ECG-Synchronous X-Ray Acquisition for Heart Motion Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for overlaying x-ray images of the heart region during minimally invasive interventions are imprecise due to heart motion, requiring high acquisition rates that contradict the goal of reducing patient x-ray dose.
Innovation Solution
ECG-synchronous acquisition of x-ray data sets, synchronizing image acquisition with the heart cycle to ensure consistent phases, reducing the need for continuous x-ray exposure and contrast agent use by using a dynamic road map that matches heart cycle phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high acquisition rates are used to capture heart motion, then image overlay accuracy is improved, but patient x-ray dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by synchronizing x-ray image acquisition with the periodic heart cycle using ECG triggering. Instead of continuous high-rate acquisition, the system acquires images at specific periodic intervals corresponding to heart cycle phases, thereby maintaining overlay accuracy while reducing overall radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by acquiring a contrast-enhanced reference image data set before the intervention, which is then used to create a dynamic road map. This preliminary acquisition allows subsequent fluoroscopy images to be overlaid with reduced contrast agent and lower radiation dose while maintaining accuracy through phase-synchronized acquisition.
2Measurement precision
If continuous x-ray exposure is used to track heart motion, then navigation accuracy is improved, but contrast agent usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic ECG-triggered acquisition to capture images at specific heart cycle phases rather than continuous exposure. This periodic sampling maintains navigation accuracy by consistently capturing the same anatomical phases while significantly reducing the frequency of contrast agent administration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the anatomical structure through the dynamic road map generated from the contrast-enhanced reference images. This virtual copy allows continuous navigation guidance without requiring continuous contrast agent injection, as the pre-acquired anatomical model can be repeatedly overlaid on fluoroscopy images.
3Device complexity
If static fusion techniques are used for anatomical overlay, then device complexity is reduced, but overlay precision deteriorates due to heart motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static fusion techniques into dynamic road mapping by incorporating ECG phase information. The system dynamically adjusts the overlay based on the current heart cycle phase detected from ECG signals, allowing the anatomical reference images to move and deform with the heart motion, thereby maintaining overlay precision without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring ECG signals and using the detected heart cycle phase to adjust the timing and selection of reference images for overlay. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the anatomical overlay remains synchronized with actual heart motion, maintaining precision while using relatively simple technical means.
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 enhances the accuracy and robustness of x-ray image overlay, reduces patient x-ray dose, and minimizes contrast agent usage by ensuring that x-ray images are taken at consistent phases of the heart cycle, improving navigation during interventions.
Implementation Method 1
method for acquiring at least a part of an x-ray data set with at least one x-ray device
Implementation Method 2
at least the second x-ray image data set triggered at a beginning of each heart cycle covered by the acquisition
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for acquiring at least a part of an x-ray data set with at least one x-ray device. The x-ray data set includes at least one first x-ray image data set and at least one second x-ray image data set acquired separated in time that are to be evaluated together. Both x-ray image data sets show a region of interest of a patient that is subject to heart motion at different phases of a heart cycle. The second x-ray image data set is acquired triggered at a beginning of each heart cycle covered by the acquisition and with an acquisition rate such that the phases of the acquired x-ray image data set match phases of the first x-ray image data set.