Dynamic Contrast Agent Imaging Technique Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical ultrasound imaging systems face challenges in maintaining sufficient sensitivity and specificity for contrast agent detection over the course of an examination, often leading to false indications of contrast agent depletion, as different pulse sequences and imaging approaches have varying levels of effectiveness over time.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasound system dynamically adjusts by comparing the sensitivity of multiple contrast agent imaging techniques and switching between them based on timing or real-time sensitivity analysis, using a combination of pulse sequences to maintain optimal detection, such as transitioning from a 3-pulse sequence to a 2-pulse sequence as the examination progresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single contrast agent imaging technique is used throughout the examination, then the imaging approach is simple and consistent, but the sensitivity varies over time leading to false indications of contrast agent depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different contrast agent imaging techniques (e.g., 3-pulse sequence, 2-pulse sequence) based on real-time sensitivity analysis and timing relative to contrast agent injection. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal sensitivity throughout the examination while maintaining automated operation, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple contrast agent imaging techniques are compared and switched between in real-time, then the sensitivity and accuracy of contrast agent detection is improved, but the complexity of the imaging system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs real-time sensitivity analysis by comparing responses from multiple contrast agent imaging techniques and uses this feedback to automatically select the most appropriate technique. This feedback mechanism ensures high detection precision while automating the complexity management, as the system autonomously adjusts based on measured sensitivity without requiring manual intervention.
3Productivity
If the imaging technique is switched based on timing relative to contrast agent injection, then the sensitivity is optimized for different phases of the examination, but the system requires complex timing management
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-defines timing windows relative to contrast agent injection phases (e.g., early phase, late phase) and automatically selects appropriate imaging techniques for each window. This preliminary structuring of timing strategies allows the system to optimize productivity across different examination phases while reducing the operational complexity through automated timing-based decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
In contrast agent imaging, a beamformer and transducer scan a region of a patient having contrast agents. A detector detects the contrast agents with at least two different contrast agent imaging techniques from ultrasound data resulting from the scanning. A processor compares responses of the contrast agents detected between the at least two different contrast agent imaging techniques and selects a relative contribution of the at least two different contrast agent imaging techniques. The selection is based on the comparing. Contrast agent imaging of the patient is performed using at least one of the contrast agent imaging techniques. The performance is based on the selected relative contribution.