CT and Angiography FFR Graph Alignment for Medical Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for comparing Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) values obtained from Computed Tomography (CT) images and angiography images suffer from low precision due to differences in acquisition times and conditions, making it challenging to accurately align and compare these values for effective medical decision-making.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing apparatus and method that performs position alignment and display enhancements to precisely compare FFR values from CT and angiography images by determining target positions based on blood flow obstructions and using feature points for alignment, enabling superimposed display of CT-FFR and Angio-FFR graphs for improved precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If FFR values from CT and angiography images are compared using existing methods, then the comparison can be performed, but the precision is low due to differences in acquisition times and conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs position alignment between CT and angiography images before comparing FFR values. By preliminarily aligning the images using position alignment processing, the system ensures that corresponding vascular positions are accurately matched, thereby improving the precision of FFR value comparison and preventing information loss due to misalignment.
2Measurement precision
If position alignment is performed to improve comparison precision, then alignment accuracy improves, but the complexity of the processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a position alignment processing unit as an intermediary step between image acquisition and FFR value comparison. This intermediary component automatically performs position alignment based on vascular images, achieving high alignment precision without requiring complex manual intervention. The position alignment processing acts as a mediator that simplifies the overall processing complexity while maintaining high precision.
3Loss of information
If multiple images and graphs are displayed together for comparison, then the information completeness improves, but the display complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple pieces of information (CT images, angiography images, FFR value graphs, and alignment results) into a single integrated display. By combining these elements in one unified view, the system achieves information completeness for comprehensive comparison while reducing display complexity through integrated presentation rather than separate displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a temporal dimension to the display by showing time-series FFR value changes alongside spatial image alignment. This multi-dimensional presentation approach allows comprehensive information display (completeness) while organizing data in a structured manner that reduces perceived complexity through logical arrangement across different dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to obtain a graph of an index value related to a blood flow based on a CT image and a graph of an index value related to the blood flow based on an angiography image. On the basis of shapes of the graphs of the index values related to the blood flow, the processing circuitry is configured to determine a target position for performing a position alignment between the graph of the index value related to the blood flow based on the CT image and the graph of the index value related to the blood flow based on the angiography image. On the basis of the target position, the processing circuitry is configured to perform the position alignment between the graph of the index value related to the blood flow based on the CT image and the graph of the index value related to the blood flow based on the angiography image.