Implanted Lead Orientation Detection via CT Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices face challenges in determining the orientation of implanted leads with respect to patient tissue, which is crucial for effective programming and therapy delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing computed tomography (CT) image data to identify hypointensive and hyperintensive portions, determining the orientation of the lead based on the spatial relationship between these portions, and outputting the orientation for clinical use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CT imaging is used to detect lead orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that bridges the CT imaging device and the lead orientation detection. The processing circuitry acts as a mediator that receives CT image data, applies image processing algorithms to identify the lead and determine its orientation, and outputs the orientation information. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system complexity by encapsulating the complex image processing functions in a dedicated processing module rather than requiring the entire imaging system to be directly involved in orientation detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential orientation detection function from the complex CT imaging system. Instead of requiring full CT imaging capabilities for orientation detection, the system extracts only the necessary image data and processing steps needed to determine lead orientation. This extraction approach reduces device complexity by focusing only on the critical functions needed for orientation measurement while leveraging the existing CT imaging infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If image processing is used to determine lead orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing and preparing the CT image data before the actual orientation detection process. The processing circuitry is configured to receive and preliminarily process CT image data, identifying relevant features and structures in advance. This preliminary preparation reduces the time required for the actual orientation determination by having the data ready and pre-processed, thus improving the overall efficiency while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements skipping by directly processing only the essential image data needed for orientation detection without unnecessary intermediate steps. The processing circuitry efficiently skips through non-relevant image processing operations and focuses directly on extracting lead orientation information from the CT data. This streamlined approach reduces processing time by eliminating redundant steps while maintaining the necessary measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and techniques are disclosed for determining an orientation of an implanted medical lead. For example, a system may include processing circuitry configured to receive image data representing a lead implanted within a patient, identify, from the image data, at least one hypointensive portion, identify, from the image data, at least one hyperintensive portion, determine, based on the at least one hypointensive portion and the at least one hyperintensive portion, an orientation of the lead within the patient, and output the orientation of the lead.