Contrast Agent Volume Estimation via Image Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual injection of contrast agents during medical procedures, such as X-Ray angiography, lacks precise and real-time monitoring, leading to potential errors and increased risks for patients with limited kidney function, as the amount of contrast medium injected is often tracked manually and imprecisely.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that estimates the volume of contrast agent injected through a catheter by determining the duration of injection and flow rate based on image analysis, classifying injection events, and calculating the volume injected, using X-ray image acquisition and processing units to provide continuous and accurate monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual tracking of contrast agent volume is used, then the procedure is simple and easy to operate, but the measurement precision and reliability of contrast volume monitoring deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidmeasurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking with an automated image processing system that uses computer vision algorithms to detect and measure contrast agent volume in real-time, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation through automatic analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces image analysis as an intermediary between the contrast agent injection and volume measurement, using processed images as a mediator to accurately determine contrast volume without direct manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If manual tracking of contrast agent volume is used, then the system complexity is low, but the reliability of contrast volume monitoring deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces unreliable manual tracking with an automated computer-based image analysis system that provides reliable contrast volume monitoring through algorithmic processing, accepting increased device complexity as necessary for improved reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If real-time monitoring of contrast agent volume is implemented, then the measurement precision and reliability improve, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous real-time monitoring of contrast agent volume throughout the injection process, maintaining constant image acquisition and analysis to provide ongoing precise measurements, which increases device complexity but ensures continuous reliable data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses automated computer-based image processing to handle the complexity of real-time measurements, replacing manual methods with algorithmic analysis that can process continuous data streams efficiently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of time

If manual tracking of contrast agent volume is used, then the procedure is quick and simple, but the loss of information regarding accurate contrast volume deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloss of timeVSAvoidloss of information

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

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

Enables continuous and accurate monitoring of contrast agent volume injected during procedures, reducing the risk of adverse reactions and improving clinical outcomes by providing precise tracking of contrast agent delivery, especially in cases of manual injection.

Implementation Method 1

acquiring a sequence of consecutive images of a region of injection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray attenuation: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS10674981B2Method for contrast medium injection volume estimation based on image analysis

Publication Date: 2020.06.09 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

A computer implemented method for estimating the volume of a medium comprising a contrast agent injected to a hollow organ through a catheter during an injection event, the method comprising the determination of the duration of injection during the injection event, the determination of the flow rate based on the procedure type, acquisition type, organ, specificities of the user controlling the injection, patient characteristics, concentration of an contrast agent in the medium, administration route, type of catheter, the size of the catheter, and/or any pre-sets provided, and the calculation an estimate for the volume of medium injected based on the duration of injection and the flow rate.