Thrombus Visualization Using Retrograde Contrast Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for visualizing and navigating through thrombosed blood vessels during thrombectomy procedures are inadequate, as they fail to accurately determine the position and length of the thrombus, leading to incomplete removal and increased risk of vascular injury due to insufficient imaging of the vascular course and thrombus length.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that capture and segment thrombosed sections of blood vessels using contrasted and non-contrasted volume data sets, allowing for targeted imaging with reduced radiation exposure, enabling precise localization and superimposition of the thrombus onto fluoroscopic images for safe and reliable navigation during interventions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If digital subtraction angiography (DSA) with arterial contrast agent is used to visualize the vascular structure, then the blood vessels are clearly marked, but the thrombus position and length cannot be determined because the contrast agent stops at the proximal end of the thrombus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary solution by using intravenous contrast agent administration combined with 3D scanning technology. This intermediary approach allows visualization of the thrombus through retrograde filling of the obstructed vessel segment, enabling determination of both proximal and distal thrombus ends without requiring arterial contrast injection that would be blocked by the thrombus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies inversion by changing the contrast agent administration route from arterial to intravenous. Instead of injecting contrast upstream that would be blocked by the thrombus, the contrast is injected downstream via the venous system, allowing retrograde filling of the thrombosed segment and visualization of the thrombus boundaries from the opposite direction.
2Loss of information
If 3D scans with intravenous contrast agent are performed to determine thrombus position and length, then complete thrombus visualization is achieved, but the procedure becomes expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a brief intravenous contrast scan specifically targeted at visualizing the thrombus boundaries before the main thrombectomy procedure. This preliminary visualization step provides essential information about thrombus position and length, allowing proper device selection and procedure planning, thereby avoiding unnecessary delays during the actual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by performing a limited 3D scan focused only on the region of interest containing the thrombus, rather than scanning the entire vascular system. This targeted approach acquires sufficient information for thrombus characterization while minimizing scan time and resource utilization.
3Loss of information
If 3D scans are performed to determine thrombus length, then the positions of proximal and distal ends are known, but the actual length along the curved vessel course remains incompletely available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by utilizing 3D volumetric imaging data to calculate the actual path length of the thrombus along the curved vessel course. Instead of relying on 2D projection measurements that would be inaccurate for curved vessels, the 3D scan data allows computation of the true three-dimensional length by tracing the vessel centerline through the thrombus segment, providing precise measurement despite vessel curvature.
4Reliability
If a stent retriever is used for thrombectomy, then the thrombus can be grasped and removed, but without accurate thrombus length information, the device may be too short (incomplete removal) or too long (increased navigation difficulty and vascular injury risk)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using the 3D scan information about thrombus position and length to guide the selection and deployment of the stent retriever device. The visualized thrombus boundaries provide feedback for determining the optimal device length and insertion depth, ensuring the retriever is long enough to capture the entire thrombus but not excessively long to cause navigation difficulties or vascular injury. This information feedback enables precise device positioning and reduces procedural risks.
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
This approach allows for safe and reliable thrombectomy by providing detailed imaging of the thrombus position and length, minimizing radiation exposure and vascular injury risks, and optimizing the use of intervention devices like stent retrievers.
Implementation Method 1
The present embodiments relate to a method and an apparatus for representing a blood vessel including a thrombosed section of a blood vessel of a patient
Implementation Method 2
capturing a first, contrasted volume data set (e.g., image after administration of contrast agent)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for representing a blood vessel including a thrombosed section of the blood vessel in a patient is provided. The method includes capturing a first volume data set after administration of a contrast agent, locating a proximal and/or distal end of the thrombosed section of the blood vessel with the aid of the first volume data set, and defining a data capture area for a second volume data set based on the proximal and/or distal end of the thrombosed section of the blood vessel that has been located. The method also includes capturing the second volume data set, segmenting the thrombosed section of the blood vessel from the second volume data set, capturing fluoroscopic images, and superimposing the segmented thrombosed section of the blood vessel with the fluoroscopic images.