Medical Image Processing for Cusp-Based Aortic Valve Plane Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining the annular plane of the aortic valve in TAVI procedures face challenges in accurately identifying the plane due to the perpendicular relationship among orthogonal cross-sections, making it difficult to accurately measure the perimeter and diameter, which is crucial for selecting the appropriate artificial valve size.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing apparatus and method that allows for the manual adjustment of end points on cusp-shaped structures, enabling the setting of reference and perpendicular planes, and displaying multiple images for user input to refine the annular plane determination, thereby improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional orthogonal cross-sections (axial, sagittal, coronal planes) are used to determine the annular plane, then the measurement process is simplified, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to the perpendicular relationship constraint among planes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the determination process into two independent stages: first determining the reference plane using three end points of cusp-shaped structures, then determining perpendicular planes separately. This segmentation removes the constraint that all three orthogonal planes must be determined simultaneously, allowing each plane to be optimized independently for better measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by defining planes based on three specific end points of cusp-shaped structures rather than using conventional fixed orthogonal planes. This dimensional change allows the reference plane to be precisely positioned according to anatomical landmarks, improving measurement precision without significantly complicating the operation.
2Device complexity
If manual manipulation of points in conventional orthogonal planes is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of annular plane determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processor displays the determined reference plane and perpendicular planes to the user, allowing verification and adjustment. The system provides visual feedback on the positioned planes and end points, enabling users to confirm accuracy and make adjustments if needed, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation of physical models with automated computer-based plane determination. The processor automatically calculates and positions the reference plane and perpendicular planes based on selected end points, substituting manual mechanical operations with computational algorithms that improve reliability while keeping the interface simple.
3Ease of operation
If fixed orthogonal planes are used for measurement, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the adaptability to different anatomical variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by allowing the reference plane to be determined based on three selectable end points of cusp-shaped structures that can vary between subjects. Instead of using fixed orthogonal planes, the system dynamically positions the reference plane according to individual anatomical landmarks, enabling adaptation to different anatomical variations while maintaining ease of operation through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of plane determination from fixed orthogonal orientations to variable planes defined by anatomical end points. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different anatomical configurations by selecting appropriate end points for each subject, improving versatility without complicating the operational process.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical image processing apparatus includes: a processor configured to display a reference image obtained by visualizing a reference plane on a display along with three end points contained in the reference plane, display a first image obtained by visualizing a first plane on the display simultaneously with the reference image, along with one or two end points contained in the first plane, display a second image obtained by visualizing a second plane on the display simultaneously with the reference image, along with one or two end points contained in the second plane, receive an input operation of moving at least one of the three end points via user interface, and update the reference plane by moving at least one of the three end points based on the input operation.