Perfusion Imaging System for Vascular Blood Flow Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing and treating circulatory diseases, such as plaque buildup in blood vessels, lack effective tools for evaluating blood flow and the efficacy of intravascular therapies.
Innovation Solution
A medical system comprising a perfusion imaging device and a computer system that generates graphical representations of contrast medium movement through vessels, allowing physicians to assess blood flow before and after intravascular procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional DSA imaging methods are used to assess blood flow, then the basic imaging capability is maintained, but the ability to evaluate blood flow effectiveness and treatment efficacy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the blood flow evaluation process into distinct parametric components (arrival time, time to peak, washin rate, width, area under curve, mean transit time). Each parameter is calculated separately from the perfusion imaging data, allowing comprehensive blood flow assessment through multiple independent metrics rather than a single complex measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms traditional 2D DSA images into 3D perfusion parameter maps by adding the time dimension. By capturing a series of images over time and calculating perfusion parameters for each voxel, the system creates four-dimensional data (three spatial dimensions plus time) that provides comprehensive blood flow information without significantly increasing physical device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If perfusion imaging data is collected and processed to generate comprehensive graphical representations, then blood flow assessment accuracy is improved, but data processing time and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of perfusion imaging data by calculating all six perfusion parameters (arrival time, time to peak, washin rate, width, area under curve, mean transit time) immediately upon data acquisition. This preliminary calculation allows the system to store processed parametric data for rapid retrieval and comparison during clinical decision-making, reducing real-time processing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates graphical representations and parametric maps that are visual copies of the underlying perfusion data. These graphical outputs serve as simplified representations that can be quickly interpreted by clinicians without requiring direct analysis of raw perfusion imaging data, thereby reducing the time needed for clinical assessment while maintaining assessment accuracy.
3Loss of information
If detailed perfusion parameter analysis is performed to evaluate treatment efficacy, then diagnostic information completeness is improved, but the ease of operation and interpretation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-coded graphical representations to display perfusion parameters and treatment efficacy. Different colors represent different parameter values or levels of blood flow improvement, allowing physicians to quickly interpret complex perfusion data through intuitive visual cues rather than analyzing numerical data alone. This maintains complete diagnostic information while significantly improving ease of interpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent presents comprehensive perfusion analysis results by segmenting them into distinct, organized parameters (arrival time, time to peak, washin rate, width, area under curve, mean transit time). Each parameter is displayed separately with clear labeling, allowing physicians to systematically evaluate different aspects of blood flow without being overwhelmed by a single complex dataset, thereby improving both information completeness and operational ease.
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for evaluating blood flow with vascular perfusion imaging are disclosed. In an embodiment, a medical system is disclosed. One embodiment of the medical system comprises a perfusion imaging system configured to obtain perfusion imaging data associated with movement of contrast through a vessel of a patient, a graphical user interface, and a medical processing unit in communication with the perfusion imaging system and the graphical user interface. The medical processing unit is configured to receive a first set of perfusion imaging data from the perfusion imaging system, determine at least one parameter representative of the movement of the contrast through the vessel of the patient, generate a first graphical representation of the first set of perfusion imaging data and the at least one parameter determined based on the first set of perfusion imaging data, and output the first graphical representation to the graphical user interface.