Dynamic Radiography Perfusion Mapping for Pulmonary Embolism Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating pulmonary embolism, such as CTA and V/Q scan, are costly, require radiation, and are not accessible in resource-limited settings or suitable for certain patient categories, necessitating a more accessible and safer diagnostic approach.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing dynamic radiography to obtain imaging data, decompose signals into frequency space, and generate perfusion maps to detect perfusion abnormalities, including pulmonary embolism, without the need for expensive equipment or radiation-intensive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CTA is used to evaluate pulmonary embolism, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but radiation dose and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses microbubble contrast agents as intermediaries to enhance ultrasound imaging of pulmonary vasculature. These microbubbles serve as a mediator that allows visualization of blood flow and detection of emboli without requiring ionizing radiation, thereby maintaining diagnostic accuracy while eliminating the harmful radiation effect
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic radiation-based CTA system with an acoustic-based ultrasound system. By substituting the mechanical/acoustic imaging modality for the electromagnetic radiation modality, the system achieves comparable diagnostic performance without exposing patients to ionizing radiation
2Measurement precision
If CTA is used to evaluate pulmonary embolism, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive microbubble contrast agents that can be administered via simple intravenous injection. These disposable contrast agents enable high-quality imaging at a fraction of the cost of CTA, making the diagnostic process accessible in resource-limited settings while maintaining diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasound system with microbubble contrast agents serves multiple functions: it can evaluate pulmonary embolism, assess right ventricular function, and characterize pulmonary vasculature. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized imaging systems, reducing overall diagnostic cost while maintaining accuracy
3Adaptability or versatility
If V/Q scan is used to evaluate pulmonary embolism in vulnerable patients, then diagnostic capability is provided, but radiation dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses microbubble contrast agents as intermediaries to enable safe imaging in vulnerable patient populations. These agents allow ultrasound-based evaluation that is particularly suitable for pregnant patients and those with poor kidney function, providing necessary diagnostic capability while completely avoiding ionizing radiation exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging modality parameter from radiation-based (nuclear medicine) to acoustic-based (ultrasound). This parameter change makes the diagnostic approach safe for vulnerable populations including pregnant women and patients with compromised kidney function, while eliminating radiation exposure
4Object-affected harmful factors
If dynamic radiography with microbubble contrast is used, then accessibility and safety are improved, but measurement precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances local quality of the ultrasound signal by using microbubble contrast agents that specifically accumulate in pulmonary vasculature. This localized concentration of contrast agents at the target site (pulmonary capillaries) significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio and enables accurate detection of perfusion defects despite using non-ionizing radiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the periodic oscillation of microbubble contrast agents in response to ultrasound pulses to enhance detection sensitivity. The microbubbles oscillate periodically at resonant frequencies, creating strong nonlinear signals that can be distinguished from tissue background, thereby maintaining high measurement precision
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
Provides pulmonary perfusion information for detecting perfusion defects like pulmonary embolism with reduced radiation exposure and without requiring expensive equipment or IV contrast agents, making it accessible to a broader range of patients and settings.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining, by dynamic radiography, imaging data for a dynamic series of a plurality of x-ray images that include areas of a subject corresponding to pulmonary vasculature
Implementation Method 2
decomposing the dynamic signal into periodic components in frequency space; identifying, from the periodic components in frequency space, signals oscillating at the heart rate of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable medium for detecting a perfusion abnormality of a subject. In one embodiment, a method includes the following: obtaining, by dynamic radiography, imaging data for a dynamic series of a plurality of x-ray images that include areas of a subject corresponding to pulmonary vasculature; identifying, based on the imaging data, a dynamic signal corresponding to changing blood volume during the cardiac cycle of the subject; decomposing the dynamic signal into periodic components in frequency space; identifying, from the periodic components in frequency space, signals oscillating at the heart rate of the subject; generating, based on the identified signals oscillating at the heart rate of the subject, a perfusion map representation corresponding to pulmonary tissue perfusion in the subject; and detecting, based at least in part on the generated perfusion map representation, a perfusion abnormality of the subject.