3D Vascular Imaging via Simulated Contrast Propagation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current three-dimensional imaging methods for human vasculature struggle to clearly visualize vascular paths in a limited zone of interest, especially when vessels are entangled, making it difficult for radiologists to navigate tools and identify feeding vessels of pathologies like arteriovenous malformations or tumors.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional imaging method that incorporates the time dimension (3D+t) to separate vascular paths of interest from non-relevant ones by simulating contrast agent propagation from a second entry point, allowing for clear visualization of feeding vessels without superimposing neighboring vessels, using either static or cinematic representations to aid in tool navigation and pathology analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If standard three-dimensional imaging is used to visualize vasculature in a limited zone, then the complete vascular network is captured, but vessels become entangled and superimposed making interpretation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vascular network by introducing a time dimension that separates vessels based on their temporal appearance and disappearance patterns. Vessels are divided into different temporal zones (appearing early, persisting, disappearing early) which allows the radiologist to focus on specific vascular segments without being overwhelmed by the complete entangled network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a time dimension to the traditional three-dimensional vascular imaging, creating a four-dimensional representation (3D+t). This temporal dimension allows vessels to be separated and visualized at different time points, resolving the superimposition problem while maintaining complete vascular network coverage.
2Measurement precision
If zooming in on a limited zone of vasculature is performed to improve detail visualization, then local vessel architecture becomes clearer, but surrounding entangled vessels remain and cause ambiguity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic temporal filtering that allows the radiologist to adjust the time window for vessel visualization. By dynamically selecting which temporal zones to display, the system can focus on specific local vessel architectures while maintaining the option to view broader contextual relationships when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different temporal visualization qualities to different vascular regions. Vessels in the region of interest can be visualized with high temporal resolution and detail, while surrounding vessels can be selectively faded or excluded, creating a locally optimized view that preserves important contextual information.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If multiple oblique planes are used to follow vessel paths, then vessel superimposition is reduced, but the complexity of navigation and interpretation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic temporal sampling of vascular phases to create a simplified time-dimensional view. Instead of requiring navigation through multiple oblique planes, the system periodically captures and displays vessels at specific temporal intervals, allowing radiologists to follow vessel paths through time rather than through complex spatial rotations.
4Reliability
If two-dimensional projective images with superimposed three-dimensional rendering are used for tool navigation, then prior vessel configuration is visible, but anatomical variations and vessel superimposition create ambiguous interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary temporal segmentation of the vascular network before tool navigation begins. By pre-identifying and separating vessels based on their temporal characteristics, the system prepares a customized vascular map that anticipates anatomical variations and reduces superimposition issues before the radiologist begins navigation, improving both reliability and information retention.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a three dimensional visualization method for visualizing and/or displaying a limited zone of a patient's vasculature, the method comprising selecting an entry point within an imaged vasculature and three dimensionally visualizing a simulated contrast agent propagation from the selected entry point in a limited zone of the imaged vasculature.