Heart Deformation Imaging for Automated CAD Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing echocardiography systems rely heavily on visual analysis by clinicians, lacking robust computer-assisted methods for quantifying heart deformation and comparing rest and stress conditions to diagnose conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD) accurately.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for measuring heart deformation using image analysis, including parameter calculation and comparison with reference data, employing a decision tree algorithm for diagnostic output, and utilizing machine learning to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual analysis by clinicians is used, then diagnostic flexibility and contextual understanding are maintained, but measurement precision and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces computer-assisted analysis tools as an intermediary between the clinician and the raw echocardiography images. The system automatically detects anatomical landmarks, calculates deformation parameters, and generates quantitative measurements, serving as a mediator that enhances measurement precision while preserving clinician oversight and diagnostic judgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual measurement methods with automated computer-based image analysis algorithms. The system uses digital image processing to automatically track myocardial motion, calculate strain and deformation parameters, and generate quantitative results, substituting manual mechanical measurement processes with automated computational methods.
2Measurement precision
If automated computer analysis is implemented, then measurement precision and consistency improve, but ease of operation deteriorates due to technical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the automated analysis system performs measurements and calculations independently without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically detects anatomical features, tracks myocardial motion through multiple image frames, computes deformation parameters, and generates diagnostic reports, allowing the system to serve itself and reducing the operational burden on clinicians.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary automated processing of echocardiography images, including automatic landmark detection, boundary segmentation, and motion tracking, before presenting results to the clinician. This preliminary action prepares the data and reduces the manual work required, improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision.
3Reliability
If multiple parameters are calculated and compared, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but loss of time in data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated calculation of multiple deformation parameters throughout the image analysis process. The system simultaneously computes various strain measures, deformation metrics, and comparative values across different cardiac conditions, maintaining continuous useful action rather than sequential processing, thereby reducing time loss while improving diagnostic accuracy through comprehensive parameter analysis.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for diagnosing a heart condition comprises an imaging system (102) arranged to acquire two images of the heart at respective points in the cardiac cycle, and locating means, which may be manually operated or automatic, for locating a series of pairs of points on the images. Each pair of points indicates the respective positions of a single part of the heart in the two images. The system further comprises a processor (108) arranged to calculate from the positions of said pairs of points a value of at least one parameter of the deformation of the heart. It may further be arranged to compare the value of the at least one parameter with reference data to generate a diagnostic output.