Non-Invasive FFR Determination via Angiographic Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining fractional flow reserve (FFR) in coronary arteries require invasive procedures and are not suitable for all luminal organs, as they rely on pressure measurements and wire insertion, which can be physiologically difficult in certain cases.
Innovation Solution
A system that performs flow-related image processing on angiographic images to determine FFR and other luminal-flow-related indices without generating a three-dimensional model, using image processing to calculate blood velocity and geometry, allowing for non-invasive assessment of FFR and other indices like instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) and microvascular resistance index (MVRI).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive pressure measurements and wire insertion are used to determine FFR, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire insertion method with a non-invasive image processing-based system. Instead of physically inserting pressure wires into coronary arteries, the system uses angiographic images and computational algorithms to calculate FFR, thereby eliminating the invasive mechanical procedure while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing algorithms and computational models as intermediaries between the angiographic images and FFR determination. These computational tools serve as mediators that translate visual image data into quantitative flow reserve metrics without requiring direct physical contact with the vessel
2Measurement precision
If invasive wire insertion is used for FFR determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical wire insertion equipment with a computational image processing system. The solution substitutes physical devices (pressure wires, catheters) with software-based algorithms that process standard angiographic images to derive FFR values
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of blood flow dynamics by processing angiographic images. Instead of using physical measurement tools, the system generates a computational representation of flow conditions that mirrors what invasive wires would measure, thereby eliminating the need for complex physical equipment
3Measurement precision
If three-dimensional modeling is used for flow analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for FFR calculation from angiographic images, rather than creating complete three-dimensional models. The system selectively processes specific image features and parameters that are sufficient for flow reserve determination, eliminating unnecessary modeling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs partial image processing that focuses specifically on the parameters needed for FFR calculation. Instead of generating comprehensive 3D models with full geometric detail, the system processes only the critical flow-related features, achieving sufficient precision without excessive computational burden
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are described for use with an imaging device (12) configured to acquire a set of angiographic images of a lumen. At least one processor (10) determines blood velocity within the lumen, via image processing. The processor determines a value of a flow-related parameter at the location based upon the determined blood velocity. The processor additionally receives an indication of a value of a second flow-related parameter of the subject, and determines a value of a luminal-flow-related index of the subject at the location, by determining a relationship between the value of the current flow-related parameter and the value of the second flow-related parameter. Other applications are also described.