Vessel Registration with Functional Parameters Across Imaging Modalities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for correspondence detection between diagnostic images of a patient's vasculature are inaccurate and unreliable due to factors such as changed projection direction, cardiac motion, and non-calibrated C-arm geometry, especially when different imaging modalities are used.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that correlate diagnostic images based on functional parameter values at specific positions along the vessel, using intravascular measurements or fluid dynamics models to establish correspondence between images acquired with different settings or modalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple diagnostic images are used to assess vasculature, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but correspondence detection accuracy deteriorates due to projection direction changes, cardiac motion, and non-calibrated C-arm geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used for correspondence detection from geometric features (which are affected by projection direction and cardiac motion) to functional parameters (pressure, flow, resistance values) that remain consistent across different imaging conditions. This allows accurate vessel matching between multiple diagnostic images despite variations in acquisition geometry and timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces functional parameter values as an intermediary medium to establish correspondence between vessels in different diagnostic images. Instead of directly comparing geometric features that vary with imaging conditions, the system uses functional parameters (derived from fluid dynamics models or measurements) as a stable reference to match vessels across images taken at different times, angles, and modalities.
2Reliability
If different imaging modalities are used to gather comprehensive vascular information, then diagnostic completeness is improved, but correspondence detection reliability deteriorates due to modality-specific visualization differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies functional parameters that are universal across different imaging modalities. Whether the images are from CT angiography, invasive angiography, or other modalities, the same functional parameters (pressure, flow, resistance) can be used to establish correspondence, making the method modality-agnostic and enabling integration of multi-modality data without modality-specific matching algorithms.
3Productivity
If geometric features are used for correspondence detection, then processing speed is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to sensitivity to projection direction and cardiac motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using geometric parameters (shape, size, orientation) to functional parameters (pressure, flow, resistance) for correspondence detection. This parameter change makes the detection process robust to geometric variations caused by projection direction and cardiac motion, significantly improving detection accuracy while maintaining computational efficiency through automated functional parameter comparison.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for analyzing diagnostic image data are provided in which correspondence detection between a first diagnostic image and a second diagnostic image of a vessel of interest in a patients vasculature is performed on the basis of at least one functional parameter by matching the one or more values of said functional parameter at particular positions along the vessel of interest as shown in the first diagnostic image and the second diagnostic image to one another, thereby determining a correlation between the positions in the basis of said functional parameter values rather than solely the vessel geometry.