Intraluminal Image-Based Vessel Diameter Calculation for Stent Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraluminal imaging technologies face challenges in accurately measuring vessel diameters, particularly in complex geometries such as concave cross-sections, leading to inaccurate stent sizing due to stenoses and other structural irregularities.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for computing geometrically derived vessel measurements based on intraluminal ultrasound images, utilizing algorithms to identify and quantify lumen boundaries, cross-sectional area, and volume, assuming a circular cross-section to derive intrinsic diameter measurements, which can be used for stent sizing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct diameter measurements are used on complex vessel geometries, then measurement process is simple, but measurement precision deteriorates due to concave cross-sections and stenoses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the measurement approach by changing from direct linear diameter measurement to measuring geometric parameters (perimeter, area, volume) and then calculating intrinsic diameter through mathematical transformation. This parameter change enables accurate measurement of complex geometries by converting them into equivalent circular representations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces geometric intermediaries (perimeter, cross-sectional area, volume) as intermediate measurement steps between the complex vessel geometry and the final diameter measurement. These intermediaries serve as mediators that capture the essential geometric properties without being directly affected by the complexity of the vessel shape.
2Measurement precision
If complex diameter averaging methods are applied, then measurement precision improves for complex geometries, but productivity deteriorates due to increased computational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential geometric information (perimeter, area, volume) needed for diameter calculation, discarding unnecessary details of the complex vessel geometry. This extraction approach maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing computational complexity compared to comprehensive diameter averaging methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from multiple diameter measurements requiring averaging to three fundamental geometric parameters (perimeter, area, volume) that can be directly measured and transformed into intrinsic diameter through simple calculations.
3Measurement precision
If multiple diameter measurements and averaging are performed, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the measurement parameters from multiple linear diameter measurements to three fundamental geometric parameters (perimeter, area, volume). This parameter transformation simplifies the measurement system by replacing complex multi-step diameter measurements with direct geometric property measurements followed by mathematical transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement approach using intrinsic diameter that can handle all vessel geometries (circular, elliptical, concave, irregular) through a single consistent methodology. This universal approach eliminates the need for different measurement techniques for different vessel shapes, reducing overall system complexity.
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
Provides accurate and efficient vessel diameter measurements, enabling optimal stent sizing without the need for complex diameter averaging, thus improving clinical outcomes by ensuring proper vessel expansion without stretching.
Implementation Method 1
The transducers emit ultrasonic energy and receive ultrasound echoes reflected from the vessel
Implementation Method 2
receive ultrasound echoes reflected from the vessel
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an intraluminal imaging system, including an intraluminal imaging catheter or guidewire configured to be positioned within an anatomy of a patient, and a processor circuit in communication with the imaging catheter or guidewire, wherein the processor circuit is configured to receive a plurality of cross-sectional images of the anatomy from the imaging catheter or guidewire. The processor is further configured to compute, using image processing of at least one of the cross-sectional images, a value of the anatomy, estimate a cross-sectional shape of the anatomy to be circular, calculate a diameter of the anatomy based on the computed value and the estimated circular shape, and output the diameter of the anatomy to a display.