KR101564641B1 - System and method for analyzing image of blood vessel - Google Patents

Abstract

The blood vessel image analysis system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an image photographing unit for photographing an inside of a blood vessel to generate a plurality of first tomographic images; An image analyzer for analyzing the plurality of first tomographic images to measure a length of a call from a reference point of a blood vessel lumen to a distribution point of a plaque in a vein lesion; And an image processing unit for generating a plaque distribution diagram of the two-dimensional image using the length of the arc.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING IMAGE OF BLOOD VESSEL [0002]

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for analyzing blood vessel images.

The main causes of the failure of the implant treatment are the problems of the implant materials such as the initial contact failure of the bone and the implant surface and the peeling of the coating surface layer during implant placement, And can be classified into the following: vivo rejection, stress, and periimplantitis. This is because the implant and its surrounding bone structure are structurally interfaced by the contact of two materials having different physical properties, so that the biotissue and the bone cell can not be osseointegrated to the artificial implant surface. Therefore, when the implant is placed in the tissue, it should be easy to grasp whether the implant is stenosed or not.

In addition, it is important to evaluate the stenosis of the outer wall of the stent when inserting the stent into the blood vessel in the cardiovascular intervention. In order to determine whether the stenosis of the intravascular stent is well stuck after the procedure, a laser coherence tomography OCT: Optical Coherence Tomography) technique is used. In addition, neoplastic endothelial cells grow on the strut after the procedure, and the overgrowth of these endothelial cells causes narrowing of the blood vessels again. Therefore, various clinical results according to the patient's condition, stent structure, and drug component displayed on the surface are read through optical coherence tomography. In order to analyze this, thickness of neointimal membrane due to growth of struts and endothelial cells in vascular section images is measured and quantified through statistical analysis.

However, the results of this analysis are based on simple quantitative analysis, and there is a limit to the qualitative analysis. For example, it is expected that the results of neointimal thick- ness and presence will vary depending on the drug displayed on the stent. To analyze this, the structure and position of the intravascular stent should be analyzed on the vascular structure rather than the vascular section.

As related prior art, there is Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2012-127051 (title of invention: medical image processing device, public date: September 13, 2012).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the distribution of the vascular plaque that affects the vascular treatment before inserting the stent is grasped in advance, so that the vascular lesion can be analyzed at a glance. Thus, Provided is a system and method for analyzing a blood vessel image capable of providing comprehensive information necessary for stent insertion.

The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problem (s), and another problem (s) not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

The blood vessel image analysis system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an image photographing unit for photographing an inside of a blood vessel to generate a plurality of first tomographic images; An image analyzer for analyzing the plurality of first tomographic images to measure a length of a call from a reference point of a blood vessel lumen to a distribution point of a plaque in a vein lesion; And an image processing unit for generating a plaque distribution diagram of the two-dimensional image using the length of the arc.

The image analyzer may measure a first length of the arc from a reference point of the vessel lumen and a last length of the arc from a reference point of the vessel lumen.

The image processing unit may obtain the two-dimensional coordinates of the distribution point of the plaque using the measured first length of the call and the last length of the call, and generate the plaque distribution diagram using the two-dimensional coordinates.

The image analyzer may analyze the plurality of first tomographic images along the longitudinal direction of the blood vessel to measure the length of the arc.

The image processing unit may distinguish the area where the plaque is distributed from the other area when the plaque distribution diagram is generated.

The image processing unit may represent an area in which the plaque is distributed in different colors.

The image processing unit may implement a thickness of the fibrous cap in a two-dimensional image together with the distribution of the plaques based on the analysis result of the image analysis unit.

Wherein the image processing unit obtains a two-dimensional coordinate of a side branch distribution point on the basis of the analysis result of the image analysis unit, and uses the two-dimensional coordinate of the branch blood vessel distribution point and the two-dimensional coordinate of the distribution point of the plaque The branch blood vessel can be implemented as a two-dimensional image together with the distribution of the plaque.

