Lead Extraction Imaging for Vessel Adhesion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lead extraction procedures lack precision in determining the adhesion of leads to blood vessels, particularly in complex extractions like those in the superior vena cava, leading to potential complications.

Innovation Solution

A device and method utilizing image alignment and stacking to enhance signal-to-noise ratio, identifying static and moving parts by aligning images based on spatial relations, and marking adhered lead sections through increased signal-to-noise ratio in X-ray images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional imaging methods are used during lead extraction, then the procedure can be performed with standard equipment, but the precision in determining lead adhesion to vessel walls is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion determination precisionVSAvoidimaging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system segments the blood vessel into multiple cross-sectional slices and processes each slice independently through alignment and stacking operations. This segmentation allows precise adhesion determination at each location while managing overall system complexity through modular processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from 2D fluoroscopic images to 3D reconstructed images by stacking multiple aligned 2D slices. This dimensional transformation enables precise determination of lead adhesion in three-dimensional space, resolving the limitation of conventional 2D imaging

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If multiple images are aligned and stacked to enhance signal-to-noise ratio, then adhesion identification is facilitated, but processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion detection accuracyVSAvoidimage processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary alignment of image slices using identified anatomical landmarks and vessel wall features before stacking. This preliminary action establishes correct spatial relationships early in the process, enabling efficient subsequent processing and reducing overall computation time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment and stacking process operates continuously on incoming image data during the lead extraction procedure. By maintaining continuous processing rather than batch processing, the system minimizes interruptions and reduces total processing time while preserving adhesion detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If image alignment is performed based on spatial relations of the lead, then stacked images provide accurate adhesion assessment, but the complexity of alignment algorithms increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelead position accuracyVSAvoidalignment algorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses identified vessel wall features and anatomical landmarks as intermediary reference points for aligning image slices. These intermediaries simplify the alignment process by providing stable, easily identifiable markers that reduce the complexity of direct lead-based alignment algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4687093A1Removing leads inside a vessel
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4687093A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4687093A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4687093A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of removing leads inside a vessel. For an improved imaging during an extraction procedure, a device (10) for determining an adhesion of a lead inside a vessel is provided. The device comprises a data input (12), a data processor (14) and an output interface (16). The data input is configured to provide a plurality of images of a region of interest of a blood vessel of a subject, in which region of interest a lead is located inside the vessel. The data processor is configured to align at least a part of the images of the plurality of images with each other. The aligning is provided based on a predetermined feature in the image relating to a spatial relation of the lead in the vessel. The data processor is also configured to stack the aligned images. Further, the output interface is configured to provide the stacked images for assessment of an adhesion of the lead at an inner side of the vessel wall.