Color-Coded Analysis Image for Embolization Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring embolization in angiography procedures lack continuous time-continuous information, making it difficult for doctors to track the progress of embolization and identify previously embolized areas, as traditional subtracted frames obscure these details after mask re-initialization.
Innovation Solution
A color-coded analysis image method that represents embolization progress by assigning color attributes to pixels based on the time of embolic agent arrival, allowing pixels to change color over time, with pixels indicating embolized material changing from 'dark' to 'red' as they remain stained, and resetting to 'white' if the material is cleared, enabling continuous tracking of embolization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional subtracted frames are used to monitor embolization, then embolization progress can be tracked, but continuous time information is lost after mask re-initialization and previously embolized areas become invisible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to represent different time states of embolization. Pixels are assigned colors based on when the embolic agent first arrived at that location, allowing doctors to distinguish between recently embolized areas and previously embolized areas without constant mask re-initialization. This resolves the information loss problem by visually encoding temporal information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary recording of the mask image at the start of the intervention and uses this initial mask to compute color-coded analysis images throughout the procedure. This preliminary action eliminates the need for frequent manual mask re-initialization while maintaining continuous visibility of embolization progress and previously treated areas.
2Reliability
If mask is constantly re-initialized to show current embolization progress, then current embolized areas are visible, but previously embolized areas disappear and continuous tracking is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
Different colors are assigned to pixels based on the time when embolic agent first arrived. Recently embolized areas display one color while previously embolized areas display different colors, allowing both current and historical embolization information to be simultaneously visible without mask re-initialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically updates the color-coded analysis image based on the temporal sequence of X-ray images, automatically tracking embolization progress in real-time without requiring manual mask re-initialization. The color coding dynamically adapts to show both current and previous embolization states.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If subtracted frames are used to cancel anatomic backgrounds, then embolization progress is enhanced, but continuous time-resolved information is lost after mask re-initialization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the background cancellation benefit of subtracted frames with color-coded time information. The color-coded analysis image maintains the enhanced visibility of embolization progress while simultaneously encoding temporal information through color, eliminating the trade-off between background cancellation and time-resolved information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the advantages of subtracted frames (background cancellation) with color-coded temporal information in a single integrated display. This combination allows doctors to simultaneously achieve enhanced embolization visibility and continuous time-resolved tracking without the limitations of either method alone.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for computing a color-coded analysis image of an examination area of an examination object from a temporal sequence of fluoroscopic images of the examination area comprising a vascular system containing arteries and/or veins is provided. An acquisition time instant has been assigned to each of the fluoroscopic images representing a given distribution of a material embolizing some of the vascular system. The fluoroscopic image spatially corresponds to an analysis image pixel by pixel. A computer receives the fluoroscopic images with a color attribute assigned to each pixel of the analysis image at an image point and a time instant. If a pixel differs from a pixel at a preceding time instant, the color attribute assumes a color attribute of the time instant and the difference. If a pixel corresponds to a background color of the analysis image, the color attribute assumes a background color.