The image capturing unit generates a plurality of second tomographic images by photographing the inside of the blood vessel into which the stent is inserted, and the image analyzing unit analyzes the plurality of second tomographic images to generate strut distribution data of the stent, Dimensional image by using the strut distribution data and extracting the strut distribution from the two-dimensional image generated by using the two-dimensional coordinates of the branch blood vessel distribution point and the two-dimensional coordinates of the distribution point of the plaque, It is possible to output reference data for determining whether the stent is inserted well.

The image capturing unit generates a plurality of second tomographic images by photographing the inside of the blood vessel into which the stent is inserted, and the image analyzing unit analyzes the plurality of second tomographic images to generate strut distribution data of the stent, A strut distribution of the two-dimensional image is generated using the strut distribution data, and the reference distribution data for comparing the strut distribution with the plaque distribution diagram to determine whether the stent is well inserted may be output.

The image analyzer may generate the strut distribution data by measuring the strut position in the longitudinal direction of the stent and the strut position in the circumferential direction of the stent in the blood vessel.

Wherein the image analyzer measures a strut position in a longitudinal direction of the stent based on a distal end of the stent and calculates a strut position in a circumferential direction of the stent based on a reference point of a strut that meets a reference line extending from a distal point of the stent Can be measured.

The image processing unit may set the x-axis of the two-dimensional image to the strut position in the circumferential direction of the stent and the y-axis of the two-dimensional image to the strut position in the longitudinal direction of the stent to generate the strut distribution. have.

Wherein the image analyzer analyzes the plurality of second tomographic images to generate new intimal thickness data, the image processing unit generates a contour map of the new intimal thickness using the new intimal thickness data, The reference data can be output by comparing the composite image synthesized with the strut distribution diagram and the plaque distribution diagram.

The blood vessel image analysis system according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a display unit for externally displaying at least one of the plaque distribution, the strut distribution, and the composite image.

The image analysis unit may generate the new intimal thickness data using the straight line distance from the strut to the new blood vessel wall and the difference between the straight line distance from the existing blood vessel wall to the strut.

The image processing unit may generate the contour map using contour lines connecting points having the same difference value.

The image analyzer analyzes the plurality of second tomographic images to generate strut stricture data according to the intravascular stenosis state of the strut, and the image processing unit can differentiate and express the strut on the strut distribution diagram according to the strut stenosis data have.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a blood vessel image analyzing method comprising the steps of: capturing an inside of a blood vessel in an image capturing unit of a blood vessel image analyzing system to generate a plurality of first tomographic images; Analyzing the plurality of first tomographic images in the image analysis unit of the blood vessel image analysis system to measure a length of a call from a reference point of a blood vessel lumen to a distribution point of a plaque in a vein lesion; And generating a plaque distribution diagram of the two-dimensional image using the length of the arc in the image processing unit of the blood vessel image analysis system.

Measuring the length of the arc may include measuring a first length of the arc from a reference point of the vascular lumen and a last length of the arc from a reference point of the vascular lumen.

Wherein generating the plaque distribution diagram comprises: obtaining a two-dimensional coordinate of a distribution point of the plaque using the measured first length of the arc and the last length of the arc; And generating the plaque distribution diagram using the two-dimensional coordinates.

Measuring the length of the arc may include analyzing the plurality of first tomographic images along the length of the vessel to measure the length of the arc.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the image processing unit, the thickness of the fibrous cap is implemented as a two-dimensional image together with the distribution of the plaques based on the analysis result of the image analysis unit .

The method of analyzing a blood vessel image according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: capturing an inside of a blood vessel into which a stent is inserted in the image capturing unit to generate a plurality of second tomographic images; Analyzing the plurality of second tomographic images in the image analysis unit to generate strut distribution data of the stent; Generating a strut distribution of a two-dimensional image using the strut distribution data in the image processing unit; And outputting reference data for determining whether the stent is well inserted by comparing the strut distribution with the plaque distribution diagram in the image processing unit.

In the blood vessel image analysis method according to an embodiment of the present invention, the image analysis unit analyzes the plurality of second tomographic images to generate new intimal thickness data; And generating, by the image processing unit, a contour map of the neointimal lining thickness using the neointimal intimal thickness data, wherein the step of outputting the reference data further comprises the step of outputting the contour map to the composite image With the plaque distribution diagram and outputting the reference data.

