Intravascular Imaging FFR Calculation With Branch Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) methods during Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) procedures are costly and increase interventional risk due to inaccuracies in calculating patient-specific values and neglecting pressure loss from arterial branches, leading to confusion in image interpretation and suboptimal PCI outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing intravascular imaging modalities like OCT, IVUS, NIRF, and NIRAF to calculate FFR by adjusting for coronary stenosis severity and branch flow distribution, enabling real-time, patient-specific FFR calculations that account for arterial branch pressure loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing virtual FFR methods are used, then FFR calculation is performed, but accuracy is poor due to neglecting pressure loss from arterial branches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the calculation parameters by incorporating pressure loss values from arterial branches into the FFR calculation. Instead of using only the stenotic segment, the system now integrates pressure loss data from multiple arterial branches to compute a more accurate patient-specific FFR value, directly addressing the accuracy problem described in the technical contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the coronary artery into multiple arterial branches and calculates pressure loss for each branch separately. This segmentation allows the system to account for pressure loss in each individual branch rather than treating the entire vascular bed as a single unit, thereby improving the precision of patient-specific FFR calculation.
2Loss of information
If multiple intravascular imaging modalities are used, then comprehensive imaging information is obtained, but image interpretation becomes confused due to information overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and prioritizes specific imaging information from multiple modalities that is most relevant to FFR calculation. By selecting and extracting only the critical parameters needed for accurate FFR computation, the system reduces information overload while maintaining completeness of essential imaging data, making interpretation easier for clinicians.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges data from multiple intravascular imaging modalities (OCT, IVUS, NIRF, NIRAF) into a unified FFR calculation framework. This merging approach integrates the strengths of each modality while presenting a consolidated result, reducing the complexity of interpreting multiple separate imaging datasets.
3Measurement precision
If specialized pressure catheter is used for FFR measurement, then accurate FFR value is obtained, but procedural cost and interventional risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the FFR measurement process using intravascular imaging data and computational algorithms. Instead of requiring a physical pressure catheter to directly measure pressure, the system uses imaging modalities to reconstruct pressure loss calculations, providing an accurate virtual FFR value that eliminates the need for complex pressure measurement hardware and reduces procedural risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure catheter system with an optical and computational system. By substituting the mechanical pressure measurement approach with intravascular imaging (OCT, IVUS, NIRF, NIRAF) and computational fluid dynamics, the system achieves accurate FFR measurement without the mechanical complexity and associated risks of catheter-based pressure sensing.
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
Improves FFR accuracy, reduces procedural costs and risks by providing real-time, patient-specific FFR values, optimizing PCI procedures and enhancing procedural success.
Implementation Method 1
OCT is a technique for obtaining high-resolution cross-sectional images of tissues or materials, and enables real time visualization. The aim of the OCT techniques is to measure the time delay of light by using an interference optical system or interferometry
Implementation Method 2
The interference patterns are generated when the path length of the sample arm matches that of the reference arm to within the coherence length of the light source
Implementation Method 3
The output of the interferometer is detected with one or more detectors, such as, but not limited to, photodiodes or multi-array cameras, in one or more devices, such as, but not limited to, a spectrometer
Data Source
AI summary
One or more devices, systems, methods and storage mediums for optical imaging medical devices, such as, but not limited to, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), single mode OCT, and/or multi-modal OCT apparatuses and systems, and methods and storage mediums for use with same, for viewing, controlling, updating, and emphasizing one or more imaging modalities and/or for calculating one or more Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) values or measurements are provided herein. Examples of applications include imaging, evaluating, and diagnosing biological objects, such as, but not limited to, for Gastro-intestinal, cardio, and/or ophthalmic applications, and being obtained via one or more optical instruments, such as, but not limited to, optical probes, catheters, and endoscopes. Techniques provided herein improve processing and imaging efficiency while achieving images that are more precise, and achieve imaging devices, systems, methods, and storage mediums that reduce mental and physical burden, that cost less, and that improve ease of use.