X-ray Image Processing Apparatus for Catheter Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for displaying X-ray fluoroscopic images during catheter therapy struggle to accurately differentiate between branching of identical blood vessels and intersections of blood vessels, particularly when using contrast medium-stained images or three-dimensional vascular images, leading to difficulties in catheter navigation due to positional deviations between road map images and real-time fluoroscopic images.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that generates a parameter image based on temporal information of blood flow, combining it with real-time fluoroscopic images to create a composite image that facilitates discrimination between branching and intersections by using parameter values such as Time To Peak (TTP) and Time To Arrival (TTA), allowing for improved catheter navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a three-dimensional vascular image is used as a road map image, then discrimination between branching and intersection of blood vessels is improved, but alignment with real-time X-ray fluoroscopic image becomes significantly difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual road map image that copies the appearance and characteristics of the real-time X-ray fluoroscopic image. This virtual image is generated by processing the three-dimensional vascular data to simulate how the blood vessels would appear in a two-dimensional X-ray projection, allowing direct overlay and alignment without complex registration procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms three-dimensional vascular data into a two-dimensional representation by changing the dimensional parameter. The virtual road map image is generated by projecting 3D vascular information onto a 2D plane that matches the fluoroscopic image geometry, enabling seamless integration while preserving the discrimination capability of 3D data
2Loss of time
If an image of blood vessels stained with contrast medium is used as a road map image, then preparation time is reduced, but discrimination between branching and intersection of blood vessels becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of three-dimensional vascular data to generate a virtual road map image before the actual catheter procedure begins. This pre-generated image incorporates branching and intersection information from 3D angiography, allowing the operator to benefit from both the quick preparation of 2D images and the discrimination accuracy of 3D data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual road map image as an intermediary that bridges the gap between 3D vascular data and 2D fluoroscopic images. This virtual image serves as a mediator that combines the advantages of both approaches: the preparation efficiency of 2D images and the discrimination accuracy of 3D data, without requiring complex real-time alignment
3Ease of operation
If real-time X-ray fluoroscopic imaging is used for catheter navigation, then procedural guidance is provided, but positional deviation between road map image and fluoroscopic image occurs making accurate navigation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent generates a virtual road map image that copies the geometric properties, projection angle, and spatial orientation of the real-time X-ray fluoroscopic image. By matching these parameters, the virtual image aligns perfectly with the fluoroscopic image, eliminating positional deviation and enabling accurate catheter navigation
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry obtains a parameter value representing temporal information on blood flow for each pixel of multiple image data items, and generates a parameter image by determining a pixel value of each pixel according to the parameter value representing the temporal information on blood flow. The processing circuitry further generates a composite image of an X-ray fluoroscopic image of an object obtained in real time and a road map image using at least a part of the parameter image, and causes a display to display the composite image.