Real-Time Contrast Agent Filling Level Assessment in X-Ray Imaging
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating the filling level of contrast agents in hollow organ structures, such as vascular trees, during X-ray imaging lack real-time feedback, leading to potential overfilling and damage to organs, especially when manual administration is involved, as they rely heavily on operator experience and do not provide accurate assessment of contrast agent distribution.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that segments hollow organ structures in X-ray images, determines center lines and diameters, calculates image absorption values, and compares them to theoretical absorption values to assess filling levels, providing real-time feedback and optimizing contrast agent administration through automatic adjustment of filling pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual administration of contrast agent is used, then operator flexibility is maintained, but real-time feedback is insufficient and filling level assessment is inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring X-ray images during contrast agent administration and automatically calculating filling levels. The system provides immediate feedback to the operator about the current filling status, enabling dynamic adjustment of administration parameters without requiring complex manual assessment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual assessment and operator experience with an automated computer-based evaluation system. The system automatically segments hollow organ structures, measures diameters, calculates absorption values, and determines filling levels, substituting the mechanical process of manual evaluation with automated digital processing.
2Reliability
If high filling pressure is applied to maximize contrast agent fill level, then visibility of hollow organs is improved, but risk of organ damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors filling levels in real-time during contrast agent administration and provides feedback to the operator. When the filling level approaches optimal levels, the system alerts the operator to reduce or stop administration, preventing overfilling and associated organ damage while ensuring complete visualization of hollow organs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of hollow organ structures by segmenting them and calculating theoretical absorption values before finalizing the filling level determination. This preliminary processing enables accurate prediction of optimal filling levels and prevents excessive pressure application.
3Ease of operation
If automated contrast agent administration is used, then filling level control is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system incorporates real-time feedback loops that continuously monitor X-ray images, calculate filling levels, and provide guidance to the administration process. This feedback mechanism simplifies operation by automatically guiding filling pressure adjustments based on actual imaging data, reducing the need for complex manual control procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation system serves multiple functions: it segments hollow organ structures, measures diameters, calculates absorption values, determines filling levels, and provides real-time feedback. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated system, the patent reduces overall complexity compared to having separate systems for each function.
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 enables real-time, accurate assessment of contrast agent filling levels, reducing the risk of organ damage by providing immediate feedback and optimizing the use of contrast agents, allowing for safer and more effective imaging procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Iodine absorbs X-ray radiation to a much greater degree than other conventional materials that occur inside a person, so there is a strong contrast of the hollow organ structures, (e.g., blood vessels), filled with the iodine
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for evaluating an X-ray image includes: segmenting the hollow organ structure in the X-ray image; determining center lines and edge boundaries of the segmented hollow organ structure and ascertaining a diameter of each hollow organ along its center line; ascertaining an image absorption value, describing the increase in absorption due to a contrast agent in the hollow organ compared to surroundings of the hollow organ, along the center line of each hollow organ; ascertaining, for each image absorption value, a theoretical computing absorption value expected when the hollow organ is completely filled with the contrast agent, by using at least the diameter and contrast agent information; determining a filling level along the center line of each hollow organ of the hollow organ structure by comparing the image absorption value with the computing absorption value; and outputting filling level information including the filling levels.