Virtual Pullback System for Intravascular Imaging Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intravascular imaging methods, such as IVUS, face challenges in accurately determining the location of ultrasound images within the blood vessel, making it difficult for physicians to diagnose issues effectively due to the lack of corresponding location information during the imaging process.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for simulating an intravascular procedure in a virtual environment, where information from a first view displaying a virtual anatomical region and an intravascular imaging device is shown alongside a second view with cross-sectional images, allowing the device to be moved in response to user input, updating the image location correspondingly, enabling accurate tracking of the device's position within the vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional IVUS imaging is performed during catheter pullback, then cross-sectional ultrasound images can be captured and saved, but the location information of these images within the blood vessel is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the blood vessel anatomy and catheter position that can be manipulated independently of the physical catheter. This virtual model is updated in real-time to reflect the actual catheter position, allowing physicians to review images with accurate location context even after the physical catheter has been removed from the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a computer processing system as an intermediary between the physical catheter and the displayed images. This intermediary captures position data from the catheter, maps it to the virtual model, and presents the correlated information to the physician, thereby preserving location information that would otherwise be lost.
2Productivity
If the IVUS catheter is pulled back to capture multiple images, then more vessel segments can be imaged, but the ability to accurately identify specific locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the image review process by creating a visual representation of the blood vessel that shows the catheter's position along its length. This allows physicians to navigate through the vessel anatomy in a intuitive manner and quickly identify specific locations corresponding to captured images.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback by updating the virtual model as the catheter moves, allowing the physician to see in real-time how the catheter position changes relative to the vessel anatomy. This feedback loop ensures that location information is maintained throughout the imaging process.
3Measurement precision
If a virtual pullback system is implemented to track device position, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computer processing system performs multiple functions: it tracks catheter position, updates the virtual model, correlates images with locations, and provides user interaction capabilities. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional system, the patent reduces overall complexity compared to having separate systems for each function.
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
This approach allows for precise location tracking of the intravascular imaging device during a virtual pullback, enhancing diagnostic accuracy by providing clear locational information, thus improving the diagnostic process and medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
An imaging system such as an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) system uses ultrasound echoes to form a cross-sectional image of the vessel of interest
Implementation Method 2
The IVUS imaging system uses ultrasound echoes to form a cross-sectional image of the vessel where the IVUS catheter is located
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method of simulating an intravascular procedure in a virtual environment. The method includes displaying information from a first view and a second view simultaneously. The first view contains virtual representations of an anatomical region of a human body and an intravascular imaging device disposed in the anatomical region. The second view contains a cross-sectional image of a segment of the anatomical region corresponding to a location of the intravascular imaging device. The method includes moving, in response to a user input, the virtual representation of the intravascular imaging device with respect to the virtual representation of the anatomical region. The method includes updating the cross-sectional image as the virtual representation of the intravascular imaging device is being moved. The updated cross-sectional image corresponds to a new location of the intravascular imaging device.