Automatic detection and quantification of coronary and aortic calcium
US7558611B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 23, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S128/922
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An automated method measures coronary calcium in a living subject using x-ray computed tomography (CT). The method acquires at least one CT image containing voxels representing x-ray attenuation of the subject which may or may not be calibrated. The method of analysis may or may not require operator interactions and includes analyzing the images in a computer to identify the boundaries of the heart. The method further includes identifying the approximate location of at least one coronary artery without operator interaction. The method further includes placing a region-of-interest (ROI) surrounding the artery location automatically. The method further includes analyzing the ROI to identify voxels above a threshold value. The method further includes determining the calcium content in mass units.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.