Stent Deformation Identification via Strut Density Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deployed stents often experience length variations due to their flexible nature, leading to insufficient coverage or overlap in lumens, which can impact mechanical performance and drug-eluting effectiveness, necessitating improved deformation identification methods.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing one or more processors to analyze X-ray image data of deployed stents, determining the distribution of stent struts along the lumen axis and identifying longitudinally deformed portions based on strut density, facilitating correct deployment verification and potential re-deployment adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stent deployment is performed using conventional X-ray imaging guidance, then the deployment process can be completed, but accurate identification of longitudinal deformations and precise verification of stent positioning cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an image processing system as an intermediary between the X-ray imaging system and the physician. This system automatically detects stent struts, calculates their density distribution, and identifies longitudinal deformations, thereby achieving precise deformation identification without requiring the physician to directly analyze complex raw images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and mechanical measurement methods with an automated computational image analysis system. The system uses digital image processing algorithms to detect stent struts and calculate density distributions, substituting manual mechanical assessment with automated digital analysis to improve measurement precision.
2Reliability
If stent deployment is performed without deformation identification, then the procedure is simpler and faster, but the deployed length may be insufficient or excessive, impacting mechanical performance and drug-eluting effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs deformation identification and strut density analysis immediately after stent deployment while the stent is still in the imaging system. This preliminary verification allows physicians to detect longitudinal deformations and positioning errors before the patient leaves the procedure room, enabling immediate corrective actions if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing system automatically analyzes the deployed stent's own X-ray image to identify deformations and verify positioning. The system extracts stent strut information directly from the captured image, calculates density distributions, and generates deformation identification results without requiring additional external measurements or interventions.
3Ease of operation
If conventional deployment methods are used, then the stent can be inserted and expanded, but longitudinal compressive or extensive deformations occur due to flexible material properties and deployment factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the X-ray image processing system provides real-time information about stent strut density distribution and longitudinal deformations. This feedback allows physicians to assess whether the deployed length is appropriate and to make adjustments if the stent has undergone unwanted deformations during the deployment process.
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 determination of stent deployment correctness and potential longitudinal deformations, enhancing radial stability and drug-eluting performance by ensuring precise stent length and positioning within the lumen.
Implementation Method 1
receive X-ray image data representing one or more X-ray images of a deployed stent within a lumen
Data Source
AI summary
A system (100) for identifying deformations of a deployed stent, is provided. The system includes one or more processors (110) configured to: receive (SI 10) X-ray image data representing one or more X-ray images (120) of a deployed stent (130) within a lumen (140), the stent including a plurality of stent struts (150): analyse (S120) the X-ray image data to determine a distribution of the stent struts (150) along an axis (160) of the lumen (140); and identify (S130) one or more longitudinally-deformed portions (170, 180) of the stent based on a density of the determined distribution of the stent struts (150) along the axis (160) of the lumen (140).