In the blood vessel image analysis method according to an embodiment of the present invention, the image analysis unit analyzes the plurality of second tomographic images to generate strut stenosis data according to an intravascular stenosis state of the strut; And in the image processing unit, differentiating and expressing struts on the strut distribution according to the strut stenosis data.

The details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the distribution of plaques in a vein lesion is implemented as a two-dimensional image using the length of the arc of the plaque, so that the distribution of the vascular plaque that affects the vein treatment prior to insertion of the stent can be grasped in advance This enables the surgeon to analyze the vascular lesion at a glance and provide the surgeon with comprehensive information necessary for stent implantation for the treatment of blood vessels.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the fibrous cap is realized as a two-dimensional image together with the distribution of the plaque, so that not only the degree of plaque distribution but also the severity of the lesion can be expressed.

1 is a graph showing the effect of vascular plaque distribution before stent insertion on vascular treatment after insertion.
2 is a block diagram illustrating a blood vessel image analysis system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a diagram illustrating a method for acquiring analysis data necessary for implementing a two-dimensional vascular plaque distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a diagram illustrating a method for generating strut distribution data composed of two-dimensional coordinates according to another embodiment of the present invention.
5 to 8 are diagrams showing the growth pattern of the neointima according to the state of a strut stuck in a blood vessel wall.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of analyzing a blood vessel image according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 and 11 are flowcharts for explaining a blood vessel image analysis method according to another embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of analyzing a blood vessel image according to another embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The advantages and / or features of the present invention, and how to accomplish them, will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is capable of many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, To fully disclose the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art, and the invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a graph showing the effect of vascular plaque distribution before stent insertion on vascular treatment after insertion.

As shown in FIG. 1, before the stent is inserted, it can be seen that the vascular plaque is distributed in the portion indicated by the dotted line on the left side. In the area where the vascular plaque is distributed, it can be seen that the stent does not stenose the blood vessel as shown in the middle right after the stent is inserted.

In addition, in the right side of the stent in 6 months, the plaque distribution area on the figure shows that the stent is not well stenosed but the neointimal lining is well adhered, and the underlying plaque distribution area In this case, the stent was not stenosed to the end.

Thus, it can be seen that the distribution of the vascular plaque before the insertion of the stent has a considerable effect on the vascular treatment after the insertion of the stent. Therefore, in an embodiment of the present invention, a cardiovascular endoscopic examination is performed using an optical tomography technique after inserting a stent, and it is deviated from a conventional method of analyzing the degree of vascular lesion through image analysis. The present invention provides a technique for analyzing vascular lesions at a glance through a two-dimensional plane image by implementing vascular plaque in a three-dimensional vascular lesion in two-dimensional coordinates.

2 is a block diagram illustrating a blood vessel image analysis system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2, a blood vessel image analysis system 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an image capturing unit 210, an image analyzing unit 220, an image processing unit 230, a display unit 240, (250).

The image capturing unit 210 captures an inside of the blood vessel and generates a plurality of first tomographic images. Here, the first tomographic image refers to an image generated by tomographing the inside of the blood vessel in the longitudinal direction of the blood vessel.

The image analyzer 220 analyzes the plurality of first tomographic images and measures the length of a call from a reference point of a blood vessel lumen to a distribution point of a plaque in the lesion. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

3, the image analyzer 220 may calculate the arc length 1 from the reference point of the vascular lumen and the arc length 2 from the reference point of the vessel lumen, ) Can be measured.

At this time, the image analyzer 220 may measure the length of the arc (Arc length 1, Arc length 2) by analyzing the plurality of first tomographic images along the longitudinal direction of the blood vessel.

The image processing unit 230 can generate a plaque distribution diagram (see the right side of FIG. 3) by implementing a plaque in a three-dimensional vessel lesion using a two-dimensional image using the length of the arc.

For this, the image processor 230 can obtain the two-dimensional coordinates of the distribution point of the plaque using the measured arc length 1 and arc length 2 of the arc.

