3D Myocardium Layer Segmentation for Scar Tissue Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for visualizing heart scar tissue, particularly for guiding the placement of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices, are cumbersome and provide only coarse information, making it difficult for clinicians to accurately assess the location and transmurality of scar tissue within the heart wall, which is crucial for effective electrode attachment.
Innovation Solution
A 3D visualization method that allows users to selectively display and manipulate layers of scar tissue within the myocardium, enabling a more detailed assessment of scar position, burden, and transmurality without projecting onto a 2D plane, thus facilitating the identification of suitable electrode attachment sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If 2D MRI images are used to visualize scar tissue, then the method is simple and widely available, but the assessment of scar location and transmurality is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the myocardium into multiple layers (epicardial, mid-wall, endocardial layers) and visualizes scar tissue distribution in each layer separately. This segmentation allows automated assessment of scar transmurality by calculating the proportion of scar tissue in each layer, eliminating the need for manual scrolling through 2D images and providing rapid quantification of scar burden and transmurality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms 2D MRI image data into a 3D representation of the myocardium with multiple layers. By adding the dimensional aspect of layer depth, the system provides comprehensive visualization of scar tissue distribution through the wall thickness, enabling automated assessment of transmurality without requiring manual review of multiple 2D slices.
2Ease of operation
If bull's-eye plots are used to represent scar distribution, then the visualization is simplified, but only coarse information is provided without detailed position within wall thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the myocardium into distinct layers (subepicardial, mid-wall, subendocardial) and provides separate visualization and assessment for each layer. This segmentation preserves detailed information about the precise location of scar tissue within the wall thickness while maintaining simplified graphical representations similar to bull's-eye plots, allowing clinicians to see both the simplified overview and detailed layer-specific information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimensional aspect of layer depth to the traditional 2D bull's-eye plot by representing scar tissue distribution across multiple layers. This allows the visualization to maintain the simplicity of a plot while incorporating detailed three-dimensional information about scar position within the myocardial wall, showing which layers are affected and to what extent.
3Measurement precision
If manual scrolling through 2D image slices is performed, then detailed review is possible, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent automatically segments the myocardium into layers and calculates scar transmurality for each layer, providing detailed assessment information without requiring manual scrolling. The system processes all 2D image slices automatically, extracts scar tissue location and extent in each layer, and presents the results in a structured format that maintains measurement precision while eliminating the cumbersome manual review process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of scrolling through images with an automated computational system. The system automatically processes MRI data, segments the myocardium, identifies scar tissue, calculates transmurality, and generates visualizations without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining detailed assessment capability while dramatically improving ease of operation.
4Device complexity
If scar tissue is visualized without layer division, then the method is simpler, but accurate assessment of transmurality and electrode placement suitability is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the myocardium into distinct layers (typically three layers: subepicardial, mid-wall, and subendocardial) and visualizes scar tissue distribution in each layer separately. This segmentation enables accurate assessment of transmurality by calculating the proportion of layers affected by scar tissue and the extent of scar within each layer, providing the precision needed for electrode placement decisions while maintaining a systematic and organized visualization approach.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for visualization of scar tissue in medical imaging data of a heart, medical imaging data representing a heart myocardium and scar tissue within the heart myocardium are obtained and provided to a computer. The computer deviates the thickness of the myocardium into a number of layers and calculates the presence and distribution of scar tissue within each of the layers. The scar tissue is shown in a visualization of the myocardium; and a user is provided with controls to allow the user to select which of the layers of scar tissue is visualised.