X-ray Diagnostic Apparatus for Overlapped Blood Vessel Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray diagnostic apparatuses face difficulties in distinctly observing subsequently contrast-enhanced blood vessels when they overlap with initially contrast-enhanced vessels on DSA images, requiring time-consuming adjustments of the C-arm or catheter insertion, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray diagnostic apparatus that analyzes time-course transition information of contrast media signal intensity in both the region of interest and a proximal region to calculate blood flow information, using modulation factors like dilution, spread, and friction to distinguish between overlapped blood vessels, and displays this information effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If DSA imaging is used to observe vascular structure, then blood vessels can be extracted and observed, but subsequently contrast-enhanced blood vessels cannot be distinctly observed when they overlap with initially contrast-enhanced vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the overlapped blood vessel region into multiple temporal phases based on contrast media arrival time. By dividing the observation into distinct time periods (first contrast enhancement phase, second contrast enhancement phase), the system can separately analyze and display each blood vessel's contrast enhancement process, preventing information loss from overlapping vessels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by acquiring a time series of X-ray images continuously before and during contrast media injection. This preliminary data collection captures the temporal sequence of contrast media flow through different blood vessels, enabling subsequent separation and clear observation of both initially and subsequently contrast-enhanced vessels without requiring additional imaging procedures.
2Measurement precision
If the C-arm is moved to an angle to separate overlapped blood vessels, then distinct observation becomes possible, but surgical time increases due to repeated positioning and imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by acquiring a comprehensive time series of X-ray images at the initial C-arm position before any repositioning occurs. This preliminary data capture includes all necessary temporal information about contrast media flow through both initially and subsequently enhanced vessels, eliminating the need for time-consuming C-arm repositioning and repeat imaging procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a temporal copy of the blood vessel contrast enhancement process by capturing images at multiple time points. Instead of physically moving the C-arm to separate overlapped vessels, the system uses temporal copying - acquiring images at different times when different vessels are enhanced - to separate and display each vessel's characteristics without physical repositioning.
3Measurement precision
If the catheter is inserted to the periphery side and contrast media is injected again to image separate blood vessels, then distinct observation is achieved, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by acquiring all necessary imaging data in a single contrast media injection procedure. The time series X-ray images capture the complete contrast enhancement sequence of all blood vessels in one continuous process, eliminating the need for repeated catheter insertions and contrast media injections that would be required to separately image different vessels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the observation of multiple blood vessels into a single imaging procedure. By combining temporal information from continuous X-ray imaging during one contrast media injection, the system simultaneously captures data from both initially and subsequently enhanced vessels, then separates them through image processing rather than requiring separate physical imaging procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an obtaining unit and a calculating unit. The obtaining unit is configured to, with regard to a plurality of X-ray images that are acquired with time by using a contrast media, obtains first transition information that indicates a time-course transition of a signal intensity of the contrast media in a region of interest that corresponds to a blood vessel and obtains second transition information that indicates a time-course transition of the signal intensity of the contrast media in a region to which the contrast media flows earlier than the region of interest. The calculating unit is configured to analyze the first transition information by using the second transition information to calculate blood flow information on each blood flow in the region of interest.