Automated Left Ventricle Volume Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating cardiac function, particularly left ventricular function, are time-consuming and prone to variability due to their reliance on manual or semi-automatic segmentation of endocardial surfaces, which can lead to inaccurate and reproducible measurements.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that generates endocardial volumes of the left ventricle at both end systole and end diastole phases without further user intervention, using a combination of advanced algorithms such as thresholding, morphological, and connectivity tools, to create anatomically useful planes for cardiac imaging, reducing the need for manual orientation and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual or semi-automatic segmentation of endocardial surfaces is used, then anatomical planes can be created for cardiac imaging, but the process is time-consuming and prone to variability leading to inaccurate and non-reproducible measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated segmentation of endocardial surfaces using computer algorithms that independently process the cardiac imaging data without requiring manual intervention. The algorithm automatically identifies anatomical structures, generates reformatted slices in specific orientations, and calculates functional parameters, enabling the system to serve itself rather than relying on operator input for each measurement task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of anatomical plane creation and measurement with an automated computational system. Instead of operators manually orienting slices and tracing endocardial surfaces, computer algorithms automatically perform these tasks, substituting human manual operations with automated image processing and analysis software that consistently applies the same computational rules to all cases.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual determination of anatomical planes is performed, then accurate anatomical orientations can be achieved, but the workflow becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated processing of cardiac imaging data by pre-segmenting the endocardial surfaces and pre-generating reformatted slices in standard anatomical orientations (short-axis, vertical long-axis, horizontal long-axis) before the operator needs to review the images. This preliminary automated preparation eliminates the need for operators to manually create these standard views during the review process, significantly improving workflow efficiency while maintaining anatomical accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple anatomical orientations are displayed simultaneously for efficient review, then comprehensive cardiac assessment is enabled, but the device complexity and disk space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal automated processing system that handles multiple anatomical orientations and viewing planes through a single integrated algorithmic framework. Rather than requiring separate manual procedures for creating short-axis, vertical long-axis, and horizontal long-axis views, the same automated segmentation and reformatting engine generates all these views simultaneously, reducing system complexity while enabling comprehensive multi-planar cardiac assessment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving a multi-phase axial cardiac dataset, receiving a selection of a phase from a user, when the received selection is systole, generating an endocardial volume of a left ventricle at an end systole phase without further user intervention, and when the received selection is diastole, generating an endocardial volume of the left ventricle at an end diastole phase without further user intervention.