Intravascular Imaging Control Device for IVUS and OCT Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic imaging technologies, such as IVUS and OCT/OFDI, have different characteristics and limitations, making it challenging to support accurate diagnosis by comparing their images effectively, and existing methods do not adequately assist in using images from multiple signal transceivers for comprehensive vascular analysis.
Innovation Solution
A control device that acquires and processes signals from both ultrasound and optical transceivers, generating and displaying cross-sectional and vascular axial sectional images simultaneously, allowing for synchronized radial scanning and data association with transceiver positions, enabling accurate comparison and diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If images from multiple diagnostic imaging apparatuses (IVUS and OCT/OFDI) are used for diagnosis, then diagnostic accuracy can be improved through comparison, but the complexity of managing and comparing images from different transceivers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device merges images from multiple transceivers (IVUS and OCT/OFDI) into a single integrated display interface. The image display unit combines axial sectional images and cross-sectional images from different transceivers, allowing physicians to compare images simultaneously without managing separate systems, thus improving diagnostic accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The control device serves multiple functions: it acquires signals from different transceiver types, processes various image formats, manages synchronized radial scanning, and displays combined images. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to handle diverse imaging modalities, reducing the need for multiple separate systems and simplifying the overall diagnostic workflow
2Manufacturing precision
If separate driving operations are performed for each transceiver, then optimal scanning conditions can be achieved for each technology, but the time required for complete vascular analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device enables continuous image acquisition by orchestrating overlapping driving operations of multiple transceivers. While one transceiver is acquiring data, another can be processed or prepared, ensuring continuous progress in vascular analysis without idle time. The synchronized radial scanning maintains continuous scanning motion while processing data from multiple sources simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The control device performs preliminary processing and preparation of images from different transceivers before final display. By pre-processing images and preparing them for integration in advance, the system reduces the time required for final image assembly and presentation to the physician, allowing optimal scanning conditions to be maintained without extending overall diagnosis time
3Loss of information
If radial scanning is performed for both IVUS and OCT/OFDI, then comprehensive vascular images can be obtained, but the mechanical complexity of rotating multiple transceivers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device merges the scanning control functions for multiple transceivers into a unified control system. The synchronized radial scanning unit coordinates the rotation of different transceivers as a single integrated operation, reducing mechanical complexity by consolidating control functions while maintaining comprehensive image acquisition capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary between the multiple transceivers and the display system. It mediates the complex coordination required for synchronized radial scanning by processing signals from different transceivers and integrating them into a coherent set of images, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining image completeness
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
The control device facilitates accurate diagnosis by allowing simultaneous display and comparison of images from multiple transceivers at the same intravascular position, improving diagnostic accuracy and image quality by utilizing optimal scanning conditions for each technology, while preventing image deterioration from flush operations.
Implementation Method 1
IVUS performs radial scanning by emitting an ultrasound wave into a blood vessel while rotating a transceiver consisting of an ultrasound transducer under a state where an ultrasound probe part containing the transceiver is inserted in the blood vessel, and receiving a reflected wave from a living body
Implementation Method 2
A vascular sectional image is extracted based on the strength of an ultrasound echo signal generated by subjecting the reflected wave obtained thus to processes such as an amplification, detection and so on
Implementation Method 3
OCT performs a radial scanning by emitting measurement light into a blood vessel while rotating a transceiver with its distal end to which an optical lens and an optical mirror are attached, and receiving reflected light from living body tissues
Implementation Method 4
A vascular sectional image based on interference light is extracted by causing the reflected wave obtained thus and reference light separated from the measurement light to interfere with each other
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method for assisting in a diagnosis using images obtained by a plurality of signal transceivers. The method includes causing a drive unit for driving a probe inserted in a blood vessel to execute a first driving to perform measurement using a first signal transceiver on the probe and a second driving to perform measurement using a second signal transceiver on the probe. The method includes acquiring a signal measured using the first signal transceiver on the probe during the first driving, information indicating a position of the first signal transceiver when the signal is obtained, a signal measured using the second signal transceiver on the probe during the second driving, and information indicating a position of the second signal transceiver when the signal is obtained. The method includes causing a display unit to simultaneously display a first vascular image at a first intravascular position obtained using the first signal transceiver and a second vascular image at the first intravascular position obtained using the second signal transceiver.