Patent Application
20080045814
A wide array of potential embodiments can be better understood through the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings in which:
In the drawings, the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals even though they are depicted in different drawings.
As required, detailed embodiments of the present inventions are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be performed without C-arms without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, any medical imaging device having an emitter and detector can be used e.g., MRI.
In addition, the medical imaging device 100 is provided with a patient examination table 108. For observation of the examination, a monitor support or monitor bank 109 is provided, in this example, comprising four monitors 110. However, a conventional medical imaging device 100 comprises at least one display.
An operating console 111 is located in an adjacent control room for communication with the system for the purpose of controlling the C-arms 102 and 103 and/or X-ray emitters 104 and 105 as well as X-ray detectors 106 and 107, image generation and image processing. Typically, an operating console 111 in the control room is provided with at least two monitors for biplane systems. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other configurations are possible.
The C-arms 102 and 103 can be ceiling mounted and/or floor mounted. A combination of floor and ceiling mounted C-arms allow for adaptable positioning of the medical imaging device and fast programmable movement. It also allows peripheral examinations to be performed without repositioning a patient. The medical imaging device 100 comprises a biplane angiography system with flexible and ergonomic architecture that also allows medical personnel to adapt the medical imaging device 100 configuration for cardiologic and stenosis applications.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a processor 112 is provided for the medical imaging device 100. The processor 112 includes memory comprising different procedures to implement after analyzing the stenosis parameters and the hemodynamic parameters.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the medical imaging device 100 is equipped with an apparatus for monitoring and reading stenosis parameters and hemodynamic parameters. Table 1 illustrates some exemplary stenosis parameters without normal values shown. The normal values vary based on age and sex of the subject. Those skilled in the art are aware of the values.
The imaging device 100 employs conventional invasive and noninvasive methods to determine stenosis parameters and hemodynamic parameters as is known to those skilled in the art. For example, the medical imaging device 100 can perform the functions of various devices and acquire stenosis parameters and hemodynamic parameters either separately or together.
Similarly, there are different techniques for acquiring hemodynamic parameters that are known to those skilled in the art. The accuracy of the reading, again, depends on the experience and training of the person interpreting the parameters to determine a root cause of a deviation in readings. Hemodynamic parameters outside the normal range can indicate a myriad of problems. For example, symptoms can be anything from cardiac dysfunction, pulmonary edema, rales, increased jugular vein size, pulmonary edema, complete cardiovascular collapse, and profound shock. Symptoms can also include weakness, pallor, confusion, cold clammy skin, diminished or absent pulses, cardiac arrhythmias, low arterial blood pressure, murmurs and decreased cardiac output. Table 2 illustrates some exemplary hemodynamic parameters.
It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that some of the parameters may be calculated based on other available parameters. For example, cardiac output can be measured using the formula CO=SV*HR
Where CO=cardiac output (liter/min)
SV=stroke volume, the volume of blood ejected from the heart due to contraction of the left ventricular.
HR=hear rate, number of heart beats per minute.
Preferably, both the stenosis parameters and the hemodynamic parameters should be analyzed together. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, processor 112 analyzes the stenosis parameters and the hemodynamic parameters. Values that are outside the normal range indicate a problem. More weight can be given to parameters that are considered critical. Critical parameters are well known by those skilled in the art.
After the stenosis parameters and the hemodynamic parameters are analyzed a determination is made as to whether the readings fall into one of at least two categories or regions as shown in the graph of
Returning to
Graph 400 may be color coded. For example, the normal region may be shown as blue, the critical region shown as orange and the acute danger region shown as red. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed colors. Other colors may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The medical imaging device 100 can recommend interventional procedures to the medical personnel. For example medication and surgical procedures can be displayed and/or printed out. The patient's medical history can also be viewed and compared. For instance, based on the graph 400, specific treatment for the patient can be recommended. For example, stent size, length and material and deployment pressure may also be recommended.
It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the graph 400 may also comprise a text based report disclosing parameters that fall outside the norm and the problem the patient may have. In addition, a numerical report can also be provided listing the stenosis parameters and the hemodynamic parameters. In an embodiment of the present invention, the stenosis parameters that fall outside the range can be viewed as a graph separate from graph 400 allowing the medical personnel to review the measurements in question manually.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a third modality may comprise an x-ray. For example, medical personnel may detect a problem with a patient using graph 400 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Medical personnel may then take an x-ray of the patient. Based on the graph 400 and textual information, the medical imaging device 100 can focus on the problem areas e.g., capture an image of the pulmonary area if the stenosis parameters and/or the hemodynamic parameters showed that this area of the heart had a problem. Thus, cost savings can be envisioned by comparing the stenosis parameters and hemodynamic parameters, providing a graphical or textual detailed analysis of the problem and determining whether to take an x-ray based on the results of the analysis.
It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced using distinct apparatuses. For example an apparatus for monitoring stenosis parameters 114 and an apparatus for monitoring hemodynamic parameters 116 may be connected to an apparatus having processor 112 as shown in
At steps 201, 202 and 203, tests are performed on a patient. The tests may comprise at least one of an x-ray, the monitoring of stenosis parameters and hemodynamic parameters. The test for the stenosis parameters and hemodynamic parameters may be performed using a separate apparatus or an integrated apparatus.
At step 204, the stenosis parameters and hemodynamic parameters are analyzed by processor 112. Patterns are determined and/or problem areas are detected. Since a processor is analyzing the information a much more accurate analysis can be provided compared to a human analysis. Minor details in a graph, for example, can be analyzed to determine if there is a pattern that can indicate heart disease.
At step 205, an output is provided by processor 112. The output may comprise a report on a screen, a printout or an output to a portable memory device. The output may comprise a report such as graph 400 which indicates a Normal, Critical, or Acute Danger state of the patient based on a combined analysis of the stenosis parameters and hemodynamic parameters. The different categories or regions may be color coded to provide a visual distinction among the regions.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, a buffer color can be provided around the transition areas. For example, rather than having a clear transition between the Normal and Critical regions, there can be a region of a different color than the two connecting regions. This can allow medical personnel to issue a warning to the patient that their condition may not have reached the critical stage but the patient's condition is close to being critical.
The report can also provide a textual indication of the stenosis parameters and hemodynamic parameters that were outside the norm to allow the medical personnel to review these parameters or all the parameters.
It is to be understood that the present invention can be implemented in various forms of hardware, software, firmware, special purpose processes, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the present invention can be implemented in software as an application program tangible embodied on a computer readable program storage device. The application program can be uploaded to, and executed by, a machine comprising any suitable architecture.
Referring now to
The computer system 301 also includes an operating system and micro instruction code. The various processes and functions described herein can either be part of the micro instruction code or part of the application program (or combination thereof) which is executed via the operating system. In addition, various other peripheral devices can be connected to the computer platform such as an additional data storage device and a printing device.
It is to be further understood that, because some of the constituent system components and method steps depicted in the accompanying figures can be implemented in software, the actual connections between the systems components (or the process steps) may differ depending upon the manner in which the present invention is programmed. Given the teachings of the present invention provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the related art will be able to contemplate these and similar implementations or configurations of the present invention.
The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60834726 | Aug 2006 | US |
