Cardiac Deformation Analysis Using Segmented Masked 4D CT Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for cardiac deformation analysis using computed tomography (CT) images are inaccurate due to challenges in motion estimation with low tissue contrasts, limiting their clinical applicability.

Innovation Solution

A method for generating segmented, masked 4D image data of the heart, which improves image contrast and motion tracking by segmenting the heart wall, epicardium, and endocardium, and applying intensity-based registration to derive intrinsic myocardial motion trajectories, enhancing the accuracy of cardiac deformation analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cardiac deformation analysis is performed using CT images, then the analysis can be performed with widely available imaging technology, but the accuracy is insufficient due to low tissue contrasts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclinical applicabilityVSAvoiddeformation analysis accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the heart wall into distinct regions (myocardium, endocardium, epicardium) to enable precise tracking of tissue motion. This segmentation allows the analysis to focus on specific tissue boundaries and interfaces where motion patterns are most informative, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining compatibility with standard CT imaging technology

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local contrast enhancement and motion estimation techniques specifically to regions of interest within the heart wall. By focusing computational resources and image processing efforts on critical areas such as the myocardium-blood pool interface, the method achieves high accuracy in deformation measurement without requiring improved overall image quality from the CT scanner

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If motion estimation algorithms are applied to CT images with low tissue contrasts, then cardiac deformation analysis can be performed, but the results are inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis feasibilityVSAvoidmotion estimation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs intensity-based registration that detects subtle changes in pixel intensity values across sequential CT images. By tracking these intensity variations in the segmented heart wall regions, the method achieves accurate motion estimation even when absolute tissue contrast is low, as it relies on relative intensity patterns rather than absolute brightness differences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple image processing techniques including segmentation, registration, and motion estimation into a composite analysis framework. This multi-component approach compensates for the limitations of individual algorithms when applied to low-contrast CT images, achieving accurate deformation measurements through the synergistic combination of methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS20250104246A1Methods, devices and systems for preparing medical image data of the heart for a deformation analysis

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A method is described for generating segmented, masked 4D image data of the heart. Furthermore, a cardiac deformation analysis method is described. An image data generating device is also described. Moreover, a medical imaging system is described.