Venous Output Function Calculation via Histogram Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods face difficulties in accurately calculating the venous output function when the inner diameter of the artery narrows, as the temporal change in contrast agent concentration in the artery resembles that in the vein, leading to inaccurate calculations.
Innovation Solution
A blood flow dynamic analysis apparatus that generates contrast agent concentration profiles, calculates characteristic amounts, and uses a histogram to distinguish between artery and vein regions, enabling the calculation of a more accurate venous output function by injecting a contrast agent and using a magnetic resonance imaging system to analyze blood flow dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods calculate venous output function based on temporal change in contrast agent concentration in the artery, then the calculation process is simple, but the accuracy deteriorates when the inner diameter of the artery becomes narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the brain regions into artery-containing regions and vein-containing regions based on histogram analysis of contrast agent concentration. By dividing the calculation into separate regional components rather than using a single arterial measurement, the method achieves accurate venous output function calculation even when arterial diameter is narrow, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and method complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of analysis by using histogram distribution of contrast agent concentration values across multiple regions, rather than relying solely on temporal change in a single arterial region. This dimensional shift from temporal-only analysis to spatial-temporal histogram analysis enables accurate differentiation between arterial and venous regions, improving measurement precision without excessive complexity increase.
2Loss of information
If the inner diameter of the artery becomes narrow, then the temporal change in contrast agent concentration in the artery resembles that in the vein, but this makes it difficult to distinguish between artery and vein regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses histogram analysis of contrast agent concentration values as a form of 'information coloring' to differentiate between arterial and venous regions. By analyzing the distribution characteristics (shape, peak position, width) of concentration values across regions, the method preserves regional differentiation information even when temporal concentration changes are similar, preventing information loss and maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces histogram analysis as an intermediary step between raw concentration measurements and regional identification. This intermediary process extracts discriminative features from concentration distributions, enabling reliable artery-vein distinction even when direct temporal comparison fails due to narrow arterial diameter, thus preventing information loss.
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
The apparatus effectively distinguishes between artery and vein regions, allowing for the accurate calculation of venous output function, thereby improving the assessment of blood flow dynamics and aiding in timely and appropriate treatment for cerebral infarction.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic resonance imaging system having the blood flow dynamic analysis apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A blood flow dynamic analysis apparatus acquires data from a plurality of regions lying in slices set to a subject with a contrast agent injected therein and analyzes blood flow dynamics of the subject, based on the data. The apparatus includes a contrast agent concentration profile generation device for generating profiles each indicative of a temporal change in the concentration of the contrast agent for every said region lying in the slices, a characteristic amount calculation device for calculating the concentrations of the contrast agent in the regions after a bolus of contrast agent has passed through the regions, from the profiles, a histogram generation device for generating a histogram containing the concentrations of the contrast agent in the regions after the bolus of contrast agent has passed through the regions, a region determination device for determining a region in which each vein exists, from the regions, based on the histogram, and a function calculation device for calculating a venous output function, based on a temporal change in the concentration of the contrast agent in the region in which the vein exists.