Quantitative Bifurcation Analysis Using Polygon of Confluence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Quantitative Coronary Analysis (QCA) methods struggle with accurate and reproducible analysis of bifurcation lesions in angiographic images due to difficulties in defining a reliable reference vessel diameter, especially in complex geometries, leading to incomplete consideration of the central bifurcation area.
Innovation Solution
A methodology for quantitative analysis of bifurcated tubular organs involves identifying contours to determine a Polygon of Confluence, which calculates geometric parameters such as diameter and angle values, providing a more accurate and reproducible reference diameter that compensates for damage, using a data processing facility and software application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional QCA methods are used to analyze bifurcation lesions, then the analysis can be performed with existing tools, but the reference vessel diameter cannot be accurately defined and the central bifurcation area is left out of consideration
Solution Approach 1:
The bifurcation is divided into three distinct parts (proximal vessel, central bifurcation area, and distal vessels), with each part analyzed separately using conventional QCA. The central bifurcation area is explicitly segmented out to avoid it contaminating the reference diameter calculations, allowing accurate measurement of the proximal and distal segments independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The central bifurcation area is extracted and eliminated from the reference diameter calculations. By removing this problematic region from the analysis, the method obtains accurate reference vessel diameters from the remaining proximal and distal vessel segments, solving the reference definition problem without requiring complex new algorithms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If user-defined reference is allowed in conventional QCA, then the reference can be customized, but the reference diameter becomes operator-dependent and non-reproducible
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically identifies and measures the reference vessel diameters from the segmented proximal and distal vessel parts without requiring user intervention for reference definition. The automated segmentation and measurement processes eliminate operator subjectivity and ensure consistent, reproducible reference diameter values across different operators and measurements.
3Device complexity
If conventional QCA assumes minimal vessel tapering, then the analysis is simplified, but it cannot handle large diameter steps caused by bifurcation
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel is segmented into distinct regions (proximal vessel, central bifurcation, distal vessels), allowing each segment to be analyzed independently with minimal tapering assumptions. This segmentation enables accurate diameter measurements even in the presence of large diameter steps at the bifurcation, as each segment can be measured according to its local geometry without being affected by the complex transitions at the bifurcation point.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, data processing facility and program storage device for quantitative analysis on medical image data of a bifurcated tubular organ which involves processing the medical image data to identify contours of the bifurcated tubular organ. The contours are used to determine a Polygon of Confluence amongst the bifurcated tubular organ. The Polygon of Confluence is used to determine at least one parameter value characterizing geometry of the bifurcated tubular organ. The at least one parameter value is outputted to a user for angiography purposes. The at least one parameter value can include at least one diameter value of the bifurcated tubular organ, at least one angle value between parts of the bifurcated tubular organ, and at least one reference diameter value for the bifurcated tubular organ, the at least one reference diameter value compensating for damage to the bifurcated tubular organ.