Intraluminal Data Coregistration to Guidewire Without Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravascular imaging techniques require the introduction of contrast agents for co-registration with extraluminal x-ray images, which is time-consuming, prone to errors, and can cause patient discomfort, especially in patients who do not tolerate contrast agents well.
Innovation Solution
A system that coregisters intraluminal data and annotations directly to a guidewire visible within an extraluminal x-ray image without contrast, using a processor circuit to determine the pathway of an intravascular ultrasound device and overlay IVUS images or bookmarks onto the x-ray image, allowing precise location identification without the need for contrast agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If contrast agent is introduced into patient vasculature for co-registration, then vessel visibility in x-ray images is improved, but procedure time increases and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of contrast agents (making vessels visible) and replaces it with a different approach: using the guidewire's radiopaque markers as reference points. Instead of filling the vessel with contrast material, the system uses the already-present guidewire markers visible in x-ray images to establish correspondence between intravascular and extraluminal imaging modalities, thereby eliminating the need for contrast administration and reducing procedure time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the radiopaque markers on the guidewire - that serves as a bridge between intravascular and extraluminal imaging systems. These markers are visible in both imaging modalities, allowing the system to coregister images without requiring contrast agents. The markers act as common reference points that enable spatial correspondence without the harmful side effects of contrast media
2Illumination intensity
If contrast agent is introduced into patient vasculature for co-registration, then vessel visibility in x-ray images is improved, but patient discomfort and adverse reactions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful element (contradiction between visibility and patient safety) by eliminating contrast agents entirely from the procedure. Instead of introducing potentially harmful substances into the patient's vasculature, the system relies on the guidewire's inherent radiopaque markers that cause no patient discomfort or adverse reactions while still enabling vessel visualization and coregistration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the guidewire, which is already present in the patient's vasculature as a necessary component of the procedure, into a beneficial reference tool for imaging coregistration. The radiopaque markers on the guidewire, which would otherwise serve only as structural support, are repurposed as imaging reference points, turning a neutral or potentially problematic element into a useful feature that eliminates the need for harmful contrast agents
3Illumination intensity
If contrast agent is introduced into patient vasculature for co-registration, then vessel visibility in x-ray images is improved, but procedure complexity and error potential increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the procedure by extracting and eliminating the contrast agent administration step entirely. This removes multiple sources of potential error including contrast dosage calculations, injection timing coordination, and monitoring for adverse reactions. The coregistration process becomes more straightforward by relying solely on the guidewire markers that are already in place
Solution Approach 2:
The guidewire serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the intravascular device, maintains vessel access, and acts as a reference tool for image coregistration. The radiopaque markers on the guidewire automatically provide the necessary reference points without requiring additional materials or complex procedures, allowing the existing device to serve its own registration purpose
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
Enables accurate and efficient co-registration of intravascular data with extraluminal images without the use of contrast agents, reducing procedure time and patient discomfort, and avoiding potential adverse reactions to contrast media.
Implementation Method 1
receive a plurality of extraluminal images obtained by the extraluminal imaging device during movement of an intraluminal imaging catheter along a guidewire within a body lumen of a patient, wherein the plurality of extraluminal images are obtained without a contrast agent within the body lumen, wherein the plurality of extraluminal images show the guidewire and a radiopaque portion of the intraluminal imaging catheter
Data Source
AI summary
A co-registration system includes a processor circuit that co-registers intravascular data and user annotations to locations along a guidewire shown in an x-ray image. The processor circuit receives, from an x-ray imaging device, x-ray images of a blood vessel while anintravascular catheter moves through the blood vessel along a guidewire. The processor circuit receives, from the catheter, intravascular data representative of the blood vessel while the catheter moves through the blood vessel. The processor circuit co-registers the intravascular data to locations along the guidewire shown in the x-ray image received from the x-ray imaging device. The processor circuit also generates and co-registers annotations such as bookmarks to the guidewire.