IVUS Segment Mapping for Accurate Intraluminal Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging systems face challenges in accurately determining and labeling key anatomical landmarks during procedures, requiring non-sterile staff to manually bookmark segments and frames, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, affecting treatment planning and recordkeeping.

Innovation Solution

The IVUS pullback virtual venogram system provides a processor circuit that identifies, displays, and records the location of an intravascular imaging probe within the vasculature, offering a stylized figure of the body lumen with segment markers, indicators, and automatic labeling, enhancing positional navigation and reducing staff dependency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual bookmarking of anatomical landmarks is performed by non-sterile staff, then the system can capture IVUS images during the procedure, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of landmark identificationVSAvoidtime required for labeling and measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing the sterile operator to capture IVUS images while the non-sterile operator independently performs bookmarking and labeling of anatomical landmarks without requiring direct interaction or coordination, with both operations occurring simultaneously on separate displays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A graphical representation of the body lumen with annotated landmarks serves as an intermediary that links the IVUS images captured by the sterile operator with the anatomical landmarks identified by the non-sterile operator, enabling accurate correlation without direct communication between operators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If non-sterile staff manually label and measure segments, then detailed anatomical information can be recorded, but the workflow complexity and staff dependency increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of anatomical recordkeepingVSAvoidcomplexity of coordination between operators
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the workflow into separate functional segments: the sterile operator handles IVUS image capture on one display while the non-sterile operator handles landmark identification and labeling on a separate graphical representation, with each operator working independently on their designated task

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides multi-functionality by enabling both IVUS image display and anatomical landmark annotation capabilities within a single integrated system, allowing different operators to perform multiple functions simultaneously without requiring additional equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If accurate measurement and labeling are performed manually, then treatment planning can be optimized, but the tedious nature of the task reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of treatment planning dataVSAvoidefficiency of post-procedure analysis
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by capturing and storing all IVUS images and anatomical landmark information during the procedure itself, so that post-procedure analysis can be performed more efficiently with pre-organized data rather than requiring manual review of raw images later

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system simplifies the correlation between IVUS frames and anatomy, saving time and improving accuracy in landmark identification, enabling efficient workflow and clearer medical records by automating the labeling process.

Implementation Method 1

The transducers emit ultrasonic energy and receive ultrasound echoes reflected from the vessel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasound echo reflection: Echo

Data Source

PatentEP3870063B1Intraluminal ultrasound navigation guidance and associated devices, systems, and methods
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP3870063B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3870063B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3870063B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Disclosed is an intraluminal ultrasound imaging system, comprising a processor circuit in communication with an intraluminal ultrasound imaging catheter, and configured to receive an intraluminal ultrasound image from the imaging catheter within a body lumen of a patient, the body lumen comprising a plurality of segments. The processor is configured to identify a segment of the plurality of segments where the imaging catheter was located when the image was obtained, and output to a display a stylized figure of the body lumen including the plurality of segments, and an indicator identifying the segment in the stylized figure where the imaging catheter was located when the image was obtained.