PVAT Attenuation Mapping for Spatial Vascular Disease Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for evaluating vascular disease using X-ray attenuation in perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) are limited in providing detailed information on the status of vascular disease and accurate prediction of disease progression.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that analyzes the distribution of X-ray attenuation values along concentric layers of PVAT to provide a spatial distribution of disease status values and predicts the time at which the disease status is expected to reach a predefined level, using CT data to determine the status of vascular disease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional imaging techniques (CT, MRI, ultrasound) are used to assess cardiovascular health, then anatomical structure can be visualized, but functional information about blood flow and vessel health is not obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates anatomical imaging and functional imaging into distinct modalities. Conventional imaging (CT, MRI) provides anatomical structure while the new optical imaging system provides functional information about blood flow and vessel health independently, allowing each system to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical imaging as an intermediary technique that bridges the gap between anatomical structure visualization and functional assessment. By using light-based imaging alongside conventional modalities, the system obtains blood flow and vessel health information without replacing or complicating the existing anatomical imaging systems
2Measurement precision
If invasive catheter-based imaging is performed to obtain detailed vessel information, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but patient risk and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical catheter-based imaging systems with non-invasive optical imaging. Instead of physically inserting catheters into vessels, the system uses light to obtain functional information about blood flow and vessel health, eliminating the risks associated with invasive procedures while maintaining diagnostic capability
Solution Approach 2:
The optical imaging system creates a functional map of the vasculature that complements anatomical images. By capturing light absorption and scattering patterns, the system generates information about blood flow dynamics and vessel health without physical contact with the patient's vessels
3Reliability
If multiple imaging modalities are combined to obtain comprehensive vascular information, then diagnostic capability is improved, but interpretation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges anatomical imaging data from conventional modalities with functional imaging data from optical systems into a unified diagnostic framework. By integrating structural and functional information, the system provides comprehensive vascular assessment while using image fusion techniques to simplify interpretation rather than increase complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical imaging system is designed to provide multiple functional measurements (blood flow, vessel health, oxygenation) through a single platform. This multi-functional approach allows comprehensive vascular assessment without requiring multiple separate specialized systems, reducing overall complexity and cost
4Measurement precision
If early vascular disease detection methods are used, then treatment opportunities are increased, but detection sensitivity for subtle changes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The optical imaging system detects subtle vascular changes by measuring variations in light absorption and scattering properties that correspond to changes in blood flow, oxygenation, and tissue composition. These optical property changes manifest as detectable signal variations that indicate early disease processes before they become visible on conventional anatomical imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects early vascular disease by monitoring changes in optical parameters such as light absorption coefficients, scattering properties, and blood flow dynamics. These parameter changes occur before anatomical structure is affected, allowing detection of functional alterations that precede visible disease manifestations
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
Provides detailed information on the status of vascular disease and enables more accurate prediction of disease progression by tracking changes at specific locations, facilitating improved decision-making on treatment or monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
emitting light into a subject and detecting the light
Implementation Method 2
processing detected light signals to generate images
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method of determining a status of vascular disease, is provided. The method includes: determining, from CT data, a distribution of X-ray attenuation values along a path through one or more concentric layers of perivascular adipose tissue, PVAT, surrounding a vessel at each of multiple positions over an extent of the one or more concentric layers (1301..n); and analyzing the distributions of X-ray attenuation values to provide a spatial distribution of disease status values (140) representing a status of vascular disease around the portion of the vessel. A graphical representation (150a, 150b) of the spatial distribution of disease status values (140) is outputted. Alternatively, or additionally, a predicted time at which the status of vascular disease around the portion of the vessel is expected to reach a predefined status, is outputted. The predicted time is predicted based on the spatial distribution of disease status values (140).