Method for quantitative analysis of blood vessel structure
First Claim
1. A method to facilitate visualization of a feature in a tissue comprising the steps of:
- (a) obtaining an image of a tissue specimen;
(b) using objectively-defined criteria to locate a feature of interest in the image;
(c) using mathematical algorithms to construct boundaries of the feature; and
(d) using objectively-defined criteria to establish self-consistency.
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Accused Products
Abstract
We disclose quantitative geometrical analysis enabling the measurement of several features of images of tissues including perimeter, area, and other metrics. Automation of feature extraction creates a high throughput capability that enables analysis of serial sections for more accurate measurement of tissue dimensions. Measurement results are input into a relational database where they can be statistically analyzed and compared across studies. As part of the integrated process, results are also imprinted on the images themselves to facilitate auditing of the results. The analysis is fast, repeatable and accurate while allowing the pathologist to control the measurement process.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method to facilitate visualization of a feature in a tissue comprising the steps of:
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(a) obtaining an image of a tissue specimen;
(b) using objectively-defined criteria to locate a feature of interest in the image;
(c) using mathematical algorithms to construct boundaries of the feature; and
(d) using objectively-defined criteria to establish self-consistency. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method for quantitative determination of geometry of a given blood vessel comprising the steps of:
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(a) imaging a cross section of the given blood vessel to capture an image;
(b) extracting features of the image to identify different boundary segments based on intensity, color and morphology of the image;
(c) applying image processing algorithms and computing boundary segment perimeters and areas after step (b);
(d) determining said blood vessel geometry based on said boundary segment perimeters and areas, - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for rapidly localizing a fractured boundary segment in a blood vessel image and generating a contour connecting the fractured ends, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) processing a cross section of the blood vessel defining a target for imaging;
(b) imaging the target to capture image of the entire target;
(c) identifying different boundary segments including the fractured boundary segment by using an image processing algorithm (d) computing boundary segment perimeters and areas after step (c); and
(e) generating a contour connecting the fractured ends based on the boundary segment perimeters and areas - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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15. A method for determining the extent of restenosis in a given blood vessel with a fractured boundary segment, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) imaging a cross section of the given blood vessel to capture an image;
(b) extracting features of the image to identify different boundary segments based on intensity, color and morphology of the image;
(c) applying image processing algorithms and computing fracture length of the fractured boundary segment, and perimeters and areas of the given blood vessel, lumen, media and neointima after step (b);
(d) determining the extent of restenosis in the given blood vessel by computing a ratio selected from the group consisting of (i) neointimal area/vessel area (ii) neointimal area/medial area (iii) (neointimal area/vessel area)/(fracture length/vessel perimeter).
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Specification