That is, the image processor 230 may calculate a difference value between the first length (Arc length 1) of the call and the last length (Arc length 2) of the call (Arc length 2 - Arc length 1). In addition, the image processor 230 may calculate a blood vessel length for each of the first tomographic images.

The image processing unit 230 sets the difference value between the first length Arc length 1 and the second length Arc length 2 as X coordinates and the length of each of the first tomographic images as a Y coordinate, Can be implemented.

The image processing unit 230 may generate the plaque distribution diagram using the two-dimensional coordinates. Here, the reason for measuring the length of the arc to create a plaque distribution chart is that the plaque has to grow in the lengthwise direction of the arc.

For reference, in the plaque distribution diagram, if the length of the arc is long, the vascular lumen is wide, which indicates that the plaque is distributed widely in the vascular lumen. Also, in the plaque distribution diagram, a shorter length of the arc means that the vascular lumen is narrower, indicating that the plaque is less distributed in the vascular lumen.

When generating the plaque distribution diagram, the image processing unit 230 can express the area where the plaque is distributed differently from other areas. For example, the image processing unit 230 may represent an area where the plaque is distributed in different colors.

The image processing unit 230 may implement a thickness of the fibrous cap as a two-dimensional image along with the distribution of the plaques based on the analysis result of the image analysis unit 220. [ Thus, according to one embodiment of the present invention, not only the degree of distribution of plaque but also the severity of the lesion can be expressed.

The display unit 240 may display the plaque distribution diagram through a display device such as an LCD. Accordingly, according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to grasp the distribution of the vascular plaque that affects the vascular treatment before inserting the stent, and to analyze the vascular lesion at a glance, During the procedure, doctors can provide comprehensive information for stent insertion.

The controller 250 controls the blood vessel image analyzing system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention such as the image capturing unit 210, the image analyzing unit 220, the image processing unit 230, 240) and the like can be generally controlled.

In another embodiment, the image photographing unit 210 may photograph the inside of the blood vessel into which the stent is inserted to generate a plurality of second tomographic images.

The image analyzer 220 may analyze the plurality of second tomographic images to generate strut distribution data of the stent. At this time, the image analyzer 220 may generate the strut distribution data by measuring the strut position in the longitudinal direction of the stent and the strut position in the circumferential direction of the stent in the blood vessel.

For reference, in the case of a stent having a strut, the positional information of the stent may mean the strut distribution data. The strut distribution data refers to intra-vessel position coordinates for a plurality of stent struts, and may refer to two-dimensional coordinates in each second tomographic image.

The image analyzer 220 measures the strut position in the longitudinal direction of the stent with reference to the distal end of the stent and measures the position of the strut in the circumferential direction of the stent on the basis of the reference point of the strut, Can be measured.

As shown in FIG. 4, if the first tomographic image among the plurality of second tomographic images is a tomographic image of a distal portion of a stent inserted in a blood vessel, a tomographic image interval in the longitudinal direction based on the first tomographic image (e.g., 0 ~ 0.2 mm), measuring the arc length from the reference point of the strut, which meets the arc connecting the strut on the reference line extending from the centrifugal point of the stent, to each strut in the circumferential direction, Strut distribution data can be generated.

The strut reference point is for determining the position of the strut in the circumferential direction of the stent. In the case of FIG. 4, the strut reference point may be a point where the reference line, which is a horizontal line, extends from the distal point of the stent,

The image processing unit 230 may generate the strut distribution of the two-dimensional image using the strut distribution data. Here, the strut distribution represents the position of a strut distributed in a blood vessel on a two-dimensional image, which means that a strut is distributed on a deployed blood vessel when the stent-inserted blood vessel is incised in the longitudinal direction.

The image processing unit 230 sets the X-axis of the two-dimensional image to the strut position in the circumferential direction of the stent using the strut distribution data of the two-dimensional image generated by the image analysis unit 220, The strut distribution can be generated by setting the Y-axis of the two-dimensional image to the strut position in the longitudinal direction of the stent.

