Coronary DSA Image Subtraction via Heart Cycle Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems fail to provide clear, motion artifact-free images of coronary vessels during Digital Subtraction Angiography in interventional cardiology, as they struggle to effectively perform DSA for coronary vessels.
Innovation Solution
An image data subtraction system that acquires multiple temporally sequential mask and contrast-enhanced images synchronized with a heart cycle electrical waveform, allowing for the automatic identification and subtraction of corresponding image pairs to eliminate static background and enhance vessel visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional imaging systems are used for coronary DSA, then the imaging process is simple, but motion artifacts appear and vessel visualization is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into multiple individual frames acquired at different time points within the heart cycle. By dividing the continuous imaging into discrete temporal segments and selecting specific phases (such as diastole) for mask image acquisition, the system achieves motion artifact-free subtraction while maintaining manageable processing complexity through structured temporal organization of image data
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by acquiring multiple pre-synchronized mask images at selected phases of the heart cycle before contrast injection. These pre-acquired mask images are stored and ready for subtraction, allowing the actual vessel visualization to be achieved through simple subtraction operations without requiring complex real-time motion compensation during the contrast phase
2Measurement precision
If multiple images are acquired and subtracted to eliminate motion artifacts, then vessel visualization improves, but the complexity of image processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential components needed for subtraction by selecting specific mask images at predetermined heart cycle phases and corresponding contrast images. Rather than processing all acquired images, the system extracts and processes only the temporally corresponding pairs, significantly reducing processing complexity while maintaining vessel visualization quality through focused subtraction of relevant image sets
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameter of image acquisition by synchronizing image capture with specific phases of the heart cycle electrical waveform. By adjusting the timing parameter to acquire mask images at diastole or other stable phases and corresponding contrast images at matching phases, the system achieves motion artifact-free subtraction through parameter-based synchronization rather than complex spatial registration algorithms
3Ease of operation
If images are acquired at different time points, then acquisition is easier, but motion artifacts appear in subtracted images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the heart cycle electrical waveform during image acquisition. The system uses this electrical signal feedback to dynamically determine the optimal timing for acquiring mask and contrast images, ensuring they are captured at corresponding phases of the heart cycle. This feedback mechanism automatically adjusts acquisition timing to maintain synchronization without requiring manual intervention, preserving both ease of operation and image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by acquiring images at regular intervals synchronized with the periodic heart cycle. Mask images are acquired at selected phases of each heart cycle, and contrast images are acquired at corresponding phases of subsequent cycles. This periodic, rhythm-based acquisition strategy ensures temporal correspondence between mask and contrast images while maintaining simple automated operation throughout the procedure
Data Source
AI summary
An image data subtraction system receives an electrical signal representing a heart cycle electrical waveform during multiple heart cycles and acquires data representing a first image set comprising multiple temporally sequential individual mask images of vessels of a portion of patient anatomy during the multiple heart cycles in the absence of a contrast agent. The system acquires data representing a second image set comprising a multiple temporally sequential individual contrast enhanced images of vessels of the portion of patient anatomy during the multiple heart cycles in the presence of a contrast agent. An image data processor automatically uses the electrical signal to identify temporally corresponding pairs of images comprising a mask image and a contrast enhanced image acquired substantially at a same point within a heart cycle. The image data processor, for the corresponding pairs, automatically subtracts data representing a mask image of a corresponding pair from a contrast enhanced image of the corresponding pair, to provide subtracted images.