Prostate Cancer Probability Map via Template Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for prostate cancer, such as MRI and HRCT, face challenges in accurately identifying moderate to high-grade cancer lesions and ensuring biopsy accuracy, as they lack precise probability mapping of cancer locations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving image registration and probability map creation using high-resolution anatomical images, including MRI, to generate a probability map of cancer likelihood by registering prostate anatomy across subjects to a common template, integrating intensity-based affine and non-rigid transformations, and creating a cascading registration pipeline for enhanced template construction and tumor contour deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional MRI or HRCT imaging is used for prostate cancer diagnosis, then the imaging process is simple and quick, but the accuracy in identifying cancer lesions and determining their location is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the prostate imaging analysis into multiple components: initial MRI/HRCT imaging, probability map generation, template matching, and biopsy guidance. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces probability maps as an intermediary layer between traditional imaging and biopsy decision-making. These maps translate complex imaging data into intuitive probability visualizations, bridging the gap between raw images and clinical decisions without requiring complete system redesign.
2Measurement precision
If probability mapping is implemented to improve cancer location accuracy, then biopsy targeting confidence increases, but the processing time and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-processing MRI images to generate probability maps before the actual biopsy procedure. Template prostates with pre-computed probability data are prepared in advance, allowing rapid matching during the clinical procedure without time-consuming computations at the point of care.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses template prostates as simplified copies or representations of actual patient anatomy. These templates contain pre-computed probability data that can be rapidly matched to patient images, avoiding the need to perform complex probability calculations from scratch for each patient in real-time.
3Loss of information
If traditional imaging methods are used, then the system is easy to operate, but the ability to provide probabilistic cancer information is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded probability maps where different colors represent different cancer probability levels. This visual encoding transforms complex probabilistic data into intuitive color gradients that clinicians can interpret quickly, maintaining ease of operation while providing rich information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal template matching system that can be applied across different patients and imaging scenarios. The same probability mapping framework works for various prostate sizes and shapes, providing consistent probabilistic information without requiring patient-specific customization of the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
A probability map of prostate tumor location is generated and displayed in response to receiving anatomic diagnostic medical imaging, such as from magnetic resonance (MR) scanning. A registration process is performed on the images in relation to a model built of prostate anatomy across different subjects in an enhanced prostate template. A probability map is created of tumor locations followed by transforming the imaging to incorporate the probability map and output a resultant image.