IVUS Vein Segment Tracking for Stable Catheter Pullback Speed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Intraluminal imaging procedures, such as IVUS, often suffer from inconsistent probe movement speeds due to reliance on physician experience, leading to degraded image quality and difficulty in capturing high-resolution images.

Innovation Solution

A system that determines and displays the pullback speed of an intravascular imaging probe based on IVUS images, providing real-time feedback and navigation information to maintain consistent probe speed within a desired range, reducing the need for external tracking and additional equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual pullback control is used, then ease of operation is improved, but pullback speed consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidpullback speed consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system calculates pullback speed by comparing the position of anatomical landmarks across sequential IVUS images and provides real-time feedback to the operator through visual display. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables manual operators to maintain consistent pullback speeds without requiring attachment to mechanical pullback devices, thus preserving ease of operation while improving speed consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If pullback devices are used, then pullback speed consistency is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepullback speed consistencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the IVUS imaging data itself to calculate and determine pullback speed, rather than requiring separate tracking devices or external monitoring equipment. The processor circuit automatically identifies anatomical landmarks, tracks their movement between frames, and computes speed values, enabling the imaging system to self-monitor and self-regulate pullback speed without additional complex hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical pullback devices with a computational approach. Instead of using mechanical mechanisms to enforce constant speed, the system uses image processing algorithms to calculate speed from anatomical landmark displacement between sequential IVUS frames, substituting mechanical control with optical-acoustic measurement and computational analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If fast pullback speed is used, then productivity is improved, but image quality is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time speed feedback to the operator, enabling adjustment of pullback speed to maintain optimal image quality while completing procedures efficiently. By displaying calculated speed values and comparing them against optimal ranges, the system guides operators to maintain speeds that ensure high-resolution imaging without unnecessary delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enhances image quality and consistency by allowing clinicians to maintain optimal probe speed during procedures, improving the accuracy and efficiency of intraluminal imaging.

Implementation Method 1

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasound: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

receive ultrasound echoes reflected from the vessel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEcho: Echo

Data Source

PatentEP4272654B1Speed determination for intraluminal ultrasound imaging and associated devices, systems, and methods

Publication Date: 2025.12.10 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

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AI summary

Disclosed is an intraluminal imaging system, including a processor circuit in communication with an intraluminal imaging catheter, and configured to receive a plurality of intraluminal images obtained by an imaging component of the intraluminal imaging catheter while the intraluminal imaging catheter is moved through a body lumen of a patient. The processor circuit is further configured to automatically identify based on image recognition different vein segments as the imaging component of the intraluminal imaging catheter passes through the vessel, and output to a screen display a label of the identified vein segment and a current frame provided by the intraluminal imaging catheter.