Intravascular Probe Marker Interpolation for X-ray Registration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for registering intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images with x-ray images in catheter examinations require complex 3D reconstruction or multiple x-ray views, which are cumbersome and increase the x-ray dose and contrast agent usage.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a marker detector to identify markers on an intravascular probe and an interpolator to estimate the probe's position in an x-ray projection image, allowing for accurate localization without 3D reconstruction or multiple views, by using markers at predetermined distances along the probe's trajectory.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complex 3D reconstruction or multiple x-ray views are used to register IVUS images with x-ray images, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and x-ray dose increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregistration accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of registration process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces markers as intermediary objects attached to the IVUS probe. These markers serve as a common reference system that can be detected in both x-ray images and IVUS images, enabling registration without complex 3D reconstruction. The markers act as a mediator that bridges the two imaging modalities through a simpler marker-based coordinate system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses markers that create visible copies or indicators of the probe position in the x-ray image. Instead of reconstructing the full 3D geometry, the system captures the projected positions of markers in the x-ray image and uses these 2D projections directly for registration, simplifying the process while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If complex 3D reconstruction or multiple x-ray views are used to register IVUS images with x-ray images, then measurement precision is improved, but x-ray dose increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregistration accuracyVSAvoidx-ray dose

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential information needed for registration by detecting marker positions in a single x-ray image. Instead of acquiring multiple x-ray views or performing full 3D reconstruction, the system extracts the 2D projected positions of markers, which are sufficient for accurate registration, thereby minimizing x-ray exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by using only a single x-ray image with markers rather than multiple views or complete 3D reconstruction. This partial approach provides sufficient registration accuracy for clinical purposes while significantly reducing the x-ray dose compared to full 3D reconstruction methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If markers are used to identify probe position in x-ray image, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of registration processVSAvoidposition localization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The markers are pre-attached to the IVUS probe at known positions before the procedure. This preliminary placement establishes a fixed reference system that simplifies the registration process. The known marker positions on the probe combined with their detected positions in the x-ray image provide accurate localization without requiring complex real-time calculations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach enables efficient and user-friendly visualization of IVUS data in relation to x-ray images, reducing the need for complex 3D reconstructions and minimizing x-ray exposure, while providing accurate data localization for treatment planning.

Implementation Method 1

a marker detector for identifying in the x-ray projection image a plurality of projected positions of markers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray attenuation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

an interpolator for interpolating the projected positions to obtain the projected probe position on the acquisition trajectory

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLinear interpolation:

Data Source

PatentUS9757076B2Combining X-ray with intravascularly acquired data

Publication Date: 2017.09.12 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

A system for estimating a position in an x-ray projection image that corresponds to a projected probe position of an intravascular probe at a time of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging. A marker detector identifies in the x-ray projection image a plurality of projected positions of markers that are located at predetermined distances along an acquisition trajectory of the intravascular probe. The projected positions are interpolated to obtain the projected probe position on the trajectory. The projected probe position corresponds to a location of the intravascular probe at a time of the IVUS imaging and is based on a distance along the acquisition trajectory between the intravascular probe at the time of the IVUS imaging and at least one of the markers.