Systems and methods for determining a fluid and tissue volume estimations using electrical property tomography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) systems primarily produce differential images, which are limited without knowledge of absolute impedance maps, leading to overestimation and underestimation of pixel values, and lack the ability to accurately determine fluid volumes in medical diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize electrical property tomography systems to enhance initial impedance images using prior information and statistical distributions, segment tissues, and estimate fluid volumes by determining a relationship parameter, enabling the generation of absolute impedance images and volumetric measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If differential reconstruction techniques are employed to mitigate artifacts, then image quality is improved, but absolute impedance values cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reconstruction process into two distinct stages: first producing differential images through artifact-mitigating differential reconstruction techniques, then enhancing these images to recover absolute impedance values. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize for its specific purpose without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary differential reconstruction to create artifact-mitigated images, then uses these as a foundation for subsequent enhancement. The preliminary differential images serve as input for the enhancement process that recovers absolute values, leveraging the benefits of both approaches.
2Loss of information
If linear or quasi-linear reconstruction methods are used to calculate absolute impedance values, then absolute impedance images can be generated, but pixel values are overestimated or underestimated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an enhancement process that uses feedback mechanisms to correct pixel values. The enhanced image generation incorporates information about tissue properties and electrical characteristics to adjust and refine the absolute impedance values, compensating for the overestimation or underestimation inherent in linear reconstruction methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reconstruction parameters and algorithms from simple linear/quasi-linear methods to more complex non-linear enhancement processes. This involves adjusting multiple parameters related to tissue conductivity, impedance characteristics, and image enhancement factors to achieve accurate pixel values.
3Reliability
If conventional EIT methods focus on differential images, then artifact mitigation is achieved, but fluid volume determination is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the EIT system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both differential image production for artifact mitigation and absolute impedance value determination for fluid volume measurement. The enhanced image generation process allows the same system to serve multiple diagnostic purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional differential images to three-dimensional volumetric information by enhancing the images to include absolute impedance values. This dimensional enhancement enables fluid volume determination while preserving the artifact-mitigation benefits of differential reconstruction.
4Loss of information
If absolute impedance images are generated using direct calculation methods, then diagnostic information is obtained, but measurement errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary enhancement process between the raw EIT data and the final diagnostic images. This intermediary step processes the initial absolute impedance images through enhancement algorithms that reduce measurement errors and improve diagnostic accuracy before the images are used for clinical interpretation.
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 accurate estimation of fluid volumes and absolute impedance values, providing diagnostic parameters like respiratory dynamics, pneumothorax detection, and cellularity, improving diagnostic accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) is a non-invasive imaging method that may be used to generate images of a region of interest of a domain (e.g., a patient) by collecting data using electrodes disposed along the perimeter of the region of interest
Data Source
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AI summary
A system includes an electrical tomography system and a volume estimate system. The volume estimation system is configured to reconstruct an initial impedance image based at least partially on received electrical tomography data of a domain, receive prior information associated with the domain, enhance the initial impedance image based at least partially on the received prior information to generate an enhanced impedance image, and based at least partially on the enhanced initial impedance image, generate a volumetric image of a region of interest of the enhanced impedance image, wherein the volumetric image represents a plurality of values indicating a volume of a fluid.