TEE Probe X-ray Data Modification for Cardiac Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
During complex cardiac interventions, the TEE probe often obstructs anatomical structures and devices in X-ray images, requiring frequent adjustments that disrupt the clinical workflow, increase procedural time, and pose additional risks to patients.
Innovation Solution
A device that modifies X-ray data to temporarily hide, make translucent, or reduce the visibility of the TEE probe, using X-ray transparent regions and 3D models to allow visualization of obstructed structures without moving the probe, thereby improving workflow and reducing patient risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the TEE probe is positioned to obtain desired TEE visualization, then excellent detail of anatomical structure and function is provided, but the probe obstructs anatomy and devices in live X-ray images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies image processing techniques to modify the visual appearance of the TEE probe in X-ray images by changing its radiopacity characteristics. The system dynamically adjusts the probe's visibility through software-based radiopacity modification, allowing it to blend with or stand out from surrounding structures depending on the clinical need, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining probe positioning and reducing visual obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital model or representation of the TEE probe and uses this copy to manipulate its appearance in the X-ray images. By working with a digital replica rather than the physical probe itself, the system can alter the probe's visual properties in the imaging data without affecting the actual probe position or function, thereby maintaining both TEE visualization quality and reduced X-ray obstruction.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the TEE probe is moved out of the way to clear X-ray visualization, then anatomy and devices become visible in X-ray images, but echocardiographers lose desired TEE visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical solution of physically moving the TEE probe with a software-based image processing system. Instead of mechanically repositioning the probe to clear X-ray views, the system uses computational methods to modify the probe's appearance in the X-ray images, substituting physical manipulation with digital processing to resolve the visualization conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically modifies the radiopacity characteristics of the TEE probe in X-ray images through software control, allowing the probe to become visually translucent or blend with surrounding structures. This color/radiopacity change enables simultaneous clear X-ray visualization of anatomy and devices while maintaining the probe in its optimal TEE imaging position.
3Measurement precision
If the TEE probe is frequently repositioned to accommodate both X-ray and TEE visualization needs, then both imaging modalities can visualize desired structures, but clinical workflow is disrupted and procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces repeated mechanical repositioning operations with a single software-based image modification system. By substituting physical probe manipulation with digital processing, the system eliminates the need for frequent interruptions and repositioning, thereby maintaining both imaging modalities' visualization quality while significantly improving clinical workflow efficiency and reducing procedural time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous, uninterrupted imaging from both X-ray and TEE modalities by maintaining the probe in a fixed optimal position and using software to resolve visualization conflicts. This continuous action approach eliminates the stop-start nature of frequent repositioning, allowing both imaging systems to operate simultaneously and continuously without disruption to clinical workflow.
4Measurement precision
If the TEE probe is repositioned multiple times during the procedure, then both imaging modalities can maintain optimal visualization, but patient risk increases due to additional motion and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical probe repositioning with software-based image processing, eliminating the need for additional probe motion and adjustment. By substituting physical manipulation with digital modification of probe appearance in images, the system maintains optimal visualization for both modalities while completely avoiding the patient risk associated with repeated probe movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the visualization resolution action preliminarily through software processing rather than through repeated physical adjustments. By establishing the probe's optimal position once and using software to handle all subsequent visualization conflicts, the system eliminates the need for additional probe motion, thereby maintaining visualization quality while reducing patient risk from probe manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for modifying an imaging of a TEE probe in X-ray data, a medical imaging system (100) for modifying an imaging of a TEE probe in X-ray data, a method for modifying an imaging of a TEE probe in X-ray data, a computer program element for controlling such device (1) and a computer readable medium having stored such computer program element. The device (1) comprises an X-ray data provision unit (11), a model provision unit (12), a position locating unit (13), and a processing unit (14). The X-ray data provision unit (11) is configured to provide X-ray data comprising image data of a TEE probe. The model provision unit (12) is configured to provide model data of the TEE probe. The position locating unit (13) is configured to locate a position of the TEE probe in the X-ray data based on the model data of the TEE probe. The processing unit (14) is configured to define a region in a predetermined range adjacent to the TEE probe as reference area. The processing unit (14) is configured to process the X-ray data of the reference area into estimated X-ray data of a region occupied by the TEE probe. The processing unit (14) is configured to modify the X-ray data in the region occupied by the TEE probe based on the estimated X-ray data.