Transmural Gradient Analysis for Myocardial Perfusion Deficit Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for analyzing sequential images of objects, such as those used in diagnosing coronary artery disease, lack diagnostic capability and fail to accurately assess transmural gradients in myocardial perfusion, which are indicative of coronary artery disease severity.
Innovation Solution
A system that establishes analysis rays connecting the inner and outer boundaries of image regions representing heart ventricle walls, determining gradient values across these rays to identify transmural gradients, which are then visualized and summarized for accurate diagnosis and severity assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional image analysis systems are used to analyze sequential cardiac images, then the analysis can be performed with standard processing methods, but the systems lack diagnostic capability to accurately assess transmural gradients in myocardial perfusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the myocardial wall into distinct regions (endocardium and epicardium) using analysis rays that connect inner and outer borders. This segmentation enables separate measurement of perfusion in different wall layers, allowing accurate assessment of transmural gradients while maintaining a systematic analysis approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of analysis by establishing analysis rays that traverse the transmural direction (from endocardium to epicardium). This dimensional approach transforms conventional 2D image analysis into a 3D-like assessment by adding the depth dimension through gradient calculation along analysis rays, enabling detection of transmural perfusion defects.
2Reliability
If standard perfusion analysis methods are used, then the analysis process remains simple, but the sensitivity and reproducibility for detecting coronary artery disease are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing analysis rays that connect the inner and outer borders of the myocardial wall before perfusion analysis. These analysis rays are positioned to traverse the transmural direction, enabling consistent and reproducible measurement of perfusion gradients across different images and patients, thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/image-based perfusion assessment with a computational gradient analysis system. By calculating gradient values along analysis rays that connect endocardial and epicardial regions, the system substitutes traditional visual or semi-quantitative methods with automated mathematical analysis, improving sensitivity and reproducibility.
3Loss of information
If conventional image analysis is used, then the processing remains straightforward, but the system fails to provide quantitative assessment of perfusion deficits for clinical decision-making
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces gradient values as an intermediary parameter that quantifies perfusion differences between endocardium and epicardium. These gradient values serve as a mediator that translates complex perfusion patterns into measurable quantities, enabling objective assessment of transmural perfusion defects and providing actionable diagnostic information for clinical decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A system (100) for analyzing a sequence of datasets representing sequential images of an object, a dataset associating data values with positions, the images having an image region having a first border (210) and a second border (220) associated with the object, the system comprising a ray establishing means (130) for establishing for individual images an analysis ray (232; 234; 236) connecting the first and second border of the image region, the analysis rays being in a respective position representing a substantially same position with respect to the object, a gradient establishing means (140) for establishing, for individual analysis rays, a gradient value which is representative of a rate of change in the data values across the image region and along the analysis ray from the first border to the second border. The system is well suited to locate perfusion deficits in the myocardium through the identification of transmural gradients.