Vascular Imaging Scale Comparator Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vascular imaging devices often provide imperfect approximations of a patient's vasculature, which can lead to errors in catheter selection during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that capture near-infrared and infrared images of a subject's vasculature, generating output images with discrete scale comparator objects of different sizes to assist in selecting the appropriate catheter size, with the comparator objects being rendered in true color and dynamically aligned with the vasculature for accurate visual comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vascular imaging is used to visualize vasculature, then clinicians can see blood vessel locations, but the imaging provides imperfect approximation leading to errors in catheter selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the vasculature image and superimposes it with a scale ruler containing discrete scale comparator objects. This overlay creates a composite image that copies the anatomical context while adding measurement references, allowing clinicians to accurately determine catheter size by comparing vessel diameter to the scale markers without physical contact or additional imaging procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The scale ruler with discrete scale comparator objects serves as an intermediary element between the vasculature image and the catheter selection decision. This intermediate tool provides a reference framework that mediates the comparison between visual vessel appearance and actual catheter size requirements, eliminating the need for clinicians to estimate sizes directly from the imaging data.
2Measurement precision
If discrete scale comparator objects are added to output images, then catheter selection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scale ruler with discrete scale comparator objects is pre-configured with known dimensional relationships and catheter size references before being applied to the vasculature image. This preliminary preparation allows the system to automatically overlay the scale without requiring complex real-time calculations during the imaging process, reducing computational complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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
Enhances the accuracy of catheter selection by providing real-time, contextually relevant images that allow clinicians to visually compare blood vessel sizes with standard catheter sizes, reducing the risk of procedural errors.
Implementation Method 1
an imager to capture images of a living subject including a near-infrared image, an infrared image, or both
Data Source
AI summary
An imager captures images of a living subject including a near-infrared image, an infrared image, or both. A processor is connected to the imager and an output device. The processor is configured to generate output images of vasculature of the living subject from the images captured by the imager, include in the output images a range of discrete scale comparator objects of different sizes, and provide the output images to the output device for display to a user.