Visualizing Post-Ablation Locations via MRI Overlay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ablation procedures lack an efficient mechanism to integrate and display comprehensive information from both ablation and MRI-derived data, leading to potential oversight or misunderstanding of post-ablation effects.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that controls the visual representation of post-ablation locations on an anatomical structure by combining ablation information with MRI-derived information, using various visual properties such as size, shape, color, opacity, and animation to indicate success or failure of ablation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If separate displays are used for ablation locations and MRI images, then each data source can be visualized independently, but clinicians must switch between multiple displays increasing the risk of overlooking important information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation availabilityVSAvoiddisplay system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines ablation location data and MRI-derived information into a single integrated visual representation. The system overlays ablation location indicators directly onto the MRI image, allowing clinicians to view both data sources simultaneously in one display rather than switching between separate displays, thereby reducing information loss while managing complexity through unified presentation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If multiple separate displays are used for ablation and MRI data, then data processing remains simple, but the ease of operation decreases due to the need to switch between displays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of providing informationVSAvoiddisplay integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges ablation location indicators with MRI images in a single integrated display. This allows clinicians to access both ablation and MRI-derived information simultaneously without switching between displays, significantly improving ease of operation. The integration is achieved through coordinate system alignment and overlay techniques that manage the underlying complexity while presenting a unified, user-friendly interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If comprehensive ablation and MRI information is provided in a single visual representation, then the clarity and availability of information increases, but the complexity of data integration and processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclinical decision reliabilityVSAvoiddata integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates ablation location data and MRI-derived information into a single visual representation, providing comprehensive information that enhances reliability of clinical decisions. The system aligns coordinate systems, processes multiple data sources, and overlays them on a unified display. This integration, while complex, ensures that clinicians have access to all relevant information in one view, reducing the risk of overlooking critical details and improving decision-making reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4576112A1Visually representing post-ablation locations
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4576112A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4576112A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4576112A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A mechanism for controlling a display of an anatomical structure. In particular, one or more visual properties of a post-ablation location on the anatomical structure are controlled responsive to ablation information (about an ablation performed at the post-ablation location) and MRI-derived information derived from one or more MR images of the post-ablation location.