MRI Water-Fat Separation for Tubular Structure Wall Extraction
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for analyzing the shape of tubular structures like blood vessels in MRI imaging face challenges in accurately specifying the vessel wall, particularly in distinguishing the outer wall from the inner wall, which affects tissue characterization and stenosis detection.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device that uses a water/fat separation method in MRI to extract the outer wall of tubular structures from fat images, generating a tubular-structure wall image by distinguishing the wall based on signal distribution, and aligns this with whole heart images for detailed analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional MRI methods using contrast agents are used to image blood flow and identify inner walls, then blood flow visualization is achieved, but outer wall identification becomes inaccurate and requires estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vessel wall analysis into two distinct components: inner wall identification using contrast agent images and outer wall identification using water/fat separated images. This segmentation allows each method to be optimized for its specific purpose, with the outer wall extraction function specifically designed to identify the outer wall without relying on estimation from the inner wall position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water/fat separated images as an intermediary tool to bridge the gap between inner wall identification and outer wall identification. By using the fat image as a mediator, the system can directly visualize and identify the outer wall boundary without needing to estimate it from the inner wall position, thereby improving accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If water/fat separation method is used to extract outer wall, then outer wall identification accuracy is improved, but image processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the MRI system multi-functional by equipping it with both a conventional contrast agent imaging function and a water/fat separation imaging function. This allows the system to perform both inner wall identification and outer wall identification using the same apparatus, avoiding the need for additional specialized equipment while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the outer wall extraction function with the existing MRI imaging system and integrates it with the inner wall identification process. By combining these functions into a unified workflow where both inner and outer walls are identified from respective optimal images, the system reduces overall complexity compared to using separate independent systems.
3Loss of information
If only inner wall is identified from contrast agent images, then blood flow visualization is maintained, but tissue characterization and stenosis detection accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds another dimension to vessel wall analysis by introducing water/fat separated images as a complementary imaging modality. While contrast agent images provide one dimension of information (inner wall and blood flow), the water/fat separated images provide an additional dimension (outer wall boundary), together creating a complete three-dimensional understanding of the vessel wall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary outer wall identification using water/fat separated images before conducting detailed tissue characterization and stenosis detection. By having the outer wall boundary pre-established from the fat image, subsequent analysis of tissue composition and stenosis can be performed with higher precision within the accurately defined vessel wall boundaries.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise identification and characterization of vessel walls, improving the detection of stenosis and plaque analysis, and assessing plaque rupture risk, with enhanced accuracy and visualization of blood flow dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
extract an outer wall of a tubular structure by using a fat image obtained by a water/fat separation method of magnetic resonance imaging
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an image processing device includes memory circuitry configured to store a program; and processing circuitry configured, by executing the program, to extract an outer wall of a tubular structure by using a fat image obtained by a water/fat separation method of magnetic resonance imaging, and generate a tubular-structure wall image in which a wall of the tubular structure is distinguished, based on the outer wall.