Catheter Path Mask Navigation for Low-Contrast Vessel Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter procedures face challenges such as prolonged procedure times due to path changes during physiological cycles and excessive use of contrast agents, which can adversely affect patients.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that generates a mask of the path, tracks the position of the distal portion of the elongated medical device using real-time images, adjusts the device's position if it goes off-path, and advances it at a velocity determined by the remaining path length to the target location, reducing the need for contrast and shortening procedure time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time image tracking and automated navigation are implemented, then navigation precision and procedure efficiency are improved, but device complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an image processing system as an intermediary between the medical device and the operator. This system processes real-time fluoroscopic images to track device position and generate navigation guidance, acting as a mediator that enhances precision without requiring direct complex mechanical feedback systems. The image processing intermediary converts visual information into actionable navigation data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical navigation systems with an optical/image-based tracking system. Instead of relying on mechanical sensors or physical feedback mechanisms, the system uses fluoroscopic imaging and computer vision algorithms to detect and track device position, substituting mechanical complexity with optical processing and software-based solutions.
2Illumination intensity
If manual navigation with fluoroscopy is used, then real-time visualization is achieved, but excessive contrast agent is consumed and procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary image processing to generate a roadmap or template of the vasculature before device insertion. By pre-processing the fluoroscopic images to identify vessel paths and create reference frameworks, the system reduces the need for continuous contrast injection during navigation. The preliminary visualization framework guides device advancement without requiring repeated contrast doses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic rather than continuous fluoroscopic imaging with contrast injection. The system captures images at specific intervals or trigger points during device navigation, processing these periodic images to maintain real-time visualization while significantly reducing contrast agent consumption compared to continuous imaging protocols.
3Measurement precision
If continuous fluoroscopic monitoring is performed, then device position accuracy is maintained, but patient radiation exposure and procedure time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system that processes fluoroscopic images in real-time to continuously monitor device position and provide navigation guidance. The system analyzes image data, compares actual device location with the planned path, and provides feedback to the operator or automated system to maintain accurate positioning. This feedback mechanism maintains precision while allowing for optimized imaging timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action through real-time image processing and analysis, where the system continuously monitors device position and provides navigation guidance without requiring continuous high-dose fluoroscopy. The image processing runs continuously on captured frames, extracting position information and maintaining awareness of device location while enabling strategic timing of contrast injections and imaging sequences.
Data Source
AI summary
The system comprises a workstation including a controller. The controller is configured to cause the workstation to: generate a vessels-image based on at least one image from a set of medical images of a region of interest; calculate a vessel path from a source point to a target point on the vessels-image, based at least on the set of medical images; determine that at least one child vessel is connected to the vessel path based on at least a flow of contrast agent in the set of medical images; generate a path mask for the vessel path; generate a child vessel mask for the at least one child vessel; and display the path mask and the child vessel mask on an image associated with the path mask.