Coronary FFR Map Overlay Display for Beat-Phase Interpretation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) analysis technique using CT apparatus faces challenges in accurately capturing and displaying the rapid changes in FFR values due to heart beats, leading to potential missed observations of critical FFR values and positions in coronary arteries.
Innovation Solution
A medical image diagnostic apparatus that includes a storage memory, processing circuitry, and display, which converts FFR distribution maps into color maps and superposes them with morphological images, allowing for controlled display modes to highlight specific periods, areas of interest, and FFR value ranges, thereby enhancing the interpretation of FFR results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If FFR distribution maps are displayed in real-time temporal change, then complete FFR value information is provided, but the display becomes too complex and rapid changes cause critical values to be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous FFR distribution data into discrete, manageable representations. It divides the coronary artery into multiple sections and assigns FFR values to each section, then displays only selected sections based on predetermined criteria. This segmentation transforms the overwhelming continuous data into a structured, interpretable format that highlights critical areas without showing all data points simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and displays only the most critical FFR information from the complete dataset. It identifies and extracts FFR values that meet predetermined criteria (such as threshold values indicating stenosis) and displays these extracted critical values separately from normal values. This extraction process filters out non-essential information and presents only the medically significant FFR changes.
2Loss of information
If all FFR distribution maps are displayed, then complete information is available, but the user cannot easily identify areas of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the display treatment of different FFR data based on their characteristics. Critical FFR values (those meeting predetermined criteria) are displayed with special markers, different colors, or enhanced visibility, while normal values are displayed in a standard manner. This local differentiation allows users to quickly identify areas of interest without needing to analyze the entire dataset uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis and selection of FFR data before display. It pre-processes the FFR distribution maps to identify critical values based on predetermined criteria, and prepares the display configuration in advance to highlight these critical areas. This preliminary action ensures that when the data is presented to the user, the most important information is already organized and emphasized for easy interpretation.
3Quantity of substance
If FFR values are displayed without restriction, then all data is visible, but critical patterns and trends are difficult to recognize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic display adaptation based on the characteristics of the FFR data. It automatically adjusts the display parameters, such as the number of sections shown, the threshold for highlighting critical values, and the level of detail presented, based on the temporal and spatial patterns detected in the FFR distribution. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the display to enhance pattern recognition while maintaining data integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a medical image diagnostic apparatus includes a storage memory, processing circuitry, and a display. The storage memory stores data of a plurality of FFR distribution maps constituting a time series regarding a coronary artery, and data of a plurality of morphological images corresponding to the time series. The processing circuitry converts the plurality of FFR distribution maps into a plurality of corresponding color maps, respectively. The display displays a plurality of superposed images obtained by superposing the plurality of color maps and the plurality of morphological images respectively corresponding in phase to the plurality of color maps. The display restricts display targets for the plurality of color maps based on the plurality of FFR distribution maps or the plurality of morphological images.