Phantom With Monotonically Decreasing Cross-Sectional Dimensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging technologies, particularly angiographic X-ray systems, face challenges in visualizing small cerebral arteries due to limitations in detecting vessels with diameters as small as 120 microns, which is crucial for safe and effective endovascular treatments, as existing phantoms do not adequately simulate the continuous tapering of blood arterial trees to assess image quality and visibility at these sizes.
Innovation Solution
A phantom with a confined fluidic path featuring monotonically decreasing, discrete cross-sectional dimensions, defined by tubing or a monolithic substrate, including marker regions for visualization, is designed to assess imaging systems' ability to visualize small cerebral arteries, allowing for the evaluation of image quality and safety in procedures like endovascular treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing phantoms are used for calibration, then imaging devices can be calibrated, but they cannot adequately simulate the continuous tapering of blood arterial trees to assess image quality at small diameters (120 microns)
Solution Approach 1:
The phantom employs continuous parameter variation in the form of monotonically decreasing cross-sectional dimensions along the fluidic path, transforming the discrete stepped structure of existing phantoms into a continuous tapering model that accurately represents arterial tree geometry and enables precise assessment of imaging capabilities at small vessel diameters
Solution Approach 2:
The phantom incorporates regions with locally varying cross-sectional dimensions that correspond to different arterial vessel sizes, allowing specific assessment of imaging performance at different diameter ranges (100-500 microns) within the same device, thereby improving adaptability to various clinical scenarios
2Ease of manufacture
If phantoms with discrete stepped dimensions are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to visualize continuous tapering of small arteries is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The phantom transitions from static discrete steps to a dynamic continuous gradient of cross-sectional dimensions, where the tubing or monolithic substrate is engineered to provide smooth, monotonically decreasing diameters that better represent the natural tapering of arterial trees while maintaining manufacturability through modern fabrication techniques
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the invention provides a phantom including a confined fluidic path defining a plurality of regions of monotonically decreasing, discrete cross-sectional dimensions with respect to an imaging plane. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of assessing imaging. The method includes: placing a phantom as described herein within an imaging system; flowing one or more fluids through the phantom; and capturing one or more images of the phantom. Another aspect of the invention provides a kit for assessing imaging. The kit includes a phantom as described herein and instructions for use.