Medical X-Ray Device Imaging with Base-Point Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for displaying catheters and similar devices in X-ray images without marker pairs fail to account for the movement caused by heartbeat and breathing, making it difficult to accurately observe the distal end of these devices.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing apparatus that detects the distal end of a device and determines a base point on the device, generating images where this base point remains at a fixed position or within a predetermined range across multiple X-ray images, allowing for stable display and suppression of unnecessary movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the distal end of the device is fixed as the reference point for alignment, then the position stability is improved, but the ability to observe actual distal end movement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into two functional parts: a proximal reference point (base point) for alignment stability and a distal end for movement observation. By treating these segments differently in the alignment process, the system maintains positional stability while preserving distal end movement information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality requirements to different parts of the device: the proximal base point requires high positional stability for reliable alignment, while the distal end allows natural movement to preserve operational information. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between stability and information preservation.
2Measurement precision
If marker pairs are used for alignment, then the alignment accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases and applicability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alignment function from the device structure itself by using the proximal base point as a reference. This eliminates the need to embed marker pairs within the device, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining alignment accuracy through software-based processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal alignment method that works with any device having a distinguishable proximal end, regardless of whether it has marker pairs. This multi-functional approach allows the same alignment technique to be applied to various devices (guidewires, catheters, coils) without modifying their structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the entire device is stabilized against heartbeat and breathing movement, then the image clarity is improved, but the natural physiological movement information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of stabilizing the entire device including the distal end, the patent inverts the approach by stabilizing only the proximal base point for alignment purposes while allowing the distal end to move naturally. This inversion preserves physiological movement information while achieving sufficient image stability for observation.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry sequentially acquires an X-ray image including a device inserted into a subject. Then, the processing circuitry detects a distal end of the device on the X-ray image. Then, the processing circuitry determines a position on the device distant from the distal end, as a base point. Then, the processing circuitry generates an image in which at least a position of the base point is located at the same position or within a predetermined range including the position, among a plurality of the X-ray images, and displays the image on the display.