Electroanatomical Map Pseudocolor Overlay for Ultrasound Data Acquisition Progress
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Physicians face difficulties in interpreting ultrasound images of the heart, which appear as two-dimensional fan-shaped patterns, making it challenging to determine if adequate image data has been acquired and identifying missing details, especially when three-dimensional imaging blocks the view of heart chambers.
Innovation Solution
A computer-assisted method is employed to display a three-dimensional representation of the heart, marked with pseudocolor to indicate the progress of data acquisition, by superimposing two-dimensional ultrasound images onto a three-dimensional anatomical or electroanatomical map, allowing for real-time visualization of data sufficiency and guiding data collection in underrepresented areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a three-dimensional image of the heart is rendered during ultrasound data acquisition, then real-time visualization of data coverage is improved, but the user's view of the heart chamber is blocked by tissue reflection from other chambers or organs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by marking the three-dimensional model with pseudocolor to indicate data acquisition progress. Instead of displaying a complete 3D ultrasound image that blocks the view, the system uses a 3D anatomical model with 2D pseudocolor overlays showing data coverage. This allows physicians to see both the anatomical structure and data acquisition status without the blocking effect of full 3D ultrasound rendering.
2Productivity
If two-dimensional ultrasound images are displayed in fan-shaped pattern, then real-time image acquisition is maintained, but physicians find it difficult to interpret the images and match anatomical features with bright and dark areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using pseudocolor marking on the three-dimensional anatomical model to indicate different levels of data acquisition. Instead of relying on bright and dark areas in 2D fan-shaped ultrasound images that are difficult to interpret, the system overlays colored regions on the 3D model showing where sufficient data has been collected. This provides an intuitive visual guide that is easy to interpret while maintaining real-time acquisition capability.
3Measurement precision
If ultrasound data acquisition is performed to create comprehensive heart images, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the time required for data collection increases in areas where additional data is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by providing real-time visual information about data acquisition completeness through pseudocolor marking on the 3D anatomical model. The system continuously monitors and displays which regions have sufficient ultrasound data and which areas need additional scanning. This feedback mechanism allows physicians to efficiently allocate their time by focusing data collection only on underrepresented areas, rather than uniformly scanning the entire heart, thus reducing total procedure time while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
During acquisition of ultrasound data in a medical imaging procedure, three-dimensional model of a structure being imaged, e.g., an electroanatomical map, is co-displayed and visually marked, to indicate progress of data acquisition. The plane of intersection successive two-dimensional images are marked on the as a line or colored region on the three-dimensional model. This display enables the operator to determine regions where sufficient data have been captured, and guides the operator to areas where additional data collection is still needed. Various color schemes are used to indicate the relative sufficiency of data collection.