Medical Catheter Motion Tracking for 3D Coronary Artery Microscopy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies face challenges in precisely monitoring the relative location and motion between objects, especially in medical procedures where uncontrolled sample motion and low contrast in anatomical structures hinder accurate imaging and scanning.

Innovation Solution

The use of acoustic or electromagnetic radiation is employed to determine the relative distance and velocity between objects, with a medical catheter configured to emit and detect radiation, processing signals to correct for motion and maintain precise scan patterns, especially in three-dimensional coronary artery microscopy procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional imaging technologies are used to monitor relative location and motion, then the system is simple to operate, but the measurement precision is insufficient due to low contrast in anatomical structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelative location and motion monitoring precisionVSAvoiddetection difficulty of anatomical structures
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies contrast agents that alter the acoustic or electromagnetic properties of anatomical structures, making them detectable by the imaging system. The contrast agent changes the acoustic impedance or electromagnetic characteristics of the target structure, enabling precise monitoring of relative location and motion that would otherwise be impossible due to low natural contrast.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary contrast agent between the imaging system and the anatomical structure. This intermediary substance enhances the interaction between the imaging modality and the target structure, allowing for accurate detection of relative position and motion without requiring complex modifications to the imaging system itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the imaging system operates without motion compensation, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to uncontrolled sample motion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescan pattern precisionVSAvoidmotion tracking system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the imaging system continuously monitors the position of both the catheter and anatomical structures, compares actual positions with desired positions, and adjusts the scan pattern in real-time to compensate for motion. This closed-loop control maintains measurement precision despite the added complexity of motion tracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the imaging system dynamic by enabling real-time adaptation of the scan pattern based on detected motion. The system transitions from a static predetermined scan pattern to a dynamic compensatory scan pattern that adjusts continuously to maintain precision during physiological motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If a predetermined scan pattern is used without motion compensation, then the ease of operation is high, but the manufacturing precision of the scan pattern is compromised by uncontrolled motion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescan pattern fidelityVSAvoidscan pattern control simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from motion sensors and imaging data to automatically adjust the scan pattern in real-time, maintaining fidelity without requiring manual intervention. The computer-controlled system handles the complexity of motion compensation automatically, preserving ease of operation while achieving high scan pattern precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical scan control with computer-controlled adaptive scanning. The system uses software algorithms to calculate and apply scan pattern corrections based on detected motion, substituting complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with intelligent control systems that maintain precision while keeping the interface simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for accurate tracking of relative motion in multiple dimensions, improving image fidelity and scan pattern precision by accounting for uncontrolled motion from sources like respiration and cardiac function, enabling more precise medical imaging and treatment.

Implementation Method 1

An apparatus is provided which can be used for determining at least one characteristic of a structure. At least one first transmitted acoustic or electromagnetic radiation can be provided along a first axis and at least one second transmitted acoustic or electromagnetic radiation can be provided along a second axis.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic radiation: Acoustic Radiation Pressure

Implementation Method 2

At least one first transmitted acoustic or electromagnetic radiation can be provided along a first axis and at least one second transmitted acoustic or electromagnetic radiation can be provided along a second axis.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

In certain sensing or imaging applications, it can be important to control the sensing point or axis with respect to a sample. In order to generate two- or three-dimensional images, the sensing point or axis can be scanned with respect to the sample according to a predetermined pattern.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Implementation Method 4

The first object can be configured to emit an acoustic or electromagnetic radiation, which may be scattered by the second object.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS9173572B2System, method and computer-accessible medium for tracking vessel motion during three-dimensional coronary artery microscopy
Publication Date: 2015.11.03 THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORP
  • US9173572B2 patent drawing
  • US9173572B2 patent drawing
  • US9173572B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Exemplary embodiments of apparatus, method and computer accessible medium can be provided which can facilitate a determination of at least one characteristic of a structure. For example, it is possible to use at least one first arrangement which can be structured to provide at least one first transmitted radiation along a first axis and at least one second transmitted radiation along a second axis. The first and second transmitted radiations can impact the structure and generate respective first and second returned radiation. The first and second axis can be provided at a predetermined angle with respect with one another which is greater than 0. Further, at least one second arrangement can be provided which can be configured to receive data associated with the first and second returned radiations, and determine at least one relative velocity between the structure and the first arrangement along the first and second axes.