DXA Visceral Fat Quantification via 3D Geometric Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring visceral fat, such as Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, are costly and expose patients to high radiation, making them unsuitable for routine patient-specific assessments, while Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) provides accurate but group-level estimates rather than individual measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method using volumetric reconstruction techniques based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) with 3D geometry calculations from 2D and 3D images to estimate visceral fat mass, employing variable geometric models and subcutaneous fat calculations to accurately quantify visceral fat without overestimation, utilizing a subject-specific abdominal recognition module and database of geometries for precise abdominal cavity analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Computed Tomography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging is used to measure visceral fat, then measurement precision is improved, but radiation exposure and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses DXA imaging to create a 2D projection copy of the abdominal cross-section, which is then processed through geometric modeling to estimate visceral fat volume. This copying approach allows accurate measurement without requiring the harmful 3D volumetric reconstruction from CT scans, thus avoiding excessive radiation exposure while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs DXA technology, which uses significantly lower radiation doses compared to CT scans. The method processes a single 2D DXA scan with geometric algorithms to estimate visceral fat, eliminating the need for repeated high-radiation CT scans while achieving comparable accuracy for clinical purposes
2Measurement precision
If Computed Tomography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging is used to measure visceral fat, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a computational model that processes a single 2D DXA scan to estimate visceral fat volume, replacing the need for expensive 3D volumetric imaging. This copying and processing approach maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing examination costs by using more affordable DXA technology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses DXA imaging, which is considerably less expensive than CT or MRI scans. The geometric modeling approach processes this cheaper 2D data to achieve accurate visceral fat estimation, making the measurement accessible for routine clinical use without the high costs associated with volumetric imaging
3Ease of manufacture
If Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry with conventional analysis is used, then cost is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates to group-level estimates only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the 2D DXA projection into a 3D geometric model of the abdominal cross-section by introducing depth estimation through geometric relationships. This dimensional transformation allows the method to extract patient-specific visceral fat volume information from 2D data, achieving precision comparable to 3D volumetric imaging while maintaining the cost advantages of DXA
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the analysis parameters from conventional 2D area measurements to 3D volume estimation using geometric modeling. By applying mathematical relationships between 2D projections and 3D volumes, the method extracts precise patient-specific visceral fat quantification from DXA scans, elevating the precision from group-level statistics to individual patient assessment
4Measurement precision
If 3D volumetric reconstruction from multiple scans is used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential geometric information needed for visceral fat estimation directly from a single 2D DXA scan, eliminating the time-consuming process of acquiring and processing multiple scans for 3D reconstruction. The geometric modeling approach calculates visceral fat volume from 2D projection data, achieving precision without the temporal cost of volumetric 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
This method provides accurate and non-invasive estimation of visceral fat mass similar to more harmful techniques, reducing radiation exposure and costs, enabling effective patient-specific assessments and predicting cardiovascular risks and metabolic syndrome.
Implementation Method 1
dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
Implementation Method 2
dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
Data Source
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AI summary
This document describes a non-invasive method for quantifying visceral fat mass in subjects that undergo a radiological exam to carry out medical imaging by means of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The method object of the invention is based on processing said medical images so that it is not necessary to expose patients to radiation multiples times or for long periods of time, such that the harm to them is minimized. The method for quantifying visceral fat mass object of the invention described herein is based on using various images to model the region of interest, detecting and quantifying the visceral fat in said region of interest by means of processing the images along with data related to the height of the cavity depth with respect to the surface on which the patient lies.