Side-by-side medical image comparison tool with nodule tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of tracking and comparing nodular structures across multiple temporal CT scans is extremely time-consuming due to the need to navigate through hundreds of axial image slices, with existing tools inadequately addressing the challenge of matching corresponding features in modern CT scans.
Innovation Solution
A navigational tool provides a side-by-side computer-driven display of two temporally related medical images with lines connecting corresponding nodules, using distinct visual appearances to indicate nodules present in one image but not the other, and includes a scroll bar with markers to facilitate navigation through axial sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiologists manually navigate through hundreds of axial CT image slices to compare nodular structures, then comprehensive comparison is achieved, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex task of nodule comparison by automatically detecting and extracting nodular structures from CT scans, then organizing them into a dedicated comparison interface. This separates the manual navigation task from the automated analysis task, allowing radiologists to focus only on reviewing pre-identified nodules rather than searching through hundreds of slices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary software system that acts as a bridge between the raw CT scan data and the radiologist's analysis. This intermediary automatically performs nodule detection, matching, and comparison across temporal scans, presenting processed information in a structured format that reduces the radiologist's workload while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing tools are used for matching anatomical features in CT scans, then major anatomical structures can be aligned, but matching corresponding nodules remains extremely time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting and cataloging all nodular structures in the CT scan series before the radiologist begins comparison. Nodules are pre-matched across temporal scans using automated algorithms, and potential changes are pre-identified and highlighted, so that the radiologist receives a prepared list of nodules requiring review rather than having to perform manual matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of visually scanning and comparing nodules across hundreds of image slices with an automated computational system. Software algorithms automatically detect nodules, track their positions across scans, identify changes in size or characteristics, and present this information in a structured comparison interface, substituting automated image processing for manual visual inspection.
3Reliability
If radiologists review all axial slices to monitor nodular structures, then no nodules are missed, but the workflow becomes inefficient and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the relevant information (nodular structures) from the vast amount of data represented by hundreds of axial CT slices. By using automated detection algorithms to identify and extract nodules, the system removes unnecessary viewing of non-relevant image areas while ensuring all nodules are captured through systematic automated scanning and detection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically perform nodule detection, characterization, and tracking without requiring manual review of every slice. The software autonomously identifies nodules, matches them across temporal scans, detects changes, and generates comparison reports, allowing the radiologist to review only the extracted and processed nodule information rather than performing the entire analysis manually.
Data Source
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AI summary
A navigation tool that provides a side-by-side display of two temporally related medical images of the same region of a patient. A plurality of lines extend between the images, at least a first line beginning at a feature at a first location in a first image and ending at a corresponding feature at a corresponding location in the second image and at least a second line extending from a feature found at a second location in one of the images toward a corresponding second location in the other image where no corresponding feature is found. Thus, the second line indicates a feature found in one image but not the other. Advantageously, the first and second lines have different visual appearance. For example, they are different colors. Preferably, the navigational tool also includes a scroll bar alongside the display of medical images. On the scroll bar are a series of markers, each marker corresponding to one of the plurality of lines that extend between the images and preferably being aligned with that line.