3D Lung Perfusion Visualization for Emboli Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing pulmonary embolism are limited by the difficulty in visualizing and analyzing 2D images of lung perfusion, making it challenging to identify abnormal perfusion regions and locate emboli effectively, which is critical for timely diagnosis and assessing blood flow in the lungs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for 3D visualization of lung perfusion or density that segments image data, generates a 3D map as a color-coded semi-transparent volume, and classifies regions of abnormal perfusion, allowing for immediate identification of emboli and other abnormalities, using adaptive smoothing or texture filtering techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If 2D visualization methods are used for lung perfusion, then some useful information is conveyed, but it is difficult to keep track of regions of abnormal perfusion and their location with respect to emboli
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D visualization to 3D volume rendering of lung perfusion data. This dimensional change enables medical practitioners to view the entire lung volume in a single view, making it significantly easier to track regions of abnormal perfusion and locate emboli within the three-dimensional anatomical context, thereby resolving the tracking difficulty inherent in 2D representations
2Measurement precision
If multiple 2D slices are generated to identify segmental and sub-segmental emboli, then detection capability is improved, but the process becomes time-consuming and does not lend itself to immediate visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple 2D perfusion slices into a single integrated 3D volume rendering. This consolidation maintains the detection capability for segmental and sub-segmental emboli while presenting all information in one unified view, eliminating the need to sequentially examine multiple slices and enabling immediate visualization for faster diagnosis
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning from examining multiple 2D slices to viewing a single 3D volume, the patent reduces the time required for emboli detection while maintaining precision. The three-dimensional representation allows radiologists to rapidly assess the entire lung parenchyma and identify perfusion defects without the time-consuming process of navigating through numerous two-dimensional sections
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for 3D visualization of a pair of lungs are provided. The method comprises: segmenting image data of the pair of lungs and lung parenchyma; generating a 3D map as a function of the segmented image data; and rendering the 3D map as a color-coded semi-transparent 3D volume, wherein an opaque region highlights an area of interest.