Automated ED ES Frame Selection Using ECG and Contrast Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual inspection of x-ray image frames in angiography series for identifying end of diastole (ED) and end of systole (ES) frames is time-consuming, hindering efficient cardiac analysis.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize electrocardiogram (ECG) data to automatically select ED and ES image frames by identifying candidate frames corresponding to predetermined points on the ECG curve, with a processing unit selecting the frames showing the greatest contrast medium injection, thereby reducing manual inspection time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection of every x-ray image frame is performed to identify ED and ES frames, then the accuracy of frame selection is maintained, but the time required for cardiac analysis increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated system that processes x-ray image frames and identifies ED and ES frames based on contrast medium injection patterns. This intermediary system acts as a bridge between manual inspection and automated selection, maintaining accuracy while reducing time by pre-processing and filtering frames before final selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically analyzing and selecting ED and ES frames without requiring manual inspection of every frame. The automated algorithm independently evaluates contrast medium distribution in each frame and identifies the optimal frames, freeing the operator from time-consuming manual review while maintaining selection accuracy.
2Productivity
If automated selection of ED and ES frames is implemented, then the time required for cardiac analysis is reduced, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual inspection process with an automated computational system. Instead of manual visual analysis, the system uses image processing algorithms to automatically detect contrast medium patterns and identify ED and ES frames, substituting human effort with automated mechanical/computational processes that increase speed while managing complexity through algorithmic approaches.
3Reliability
If all image frames are manually inspected to ensure accurate identification of ED and ES, then the reliability of cardiac analysis is maintained, but the operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically pre-processing and evaluating all x-ray frames before final selection. The automated system conducts initial analysis of contrast medium distribution in each frame, pre-identifying potential ED and ES candidates, which maintains reliability through thorough analysis while improving operational efficiency by preparing results in advance for final selection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for automatically selecting an end of diastole image frame and an end of systole image frame for cardiac analysis. In the method and apparatus, a plurality of image frames of a heart having a contrast medium injected into the heart and an electrocardiogram (ECG) curve of the heart are obtained. Candidate image frames are identified in the plurality of image frames that correspond to a first predetermined point on the ECG curve of the heart associated with the end of diastole. An end of diastole image frame is selected from the candidate image frames. An end of systole image frame is then identified and selected from the remaining one of the plurality of image frames.