Catheter Medical Image Direction Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical image diagnosis using catheters in luminal organs, such as blood vessels, requires accurate interpretation of image directions, which is challenging due to the catheter's bending state, necessitating extensive training for healthcare professionals to correctly grasp the image orientation.
Innovation Solution
A computer program and device that acquire medical images using catheters, specify the direction of interest within the images, and display processed information to facilitate easier interpretation, employing a learning model to detect anatomical characteristics and provide directional indicators, thereby simplifying the recognition of key sites like the epicardium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a catheter is used to obtain medical images in luminal organs, then image acquisition capability is improved, but the direction of the medical image changes depending on catheter bending state, making it difficult to grasp image orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary reference object (such as a marker or anatomical landmark) that remains stationary or has known position relative to the catheter tip. This intermediary serves as a reference frame that does not change with catheter bending, allowing the system to compensate for the variable imaging direction caused by catheter flexion and maintain consistent orientation reference for accurate diagnosis.
2Ease of operation
If healthcare professionals interpret medical images manually, then diagnostic accuracy is maintained, but extensive training is required to correctly interpret image directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated image processing system that performs the orientation interpretation function itself without requiring manual intervention from healthcare professionals. The system automatically determines image direction based on catheter position and bending state, providing immediate and consistent results without the need for extensive operator training or time investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/ manual interpretation process with an automated computational system. Instead of relying on human operators to visually interpret image orientation, the system uses algorithms and processing units to automatically determine and correct image direction, substituting human expertise with automated intelligence.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the catheter bends to navigate luminal organs, then access to different sites is improved, but the imaging direction becomes variable and harder to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic compensation mechanism that continuously adjusts the imaging parameters or reference frame based on the real-time bending state of the catheter. As the catheter flexes and changes orientation, the system dynamically updates the imaging direction information to maintain precision, rather than relying on a fixed reference that would become inaccurate with catheter movement.
Data Source
AI summary
The program causes a computer to execute processing of: acquiring a medical image obtained by imaging a luminal organ using a catheter; specifying a direction of interest indicating a direction of a site of interest with respect to the medical image on the basis of the acquired medical image; and displaying information indicating the specified direction of interest in association with the medical image or displaying the medical image subjected to image processing on the basis of the information indicating the direction of interest.