Intraluminal Image Analysis for Accurate Stent End Point Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of determining suitable end point locations for stents within lumens is laborious and error-prone due to the complexity of analyzing intraluminal imaging data and manual counting of fiducial markers, which is inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing one or more processors to analyze a temporal sequence of intraluminal images, identify suitable end point locations for stents by measuring lumen dimensions and shapes, and optionally using artificial intelligence algorithms to automate the classification process, reducing the need for manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual counting of fiducial markers is used to determine stent length, then the measurement can be obtained, but the process is inefficient and error-prone requiring additional clinician time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical counting process with an automated image processing system that uses computer vision algorithms to detect and count fiducial markers. The system automatically processes X-ray images to identify marker positions and calculate stent length, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly improving workflow efficiency while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the stent length measurement to be performed automatically without requiring an additional clinician. The automated algorithm independently completes the entire measurement process from image acquisition to final length calculation, freeing up clinical staff time while providing consistent and reproducible results
2Measurement precision
If IVUS imaging catheter is positioned to overlap landing zone for length measurement, then accurate measurement can be obtained, but the procedure becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the length measurement function into the existing X-ray imaging system by integrating automated image processing capabilities. Instead of requiring separate IVUS catheter positioning and manual measurement procedures, the system combines multiple measurement functions into a unified automated workflow that processes standard X-ray images to determine landing zone length
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement functionality from the complex IVUS positioning requirement and implements it as an independent automated image analysis system. By separating the measurement task from the imaging device positioning requirements, the system simplifies the overall procedure while maintaining measurement accuracy through automated marker detection and calculation
3Reliability
If physician manually analyzes IVUS images to identify landing zone, then suitable stent position can be determined, but the process is laborious and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by automatically identifying and marking potential landing zones before the physician makes the final selection. The system pre-processes IVUS images to highlight suitable regions, reducing the physician's workload from analyzing entire image sequences to selecting from pre-identified candidates, thereby maintaining accuracy while significantly reducing time investment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated analysis system that acts as a mediator between the raw IVUS images and the physician's decision-making. The system processes images to generate structured recommendations and visual annotations, serving as a bridge that preserves physician authority while eliminating manual analysis labor and reducing time requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A system (100) for determining a suitability of positions along a lumen (110) as end point locations for a stent, includes one or more processors (120) configured to: receive (S110), from an intraluminal imaging device (130), a temporal sequence of intraluminal images (1401 . . . n) representing positions along the lumen (110), including at least a first intraluminal image (140i⊂1 . . . n); and identify (S120), whether or not the first intraluminal image (140i⊂1 . . . n) represents a suitable end point location for the stent.