Optical Shape Sensing for Stent Image Enhancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive medical interventions face challenges in obtaining high-quality images of small devices like stents and endografts due to size, obstruction, motion artifacts, and difficulty in identifying markers, especially when multiple markers are present or when devices lack predefined markers, and correcting for out-of-plane motion.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system that combines optical shape sensing (OSS) data with existing image enhancement techniques like StentBoost to define a region of interest, use OSS data as markers, and apply image enhancement, filtering out frames that are out of plane, and morphing shapes to improve image quality and reduce false positives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image integration techniques like StentBoost are used to enhance small devices, then image quality of stent struts and calcifications is improved, but the technique fails when multiple markers are present or when no markers can be seen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical shape sensing (OSS) data as an intermediary to bridge the gap between X-ray images and device location. The OSS fiber embedded in the interventional instrument provides continuous 3D positional information that acts as a mediator when traditional markers fail, enabling reliable image enhancement even when multiple markers are present or markers are invisible
Solution Approach 2:
The OSS system serves multiple functions: it provides 3D localization of the device, identifies device position when markers are ambiguous, and enables motion compensation. This multi-functional approach replaces the single-function marker system, making the image enhancement technique reliable across various challenging scenarios
2Object-affected harmful factors
If radiation dose is minimized during minimally invasive interventions, then patient safety is improved, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The OSS system acts as an intermediary that provides device localization information without requiring high radiation doses. By embedding the optical fiber in the instrument, the system obtains precise positional data through optical means rather than relying on high-dose X-ray imaging, thus decoupling image quality from radiation exposure
3Measurement precision
If optical shape sensing data is used as markers to define region of interest, then false positives are reduced and motion compensation is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the OSS system with the existing X-ray imaging system by co-registering the OSS coordinate system with the imaging coordinate system. This integration allows the OSS data to be used directly as markers for defining regions of interest and for motion compensation, improving localization accuracy while avoiding the need for completely separate systems
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
Enhances image quality by accurately localizing devices, reducing false positives, and improving motion compensation, especially in cases with multiple markers or biodegradable stents, and provides better visualization of anatomical structures like calcifications and vessel morphology.
Implementation Method 1
an optical shape sensing system (50) registered with the imaging system (40)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an image processing system (10), comprising: a processor unit (20) arranged to receive imaging data associated with an imaging system (40) and optical shape sensing data associated with an optical shape sensing system (50) registered with the imaging system (40) such that the optical shape sensing data can be positioned in the imaging system; wherein the processor unit (20) is configured to define in the imaging data a region of interest based on the imaging data and/or the optical shape sensing data and further configured to use the optical shape sensing data as markers within the region of interest such that the processor unit applies image enhancement of imaging data on the region of interest based on received optical shape sensing data.