Alternatively, the image processing unit 230 may generate a strut distribution in which the X-axis and the Y-axis are mutually changed. That is, the image processing unit 230 sets the Y axis of the two-dimensional image as a strut position in the circumferential direction of the stent, sets the X axis of the two-dimensional image as a strut position in the longitudinal direction of the stent, A distribution diagram may be generated.

Meanwhile, the image analyzer 220 may analyze the plurality of second tomographic images to generate new intimal thickness data. Herein, the new intimal thickness data refers to the height from the blood vessel strut to the newly formed blood vessel wall. Since the strut is surrounded by the new internal lining by the neointimal formation formed after the strut is constricted, the straight line from the strut to the newly formed blood vessel wall The distance is the thickness of the new intima.

However, even if the strut is located at the wrong location of the blood vessel and is not stenosed in the vessel wall, the strut is surrounded by the neointimal lining formed around it. In this case, the thickness of the neointimal innermost wall, Can be used as a result of subtracting the straight line distance from the strut to the strut.

To this end, the image analyzer 220 may generate the new intimal thickness data using the straight line distance from the strut to the new blood vessel wall and the difference between the straight line distance from the existing vessel wall to the strut. The growth of the neointima will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. FIG.

5 to 8 are diagrams showing the growth pattern of the neointima according to the state of a strut stuck in a blood vessel wall.

First, as shown in FIG. 5, if the strut 530 is stuck in the vessel wall, the straight line distance from the strut to the newly created blood vessel wall 520 becomes the thickness NIT of the new intima. 8, when the strut 530 is not stuck in the existing blood vessel wall 510, the conventional blood vessel wall 510 (see FIG. 8) is formed at a straight line distance from the strut 530 to the newly created blood vessel wall 520, ) Is subtracted from the straight line distance from the strut 530 to the thickness of the new intima.

6, when the strut 530 is stuck in the blood vessel wall but no new internal lining is formed, the thickness of the new internal lining becomes 0, and as shown in Fig. 7, the strut 530 is inserted into the blood vessel wall The thickness of the neointimal membrane becomes a negative value having a size corresponding to the linear distance from the existing vessel wall 510 to the strut 530. In this case,

The distance from the strut to the new endometrium or vessel wall may be measured from the center of the strut as shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, or alternatively may be measured with reference to the upper / lower ends of the strut.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the image processing unit 230 may generate a contour map of the new intimal thickness using the new intimal thickness data. That is, the image processing unit 230 can generate the contour map using contours connecting the points having the same difference between the straight line distance from the strut to the new blood vessel wall and the straight line distance from the existing vessel wall to the strut .

The image processor 230 may compare the strut distribution with the plaque distribution diagram and output reference data for determining whether the stent is well inserted. The image processor 230 may output the reference data by comparing the contour map with the strut distribution and the composite image with the plaque distribution chart. The reference data may be displayed by the display unit 240 on the outside.

In another embodiment, the image processing unit 230 obtains two-dimensional coordinates of a side branch distribution point based on the analysis result of the image analysis unit 220, calculates two-dimensional coordinates of branch blood vessel distribution points, Dimensional image of the branch vessel along with the distribution of the plaque using the two-dimensional coordinates of the distribution point of the branch vessel.

In addition, the image processor 230 compares the two-dimensional coordinates generated by using the two-dimensional coordinates of the distribution point of the plaque with the two-dimensional coordinates of the vein distribution point having the strut distribution, and determines whether the stent is well inserted Can be output. That is, the image capturing unit 230 captures the inside of the blood vessel into which the stent is inserted to generate a plurality of second tomographic images, and the image analyzer 220 analyzes the plurality of second tomographic images to calculate strut distribution data of the stent The image processing unit 230 generates a strut distribution of the two-dimensional image using the strut distribution data, and outputs the two-dimensional coordinate of the distribution point of the plaque to the branch vessel distribution point and the two- And outputs the reference data for determining whether the stent is well inserted.

