Digital Subtraction Thermography Using Temperature-Adjusted IV Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital subtraction angiography techniques rely on toxic contrast agents and radiation, lacking methods for employing thermal imaging to enhance contrast between areas of higher and lower blood flow, and are limited in application to open wounds and repeated use.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using temperature-adjusted IV fluids to enhance contrast differential in digital subtraction angiography by acquiring pre- and post-contrast thermal images, processing them to generate thermograms, and analyzing temperature variations to assess pathophysiological states, including the use of evaporative fluids and transparent barriers for specific applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional contrast agents (iodine or gadolinium) are used in DSA, then the contrast between regions of higher and lower blood flow is enhanced, but the subject is exposed to significant toxicity and side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the contrast agent from chemical composition (iodine/gadolinium) to thermal property (temperature). By injecting temperature-adjusted IV fluid (cooled or heated) instead of chemical contrast agents, the system achieves blood flow visualization without the toxicity and side effects associated with traditional agents. The thermal contrast agent's temperature is modified to create detectable thermal signals that highlight vascular structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the chemical mechanism of traditional contrast agents with a thermal/physical mechanism. Instead of relying on chemical properties of iodine or gadolinium to create contrast, the system uses thermal imaging to detect temperature differences created by the injected temperature-adjusted fluid. This replacement eliminates radiation exposure and chemical toxicity while maintaining the ability to visualize blood flow patterns.
2Productivity
If traditional contrast agents are used repeatedly, then blood flow can be visualized multiple times, but the subject experiences cumulative side effects and allergic reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the contrast agent from a chemical substance with cumulative toxicity to a temperature-adjusted physiological fluid (IV fluid) that can be safely administered repeatedly. The temperature parameter is modified to create contrast, but the base fluid remains compatible with repeated injection without cumulative side effects or allergic reactions, enabling multiple studies over time.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If thermal imaging is used without temperature-adjusted contrast agent, then the method is non-toxic, but the contrast differential between areas of higher and lower blood flow is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the temperature parameter of the IV fluid to enhance thermal contrast. By cooling or heating the injected fluid relative to body temperature, the system creates sufficient temperature differential to be detected by thermal imaging cameras. This allows areas of higher and lower blood flow to be clearly differentiated while maintaining the safety profile of non-toxic, non-radiation-based imaging.
4Measurement precision
If current contrast agents are used, then blood flow visualization is achieved, but exposure to radiation and gamma rays is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the radiation-based detection mechanism with thermal imaging. Instead of using X-rays or gamma rays to visualize contrast agents, the system uses infrared thermal cameras to detect temperature differences. This substitution eliminates ionizing radiation exposure while maintaining the ability to visualize blood flow patterns through thermal contrast created by temperature-adjusted IV fluid.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides a non-toxic, repeatable, and radiation-free method for visualizing blood flow, enabling effective differentiation of anatomical regions and pathophysiological states, including inflamed and moist areas, while reducing exposure to harmful agents.
Implementation Method 1
Thermal imaging is based on the principle of detecting temperature variations related to the blood flow. Every object emits heat (infrared rays), which are sensed by the thermal imaging camera
Implementation Method 2
spraying of an evaporative fluid onto the target area
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiment discloses a method of performing digital subtraction thermography by employing the technique of digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The method includes acquiring a pre-contrast thermal image of a target area; application of thermally controlled intravascular fluid as a contrast agent onto the target area; acquiring a post-contrast thermal image; acquiring a plurality of post-contrast thermal images after a fixed time interval; processing of the pre-contrast thermal image, the post-contrast thermal image and the plurality of post-contrast thermal images; and generating a thermogram.