3D Heart Model Obstruction Assessment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing outflow tract obstruction after mitral valve replacement are error-prone and lack a well-defined quantitative metric, relying heavily on the selection of CT slices and not accounting for the full dimensions of the heart's anatomy.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a geometrical model adapted to volumetric heart images, incorporating an implant model and a trajectory curve through the outflow tract to assess obstruction by comparing adapted and enhanced models, facilitating a more accurate evaluation of obstruction through geometric and fluid mechanics analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a clinician identifies a suitable slice of CT volume and marks the outflow tract manually, then the assessment can be performed with simple equipment, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to slice selection dependency and lack of quantitative criteria
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D slice-based assessment to 3D volumetric model-based assessment. The system creates a three-dimensional model of the heart and outflow tract, allowing measurement of obstruction in multiple dimensions rather than relying on a single selected slice. This dimensional upgrade eliminates slice selection dependency and provides comprehensive quantitative evaluation of the outflow tract geometry and obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital 3D copy of the patient's heart anatomy from CT data. This virtual model can be manipulated, measured, and analyzed without affecting the original patient data. The digital twin allows for precise measurement of outflow tract dimensions, implant positioning, and obstruction assessment through virtual simulation rather than manual slice marking.
2Reliability
If manual slice selection and marking is used for assessment, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the reliability deteriorates due to operator dependency and error-proneness
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated identification of anatomical structures, automatic generation of the 3D model, and automated calculation of obstruction metrics. The algorithm independently processes the CT data to produce consistent, reproducible results without manual intervention for slice selection or landmark identification. This automation eliminates operator dependency while maintaining ease of use through a user-friendly interface that presents ready-to-analyze 3D models.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides quantitative feedback on outflow tract geometry, implant positioning, and predicted obstruction. The automated measurement system compares actual anatomy with ideal configurations and provides objective criteria for assessment, allowing clinicians to verify results and make informed decisions based on precise numerical data rather than subjective visual inspection.
3Measurement precision
If only two-dimensional CT slices are used for assessment, then the data processing is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to account for full heart anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent processes the entire 3D volumetric CT data set rather than selecting individual 2D slices. The system reconstructs the full three-dimensional geometry of the heart, outflow tract, and aorta, enabling measurement of obstruction in the context of complete anatomical structures. This volumetric approach captures the true spatial relationships and dimensions that cannot be represented in 2D cross-sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts specific anatomical features and measurements from the volumetric data, such as outflow tract diameter, length, curvature, and implant positioning parameters. By extracting only the relevant geometric information needed for obstruction assessment from the complete 3D data set, the system maintains measurement precision while managing data complexity through targeted feature extraction rather than processing all raw data.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system, a corresponding method and computer program for assessing outflow tract obstruction of a heart of a subject, the system comprising a unit (10) for providing a geometrical model of the heart, a unit (20) for providing a volumetric image of the heart, a unit (30) for adapting the geometrical model to the volumetric image to obtain an adapted model (32), a unit (40) for providing an implant model (44) of an implant and for constructing the implant model (44) into the adapted model (32) to obtain an enhanced model (42), a unit (60) for determining a trajectory curve (62) through an outflow tract (52), and a unit (50) for assessing outflow tract obstruction based on the adapted model (32), the enhanced model (42) and the trajectory curve (62). The invention allows for an improved assessing of an outflow tract obstruction of a heart of a subject.