X-ray Diagnostic Apparatus Calcified Region Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
During aortic valve replacement procedures using TAVI or TAVR, conventional X-ray diagnostic systems face challenges in providing precise real-time images to prevent the catheter tip from contacting calcified areas in coronary arteries, due to deviations between fluoroscopic and angiographic images caused by heartbeats.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray diagnostic apparatus that includes an X-ray emitting and detection device, a fluoroscopic image generating unit, a calcified region detection unit, and a display control unit to superimpose calcified region images from pre-acquired CT or MR images onto real-time fluoroscopic images, ensuring accurate alignment and display of calcified regions on the X-ray diagnostic apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fluoroscopic images are used alone, then real-time imaging is achieved, but calcified areas in coronary arteries cannot be identified, creating safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges fluoroscopic images (providing real-time imaging) with angiographic images (providing calcified area information) into a single composite display. The fluoroscopic image serves as the background layer showing real-time catheter position, while the angiographic image is overlaid showing calcified regions, allowing simultaneous visualization of both information types without requiring separate displays or mental correlation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary processing system that automatically aligns and registers the angiographic image data with the fluoroscopic image data based on anatomical landmarks and coordinate transformation. This intermediary alignment process eliminates the need for manual correlation by the operator and ensures that calcified areas are accurately positioned relative to the real-time fluoroscopic view, even as the heart moves.
2Loss of information
If fused images of entire angiographic image and fluoroscopic image are displayed, then comprehensive information is provided, but deviation between images due to heartbeats makes calcified area identification difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display into functionally distinct layers: a background fluoroscopic image layer providing real-time anatomical context, and an overlaid angiographic image layer providing static calcified area information. This segmentation allows each layer to serve its optimal purpose while maintaining visual separation, reducing the confusion that would result from completely fused images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different visual properties to different regions of the display: the fluoroscopic background provides continuous real-time motion information, while the overlaid angiographic regions provide static reference information about calcified areas. The overlay technique allows local enhancement of calcified area visibility without compromising the overall real-time imaging quality, as each region contributes its most valuable information.
3Speed
If real-time fluoroscopic images are used, then catheter position monitoring is achieved, but calcified areas that move with heartbeats cannot be accurately tracked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary acquisition and processing of angiographic images that capture calcified area positions at specific cardiac phases (such as end-diastole or end-systole). These pre-acquired images are then registered and overlaid onto the real-time fluoroscopic sequence, providing reference information about calcified area locations that can be correlated with the rhythmic cardiac motion pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the periodic nature of cardiac motion by acquiring angiographic reference images at consistent cardiac phases and overlaying them onto fluoroscopic sequences. The systematic alignment process accounts for the rhythmic movement pattern of calcified areas, allowing the operator to predict and avoid contact during catheter advancement by understanding the periodic displacement of calcified regions throughout the cardiac cycle.
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 solution enables precise real-time imaging, reducing the risk of catheter contact with calcified areas by providing synchronized and accurate alignment of calcified regions with fluoroscopic images, thus enhancing the safety of aortic valve replacement procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray emitting device configured to generate X-rays
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray detection device disposed opposite the X-ray emitting device with respect to the object and configured to detect the X-rays
Data Source
AI summary
The X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray emitting device, an X-ray detection device, a fluoroscopic image generating unit, a calcified region detection unit and a display control unit. The fluoroscopic image generating unit generates a plurality of frames of fluoroscopic images of an object on a basis of detected X-rays in sequence. The calcified region detection unit detects a calcified region on each of the fluoroscopic images in sequence. The display control unit superimposes a calcified region image on a position of the calcified region on each of the fluoroscopic images in sequence, the calcified region image including a calcified region on a pre-acquired CT image or MR image of the object, and displays resulting images on a display device in sequence.