3D Heart-Thorax Reconstruction Using Echo and X-Ray Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques lack the ability to generate accurate three-dimensional shape data of the thorax and heart inside the thorax using non-radiation-based medical images, such as echo and X-ray images, which are commonly used during treatment, to avoid exposing patients to high radiation doses.
Innovation Solution
A method to generate three-dimensional shape data of the thorax and heart using echo image data for the heart and X-ray image data for the thorax, determining the heart's position and orientation within the thorax based on X-ray images, allowing for precise alignment and inclusion of internal structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CT imaging is used to generate three-dimensional shape data of the thorax and heart, then manufacturing precision and measurement precision are improved, but patient radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple types of medical images (echo images for heart, X-ray images for thorax) to generate comprehensive three-dimensional shape data. By merging data from different imaging modalities, the system achieves accurate three-dimensional reconstruction without relying solely on CT imaging, thereby reducing radiation exposure while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses echo images and X-ray images as intermediary data sources to create three-dimensional shape models. These intermediaries allow the system to obtain accurate anatomical information without direct CT scanning, serving as a substitute that reduces radiation exposure while preserving measurement accuracy through sophisticated image processing and three-dimensional reconstruction algorithms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If separate imaging methods are used for heart and thorax, then device complexity is reduced and patient radiation exposure is minimized, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional echo and X-ray images to three-dimensional shape data by adding a spatial dimension through computational processing. This dimensional transformation enables accurate alignment and positioning of the heart within the thorax by reconstructing three-dimensional coordinates and spatial relationships from the original two-dimensional image data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical alignment methods with computational image processing and data fusion techniques. Instead of using mechanical positioning or physical markers, the system uses algorithms to automatically align and integrate heart and thorax data from different imaging modalities, achieving precise positioning through digital processing rather than mechanical means.
3Measurement precision
If CT imaging is used to obtain accurate three-dimensional shape data, then measurement precision is improved, but the harmful factors to the patient increase due to high radiation dose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the limitations of echo and X-ray imaging (lower individual image quality compared to CT) into benefits by using their low radiation exposure as an advantage. By processing multiple lower-dose images through advanced algorithms, the system achieves CT-level accuracy while maintaining the low radiation benefit, effectively turning the perceived weakness into a strength.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus generates heart shape data indicating a three-dimensional shape including an internal structure of a heart of a subject based on echo image data indicating a cross-sectional image of the heart. The information processing apparatus then generates thorax shape data indicating a three-dimensional shape of a thorax of the subject based on X-ray image data indicating an X-ray image of the thorax of the subject. The information processing apparatus then decides, based on an image of the heart appearing in the X-ray image, a position and an orientation of the three-dimensional shape of the heart indicated by the heart shape data within the three-dimensional shape of the thorax indicated by the thorax shape data.