Meanwhile, the image analyzer 220 may analyze the second tomographic images to generate strut stenosis data according to the intravascular stenosis state of the strut. Here, the strut stricture data means classification data on whether or not a strut is stuck in a blood vessel wall. For example, the strut stenosis data is classified into a vessel wall, a newborn lining, a vessel wall, And the case where the lesion is not stenosed. Or, it may mean data according to the four types of strut stenosis states as shown in Figs. 5 to 8. Fig.

The image processing unit 230 can differentiate and express struts on the strut distribution according to the strut stenosis data. For example, the image processing unit 230 may display the struts in different colors or different shapes on the strut distribution map.

The display unit 240 may display the strut distribution, the composite image, and the like externally through a display device such as an LCD. At this time, the display unit 240 may change the shape, color, or the like so that an arbitrary strut can be distinguished from other struts.

For example, when information on any strut is required on the composite image displayed on the display unit 240, the display unit 240 can select any strut to provide a tomographic image. Any struts on the contour image may be selected through an external input, for example, the display 240 automatically associates a tomographic image for a strut corresponding to a preset condition, such as a strut not stuck to the vessel wall, And can be displayed outside. The display unit 50 refers to a general display device that visually outputs data on a screen, and may include a CRT, an LCD, a PDP, an LED, and an OLED.

9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of analyzing a blood vessel image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 9, in step 910, the image capturing unit 210 of the blood vessel image analyzing system 200 photographs the inside of a blood vessel to generate a plurality of first tomographic images.

Next, in step 920, the image analysis unit 220 of the blood vessel image analysis system 200 analyzes the plurality of first tomographic images to determine a distribution of plaques in a vein lesion at a reference point of a blood vessel lumen Measure the length of the arc to the point.

At this time, the image analysis unit 220 of the blood vessel image analysis system 200 measures the first length of the call from the reference point of the blood vessel lumen along the longitudinal direction of the blood vessel, and the last length of the call from the reference point of the blood vessel lumen .

Next, in step 930, the image processing unit 230 of the blood vessel image analysis system 200 generates a plaque distribution diagram of the two-dimensional image using the length of the arc.

That is, the image processing unit 230 of the blood vessel image analysis system 200 obtains two-dimensional coordinates of the distribution point of the plaque using the measured first length of the call and the last length of the call, A plaque distribution diagram can be generated.

Next, in step 940, the display unit 240 of the blood vessel image analysis system 200 displays the generated plaque distribution diagram as the outside. At this time, the display unit 240 of the blood vessel image analysis system 200 can display the thickness of the fibrous cap as a two-dimensional image together with the distribution of the plaque.

10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of analyzing a blood vessel image according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 10, in step 1010, the image capturing unit 210 of the blood vessel image analyzing system 200 photographs the inside of a blood vessel into which a stent is inserted to generate a plurality of second tomographic images.

Next, in step 1020, the image analysis unit 220 of the blood vessel image analysis system 200 analyzes the plurality of second tomographic images to generate strut distribution data of the stent.

Next, in step 1030, the image processing unit 230 of the blood vessel image analysis system 200 generates a strut distribution of the two-dimensional image using the strut distribution data.

Next, in step 1040, the image processing unit 230 of the blood vessel image analysis system 200 displays the strut distribution through the display unit 240 of the blood vessel image analysis system 200 as an external image.

11, the image analyzer 220 of the blood vessel image analyzing system 200 analyzes the plurality of second tomographic images at step 1110, And generates strut stenosis data.

Next, in step 1120, the image processing unit 230 of the blood vessel image analysis system 200 differentiates and expresses struts on the strut distribution according to the strut stenosis data.

12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of analyzing a blood vessel image according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 12, in step 1210, the image capturing unit 210 of the blood vessel image analyzing system 200 photographs the inside of the blood vessel into which the stent is inserted to generate a plurality of second tomographic images.

Next, in step 1220, the image analysis unit 220 of the blood vessel image analysis system 200 analyzes the plurality of second tomographic images to generate new intimal thickness data.

Next, in step 1230, the image processing unit 230 of the blood vessel image analysis system 200 generates a contour map of the new intimal thickness using the new intimal thickness data.

Next, in step 1240, the display unit 240 of the blood vessel image analysis system 200 displays the composite image obtained by combining the contour map with the strut distribution diagram through a display device such as an LCD.

