Dynamic Vessel Roadmap Guidance for Catheter Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical interventions in vessels to treat pathological conditions, such as obstructions, require high doses of radiation and contrast media, leading to potential harm to patients due to extensive imaging methods.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for generating dynamic vessel roadmaps, which involves creating a library of vessel roadmaps from patient images, detecting pathological vessels, and overlaying selected roadmaps onto real-time fluoroscopy images to guide catheters efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If imaging methods based on contrast media and radiation (fluoroscopy) are used to determine the path through vessels, then the path to pathological vessels can be visualized, but patients are exposed to high doses of radiation and contrast media
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by generating a complete vessel roadmap library before the actual intervention. Roadmaps are pre-computed from medical images (CT, MRI, or angiography) showing different viewing angles and paths. During fluoroscopy, the system selects and overlays the most appropriate pre-computed roadmap, avoiding the need to acquire new imaging data in real-time and reducing radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies of vessel anatomy through roadmap images that can be overlaid on fluoroscopy. Instead of continuously acquiring new imaging data, the system uses pre-acquired medical images to generate multiple roadmap copies representing different vessel paths and viewing angles. These virtual copies guide the catheter without requiring additional radiation exposure.
2Measurement precision
If extensive imaging methods are used to navigate through branching vessels, then the correct path to pathological vessels can be identified, but the time required for intervention increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-computing multiple vessel roadmaps showing different paths and viewing angles before the intervention begins. During fluoroscopy, the system rapidly selects the appropriate pre-computed roadmap based on current catheter position and desired destination, eliminating the time required for real-time image acquisition and processing while maintaining accurate path identification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple viewing angles and paths are considered during fluoroscopy, then the optimal path to pathological vessels can be determined, but the complexity of image processing and roadmap selection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the vessel tree into multiple distinct paths, each represented by a separate roadmap in the library. Each roadmap shows a specific viewing angle and path through the vessels. This segmentation allows the system to present multiple pre-computed options rather than attempting to display all possible paths simultaneously, reducing processing complexity while maintaining path selection flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic roadmap selection where the appropriate roadmap is chosen based on real-time fluoroscopy feedback and current catheter position. The roadmap library contains pre-computed paths for different scenarios, and the system dynamically selects and overlays the most relevant roadmap, adapting to changing intervention conditions without requiring complex real-time image processing.
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The application discloses a computer-implemented pathological vessel guidance method. The method comprises the steps of generating a vessel roadmap library, the vessel roadmap library including a plurality of vessel roadmaps, wherein each vessel roadmap comprises a vessel roadmap image and first and second alignment data, detecting, within the vessel roadmap images of the vessel roadmap library, a pathological vessel, obtaining a real-time fluoroscopy image and corresponding real-time first and second fluoroscopy information, selecting a vessel roadmap from the roadmap library based on comparing the first real-time fluoroscopy information with the first alignment data of each vessel roadmap of the roadmap library, overlaying the real-time fluoroscopy image with the selected vessel roadmap image of the vessel roadmap library, aligning the vessel roadmap image of the selected vessel roadmap and the real-time fluoroscopy image based on the second alignment data and the real time second fluoroscopy information; and providing guidance for a fluoroscopy object to the pathological vessel based on the selected vessel roadmap and the second fluoroscopy information.