Fiber Architecture Matrix for Cardiac Tissue Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) methods for mapping cardiac fiber architecture in the heart are limited by their reliance on global coordinate systems, which fail to account for local changes in cardiac morphology, and are unable to fully characterize structural dynamics during heart activity.
Innovation Solution
The development of a fiber architecture matrix (FAM) that projects diffusion tensor eigenvectors onto a local cardiac coordinate system defined by radial, circumferential, and longitudinal axes, allowing for a more accurate characterization of myocardial tissue architecture and dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If diffusion gradients are applied in several selected directions during MRI measurement, then diffusion properties and fiber orientation can be resolved, but the total scan time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selecting a specific subset of gradient directions (six directions arranged in three orthogonal pairs) rather than acquiring data from all possible directions. This partial sampling is sufficient to determine the diffusion tensor parameters (eigenvectors and eigenvalues) needed for fiber orientation mapping, thereby reducing scan time while maintaining measurement precision for the essential diffusion properties
2Device complexity
If global coordinate systems are used for DTI mapping, then the processing is simplified, but local changes in cardiac morphology and structural dynamics cannot be fully characterized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the analysis from a global coordinate system to a local coordinate system that is defined at each voxel based on the principal eigenvector direction. This local quality approach allows the coordinate frame to adapt to the local fiber orientation and morphological changes in different cardiac regions, enabling precise characterization of local architecture and structural dynamics while keeping processing manageable through systematic transformation procedures
3Device complexity
If only the principal eigenvector is used for architecture metrics, then the analysis is simplified, but the ability to fully characterize structural dynamics is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the diffusion tensor eigensystem multi-functional by utilizing all three eigenvectors and eigenvalues for multiple purposes: the principal eigenvector (ê1) characterizes dominant fiber orientation, while the secondary (ê2) and tertiary (ê3) eigenvectors provide additional information about tissue architecture and sheet structure. This comprehensive use of the eigensystem enables full characterization of structural dynamics including helix angles, sheet angles, and fiber dispersion without excessive complexity
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
The FAM provides a comprehensive representation of myocardial tissue architecture and dynamics, enabling better characterization of heart function and potential applications in disease detection and treatment.
Implementation Method 1
motion sensitizing magnetic field gradients are applied using diffusion weighted imaging ('DWI') pulse sequences so that the magnetic resonance images include contrast related to the diffusion of water or other fluid molecules
Implementation Method 2
magnetic resonance imaging ('MRI')
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for mapping myocardial tissue architecture based on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). A set of eigenvectors is derived from diffusion tensor data, where each eigenvector describes the diffusion of spins along one of the Cartesian directions. A radial coordinate axis and a circumferential plane are determined based on anatomical information of the subject, such as from an image depicting the epicardial surface of the subject's heart, A longitudinal coordinate axis and a circumferential coordinate axis are determined based on the radial coordinate axis and circumferential plane, A fiber architecture matrix (FAM) is then computed for locations in the subject's heart based on projecting the set of eigenvectors onto a local coordinate system defined by the circumferential, radial, and longitudinal axes, Maps that represent myocardial tissue architecture can then be generated using the FAM for locations within the subject's heart.