Non-contrast DECT for Myocardial Fibrosis Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting and quantifying myocardial fibrosis, such as histological analysis and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance techniques, are invasive, limited by sampling errors, and not suitable for all patients due to claustrophobia or non-MR compatible implants, while existing CT techniques require iodinated contrast and are less effective in differentiating collagen from other tissues.

Innovation Solution

Non-contrast dual energy computed tomography (DECT) with multi-energy analysis is used to acquire and reconstruct images at various energy levels, allowing for the differentiation of collagen from other tissues through attenuation values and material decomposition techniques, enabling non-invasive detection and quantification of myocardial fibrosis without the need for exogenous contrast agents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If histological analysis is used to detect myocardial fibrosis, then detection accuracy is improved, but invasiveness increases due to required biopsy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidinvasiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive biopsy system with a non-invasive imaging system. Specifically, it substitutes histological analysis requiring tissue extraction with dual-energy CT imaging that detects fibrosis through x-ray attenuation differences, eliminating the need for physical tissue sampling while maintaining diagnostic capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary substance (contrast agent) that enhances the detectability of fibrotic tissue. The contrast agent accumulates in the extracellular space of fibrotic myocardium, creating attenuation differences that allow indirect detection of fibrosis through imaging, thereby achieving accurate detection without direct tissue examination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If contrast-enhanced CT techniques are used to estimate ECV, then detection capability is improved, but harmful exposure to iodinated contrast increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidcontrast agent exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the energy parameter of x-ray imaging by employing dual-energy acquisition at two different kVp levels (e.g., 80 kVp and 140 kVp). This parameter change enables material decomposition that can differentiate collagen from other tissues based on their distinct attenuation characteristics at different energies, achieving accurate fibrosis detection without requiring iodinated contrast agents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If single-energy CT is used for imaging, then device complexity is reduced, but material differentiation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging system complexityVSAvoidmaterial differentiation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the imaging process into two distinct energy acquisitions (low energy and high energy). By dividing the imaging into multiple energy segments, the system can calculate attenuation values at each energy level and use material decomposition algorithms to differentiate between collagen, fat, and other myocardial tissues, achieving superior material differentiation compared to single-energy imaging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This approach provides a non-invasive, effective, and reliable method for assessing myocardial fibrosis, outperforming single-energy CT techniques by accurately classifying the severity of fibrosis and differentiating collagen, thus offering a valuable alternative to traditional methods for diagnosing and treating heart conditions.

Implementation Method 1

non-contrast DECT with multi-energy analysis offers strong material discrimination abilities due to inherent differences in attenuation at multiple x-ray energies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray attenuation: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS10932741B2Assessing a condition of a subject using non-contrast dual energy computed tomography

Publication Date: 2021.03.02 OHIO STATE INNOVATION FOUND

AI summary

In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to a method for non-invasively assessing a myocardial region of a subject by computed tomography (CT). In one embodiment, the method comprises: acquiring non-contrast imaging data for a myocardial region of a subject using dual energy computed tomography (DECT) scanning; reconstructing, from the acquired non-contrast imaging data, monochromatic images for a plurality of energy levels in a range of energy levels; determining, based at least in part on the image reconstruction, attenuation values for each respective energy level of the plurality of energy levels; and performing at least one of detection and quantification of myocardial fibrosis based at least in part on differences in the attenuation values across the plurality of energy levels.