Cardiovascular-Dynamics Correlated Imaging for Contrast-Free Tumor Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging methods struggle to accurately differentiate between malignant and benign breast tumors based on vascularization properties without the use of contrast agents, as they lack the sensitivity to capture the irregular vascular patterns and chaotic blood flow associated with malignant tumors.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for cardiovascular-dynamics correlated imaging that correlates time series of images with cardiovascular data to distinguish between different types of vascularized tissue, using electrical impedance tomography (EIT) to capture high-speed vascular dynamics and pulse-oximetry data to synchronize image acquisition with cardiac cycles, thereby highlighting vascularized tissue without contrast agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contrast agents are used to enhance vascularization imaging, then the visibility of vascular patterns is improved, but the non-invasiveness and patient safety are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the contrast agent from the imaging system, replacing it with a contrast-free methodology that uses intrinsic tissue properties (electrical conductivity variations) to achieve vascularization imaging without harmful substance exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system utilizes the body's own electrical properties and natural cardiovascular dynamics as the contrast mechanism, eliminating the need for external contrast agents while maintaining imaging capability through self-generated physiological signals
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional imaging methods are used without contrast agents, then patient safety is maintained, but the ability to differentiate malignant from benign tumors is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static imaging to dynamic cardiovascular-correlated imaging, capturing temporal variations in electrical conductivity that reflect blood flow patterns and vascular dynamics, thereby enabling tumor differentiation without contrast agents
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses cardiovascular data (such as ECG signals) as feedback to synchronize and enhance the imaging process, allowing differentiation of tumor types based on their distinct hemodynamic responses and vascular patterns
3Measurement precision
If high-speed imaging is used to capture vascular dynamics, then the detection of chaotic blood flow patterns is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cardiovascular data (ECG, pulse signals) as an intermediary that simplifies the imaging process by providing temporal reference points and enhancing the detection of vascular dynamics without requiring complex high-speed imaging hardware
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
This approach enables the non-invasive differentiation of malignant and benign breast tumors by correlating temporal and spectral signatures of electrical conductivity changes with cardiovascular dynamics, providing diagnostic metrics with high sensitivity and specificity for tumor identification and monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
using electrical impedance tomography (EIT) to capture high-speed vascular dynamics
Implementation Method 2
using pulse-oximetry data to synchronize image acquisition with cardiac cycles
Data Source
AI summary
A method for cardiovascular-dynamics correlated imaging includes receiving a time series of images of at least a portion of a patient, receiving a time series of cardiovascular data for the patient, evaluating correlation between the time series of images and the time series of cardiovascular data, and determining a property of the at least a portion of a patient, based upon the correlation. A system for cardiovascular-dynamics correlated imaging includes a processing device having: a processor, a memory communicatively coupled therewith, and a correlation module including machine-readable instructions stored in the memory that, when executed by the processor, perform the function of correlating a time series of images of at least a portion of a patient with a time series of cardiovascular data of the patient to determine a property of the at least a portion of a patient.