Patient-Specific COPD Analysis Using Healthy Tissue Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using CT images struggle to accurately quantify and track tissue destruction in emphysema, as they rely on population statistics and are sensitive to scan parameters and calibration, failing to provide patient-specific analysis of disease progression.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for patient-specific analysis of COPD using a patient-specific healthy tissue model to determine the percentage of diseased tissue in the lung, estimating original tissue volume, and calculating tissue volume variation, enabling precise measurement and spatial distribution of tissue changes based on individual patient data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If population statistics and simple CT metrics are used for emphysema quantification, then diagnostic coverage is broad, but measurement precision and reliability are reduced due to sensitivity to scan parameters and scanner calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lung parenchyma into distinct regions (healthy tissue, diseased tissue, vessels, airways) using a statistical model that separates different tissue types based on their structural and density characteristics. This segmentation enables precise quantification of emphysema by comparing actual tissue distribution against expected healthy patterns, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a patient-specific healthy tissue model before disease assessment. This model is built using statistical analysis of the patient's own healthy lung regions, creating a personalized baseline that accounts for individual anatomical variations. This preliminary modeling enables subsequent precise disease measurement without requiring complex external reference standards.
2Reliability
If feature-based analysis and CT metrics are used to quantify emphysema, then disease detection is enabled, but reliability is affected by variable scan parameters and scanner calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the measurement approach by changing from absolute CT density metrics to relative statistical deviations from healthy patterns. Instead of measuring fixed density thresholds that vary with scanner calibration, the system measures deviations from a patient-specific healthy model, making the measurement invariant to scan parameters and scanner variations while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy or replica of the patient's healthy tissue architecture through statistical modeling. This virtual healthy model serves as a reference that can be compared against actual tissue, eliminating the need for physical phantom calibration or inter-scanner standardization while providing a reliable baseline for disease detection.
3Measurement precision
If simple CT images and density masks are used for emphysema quantification, then processing speed is maintained, but the ability to measure tissue destruction and provide patient-specific analysis is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic, adaptive modeling that adjusts to each patient's specific anatomy and disease pattern. The statistical model is not fixed but adapts to the patient's healthy tissue characteristics, allowing precise measurement of tissue destruction while maintaining computational efficiency through iterative refinement rather than exhaustive processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual radiological assessment mechanics with automated statistical modeling and pattern recognition. Instead of relying on radiologist visual inspection of simple CT images, the system uses computational algorithms to automatically compare actual tissue distribution against healthy patterns, providing precise patient-specific quantification without proportionally increasing processing time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If population statistics are used for disease progression assessment, then general trends can be identified, but patient-specific analysis and tracking of individual disease progression are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating patient-specific healthy tissue models that capture individual anatomical and structural characteristics. Instead of using uniform population averages, the system adapts the reference model to each patient's specific lung architecture, preserving unique patient information while enabling standardized disease measurement. This allows both individualized assessment and population-level trend analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing patient specific analysis of disease relevant changes of a disease in an anatomical structure of interest is provided. The method comprises determining a percentage of the anatomical structure that is encompassed by a diseased tissue region using a patient specific healthy tissue model. The method then comprises determining the amount or spatial distribution or a combination thereof of tissue volume variation due to the disease in the anatomical structure based on the percentage of the anatomical structure encompassed by the diseased tissue region and an estimated original amount of tissue.