U.S. patent application number 15/205623 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-03 for systems and methods for estimating ischemia and blood flow characteristics from vessel geometry and physiology.
This patent application is currently assigned to HeartFlow, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is HeartFlow, Inc.. Invention is credited to Gilwoo CHOI, Timothy FONTE, Leo GRADY, Michael SINGER.
Application Number | 20160321417 15/205623 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50234016 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160321417 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FONTE; Timothy ; et
al. |
November 3, 2016 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ESTIMATING ISCHEMIA AND BLOOD FLOW
CHARACTERISTICS FROM VESSEL GEOMETRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed for determining
individual-specific blood flow characteristics. One method includes
acquiring, for each of a plurality of individuals,
individual-specific anatomic data and blood flow characteristics of
at least part of the individual's vascular system; executing a
machine learning algorithm on the individual--specific anatomic
data and blood flow characteristics for each of the plurality of
individuals; relating, based on the executed machine learning
algorithm, each individual's individual-specific anatomic data to
functional estimates of blood flow characteristics; acquiring, for
an individual and individual-specific anatomic data of at least
part of the individual's vascular system; and for at least one
point in the individual's individual-specific anatomic data,
determining a blood flow characteristic of the individual, using
relations from the step of relating individual-specific anatomic
data to functional estimates of blood flow characteristics.
Inventors: |
FONTE; Timothy; (San
Francisco, CA) ; CHOI; Gilwoo; (Mountain View,
CA) ; GRADY; Leo; (Millbrae, CA) ; SINGER;
Michael; (Belmont, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HeartFlow, Inc. |
Redwood City |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
HeartFlow, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
50234016 |
Appl. No.: |
15/205623 |
Filed: |
July 8, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13895871 |
May 16, 2013 |
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15205623 |
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61793673 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
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61700213 |
Sep 12, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/742 20130101;
A61B 5/0022 20130101; A61B 2560/0475 20130101; A61B 5/0205
20130101; A61B 5/743 20130101; A61B 6/032 20130101; A61B 5/107
20130101; A61B 5/024 20130101; A61B 6/563 20130101; G16H 50/20
20180101; A61B 5/026 20130101; A61B 6/5217 20130101; A61B 5/14535
20130101; A61B 5/7278 20130101; A61B 6/463 20130101; A61B 6/504
20130101; A61B 5/021 20130101; A61B 5/7282 20130101; A61B 5/02007
20130101; A61B 6/507 20130101; G06N 7/005 20130101; A61B 5/14546
20130101; G06N 20/00 20190101; A61B 5/7267 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 19/00 20060101
G06F019/00; A61B 5/0205 20060101 A61B005/0205; A61B 5/02 20060101
A61B005/02; G06N 7/00 20060101 G06N007/00; A61B 5/00 20060101
A61B005/00; A61B 6/00 20060101 A61B006/00; G06N 99/00 20060101
G06N099/00; A61B 5/026 20060101 A61B005/026; A61B 5/107 20060101
A61B005/107 |
Claims
1. A method for determining individual-specific blood flow
characteristics, the method comprising: acquiring, for each of a
plurality of individuals, individual-specific anatomic data and
blood flow characteristics of at least part of the individual's
vascular system; executing a machine learning algorithm on the
individual -specific anatomic data and blood flow characteristics
for each of the plurality of individuals; relating, based on the
executed machine learning algorithm, each individual's
individual-specific anatomic data to functional estimates of blood
flow characteristics; acquiring, for an individual,
individual-specific anatomic data of at least part of the
individual's vascular system; and for at least one point in the
individual's individual-specific anatomic data, determining a blood
flow characteristic of the individual, using relations from the
step of relating individual-specific anatomic data to functional
estimates of blood flow characteristics.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: acquiring, for each
of the plurality of individuals, one or more individual
characteristics; and executing the machine learning algorithm
further based on the one or more individual characteristics.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the blood flow characteristics of
the individuals include ischemia, blood flow, or fractional flow
reserve.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: generating a set of
features for each point of interest where a blood flow
characteristic is desired; using a regression or machine learning
technique to weight the impact of features on the blood flow
characteristic; and using the regression or machine learning
technique to estimate a blood flow characteristic numerically,
classify a vessel as ischemia positive or negative, or classify an
individual as ischemia positive or negative.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein the individual characteristics
include one or more of: heart rate, blood pressure, demographics
such as age or sex, medication, disease states, including diabetes,
hypertension, vessel dominance, and prior MI.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: displaying or storing
the produced estimates in one or more of a media, including images,
renderings, tables of values, or reports, or transferring the
produced estimates to a physician through other electronic or
physical delivery methods.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying along with
each produced estimate a confidence level or a positive, negative,
or inconclusive indication.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising producing estimates
based on one or more of analytical fluid dynamics equations and
morphometry scaling laws.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the individual-specific anatomic
data includes one or more of: vessel size, vessel size at ostium,
vessel size at distal branches, reference and minimum vessel size
at plaque, distance from ostium to plaque, length of plaque and
length of minimum vessel size, myocardial volume, branches
proximal/distal to measurement location, branches proximal/distal
to plaque, and measurement location.
10. The method of claim 2, further comprising: compiling a library
or database of anatomic and individual characteristics along with
FFR, ischemia test results, previous simulation results, and
imaging data.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: refining the
machine learning algorithm based on additional data added to the
library or database.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the individual-specific
anatomic data for the individual or the plurality of individuals is
obtained from one or more of: medical image data, measurements,
models, and segmentations.
