Digital Vascularity Measurement via Proximity Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for evaluating vascularity in tissue samples, such as microvessel density and Chalkey counts, are subjective and prone to observer variability, and they focus on 'hotspots' rather than overall tissue oxygenation, which limits their clinical utility and accuracy in assessing angiogenesis and hypoxia.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using digital image analysis to identify endothelial cells and calculate the percentage of cells within a specific proximity distance of vessels, providing a more objective measurement of tissue oxygenation and hypoxia by analyzing the entire tissue section rather than just hotspots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual or semi-automated approaches are used to measure vascularity in hotspot areas, then the evaluation focuses on areas of highest vascularization, but observer variability increases and objectivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and subjective hotspot identification with automated digital image analysis algorithms. The system uses computer-based processing to objectively identify and quantify vascular structures throughout the entire tissue section, eliminating human observer variability while maintaining measurement precision through standardized computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tissue section into multiple systematically sampled regions rather than relying on subjective hotspot selection. By dividing the tissue into a grid or systematic sampling pattern and analyzing predetermined numbers of fields of view, the method ensures comprehensive coverage and reduces bias toward specific areas, thereby improving both precision and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If only hotspot areas are analyzed, then the measurement captures areas of highest vascularity, but the overall tissue oxygenation assessment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal sampling approach that analyzes multiple systematically distributed fields of view across the entire tissue section rather than focusing exclusively on hotspots. This multi-functional sampling strategy captures both high-vascularity areas and representative samples from throughout the tissue, providing comprehensive information about overall tissue oxygenation while maintaining precise vascularization detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from analyzing only selected two-dimensional hotspot regions to systematically sampling across the entire tissue section in multiple dimensions. By evaluating a predetermined number of fields of view distributed throughout the section, the method captures spatial heterogeneity and provides a more complete picture of overall tissue oxygenation status.
3Loss of information
If the entire tissue section is analyzed systematically, then overall tissue oxygenation is better assessed, but the number of fields of view required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by analyzing a predetermined, limited number of fields of view systematically distributed across the tissue section rather than examining every possible area. This approach provides sufficient information for accurate overall tissue oxygenation assessment while limiting the total analysis time and number of fields evaluated to a practical minimum.
4Measurement precision
If more fields of view are counted, then the vascularity measurement becomes more comprehensive, but the time and resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent determines an optimal predetermined number of fields of view that provides sufficient measurement comprehensiveness without excessive time investment. By establishing this optimal sample size based on statistical considerations and practical constraints, the method achieves adequate measurement precision while maintaining high productivity and analysis efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure concerns a method for measuring and reporting vascularity in a biological tissue sample. The method generally includes: within a digital image of a tissue section, (i) identifying endothelial cells, lymphatic cells, or a combination thereof; (ii) mapping one or more proximity regions, each of the proximity regions defining an area between detected vessels and a first distance outwardly therefrom; and (iii) calculating one or more of: a vessel proximity score or a hypoxia score, wherein the vessel proximity score relates a composition of objects within the proximity regions, and wherein the hypoxia score relates a composition of tissue within or outside of the proximity regions, respectively.