Catheter Imaging System with Spatial Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for visualizing vascular systems, such as angiography, lack spatial orientation and are costly due to the need for invasive technologies like IVUS and magnetic navigation systems, which complicate clinical routines and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A method that records and registers x-ray image datasets with time information during instrument movement within the vascular system, using image recognition algorithms to determine the instrument's position and spatially assign datasets for joint visualization with x-ray images, enabling precise and automatic diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive technologies like IVUS or optical coherence tomography are used to obtain information about vessel wall structure, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines conventional x-ray angiography with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) or optical coherence tomography (OCT) by integrating multiple data capture units into a single catheter system. This merging allows simultaneous acquisition of both lumen information (from x-ray) and vessel wall structure information (from IVUS/OCT), resolving the contradiction by providing comprehensive measurement precision without requiring separate invasive procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both x-ray transparent sections and sections with data capture units (IVUS transducers, OCT sensors). This universal design allows the single instrument to perform multiple functions: providing overview vascular system visualization through x-ray imaging while simultaneously capturing detailed vessel wall structure information through IVUS or OCT, thereby eliminating the need for additional specialized devices
2Measurement precision
If magnetic navigation systems are used to determine instrument position, then spatial orientation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses x-ray images as an intermediary to determine the position of the catheter and data capture units within the vascular system. By recording x-ray images at different time points during catheter movement and using image recognition algorithms to identify catheter position in these images, the system achieves spatial orientation without requiring complex magnetic navigation systems or additional position sensors on the catheter
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/magnetic navigation system with an optical/image-based positioning approach. Instead of using magnetic fields and position sensors to track catheter location, the system uses x-ray imaging and automated image recognition algorithms to determine spatial position, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision for spatial orientation
3Loss of information
If multiple invasive technologies are used simultaneously, then information completeness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple diagnostic functions (x-ray angiography, IVUS, OCT, pressure measurement, Doppler measurement) into a single integrated catheter system. This allows all measurements to be performed simultaneously during a single catheter insertion and withdrawal procedure, providing comprehensive vascular information (lumen, vessel wall, physiology) while simplifying the clinical routine by eliminating the need for multiple separate invasive procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous data acquisition throughout the entire catheter movement through the vascular system. By recording x-ray images, IVUS/OCT data, pressure waveforms, and Doppler signals continuously during the single-pass procedure, the system maintains continuous useful action for diagnosis, providing comprehensive information without requiring multiple discrete measurement steps that would complicate the clinical routine
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 method provides a cost-effective and efficient means for precise spatial orientation and comprehensive visualization of vascular systems, allowing for detailed and overview information necessary for accurate diagnoses without the need for additional costly navigation systems.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray source (21) and an x-ray detector (22)
Implementation Method 2
Determining the position of the instrument on the basis of the individual x-ray images by means of an image recognition algorithm
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for visualization of hollow organs of a patient. An x-ray image dataset of the hollow organ is recorded and registered. A number of individual x-ray images are recorded during a movement of an instrument with a data capture unit through the hollow organ, with each individual x-ray image featuring time information. Datasets of a data capture unit of an instrument is recorded during the movement of the instrument, with each dataset featuring time information. Position of the instrument is determined based on the individual x-ray images by an image recognition algorithm. The datasets of the data capture unit and the position of the instrument is spatially assigned based on the time information of the datasets of the data capture unit and the individual x-ray images. The datasets of the data capture unit is jointly displayed with the x-ray image dataset.