Perfusion Imaging Detects Angiogenesis via Concentration Evolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current perfusion imaging techniques cannot effectively characterize tissue microvasculature at dimensions smaller than the imaging resolution, necessitating invasive biopsy procedures for detecting tumor microvascular growth and cancer diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A method that generates images of perfusable structures by analyzing the evolution of a traceable agent's spatial concentration over time at multiple locations, using a degree of similarity between these evolutions to characterize the perfusable structure, allowing for non-invasive detection of tumor microvascular growth through perfusion-based imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If perfusion imaging techniques are used to monitor traceable agent dispersion, then vascular system characteristics can be inferred, but the detection precision is insufficient for dimensions smaller than imaging resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from spatial detection (direct imaging of vessels) to temporal detection (monitoring concentration evolution over time). By analyzing how traceable agent concentration changes over time at different locations, the method detects microvascular characteristics that are below the spatial resolution limit of conventional imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a traceable agent into the vascular system before imaging begins. The agent disperses through the microvasculature, and its concentration evolution is monitored over time. This preliminary introduction allows the system to capture dynamic flow patterns that reveal microvascular characteristics without requiring direct visualization of the vessels.
2Ease of operation
If conventional perfusion imaging is used, then vascular characteristics can be inferred from agent dispersion, but invasive biopsy procedures are required for accurate cancer diagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a traceable agent as an intermediary substance that flows through the vascular system and carries information about microvascular characteristics. By monitoring the agent's concentration evolution over time, the method indirectly detects angiogenesis and tumor vascularity without requiring direct tissue sampling, thus eliminating the need for invasive biopsies while maintaining diagnostic reliability.
3Loss of information
If traceable agent concentration is monitored at multiple locations, then perfusion characteristics can be analyzed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection process into multiple spatial locations within the tissue, monitoring traceable agent concentration at each location independently over time. This segmentation allows comprehensive characterization of perfusion heterogeneity and microvascular density throughout the tissue volume, providing complete information without requiring a single complex high-resolution scanner.
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 non-invasive detection of tumor microvascular growth and characterization of perfusable structures, potentially reducing the need for invasive biopsies and improving cancer diagnosis by analyzing the dynamics of traceable agents within perfusion imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a dose of a traceable agent is introduced into the fluid flowing through the perfusable structure
Implementation Method 2
the dispersion of the contrast agent can be determined, revealing how much blood is preset and how fast the blood is moving
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to using a perfusion scanning medical imaging technique to generate an image of a perfusable structure of an organism. A fluid is flowing through the structure, and a dose of a traceable agent is present in the fluid. The evolution of the spatial concentration of the agent, e.g., a set of values of the magnitude of the concentration assumed at various moments over a period of time, is determined for a plurality of locations within the structure. The spatial pattern of the evolutions is analyzed and an image is generated on the basis of this analysis in order to enable the medical practitioner to draw conclusions about the dispersion characteristics of the perfusable structure.