Electromagnetic Tomographic Angiography for Small-Vessel Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional angiography methods, such as X-Ray and CT-angiography, are bulky, expensive, and hazardous due to ionizing radiation, lacking cost-effective and safe on-line assessment capabilities, especially in mobile or wearable settings, and electromagnetic tomography suffers from limited spatial resolution for imaging small biological structures like blood vessels.
Innovation Solution
Electromagnetic tomographic systems and methods utilizing non-ionizing radiation to reconstruct 3D dielectric property images, synchronized with cardiac activity, providing 4D angiographic movies for tissue viability assessment, using computational means, ADCs, and iterative image reconstruction techniques to enhance spatial resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-ray or CT-based angiography methods are used, then detailed vessel imaging is achieved, but ionizing radiation exposure and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of radiation type from ionizing (X-ray) to non-ionizing (microwave/radiofrequency) electromagnetic radiation. This allows vessel imaging through detection of dielectric property variations in blood versus surrounding tissue, achieving comparable diagnostic information without the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive contrast agent injection system with a non-invasive electromagnetic field-based imaging system. Instead of physically introducing contrast material into vessels, the system uses electromagnetic waves to detect natural dielectric property differences, eliminating the need for contrast agents and their associated risks.
2Measurement precision
If standard angiography systems are deployed, then comprehensive vessel assessment is provided, but device bulkiness and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system that can perform both electromagnetic tomography for general tissue imaging and electromagnetic tomographic angiography for specific vessel imaging using the same hardware platform. The system adapts its function based on the imaging algorithm and data processing mode, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the electromagnetic system (frequency, pulse duration, reception timing) to optimize for different imaging modes. By adjusting these parameters, the same device can switch between general tissue characterization and specific vessel imaging, reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional electromagnetic tomography is used, then non-invasive imaging is achieved, but spatial resolution is insufficient for small vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic electromagnetic pulses with specific timing intervals that correspond to the propagation time of waves through tissue. By synchronizing pulse transmission and signal reception in periodic cycles, the system can selectively detect signals from specific depths and locations, effectively filtering out noise and enhancing spatial resolution for small vessel detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the dielectric properties of blood itself as an intermediary contrast mechanism. Rather than requiring external contrast agents, the system exploits the natural difference in dielectric constants between blood and surrounding tissue, allowing electromagnetic waves to selectively highlight vessel locations through this inherent physical property difference.
4Productivity
If real-time vessel monitoring is implemented, then on-line assessment is provided, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulsed electromagnetic radiation rather than continuous radiation. The system transmits pulses at intervals and listens for returning signals during quiet periods, significantly reducing average energy consumption while maintaining real-time monitoring capability through rapid successive pulsing that captures dynamic physiological changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs passive detection where the system listens for electromagnetic signals naturally reflected or scattered from vessels rather than requiring active illumination or contrast enhancement. This self-service approach minimizes energy expenditure by utilizing the body's own electromagnetic response to the transmitted pulses.
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 safe, cost-effective, and high-resolution imaging of biological tissues and blood vessels, suitable for mobile and wearable applications, with improved spatial resolution and dynamic assessment of tissue viability and oxygenation.
Implementation Method 1
illuminating at least a portion of the object with electromagnetic radiation having a frequency in a range of about 0.01 GHz to about 10 GHz
Implementation Method 2
detecting electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the object, reflected, diffracted or scattered from the object
Implementation Method 3
tissues can be imaged based on their dielectric properties. For example, radiation in this frequency range can be employed to reconstruct a three-dimensional (3D) tomographic image of a biological object as, e.g., a 3D distribution of the dielectric properties of that object
Data Source
AI summary
A method for tomographic imaging a dielectric object includes irradiating an object with electromagnetic radiation during a first time interval, receiving electromagnetic radiation passed through dielectric object to generate a first dataset at a plurality of spatial locations, irradiating the object with electromagnetic radiation during a second time interval, receiving electromagnetic radiation passed through dielectric object to generate a second dataset at a plurality of spatial locations, generating a third dataset, wherein the third dataset is determined as a function of the first dataset, the second dataset, and a normalized difference between the first dataset and the second dataset, and reconstructing a dielectric image of the object based on the third dataset.