Method for visualizing blood and blood-likelihood in vascualar images

US10292676B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• THE VOLCANO CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• Nikhil Sreedhar RAJGURU · Rancho Cordova, US
• Vladimir Zagrodsky · Cameron Park, US
• David L. Goodwin · Cameron Park, US
• Jon D. Klingensmith · Shaker Heights, US
• Wolf-Ekkehard Blanz · Danville, US
• Bernhard Sturm · Davis, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 20, 2012
• Grant date: May 21, 2019
• Expiry date: Apr 10, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06T2207/30101
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Computer-implemented methods for use in improving the diagnostic quality of images, including intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images, are disclosed. The methods include using a non-linear, probabilistic classifier algorithm to analyze a plurality of spatiotemporal features of RF backscatter and to produce a blood likelihood map or blood probability map that corresponds to the original IVUS image. The methods disclosed herein allow for visualizing both static and dynamic characteristic of a vessel either by producing a transparency modulated color overlay of the blood likelihood map without altering the underlying IVUS image or by processing the IVUS image based upon the blood likelihood map to better distinguish between static and dynamic components of the vessel.