3D Ultrasound Follicle Tracking for Hormone Dosage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing follicle growth in ovaries lack the ability to track follicle growth at regular time intervals, making it difficult to accurately determine hormone dosages for follicular stimulation in assisted reproduction procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a signal processor to detect and track follicles in 3D ultrasound images, monitor their growth, and determine hormone dosages based on detected parameters, generating reports and nomographs for predicting follicular growth and ovarian response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual methods are used to determine follicle growth and hormone dosage, then flexibility in treatment planning is maintained, but measurement precision and tracking accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual assessment and mechanical measurement methods with an automated image processing system that uses ultrasound imaging combined with computer-aided detection algorithms to automatically detect, segment, and measure follicles, thereby improving measurement precision while managing system complexity through software automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital model (nomograph) that copies and represents the complex relationship between follicle growth parameters and hormone dosage responses, allowing clinicians to query the model for treatment recommendations without requiring deep expertise in interpreting raw ultrasound data, thus improving precision while maintaining ease of use
2Reliability
If follicle tracking is performed at irregular intervals, then clinical workflow is simplified, but the ability to accurately monitor growth rates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the automated system continuously monitors follicle growth across multiple ultrasound scans taken at different time points, comparing measurements against the nomograph model to provide real-time feedback on growth rates and predict optimal hormone dosage adjustments, thereby improving reliability without significantly impacting workflow efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary automated analysis of follicle measurements and growth patterns before clinical decision-making is required, pre-calculating growth rates and generating treatment recommendations in advance, which allows for reliable monitoring while maintaining efficient clinical workflows by reducing on-site analysis time
3Adaptability or versatility
If standardized hormone dosing protocols are used, then treatment consistency is improved, but adaptability to individual patient responses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring hormone dosage recommendations to each individual patient's specific follicle growth characteristics, ovarian volume, and response patterns captured in the nomograph model, rather than applying uniform dosing protocols, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through automated personalized analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts treatment parameters (hormone dosage, timing) based on measured changes in follicle growth rate, ovarian volume, and other quantified parameters from sequential ultrasound scans, allowing the treatment protocol to adapt to individual patient responses while the system manages the complexity of multiple varying parameters through automated tracking and modeling
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 accurate and automatic follicle quantification and growth tracking, allowing for precise hormone dosage determination and improved assisted reproduction outcomes by providing a patient-specific model for follicular growth management.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasound imaging apparatus irradiates an ultrasound signal, generated by a transducer of a probe, to the ovary and receives information via an echo signal reflected from the ovary
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method and a ultrasound imaging apparatus for managing growth of follicles in an ovary where the method comprises detecting, by a signal processor, the follicles and a plurality of parameters associated with each follicle in a three dimensional (3D) ultra sound image, tracking the detected follicles in a longitudinal scan, monitoring a rate of growth of each follicle based on the detected parameters in the longitudinal scan, determining a dosage of hormone for stimulating the ovary based on the rate of growth of each follicle, and generating a report and a nomograph based on the rate of growth of each follicle.