Dual-Sensor Catheter Imaging for IVUS-OCT Position Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems using both intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) sensors struggle to align and identify images from the same imaging position, making it difficult to combine and analyze IVUS and OCT images accurately for luminal organ observation.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with a catheter equipped with both IVUS and OCT sensors, a motor drive unit, and a processor that controls the sensors' movement and generates synchronized tomographic images, allowing for precise alignment and display of IVUS and OCT images from the same position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If IVUS and OCT sensors are used separately at different timings, then each sensor can acquire images independently, but it becomes difficult to identify and align images from the same imaging position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the OCT sensor to capture a reference image at a known position, then uses image recognition algorithms to find the corresponding IVUS image by matching anatomical features. This copying approach allows separate imaging at different timings while still achieving accurate position alignment through feature matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image recognition technology as an intermediary that bridges IVUS and OCT images. By detecting anatomical landmarks and features in both image types, the system can match corresponding images even when acquired at different times, solving the position alignment problem.
2Measurement precision
If both IVUS and OCT sensors are integrated in the same catheter, then images from the same position can be acquired simultaneously, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both IVUS and OCT sensors within the same catheter assembly, allowing simultaneous image acquisition from identical positions. This merging of sensing modalities ensures spatial correspondence while the system manages the complexity through integrated control and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both ultrasonic and optical sensing capabilities in a single device. This universal design allows the catheter to perform multiple imaging functions without requiring separate devices, though it increases structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If images are acquired at different timings with single sensor operation, then the imaging system is simpler to operate, but the ability to present aligned IVUS and OCT images is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback through image recognition algorithms that analyze anatomical features in IVUS images and match them with corresponding OCT images. This feedback mechanism restores spatial correspondence information even when images are acquired at different times by using feature matching as a corrective process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing OCT images at known positions to create a reference dataset before IVUS imaging. This preliminary OCT capture establishes anatomical landmarks that can later be used to align IVUS images acquired at different timings.
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 the presentation of aligned IVUS and OCT images, facilitating accurate analysis and observation of luminal organs by ensuring that both types of images are captured and displayed from identical positions, enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasound sensor configured to transmit ultrasound waves and receive the waves reflected by the luminal organ
Implementation Method 2
an optical sensor configured to emit near infrared light and receive the light reflected by the luminal organ
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system for generating tomographic images of a luminal organ includes a catheter that includes: ultrasound and optical sensors, a motor drive unit configured to move the ultrasound and optical sensors in a longitudinal direction, a display, and a processor configured to execute the steps of: controlling the drive unit to move the optical sensor in a first period and generating optical coherence tomographic images in the first period, each optical image being associated with a location of the optical sensor, controlling the drive unit to move the ultrasound sensor in a second period and generating ultrasound tomographic images in the second time period, each ultrasound image being associated with a location of the ultrasound sensor, generating a first screen that shows an optical coherence tomographic image and an ultrasound tomographic image associated with a same location, and control the display to display the first screen.