Interventional Device Size Assessment via Reference Object Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining the size of small features of interventional devices in temporal sequences of X-ray images is challenging due to their small size and motion during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising one or more processors that receive X-ray image data, identify the interventional device and a reference object, generate image representations of both, and display them in close proximity for comparative assessment of size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If temporal sequences of X-ray images are captured during medical procedures, then real-time navigation and treatment execution are enabled, but determining the size of small interventional device features becomes challenging due to their small size and motion in the images
Solution Approach 1:
A reference object with known dimensions is introduced as an intermediary element into the X-ray image field. This reference object serves as a mediator that provides a basis for comparing and determining the actual size of interventional device features. The reference object's known dimensions allow clinicians to calculate scaling factors and convert measured pixel distances into real-world measurements, thereby resolving the measurement precision issue while maintaining real-time imaging capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a scaled representation or copy of the reference object within the imaging system that can be directly compared to the interventional device features. By having a known reference copy in the same image plane, the system enables accurate size determination through visual comparison and measurement, overcoming the challenge of determining small feature sizes in dynamic X-ray sequences
2Manufacturing precision
If the dimensions of interventional device features are made small (a few millimeters) to enable precise treatment, then treatment precision is improved, but the ability to determine their sizes in X-ray images deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reference object acts as an intermediary measurement standard that bridges the gap between small device features and the limited resolution of X-ray imaging. By providing a known-size reference in the same image plane, clinicians can use it as a ruler to accurately measure even the smallest device features, thereby enabling precise measurement of millimeter-scale components without requiring larger feature sizes
3Stability of the object's composition
If motion of the interventional device is allowed during the temporal sequence (e.g., due to heart beating), then physiological realism is maintained, but the determination of device feature sizes is hampered
Solution Approach 1:
The reference object serves as a stable intermediary reference frame that remains relatively stationary or has known motion characteristics during the temporal sequence. By providing a consistent reference point or object with known dimensions and position, the system enables measurement of device features even when they are moving due to physiological processes. The reference object allows for motion compensation and accurate size determination despite the dynamic physiological environment
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for assessing a size of a portion of an interventional device, is provided. The system comprising one or more processors configured to: receive X-ray image data comprising a temporal sequence of images representing the interventional device (130) and a reference object (140); identify, in the images in the temporal sequence, at least the portion of the interventional device (130), and the reference object (140); and generate, for a current image in the temporal sequence, a first image representation (150) of the portion of the interventional device (130), and a second image representation (160) of the reference object (140). The first image representation (150) and the second image representation (160) are displayed in relation to each other for comparing the size of the portion of the interventional device (130) with a size of the reference object (140), for example by displaying the image representations in close proximity to each other