Spectral CT Contrast Attenuation Gradient for Lumen Flow Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing angiographic techniques for assessing blood flow in vasculature lack accuracy in measuring contrast agent attenuation gradients, leading to inaccurate determination of blood flow parameters such as Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR).
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using spectral CT data to isolate contrast agent attenuation data from background materials, calculating a contrast agent attenuation gradient by analyzing X-ray attenuation at multiple energy intervals, thereby improving the accuracy of blood flow parameter measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a uniform contrast agent is used throughout the catheter, then the contrast delivery is consistent, but the visibility of the catheter tip and jet stream is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter incorporates a gradient contrast agent distribution where the concentration varies along the length of the catheter. The tip portion contains a higher concentration of contrast agent (e.g., 50-100%) compared to the proximal portion (e.g., 0-50%), creating localized enhancement at the critical tip region and jet stream area for improved visibility during procedures.
2Ease of manufacture
If the catheter structure is simplified, then the manufacturing is easier, but the ability to provide gradient contrast delivery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the concentration parameter of the contrast agent along the catheter length to create a gradient distribution. This allows the same basic catheter structure to achieve enhanced contrast delivery without requiring complex multi-component systems, maintaining ease of manufacture while providing adaptable contrast delivery.
3Illumination intensity
If contrast agent is concentrated at the tip, then the tip visibility is improved, but the overall contrast distribution becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The gradient contrast agent distribution dynamically adapts to the procedural needs by providing higher concentration at the tip where visibility is most critical, while maintaining lower concentrations in the proximal portion. This dynamic composition strategy optimizes tip visibility while managing overall contrast distribution stability through controlled variation rather than uniformity.
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
Enhances the accuracy of blood flow parameter measurements by providing improved isolation of contrast agent attenuation, leading to more precise determination of gradients and subsequent blood flow parameters.
Implementation Method 1
contrast agent attenuation gradient... contrast agent that increases an attenuation of electromagnetic radiation as the electromagnetic radiation propagates along a longitudinal axis of the catheter
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A computer-implemented method of calculating a value of a contrast agent attenuation gradient for a lumen in a vasculature, is provided. The method includes: analyzing spectral CT data to isolate from the spectral CT data, contrast agent attenuation data representing the distribution of the contrast agent along the lumen; and calculating, from the contrast agent attenuation data, a value of a gradient of the contrast agent along one or more portions (Pa - Pd) of the lumen, to provide the value of the contrast agent attenuation gradient.