X-Ray Vascular Feature Detection And Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing x-ray imaging technologies face challenges in achieving accurate visualization and registration of vascular structures during intravascular imaging, particularly due to the obscuration of imaging probes by contrast solutions and the interference of guidewires and catheters.
Innovation Solution
The disclosure presents methods for detecting the position and size of contrast clouds in x-ray images, extracting metallic guidewires, and registering vascular trees across multiple frames, which enhances image processing and feature detection, thereby improving cross-frame registration accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If contrast solution is injected to enhance imaging of blood vessels via angiography, then vascular structure visualization is improved, but optical and acoustic imaging probes are obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the imaging modalities by using x-ray imaging for vascular structure visualization during contrast injection, while using intravascular optical/acoustic imaging probes for complementary tissue characterization. The segmentation allows each modality to operate in its optimal performance range without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image registration and co-registration algorithms as intermediaries to integrate data from multiple imaging modalities. These computational methods correlate x-ray angiographic images with intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) or ultrasound images, allowing the system to overcome the obscuration problem by fusing information from different sources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If guidewires and catheters are used in the vasculature, then procedural intervention capability is improved, but certain landmarks are obscured and imaging analysis is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different image processing techniques to different regions of the image. Areas obscured by guidewires or catheters are processed using specialized algorithms that can detect landmarks in less obstructed regions, while maintaining procedural intervention capability in the obscured areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple imaging modalities (x-ray angiography, intravascular OCT, ultrasound) that provide information from different dimensions and perspectives. By co-registering these multi-dimensional datasets, the system can identify landmarks that may be obscured in one modality but visible in another.
3Loss of information
If multiple imaging modalities are combined for intravascular imaging, then diagnostic information is improved, but imaging and co-registration challenges become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal image registration algorithms that can handle multiple imaging modalities (x-ray, OCT, ultrasound) through a unified computational framework. This multi-functional approach allows the same core algorithms to process and co-register different types of imaging data, reducing overall system complexity despite the diversity of modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms in the image registration process, where the system continuously refines the alignment between different imaging modalities by comparing anatomical features and adjusting transformation parameters. This iterative feedback approach improves co-registration accuracy while providing a systematic method to manage the complexity of multiple imaging sources.
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
These methods enable more accurate detection of vascular features, reduce registration errors, and enhance the accuracy of cross-frame registration, facilitating better diagnostic and procedural outcomes in vascular imaging.
Implementation Method 1
An injection or other delivery contrast solution renders the artery radiopaque for angiography or other x-ray related imaging methods
Implementation Method 2
The injection of contrast solution to enhance imaging of blood vessels via angiography
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates generally to the field of vascular system and peripheral vascular system data collection, imaging, image processing and feature detection relating thereto. In part, the disclosure more specifically relates to methods for detecting position and size of contrast cloud in an x-ray image including with respect to a sequence of x-ray images during intravascular imaging. Methods of detecting and extracting metallic wires from x-ray images are also described herein such as guidewires used in coronary procedures. Further, methods for of registering vascular trees for one or more images, such as in sequences of x-ray images, are disclosed. In part, the disclosure relates to processing, tracking and registering angiography images and elements in such images. The registration can be performed relative to images from an intravascular imaging modality such as, for example, optical coherence tomography (OCT) or intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).