through software processing, making the technology accessible in resource-limited settings without requiring expensive dedicated imaging infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the fluoroscopy system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both standard radiographic imaging and pulmonary perfusion analysis. The same hardware platform serves multiple diagnostic purposes through software-based temporal analysis, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment
4Measurement precision
If CTA is used to evaluate pulmonary embolism, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but patient safety decreases due to contrast agent requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the subject's own blood as the contrast agent by detecting natural variations in blood volume during the cardiac cycle. This eliminates the need for exogenous iodinated contrast agents and their associated risks of allergic reactions and nephrotoxicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses temporal dynamics of blood pool volume as an intermediary to detect perfusion abnormalities. Rather than requiring external contrast agents to make blood visible, the system detects natural temporal variations in radiographic density caused by cardiac cycling, using time as the mediating dimension
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
Provides accurate detection of perfusion defects like pulmonary embolism with reduced radiation exposure and without the need for expensive equipment or contrast agents, suitable for various patient populations and resource-constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining, by dynamic radiography, imaging data for a dynamic series of a plurality of x-ray images that include areas of a subject corresponding to pulmonary vasculature
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable medium for detecting a perfusion abnormality of a subject. In one embodiment, a method includes the following: obtaining, by dynamic radiography, imaging data for a dynamic series of a plurality of x-ray images that include areas of a subject corresponding to pulmonary vasculature; identifying, based on the imaging data, a dynamic signal corresponding to changing blood volume during the cardiac cycle of the subject; decomposing the dynamic signal into periodic components in frequency space; identifying, from the periodic components in frequency space, signals oscillating at the heart rate of the subject; generating, based on the identified signals oscillating at the heart rate of the subject, a perfusion map representation corresponding to pulmonary tissue perfusion in the subject; and detecting, based at least in part on the generated perfusion map representation, a perfusion abnormality of the subject.