Endocardial Motion Analysis for Cardiac Function Assessment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current cardiac imaging modalities face challenges in accurately assessing regional myocardial function due to poor spatial and temporal resolution, and are contraindicated in patients with implanted pacemakers or cardioverter-defibrillators, limiting the ability to track left ventricular wall motion and assess local cardiac function effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method using high-resolution volumetric cardiac CT images and nonrigid surface registration algorithms, such as coherent point drift, to create a displacement map and calculate shape metrics like SQUEEZ, enabling the assessment of cardiac function by tracking motion of conserved topological features on the endocardial mesh, and visualizing results as 3D movies or 2D bull's-eye plots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If echocardiographic methods are used for regional function assessment, then temporal resolution is improved, but spatial resolution and measurement precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemporal resolutionVSAvoidspatial resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional echocardiographic imaging to three-dimensional volumetric CT imaging. This dimensional change allows simultaneous achievement of high temporal resolution (40-75ms) and high spatial resolution (submillimeter) by capturing the entire cardiac volume in three dimensions at each time point, eliminating the trade-off present in 2D methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If CMR tissue tagging is used for regional function assessment, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate due to manual segmentation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of regional function assessmentVSAvoidtime consumption for image analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated algorithms that perform endocardial boundary detection, mesh generation, and feature tracking without manual intervention. The system automatically segments the myocardium, creates triangular meshes, and tracks motion of conserved topological features, eliminating the time-consuming manual segmentation required by CMR tissue tagging while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical segmentation process with automated computational algorithms. Instead of manual tracing and border detection, the system uses computer-based image processing, mesh generation, and feature tracking algorithms to automatically assess regional function, dramatically reducing analysis time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If CMR imaging is used for cardiac function assessment, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to contraindications in patients with implanted devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of tissue taggingVSAvoidapplicability to patients with pacemakers or ICDs

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs CT imaging technology that is universally applicable to all patients regardless of implanted devices. Unlike CMR which is contraindicated in patients with pacemakers or ICDs, CT scanning can safely image these patients, making the method universally applicable across diverse patient populations while maintaining high measurement precision through 3D volumetric imaging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If quantitative tomographic methods are used for myocardial function estimation, then spatial resolution is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to obtain adequate landmarks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial resolutionVSAvoidaccuracy of function estimation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses contrast agents that enhance the visibility of anatomical structures. The contrast bolus makes fine anatomic structures such as trabeculae on the endocardial surface visible, providing adequate landmarks for accurate function estimation while maintaining high spatial resolution through 3D volumetric imaging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS10448901B2Methods for evaluating regional cardiac function and dyssynchrony from a dynamic imaging modality using endocardial motion

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

AI summary

An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a method and system for evaluating regional cardiac function and dyssynchrony from an imaging modality using the motion of endocardial features of the heart. In the method and system, an imaging modality such as a CT scanner is used to obtain an image sequence that is then processed using a computer program. The computer program is configured to create an endocardial mesh formed from triangular components that represents at least the region of interest of the subject's heart. From tracking the motion of conserved topological features on this endocardial mesh at least two time points a displacement map can be modeled. The displacement map can be further analyzed to determine metrics of regional cardiac function such as SQUEEZ, myocardial strain, torsion etc., and the displacement map can also be used to create visual representations of the function of the subject's heart.