Patent ID: 6052476
Filing Date: 2000-04-18
Classification: A61B,G01N,H05G

Abstract:
A visualization aid for use with an imaging system including an imaging device, means for stepping the imaging device relative to a patient, and a contrast media injection means, the visualization aid comprising:a) an input for receiving images from the imaging device;b) means for extracting features from images received at the input to generate extracted features;c) means for determining a video output based, in part, on flow dynamics of a bolus estimated from the extracted features; andd) an output for providing the video output; wherein the means for extracting features includes:i) means for determining a DSA (digital subtraction angiographic) image;ii) means for sectioning the DSA image into horizontal regions;iii) means for, in each of the regions of the DSA image, determining an average value of a predetermined percentage darkest pixels;iv) means for determining a region of the DSA frame with a peak average value;v) means for, in each of the regions of the DSA frame, computing a change in its average value from a previous DSA frame;vi) means for, in each of the regions of the DSA frame, estimating a flow dynamics status based on the change in average value;vii) means for weighting the peak average value of the DSA frame based on the estimated flow dynamics status; andviii) means for fitting the weighted peak average value of the DSA frame and that of the previous DSA frame to a function.