Valvular Regurgitation Quantification via Time-Density Curves

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for assessing valvular regurgitation, particularly for mitral and tricuspid valves, are error-prone due to challenges in obtaining homogeneous contrast filling and variable contrast density within the ventricle, which hampers time-density curve assessment.

Innovation Solution

The method involves acquiring and analyzing two-dimensional angiographic X-ray image sequences to identify contours of vascular objects, convert image data to densitometric data, calculate time-density curves, and generate data characterizing regurgitant flow in heart valves, thereby quantifying valvular regurgitation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If TEE and x-ray angiography are used for assessment of valvular regurgitation during TVR procedure, then the standard tools for assessment are available, but the measurement precision and reliability are compromised due to low reproducibility and subjective qualitative assessment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalvular regurgitation assessment accuracyVSAvoidreproducibility of assessment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces subjective visual assessment methods (TEE and x-ray angiography) with an automated image processing system that uses computer algorithms to analyze angiographic images. The system converts images to densitometric data and generates time-density curves, substituting human interpretation with objective computational analysis to improve measurement precision and reproducibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces densitometric image data and time-density curves as intermediary representations between the original angiographic images and the final regurgitation assessment. This intermediary step transforms visual information into quantitative data that can be objectively analyzed, eliminating subjectivity while maintaining the use of standard angiographic imaging tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If traditional time-density curve assessment is performed in the ventricle, then the assessment can be conducted, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to variable contrast density and non-homogeneous contrast filling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassessment procedure simplicityVSAvoidtime-density curve assessment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the time-density curve analysis from the ventricular region (which has variable contrast density) and relocates it to the aortic region (which provides more homogeneous contrast filling). By selecting a different anatomical location for the measurement, the system maintains operational simplicity while eliminating the source of measurement error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by selecting specific regions within the angiographic image for analysis. Instead of using the entire ventricular region with non-uniform contrast distribution, the system focuses on specific areas (aortic region) where contrast filling is more homogeneous, thereby improving measurement precision in the local measurement zone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 provides a more accurate and reproducible quantification of valvular regurgitation, overcoming the limitations of existing methods by improving the assessment of mitral and tricuspid regurgitation through computer analysis of X-ray angiography image data.

Implementation Method 1

acquire, and store in electronic form or otherwise obtain, a series of two-dimensional image frames comprising an X-ray image sequence of a vessel organ or other object of interest

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray radiographic absorption: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS12268545B2Method and system for characterizing valvular regurgitation/insufficiency from sequences of images

Publication Date: 2025.04.08 PIE MEDICAL IMAGING

AI summary

Method and systems are provided for characterizing blood flow in an atrioventricular valve of the human heart, the atrioventricular valve connecting an atrium with a corresponding ventricle of the heart, the ventricle being fluidly coupled to a particular vessel that transports blood outside the ventricle blood, which involve obtaining image data of the heart and identifying contours of the atrium and a region within the particular vessel within the image data. A time-density curve for the atrium can be calculated from the contour of the atrium and densitometric image data derived from the image data. A time-density curve for the region of the particular vessel can be calculated from the contour of the vessel region and the densitometric image data. Data that characterizes at least one regurgitation fraction related to the atrioventricular valve can be calculated from such time-density curves.