Noninvasive Wall Thickness Estimation Using 4D Angiography Strain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for estimating the thickness of organ and blood vessel walls, such as those used in cerebral aneurysms, are invasive and provide inaccurate information, making it difficult to apply specific treatments effectively.
Innovation Solution
A wall thickness estimation method utilizing four-dimensional angiography to capture video data, which generates behavioral information about changes in predetermined points over time, allowing for the visualization of strain and estimation of wall thickness through a computer program and device system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If imaging or visual inspection in craniotomy is used to measure the thickness of the cerebral aneurysm wall, then the thickness information can be obtained, but the method is highly invasive and places a heavy burden on the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical surgical approach (craniotomy with direct imaging) with a non-invasive image processing system. The system uses existing medical images (CT, MRI, MRA) and applies automated detection algorithms to estimate wall thickness, eliminating the need for surgical intervention while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of the cerebral aneurysm wall based on existing medical images. By processing and analyzing image data to generate three-dimensional models and estimate wall thickness, the system produces a digital copy that provides measurement information without physical contact or surgical invasion.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is used to measure the thickness of blood vessel wall, then the method is minimally invasive, but the image data obtained is less precise and highly accurate information cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of image processing by utilizing multiple types of medical images (CT, MRI, MRA) with different contrast and resolution characteristics. By processing these images with enhanced algorithms that calculate three-dimensional coordinates and estimate wall thickness through multiple parameters, the system achieves higher precision than conventional ultrasonic methods while maintaining minimal invasiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system that can process various types of medical images (CT, MRI, MRA) and perform multiple functions including three-dimensional reconstruction, wall thickness estimation, and strain calculation. This universal approach leverages the strengths of different imaging modalities to achieve high precision without the limitations of single-modality ultrasonic imaging.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If experts infer information about the geometry of the aneurysm wall from the shape of the lumen obtained by CT, MRI, and MRA, then the method is non-invasive, but it is difficult to obtain accurate information about the thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that bridges the gap between standard medical images and wall thickness information. The system uses image processing algorithms as intermediaries to extract three-dimensional coordinates from CT, MRI, or MRA images, calculate spatial relationships, and estimate wall thickness, transforming standard imaging data into precise thickness measurements without direct contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image data to three-dimensional coordinate information. By calculating three-dimensional coordinates from medical images and using spatial relationships in multiple dimensions, the system derives wall thickness information that cannot be obtained from simple two-dimensional visual inspection, significantly improving measurement accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A wall thickness estimation method includes: obtaining behavioral information based on a video in which an organ wall or a blood vessel wall is captured using four-dimensional angiography, the behavioral information being numerical information about changes over time in a position of each of a plurality of predetermined points in the organ wall or the blood vessel wall; generating, based on the behavioral information obtained in the obtaining, estimation information that visualizes a strain of each of the plurality of predetermined points for estimating a thickness of the organ wall or a thickness of the blood vessel wall; and outputting the estimation information generated in the generating.