3D Vascular Image Analysis for Embolizing Agent Planning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current embolization procedures for treating vascular malformations and tumors are time-consuming and risky due to the complexity of selecting optimal embolizing agent compositions and positions, lacking precise planning and execution methods.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using three-dimensional image data to establish actuation information for robotic embolization instruments, incorporating structural and hemodynamic parameters, enabling precise composition and temporal sequence of embolizing agents for optimal treatment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual embolization procedures are used with visual monitoring, then the practitioner can assess intervention status in real-time, but the procedure becomes extremely time-consuming due to manual selection of embolizing agent compositions and positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time assessment capabilityVSAvoidprocedure duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary planning by analyzing three-dimensional image data to establish actuation information items that describe optimal embolizing agent compositions, positions, and temporal sequences before the actual intervention. This pre-planning phase enables the practitioner to execute the procedure more efficiently during real-time monitoring without compromising assessment reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple embolizing agents with different compositions and positions are used, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of selecting optimal combinations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidselection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a virtual model of the vascular system using three-dimensional image data, allowing the practitioner to simulate and evaluate different embolizing agent compositions and positions in a risk-free environment before actual treatment. This virtual copying enables comprehensive evaluation of multiple combinations without increasing real-world complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system systematically varies multiple parameters including embolizing agent composition, injection position, and temporal sequence to identify optimal treatment configurations. By changing these parameters in a structured manner within the planning system, the practitioner can evaluate numerous combinations efficiently without manual complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If precise embolization is achieved through careful planning, then treatment outcomes are optimized, but the planning process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveembolization precisionVSAvoidplanning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical planning with automated computational analysis of three-dimensional image data. Algorithms automatically process imaging data to generate actuation information items, eliminating time-consuming manual measurements and calculations while maintaining high precision in embolization planning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If robotic embolization instruments are used with automated control, then procedure efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary software layer that bridges the practitioner's control and the robotic embolization instruments. This intermediary automatically translates practitioner intentions into precise robotic actions based on pre-planned actuation information, improving efficiency without requiring the practitioner to directly manage complex robotic controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12458448B2Computer-implemented method for evaluating image data of a patient, intervention arrangement, computer program, and electronically readable data carrier

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A method for evaluating image data of a patient showing a target region to be treated with an embolizing agent includes providing a three-dimensional time-resolved image data set of a vascular system portion of the patient. A structural parameter that describes a geometry of at least the vascular system portion and/or a basic information item including dynamic parameters that describe hemodynamics in the vascular system portion is established from the image data set by an analysis algorithm. An embolization information item describing a plurality of embolizing agents that are to be used is provided. An actuation information item describing a suitable composition of the plurality of embolizing agents, for an intervention facility used for carrying out the treatment is established by an establishing algorithm that uses the basic information item and the embolization information item, and the actuation information item is provided to the intervention facility.