Stent Length Prediction via Vascular Morphology Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The final length of a stent placed inside a vascular structure is difficult to predict accurately due to the varying morphology of the vessel, which can lead to adverse effects such as occlusion of collateral branches or injury to the patient, as existing methods fail to account for the stent's mechanical behavior and morphological changes.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that determines the final length of a stent by analyzing the local morphology of the vascular structure using three-dimensional imaging, tracing the centreline, measuring descriptor parameters, and calculating the change in stent length based on specific morphological indicators, allowing for precise prediction of the stent's configuration before implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stent is placed inside a vascular structure with varying morphology, then the stent expands radially to exert pressure on the vessel wall, but the final length of the stent becomes difficult to predict accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The method divides the vascular structure into multiple segments along its centreline, with each segment characterized by specific morphological parameters (radius, curvature, torsion). The stent is correspondingly divided into multiple stent segments, each experiencing different mechanical conditions based on the vascular morphology of its corresponding region. This segmentation allows the complex problem of predicting overall stent length to be broken down into manageable local calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The method applies different mechanical models and morphological parameters to different regions of the stent based on the local vascular characteristics. Each stent segment is analyzed with respect to the specific radius, curvature, and torsion of the corresponding vascular segment, allowing the prediction to account for local variations in vessel morphology rather than using a uniform approximation.
2Measurement precision
If existing methods are used to estimate stent length, then the process is simple, but the prediction accuracy is poor leading to adverse effects
Solution Approach 1:
The method performs all necessary calculations and predictions before the actual stent implantation procedure. By pre-calculating the final stent length and configuration based on the patient's specific vascular morphology obtained from imaging, the neurointerventional radiologist can plan the treatment optimally in advance, selecting the appropriate stent and placement location before the procedure begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The method creates a digital copy or model of the patient's vascular structure from imaging data (such as CT or MRI scans). This virtual replica allows the stent to be simulated and analyzed in detail before actual implantation, enabling accurate prediction of the stent's final configuration without requiring physical trial-and-error during the procedure.
3Measurement precision
If the stent is assumed to be released in a straight vessel of constant radius, then the calculation is simple, but the prediction is very poor for actual vascular structures
Solution Approach 1:
The method moves from a static, simplified model of the vessel to a dynamic analysis that accounts for the actual three-dimensional morphology of the vascular structure. The stent is analyzed in the context of the vessel's varying radius, curvature, and torsion along its length, allowing the prediction to reflect the real mechanical behavior of the stent as it conforms to the complex vascular geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The method transitions from two-dimensional or simplified one-dimensional models to a full three-dimensional analysis of the vascular structure. By incorporating spatial coordinates, curvature, and torsion along the vessel centreline, the method captures the complete geometric complexity of the vascular morphology, enabling accurate prediction of stent length that accounts for three-dimensional variations rather than assuming a straight, constant-radius vessel.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a new method for determining the change in length of a stent which will occur after it has been implanted inside a vascular structure. Said determining process is carried out based on the relationship between said change in length and the morphological characteristics of the vascular structure of interest.