Medical Image Processing Apparatus for Thrombus Removal Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques struggle to estimate a suitable waiting time for thrombus removal during thrombectomy treatments due to the inability to visualize the thrombus in X-ray fluoroscopic images and the limitations of intermittent time-series data from continuous X-ray fluoroscopy.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing apparatus that calculates the size of a thrombus removal device from multiple X-ray fluoroscopic images, determines change information indicating changes in size over time, and outputs first time information indicating the recommended waiting time for the device to be retrieved, based on this change information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous X-ray fluoroscopy is performed to obtain time-series data on thrombus, then the recommended waiting time can be estimated accurately, but the exposure dose to the subject increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by performing X-ray fluoroscopy at specific time intervals (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 minutes after deployment) rather than continuously. This periodic imaging schedule provides sufficient time-series data to estimate the recommended waiting time while significantly reducing the cumulative exposure dose to the patient compared to continuous fluoroscopy.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If X-ray fluoroscopy is performed intermittently to reduce exposure dose, then the recommended waiting time cannot be estimated accurately due to insufficient time-series data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the size measurements obtained from intermittent fluoroscopy images to update and refine the estimation of the recommended waiting time. The system calculates the size of the thrombus removal device at each imaging time point, uses these measurements to estimate when the device has sufficiently engaged the thrombus, and provides feedback to guide the retrieval timing decision.
3Reliability
If the stent retriever is left in the blood vessel for a long waiting time to ensure sufficient engagement, then the thrombus can be retrieved effectively, but the treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/time-based waiting approach with an image-based estimation system. Instead of relying on fixed time intervals or mechanical indicators, the system uses X-ray fluoroscopy images to calculate the size of the stent retriever and estimate the recommended waiting time, allowing for more precise and case-specific timing decisions that optimize both engagement sufficiency and treatment efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical image processing apparatus according includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to calculate, from a plurality of medical X-ray fluoroscopic images, a size of a thrombus removal device that has been placed in a blood vessel of a subject and appears in the medical X-ray fluoroscopic image. The processing circuitry is configured to calculate change information indicating a change in the size from the plurality of medical X-ray fluoroscopic images. The processing circuitry is configured to calculate first time information indicating a time period during which the thrombus removal device is left in place in the subject, based on the change information. The processing circuitry is configured to perform control to output the first time information.