Embodiments of the present invention include computer readable media including program instructions for performing various computer implemented operations. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, local data files, local data structures, etc., alone or in combination. The media may be those specially designed and constructed for the present invention or may be those known to those skilled in the computer software. Examples of computer-readable media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks and magnetic tape, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floppy disks, and ROMs, And hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute the same program instructions. Examples of program instructions include machine language code such as those produced by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like.

While the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be determined by the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but, on the contrary, Modification is possible. Accordingly, the spirit of the present invention should be understood only in accordance with the following claims, and all equivalents or equivalent variations thereof are included in the scope of the present invention.

210: Image shooting unit
220: image analysis unit
230:
240:
250:

Claims (26)

An image capturing unit for capturing an inside of the blood vessel to generate a plurality of first tomographic images;
An image analyzer for analyzing the plurality of first tomographic images to measure a length of a call from a reference point of a blood vessel lumen to a distribution point of a plaque in a vein lesion; And
An image processing unit for generating a plaque distribution diagram of the two-dimensional image using the length of the arc;
Lt; / RTI >
The plaque distribution diagram is information necessary for stent insertion for treating the blood vessel,
Wherein the imaging unit, the image analysis unit, and the image processing unit perform an operation before inserting the stent.
The method according to claim 1,
The image analysis unit
Measuring a first length of the arc from a reference point of the vascular lumen and a last length of the arc from a reference point of the vascular lumen.
3. The method of claim 2,
The image processing unit
Dimensional coordinates of a distribution point of the plaque using the measured first length of the arc and the last length of the arc, and generates the plaque distribution diagram using the two-dimensional coordinates.
The method according to claim 1,
The image analysis unit
Wherein the length of the arc is measured by analyzing the plurality of first tomographic images along the longitudinal direction of the blood vessel.
The method according to claim 1,
The image processing unit
Wherein when the plaque distribution diagram is generated, the region where the plaque is distributed is distinguished from other regions.
6. The method of claim 5,
The image processing unit
Wherein the region in which the plaque is distributed is represented by a different color.
The method according to claim 1,
The image processing unit
Wherein the thickness of the fibrous cap is implemented as a two-dimensional image together with the distribution of the plaque based on the analysis result of the image analysis unit.
The method according to claim 1,
The image processing unit
Dimensional coordinate of a side branch distribution point on the basis of the analysis result of the image analysis unit,
Wherein the branch blood vessels are implemented as a two-dimensional image together with the distribution of the plaques by using two-dimensional coordinates of the branch blood vessel distribution points and two-dimensional coordinates of distribution points of the plaques.
9. The method of claim 8,
The image capturing unit
A plurality of second tomographic images are generated by photographing the inside of the blood vessel into which the stent is inserted,
The image analysis unit
Analyzing the plurality of second tomographic images to generate strut distribution data of the stent,
The image processing unit
Dimensional image; generating a strut distribution of the two-dimensional image by using the strut distribution data; dividing the strut distribution into the two-dimensional image generated using the two-dimensional coordinates of the branch blood vessel distribution point and the two- And outputs reference data for determining whether the stent is well inserted.
The method according to claim 1,
The image capturing unit
A plurality of second tomographic images are generated by photographing the inside of the blood vessel into which the stent is inserted,
The image analysis unit
Analyzing the plurality of second tomographic images to generate strut distribution data of the stent,
The image processing unit
And outputting reference data for determining whether or not the stent is inserted well by comparing the strut distribution with the plaque distribution diagram, .
11. The method of claim 10,
The image analysis unit
Wherein the strut distribution data is generated by measuring a strut position in a longitudinal direction of the stent and a strut position in a circumferential direction of the stent in the inside of the blood vessel.
11. The method of claim 10,
The image analysis unit
The strut position in the longitudinal direction of the stent is measured based on the distal end of the stent and the strut position in the circumferential direction of the stent is measured based on the reference point of the strut that meets the reference line extending from the distal point of the stent A blood vessel image analysis system.
