Spectral CT Vessel Wall Mapping for Non-Invasive Flow Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging techniques struggle to provide accurate and quantitative assessment of vessel wall elasticity and flow conditions due to limitations in spatial and temporal resolution, calcifications, and the need for invasive procedures, making it difficult to diagnose and plan interventions for vascular diseases.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing spectral computed tomography data to generate vessel wall-related data by calculating a representation of the vessel wall and parameter maps, allowing for the determination of wall elasticity and blood flow models without direct elasticity measurements, and incorporating parameter maps to assess calcifications and inflammation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging techniques (fluoroscopy, ultrasound, MRT) are used to assess vessel wall conditions, then certain information can be obtained, but measurement precision and reliability of vessel wall elasticity assessment are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (fluoroscopy, ultrasound, MRT) into a hybrid imaging system that integrates their respective strengths. This merging allows simultaneous acquisition of structural, functional, and elasticity data, resolving the contradiction by providing both high measurement precision for vessel wall elasticity and reliable diagnostic accuracy through multi-modal validation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite contrast agents that contain multiple components with different physical properties (e.g., gold nanoparticles combined with microbubbles). These composite agents enable simultaneous enhancement of X-ray, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance signals, allowing precise and reliable assessment of vessel wall characteristics through a single integrated imaging protocol
2Measurement precision
If invasive procedures (FFR methods) are used to assess flow conditions, then accurate flow measurement is achieved, but ease of operation and patient safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical pressure wire measurements with non-invasive imaging-based flow assessment. The hybrid imaging system uses contrast medium dynamics and vessel wall elasticity data to calculate flow parameters computationally, achieving FFR-level accuracy without requiring catheter-based pressure measurements, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces computational modeling as an intermediary between non-invasive imaging data and flow measurement results. By using the imaging data to drive hemodynamic simulations, the system indirectly obtains accurate flow measurements without direct invasive probing, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and invasiveness
3Reliability
If long-term mapping of vessel situation is performed to assess wall changes, then reliability of chronic disease assessment improves, but loss of time and examination duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary assessment of vessel wall elasticity and baseline characteristics using the hybrid imaging system. By establishing reference measurements beforehand, the system enables reliable chronic disease monitoring through comparison with baseline data, reducing the need for repeated lengthy examinations while maintaining assessment reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous monitoring capabilities where the hybrid imaging system can track vessel wall changes over time through repeated examinations. The integrated approach allows efficient longitudinal studies by capturing multiple parameters in a single session, maintaining reliability of chronic assessment while minimizing time loss through optimized protocols
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
Enables accurate, non-invasive, and quantitative assessment of vessel wall conditions, including elasticity and blood flow, reducing artifacts and enhancing diagnostic capabilities for vascular diseases.
Implementation Method 1
receiving spectral computed tomography data of an examination region, the examination region having a vessel; calculating a representation of a vessel wall of the vessel and at least one parameter map of the examination region based on the spectral computed tomography data
Data Source
AI summary
One or more example embodiments of the present invention relates to a method for providing vessel wall-related data. The method includes receiving spectral computed tomography data of an examination region, the examination region having a vessel; calculating a representation of a vessel wall of the vessel and at least one parameter map of the examination region based on the spectral computed tomography data; calculating the vessel wall-related data based on the representation of the vessel wall and the at least one parameter map of the examination region; and providing the vessel wall-related data.