3D Flow Imaging via Bolus X-ray Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging methods, such as 2D DSA and 4D-flow MRI, are inadequate for providing detailed, three-dimensional flow patterns within vascular structures like aneurysms during interventional procedures due to limitations in compatibility with interventional suites and accuracy, leading to a need for systems and methods that can produce 3D images of internal flow patterns compatible with an interventional setting.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a power injector to deliver contrast agent as a series of boluses, coordinated with x-ray imaging and reconstruction processes, to create time-resolved volumetric images of flow dynamics within vascular structures, allowing for the generation of 3D volumes of contrast agent movement within the subject.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 2D DSA imaging is used to visualize blood flow, then the imaging can be performed in the interventional suite, but it does not provide complete information of three-dimensional flow patterns inside vascular structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D projection imaging to 3D volumetric imaging by acquiring multiple projection images from different angles and reconstructing them into three-dimensional volumes. This allows complete 3D flow pattern information to be captured while maintaining compatibility with the interventional suite environment using x-ray imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple imaging techniques and data processing methods: x-ray projection imaging, contrast agent bolus injection, temporal resolution, and 3D reconstruction algorithms. This composite approach integrates the advantages of each method to achieve comprehensive 3D flow visualization in the interventional setting.
2Loss of information
If 4D-flow MRI is used to image complex blood flow patterns, then detailed three-dimensional flow dynamics can be obtained, but it is incompatible with the interventional suite environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the 4D-flow MRI capability using x-ray imaging technology. By injecting contrast agent boluses and performing 3D reconstruction with temporal resolution, it replicates the flow dynamics visualization capability of MRI but within the x-ray interventional suite environment, avoiding the need for patient transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the MRI mechanical and magnetic field-based imaging system with an x-ray based system. Instead of using magnetic resonance physics, it employs x-ray attenuation of contrast agents combined with 3D reconstruction algorithms to achieve similar flow visualization goals in the interventional environment.
3Loss of information
If computational fluid dynamics simulations are used to evaluate interventions, then patient-specific flow analysis can be performed, but it requires lengthy computations and is sensitive to boundary conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the imaging system to directly capture and provide patient-specific flow information through contrast agent bolus tracking and 3D reconstruction. This eliminates the need for separate CFD simulations by having the imaging system itself generate the flow analysis data in real-time during the interventional procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs flow visualization during the actual interventional procedure rather than requiring preliminary or post-procedural CFD simulations. The contrast agent bolus injection and 3D reconstruction are executed in real-time, providing immediate patient-specific flow information to guide the intervention without lengthy computations.
4Loss of information
If 4D-flow MRI is used to image flow patterns, then detailed internal flow dynamics can be visualized, but it requires removing the patient from the interventional suite
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the interventional suite imaging system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both standard angiographic imaging and 3D flow dynamics visualization using contrast agent bolus techniques. This universal capability eliminates the need to transfer patients to separate MRI facilities for flow analysis.
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 the creation of 3D images of internal flow patterns within vascular structures, providing clinicians with valuable information for guiding interventions by overcoming the limitations of existing imaging methods, including compatibility with interventional environments and accuracy in depicting complex flow dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray imaging system configured to acquire a reference dataset of the subject before the contrast agent is delivered to the subject and to acquire an imaging dataset as the series of boluses are delivered to the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided for imaging a contrast agent. The system includes a power injector that delivers a contrast agent as a series of boluses using a known period, flow rate, or duration and with a rate of at least one or more separate boluses per cardiac cycle. An x-ray imaging system acquires a reference dataset of the subject before the contrast agent is delivered and acquires an imaging dataset as the series of boluses are delivered to the subject, wherein multiple images are acquired of the subject per bolus. A computer system receives the reference dataset and the imaging dataset from the x-ray imaging system and reconstructs the reference dataset and the imaging dataset using a reconstruction process that removes the subject from the images to generate time-resolved volumetric images of the contrast agent moving within a volume of the subject without the subject.