Coronary Angiography Scoring for Fast, Consistent SYNTAX Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the SYNTAX Score for coronary artery disease are subjective and time-consuming, leading to variability in decision-making for interventions like PCI or CABG, especially in complex cases with multiple lesions or left main artery involvement.
Innovation Solution
An automated method and system for vascular state scoring that uses image data to determine vascular metrics, including stenosis and other parameters, to calculate a SYNTAX-like score objectively and quickly, reducing subjectivity and time required for decision-making.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual subjective assessment is used to determine SYNTAX Score, then clinical judgment and experience can be applied, but the process is time-consuming and shows variability in decision-making
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of subjective assessment with an automated computer-based system that processes angiographic images to objectively determine SYNTAX Score parameters, eliminating human variability and reducing time consumption while maintaining clinical accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the computer to automatically calculate the SYNTAX Score without requiring manual intervention from clinicians, thereby reducing the time burden on healthcare providers while ensuring consistent application of scoring criteria
2Productivity
If automated image analysis is implemented, then time consumption is reduced and objectivity is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional system that can process various types of angiographic images, calculate multiple SYNTAX Score parameters, and provide comprehensive decision-support information, thereby achieving high productivity through a single integrated automated platform despite increased complexity
3Measurement precision
If detailed vascular metrics are automatically determined, then measurement precision is improved, but the complexity of the analysis process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex image analysis process into distinct computational steps including edge detection, lumen boundary identification, stenosis calculation, and SYNTAX Score parameter determination, allowing each sub-task to be optimized for precision while managing overall complexity through modular processing
Data Source
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AI summary
Automated image analysis used in vascular disease characterization. Coronary vas-culature in particular is automatically characterized in some embodiments for lesion complexity and related anatomical and/or functional parameters related to disease state. In some embodiments, a "virtual revascularization" model is used as a reference in disease state determinations. In some embodiments, disease parameters are determined for application by a disease characterization tool such as a SYNTAX Score calculator.