13. The method of claim 12,
The image processing unit
Dimensional image is set to the strut position in the circumferential direction of the stent and the y-axis of the two-dimensional image is set to the strut position in the longitudinal direction of the stent to generate the strut distribution. Image analysis system.
11. The method of claim 10,
The image analysis unit
Analyzing the plurality of second tomographic images to generate new intimal thickness data,
The image processing unit
And generating a contour map for the neointimal thick- ness using the new neointimal thickness data, and comparing the contour map with the strut distribution, and comparing the synthesized image with the plaque distribution, and outputting the reference data Analysis system.
15. The method of claim 14,
A display section for externally displaying at least one of the plaque distribution, the strut distribution,
Further comprising: an image analyzer for analyzing the blood vessel image.
11. The method of claim 10,
The image analysis unit
Wherein the neointimal intimal thickness data is generated using a difference between a linear distance from the strut to the new blood vessel wall and a linear distance from the existing blood vessel wall to the strut.
17. The method of claim 16,
The image processing unit
Wherein the contour map is generated using contour lines connecting points having the same difference value.
11. The method of claim 10,
The image analysis unit
Analyzing the plurality of second tomographic images to generate strut stenosis data according to an intravascular stenosis state of the strut,
The image processing unit
And struts on the strut distribution are differentiated and expressed according to the strut stenosis data.
In an image capturing section of a blood vessel image analyzing system, capturing an inside of a blood vessel to generate a plurality of first tomographic images;
Analyzing the plurality of first tomographic images in the image analysis unit of the blood vessel image analysis system to measure a length of a call from a reference point of a blood vessel lumen to a distribution point of a plaque in a vein lesion; And
In the image processing unit of the blood vessel image analysis system, generating a plaque distribution diagram of the two-dimensional image using the length of the arc
Lt; / RTI >
The plaque distribution diagram is information necessary for stent insertion for treating the blood vessel,
Wherein the step of generating the plurality of first tomographic images, measuring the length of the arc, and generating the plaque distribution diagram are performed prior to the stent insertion.
20. The method of claim 19,
The step of measuring the length of the arc
Measuring a first length of the arc from a reference point of the vessel lumen and a last length of the arc from a reference point of the vessel lumen
And analyzing the blood vessel image.
21. The method of claim 20,
The step of generating the plaque distribution diagram
Obtaining a two-dimensional coordinate of a distribution point of the plaque using the measured first length of the arc and the last length of the arc; And
Generating the plaque distribution diagram using the two-dimensional coordinates
And analyzing the blood vessel image.
20. The method of claim 19,
The step of measuring the length of the arc
Analyzing the plurality of first tomographic images along the longitudinal direction of the blood vessel and measuring the length of the arc
And analyzing the blood vessel image.
20. The method of claim 19,
The image processing unit may include a step of implementing a thickness of a fibrous cap as a two-dimensional image together with a distribution of the plaques based on an analysis result of the image analysis unit
Further comprising the step of analyzing the blood vessel image.
20. The method of claim 19,
Capturing an inside of the blood vessel into which the stent is inserted to generate a plurality of second tomographic images;
Analyzing the plurality of second tomographic images in the image analysis unit to generate strut distribution data of the stent;
Generating a strut distribution of a two-dimensional image using the strut distribution data in the image processing unit; And
The image processing unit compares the strut distribution with the plaque distribution diagram and outputs reference data for determining whether the stent is well inserted
Further comprising the step of analyzing the blood vessel image.
25. The method of claim 24,
Analyzing the plurality of second tomographic images to generate new intimal thickness data; And
Wherein the image processing unit generates a contour map of the new intimal thick- ness using the new intimal thickness data
Further comprising:
The step of outputting the reference data
Comparing the composite image obtained by combining the contour map with the strut distribution, with the plaque distribution diagram, and outputting the reference data
And analyzing the blood vessel image.
25. The method of claim 24,
Analyzing the plurality of second tomographic images to generate strut stenosis data according to an intravascular stenosis state of the strut; And
Wherein the image processing unit differentiates and expresses struts on the strut distribution according to the strut stenosis data
Further comprising the step of analyzing the blood vessel image.

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