3D Vessel Flow Velocity Measurement from Angiographic Dye Fronts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining fluid flow velocity in vessels, such as blood flow in coronary vessels, lack accuracy and standardization, particularly when dealing with non-linear vessel paths and variations in vessel width.
Innovation Solution
A method involving obtaining a natural length model of the vessel, constructing a three-dimensional model from two-dimensional images taken at different angles, segmenting the vessel into sections, and using intensity criteria to determine fluid flow velocity based on propagation length and time differences, with normalization and thresholding to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional TIMI Frame Count method is used to determine flow velocity, then the process is simple and quick, but the measurement precision and accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms 2D image data into a 3D natural length model of the vessel, enabling accurate measurement of propagation length along the vessel's actual three-dimensional path. This dimensional transformation resolves the contradiction by providing precise flow velocity measurement through 3D reconstruction while maintaining computational feasibility through automated processing of the 3D model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a natural length model as an intermediary representation between the raw 2D image data and the final flow velocity calculation. This intermediate 3D model serves as a mediator that preserves the vessel's true geometry while enabling accurate measurement, thus improving measurement precision without requiring direct complex image analysis.
2Loss of information
If 2D image data is used directly for flow velocity calculation, then the data processing is straightforward, but data loss occurs and resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconstructs the vessel's three-dimensional natural length model from 2D image data, preserving geometric information that would be lost in direct 2D analysis. This dimensional transformation recovers the vessel's true path and length, preventing information loss while the automated 3D reconstruction process manages the added processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a natural length model as a faithful 3D copy of the vessel's geometry based on 2D image data. This copied representation preserves all essential geometric information while enabling accurate measurements, thus preventing data loss without requiring direct manipulation of the original complex image data.
3Reliability
If standardized method is implemented for flow velocity determination, then objectivity and reproducibility improve, but the methodology becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vessel into discrete sections along its natural length model, with each section assigned intensity values from image data. This segmentation creates a standardized, reproducible framework for analysis that improves objectivity by systematically processing each segment, while the modular approach manages the complexity of the overall methodology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual measurement procedures with automated computational processing of the natural length model and image intensity data. This substitution of manual mechanical measurement with automated computational analysis enhances objectivity and reproducibility while the automation itself manages the complexity of implementing the standardized method.
Data Source
AI summary
Image data of contrast dye in a vessel in a body is acquired for determining flow rate. Based on images acquired under and angle relative to one another, a three-dimensional model of the vessel is constructed and length of a vessel section is determined. A series of at least two images, apart in time, under a first angle is assessed for determining progress of a front of the dye bolus in the vessel in time. In the images, the vessel may be segmented and brightness or a derivative thereof over at least one of time and distance may be assessed to determine the front. Progress distance is mapped to the three-dimensional model, for example by mapping segments from the image to the model, to obtain a more accurate and natural distance of progress over time. Flow rate is determined by natural progress distance over progress time.