X-ray Difference Image Generation for Cardiac Function Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cardiac function examination methods, particularly using X-ray diagnostic apparatuses, require large amounts of contrast agents and prolonged exposure times, posing a burden on patients and limiting the frequency of examinations due to kidney safety concerns and the need for dedicated catheters.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that generates difference images by calculating the difference between X-ray transmission images with and without contrast agent opacification in the myocardial tissue, allowing for analysis of heart movement functions without the need for extensive contrast agent use or prolonged exposure, using a system that includes an image selecting unit and a difference image generating unit within an X-ray diagnostic apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If LVG process is performed to examine cardiac functions, then movement functions of the heart can be analyzed, but large amount of contrast agent is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary information for cardiac function analysis from the coronary angiography images by generating difference images that highlight myocardial tissue movement, eliminating the need for separate LVG imaging and reducing contrast agent requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the coronary angiography process serve dual purposes: diagnosing vessel stenosis and analyzing cardiac movement functions, by processing the same images to extract both vascular and myocardial information
2Measurement precision
If LVG process is performed to examine cardiac functions, then movement functions of the heart can be analyzed, but examination time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cardiac function analysis with coronary angiography diagnosis by processing images from the same imaging session, eliminating the need for separate LVG examination and reducing total examination time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs cardiac function analysis using images already acquired during coronary angiography before additional imaging is required, utilizing preliminary image data for dual-purpose diagnosis
3Measurement precision
If LVG process is performed to examine cardiac functions, then movement functions of the heart can be analyzed, but X-ray exposure amount increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts cardiac function information from existing coronary angiography images through difference image processing, eliminating the need for additional X-ray exposure from separate LVG imaging
4Measurement precision
If LVG process is performed to examine cardiac functions, then movement functions of the heart can be analyzed, but dedicated catheter insertion is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the coronary angiography catheter to serve dual purposes: injecting contrast agent for vascular imaging and enabling cardiac function analysis through processed imaging data, eliminating the need for separate LVG-purpose catheter
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
Enables detailed analysis of myocardial tissue movement with reduced contrast agent usage and X-ray exposure, shortening examination time and minimizing patient burden, while allowing for simultaneous diagnosis of vessel stenosis and heart function assessment.
Implementation Method 1
an image in which a myocardial tissue is not opacified with a contrast agent and a first X-ray transmission image in which the myocardial tissue is opacified with a contrast agent
Implementation Method 2
the myocardial tissue is opacified with a contrast agent that has been injected into a coronary artery
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes a difference image generating unit and a display controlling unit. The difference image generating unit generates a difference image by calculating a difference in a second X-ray transmission image from a first X-ray transmission image, the second X-ray transmission image being an image in which a myocardial tissue of an examined subject is not opacified and the first X-ray transmission image being an image in which the myocardial tissue of the examined subject is opacified with a contrast agent that has been injected into a coronary artery. The display controlling unit exercises control so that a predetermined display unit displays the difference image that has been generated by the difference image generating unit.