Collateral Circulation Imaging via DSC-PWI Post-Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for imaging and evaluating collateral circulation, such as digital subtraction angiography, are invasive, time-consuming, and limited in their ability to objectively assess collateral status early in cerebral infarction, particularly in the context of cerebral infarction where timely recanalization is critical.
Innovation Solution
A novel method utilizing dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced perfusion weighted imaging (DSC-PWI) for image post-processing, followed by comparison with digital subtraction angiography images, to non-invasively visualize and evaluate collateral circulation, improving spatial and temporal resolution and enabling prompt assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is used to image collateral circulation, then imaging accuracy is improved, but the procedure becomes invasive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive DSA procedure with a non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique. Specifically, it uses arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI to visualize collateral circulation, substituting the catheter-based angiography with a magnetic field-based imaging method that requires no contrast injection or vascular access, thereby eliminating invasiveness while maintaining imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging parameters by using ASL MRI with specific timing parameters to capture collateral flow. It employs post-processing techniques that analyze signal intensity changes over time to differentiate collateral circulation from normal flow, changing the detection approach from direct angiographic visualization to functional perfusion imaging with temporal resolution
2Loss of information
If digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is used to evaluate collateral status, then detailed vascular imaging is obtained, but the evaluation time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by acquiring multiple time-point ASL images during a single imaging sequence, capturing collateral flow dynamics before proceeding to analysis. The method pre-processes the data by calculating perfusion maps at different time points, allowing rapid assessment of collateral status without requiring sequential DSA phases, thus reducing total evaluation time while preserving information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by using time-resolved ASL imaging to capture the temporal evolution of contrast through collateral vessels. It analyzes the dynamic perfusion curves to assess collateral function, transforming the static endpoint assessment of DSA into a dynamic functional evaluation that provides both completeness and speed
3Reliability
If conventional MRI techniques are used for cerebral infarction imaging, then basic tissue characterization is achieved, but direct visualization of collateral circulation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the analysis into distinct temporal phases: early phase images to assess acute ischemia, and late phase images to evaluate collateral perfusion. It segments the perfusion time-course data to identify collateral-specific flow patterns, allowing simultaneous assessment of both tissue status and collateral function from a single ASL sequence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using ASL perfusion maps as a mediator between conventional MRI tissue imaging and direct angiographic visualization. The perfusion maps serve as an intermediate representation that encodes both tissue viability information and collateral flow characteristics, enabling indirect but reliable detection of collateral circulation without requiring direct vascular imaging
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
Enables non-invasive, rapid visualization and evaluation of collateral circulation, providing critical information for therapeutic decisions and predicting outcomes in conditions involving blood vessel occlusion, such as cerebral infarction, by enhancing imaging accuracy and reducing procedural risks.
Implementation Method 1
dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced perfusion weighted imaging (DSC-PWI)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a novel magnetic resonance image technique for imaging collateral circulation in a human body. In the present invention, source data of a dynamic susceptibility contrast enhancement perfusion-weighted image (DSC-PWI) is subjected to an image-post-processing and an image obtained through the image-post-processing is then compared with an image obtained by digital subtraction angiography (DSA), thereby imaging the collateral circulation. The method according to the present invention can non-invasively, rapidly and easily visualize and evaluate the collateral circulation. Therefore, the method can provide information, which is important for understanding, treatment strategy determination and outcome prediction of a disease generated due to angiostenosis or occlusion.