EIT Lung Volume Visualization via 3D Contour Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices, particularly electrical impedance tomography (EIT) systems, are limited in their ability to provide continuous, three-dimensional visualization of the thoracic dimension of lungs over time, hindering effective monitoring and optimization of ventilation therapy.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a data input unit, computing and control unit, and data output unit processes tomographic data to determine and visualize the three-dimensional thoracic dimension of the lungs by comparing characteristic outer contours from different ventilation situations, allowing for continuous monitoring and optimization of ventilation parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical impedance tomography (EIT) devices are used to generate images showing conductivity differences in lung tissues, then continuous monitoring of lung ventilation is enabled, but the ability to provide three-dimensional visualization of thoracic dimension over time is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms two-dimensional EIT cross-sectional images into three-dimensional thoracic dimension representations by processing multiple cross-sectional images through computational algorithms. The computing unit reconstructs 3D lung geometry from 2D impedance data, enabling volumetric visualization of thoracic dimension changes over time while maintaining continuous monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary processing of EIT data by storing cross-sectional images and their metadata in a database, pre-calculating thoracic dimension parameters, and preparing visualization datasets in advance. This preliminary action enables real-time 3D visualization without compromising the continuous monitoring reliability of the EIT system.
2Loss of information
If cross-sectional images are generated to show conductivity distribution in the thorax, then lung ventilation situations can be observed, but continuous determination of three-dimensional thoracic dimension over time is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous acquisition and processing of EIT cross-sectional images over extended observation periods. The system continuously updates the 3D thoracic dimension model by integrating new cross-sectional data while maintaining historical data, ensuring unbroken temporal coverage of ventilation situations and enabling long-term monitoring without information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-processes and stores cross-sectional images with their temporal metadata in advance, creating a reusable database of lung ventilation data. This preliminary action allows the system to rapidly retrieve and compare ventilation situations from different time points without re-acquisition, eliminating gaps in the observation period coverage.
3Measurement precision
If characteristic outer contours are determined from tomographic data, then visualization of lung geometry is achieved, but comparison and optimization of ventilation therapy parameters become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated comparison of characteristic outer contours from different time points, with the computing unit calculating dimensional changes and generating feedback reports on ventilation therapy effectiveness. The system automatically identifies trends, alerts clinicians to significant changes, and suggests parameter optimizations, making therapy optimization intuitive and evidence-based while maintaining precise contour measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates and stores characteristic outer contour parameters from tomographic data, including surface area, volume, and shape descriptors. This preliminary processing creates ready-to-compare datasets that facilitate rapid therapy optimization by eliminating manual measurement steps and enabling direct comparison of lung geometry changes in response to different ventilation parameters.
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
Enables continuous determination and visualization of the thoracic dimension of the lungs, facilitating timely optimization of ventilation therapy by comparing current and previous contours, thereby improving patient health status and therapeutic outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
Devices for electrical impedance tomography (EIT) are known from the state of the art. These devices are designed and intended for generating an image, a plurality of images or a continuous sequence of images from signals obtained by means of electrical impedance measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A device (10) for processing data (3), which were obtained from a medical device suitable for imaging the lungs or the thorax, particularly an electrical impedance tomography device (30), provides improved visualization of a three-dimensional thoracic dimension (350) of the lungs. A characteristic contour (34, 350) is determined continuously by continuous reference to a previously determined outer contour (905) of the lungs as a comparison variable and is outputted, provided and visualized as an output signal (35).