CT Vascular Contrast Correction via Global Reference Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computed Tomography (CT) scans of vascular systems face inaccuracies due to Transluminal Attenuation Gradient (TAG) artifacts, which distort contrast levels and make it difficult to accurately identify stenosis and reconstruct blood flow, relying on visual inspection rather than replicable software or algorithmic techniques.
Innovation Solution
A method to correct contrast levels in CT scans by determining a global reference contrast level from the aorta ostium and adjusting local contrast levels, allowing for accurate representation and segmentation of vascular systems, reducing artifacts and enabling reliable threshold-based image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection is used to identify stenosis and reconstruct blood flow, then diagnostic capability is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to TAG artifacts distorting contrast levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the contrast level values through a mathematical correction process. It identifies a global reference contrast level from the aorta ostium and adjusts local contrast levels using the ratio of global to local reference contrast levels, thereby transforming the distorted contrast parameters into corrected ones that eliminate TAG artifacts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the identified global reference contrast level as a benchmark to evaluate and adjust local contrast levels. The correction process continuously references the global standard to ensure accurate reconstruction of blood flow and stenosis identification, creating a closed-loop correction mechanism
2Extent of automation
If threshold-based image processing is applied to distorted contrast levels, then processing automation is enabled, but measurement precision deteriorates due to artifact interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing contrast level correction before any threshold-based image processing or stenosis identification. The correction process establishes accurate contrast levels in advance, ensuring that subsequent automated processing operates on artifact-free data, thereby enabling reliable algorithmic analysis
3Manufacturing precision
If contrast correction is performed using global reference levels, then manufacturing precision of image data is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by performing contrast correction at each local image location using the formula that multiplies the original contrast level by the ratio of global to local reference contrast levels. This localized approach ensures that each region is corrected according to its specific characteristics while maintaining consistency with the global reference, achieving high precision without excessive complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and computer program product for correcting the contrast levels of a medical image of a vascular system is described. One of the methods includes identifying a global reference contrast level. The method includes for each image location which represents a location within the vascular system, determining a corrected contrast level by multiplying the original contrast level of that location by the ratio of the global reference contrast level divided by a local reference contrast level.