Endoluminal Path Estimation Using Radiopaque Marker Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging and endoluminal device technologies struggle to accurately track the path of devices moving through lumens, such as blood vessels, due to the challenges of imaging without contrast agents and distinguishing device markers from other anatomical features, leading to inaccurate path estimation.
Innovation Solution
An endoluminal device with radiopaque portions moves through a lumen, and a computer processor analyzes radiographic images to identify these markers, defining their locations and estimating the device's path by overlaying and processing these images to generate a combined image, which is then used to determine the device's path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiographic imaging is used to track endoluminal device path, then device location can be visualized, but device markers cannot be distinguished from other anatomical features without contrast agents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies image processing techniques that enhance the visual contrast and distinguishability of radiopaque device markers from anatomical features in grayscale radiographic images. By manipulating image intensity thresholds and applying filtering algorithms, the system effectively differentiates device markers based on their radiopacity characteristics without requiring additional contrast agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radiopaque markers as intermediary elements attached to the endoluminal device. These markers serve as visible proxies that allow indirect tracking of device position and orientation through radiographic imaging, solving the problem of visualizing device path without requiring direct imaging of the device itself or use of contrast agents.
2Measurement precision
If multiple radiographic images are acquired and processed to estimate device path, then path estimation precision improves, but processing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image processing task into distinct sequential steps: detecting radiopaque markers in individual images, determining device orientation from marker positions, estimating device centerline from multiple images, and generating the final path. This segmentation allows each processing stage to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall complex processing pipeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection and localization of radiopaque markers in each radiographic image before proceeding to path estimation. By pre-identifying marker positions and determining device orientation in advance, the system reduces the computational complexity of the subsequent path estimation step and enables more efficient processing.
3Loss of information
If radiopaque portions are added to the endoluminal device for tracking, then device path can be visualized, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visualization function from the main device structure by adding separate radiopaque markers that are attached to or integrated with the device. These markers are distinct elements whose sole purpose is to provide visual tracking information, allowing the main device to maintain its primary therapeutic or diagnostic function without structural complexity increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiopaque markers utilize material properties (radiopacity) that differ from the device body materials, creating visual contrast in radiographic images. This allows the markers to be easily distinguished from device components and anatomical structures, providing clear location information without requiring complex device design.
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
This method provides a precise estimation of the endoluminal path, allowing for accurate registration of acquired data sets and enabling quantitative analysis of the vessel without requiring manual input on the vessel's shape or location, enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Using a radiographic imaging device, a sequence of radiographic images of a portion of the subject's body in which the lumen is disposed is acquired
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are described for use with an endoluminal device that includes one or more radiopaque portions and that moves through a lumen of a subject. A sequence of radiographic images of a portion of the subject's body, in which the lumen is disposed, is acquired, during movement of the endoluminal device through the lumen. Locations at which the one or more radiopaque portions of the endoluminal device were imaged during the movement of the endoluminal device through the lumen are identified, by analyzing the sequence of radiographic images. A set of locations at which the one or more radiopaque portions were disposed during the movement of the endoluminal device through the lumen is defined, and an endoluminal path of the device through the lumen is estimated based upon the set of locations. Other applications are also described.