13. A system for determining individual-specific blood flow
characteristics, the system comprising: a data storage device
storing instructions for estimating individual-specific blood flow
characteristics; and a processor configured to execute the
instructions to perform a method including the steps of: acquiring,
for each of a plurality of individuals, individual-specific
anatomic data and blood flow characteristics of at least part of
the individual's vascular system; executing a machine learning
algorithm on the individual -specific anatomic data and blood flow
characteristics for each of the plurality of individuals; relating,
based on the executed machine learning algorithm, each individual's
individual-specific anatomic data to functional estimates of blood
flow characteristics; acquiring, for an individual,
individual-specific anatomic data of at least part of the
individual's vascular system; and for at least one point in the
individual's individual-specific anatomic data, determining a blood
flow characteristic of the individual, using relations from the
step of relating individual-specific anatomic data to functional
estimates of blood flow characteristics.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the system is further
configured for: acquiring, for each of the plurality of
individuals, one or more individual characteristics; and executing
the machine learning algorithm further based on the one or more
individual characteristics.
15. The system of claim 13, wherein the blood flow characteristics
include ischemia, blood flow, or fractional flow reserve.
16. The system of claim 13, wherein the processor is further
configured for: generating a set of features for each point of
interest where a blood flow characteristic is desired; using a
regression or machine learning technique to weight the impact of
features on estimated blood flow characteristic; and using the
regression or machine learning technique to estimate a blood flow
characteristic numerically, classify a vessel as ischemia positive
or negative, or classify an individual as ischemia positive or
negative.
17. The system of claim 14, wherein the individual characteristics
include one or more of: heart rate, blood pressure, demographics
such as age or sex, medication, disease states, including diabetes,
hypertension, vessel dominance, and prior MI.
18. The system of claim 13, wherein the processor is further
configured for: displaying or storing the produced estimates in one
or more of a media, including images, renderings, tables of values,
or reports, or transferring the produced estimates to a physician
through other electronic or physical delivery methods.
19. The system of claim 13, wherein the processor is further
configured for: displaying along with each produced estimate a
confidence level or a positive, negative, or inconclusive
indication.
20. The system of claim 13, further comprising producing estimates
based on one or more of analytical fluid dynamics equations and
morphometry scaling laws.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Nos. 61/700,213 filed Sep. 12, 2012, and 61/793,673,
filed Mar. 15, 2013, the entire disclosures of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate
generally to medical imaging and related methods. More
specifically, particular embodiments of the present disclosure
relate to systems and methods for estimating patient-specific blood
flow characteristics from vessel geometry and physiology.
[0003] In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to
rapid estimation of ischemia, blood flow, fractional flow reserve
(FFR), or other metrics derived from patient-specific anatomy and
characteristics to aid physicians in the diagnosis, management, and
treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in
the industrialized world and contribute to roughly a third of
global deaths. The predominant form of acquired cardiovascular
disease, atherosclerosis, results from the chronic buildup of fatty
material in the inner layer of the arteries supplying the heart,
brain, kidneys, digestive system, and lower extremities.
Progressive coronary artery disease restricts blood flow to the
heart, presenting as chest pain during physical exertion, referred
to as chronic stable angina, or when the patient is at rest, known
as unstable angina. More severe manifestation of disease may lead
to myocardial infarction, or heart attack. Patients presenting with
chest pain are usually subject to a range of currently available
noninvasive tests, including ECG, treadmill tests, SPECT, PET, and
CT-none of which measure blood flow and provide only anatomic
information or indirect indications of disease. Due to the lack of
accurate functional information provided by current noninvasive
tests, many patients require invasive catheter procedures to assess
coronary blood flow. There is a pressing need for a noninvasive
means to quantify blood flow in the human coronary arteries to
assess the functional significance of diffuse and focal coronary
artery disease. Additionally, there is a need to achieve rapid
assessment of blood flow to enable use in emergency rooms,
in-patient treatment, and onsite hospital use. In addition to
non-invasive use, there is a need within invasive imaging, such as
coronary angiography, to quickly estimate functional metrics
without the need for pressure or flow wires or special medication.
Such a technology is also applicable to preventing, diagnosing,
managing and treating disease in other portions of the
cardiovascular system including the arteries of the neck, e.g. the
carotid arteries, the arteries in the head, e.g. the cerebral
arteries, the arteries in the abdomen, e.g. the abdominal aorta and
its branches, the arteries in legs, e.g. the femoral and popliteal
arteries.
[0005] A functional assessment of arterial capacity is important
for treatment planning to address patient needs. Recent studies
have demonstrated that hemodynamic characteristics, such as
Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR), are important indicators to
determine the optimal treatment for a patient with arterial
disease. Conventional assessments of these hemodynamic
characteristics use invasive catheterizations to directly measure
blood flow characteristics, such as pressure and flow velocity.
However, despite the important clinical information that is
gathered, these invasive measurement techniques present severe
risks to the patient and significant costs to the healthcare
system.
[0006] To address the risks and costs associated with invasive
measurement, a new generation of noninvasive tests have been
developed to assess blood flow characteristics. These noninvasive
tests use patient imaging (such as computed tomography (CT)) to
determine a patient-specific geometric model of the blood vessels
and this model is used computationally to simulate the blood flow
using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with appropriate
physiological boundary conditions and parameters. Examples of
inputs to these patient-specific boundary conditions include the
patient's blood pressure, blood viscosity and the expected demand
of blood from the supplied tissue (derived from scaling laws and a
mass estimation of the supplied tissue from the patient imaging).
Although these simulation-based estimations of blood flow
characteristics have demonstrated a level of fidelity comparable to
direct (invasive) measurements of the same quantity of interest,
physical simulations demand a substantial computational burden that
can make these virtual, noninvasive tests difficult to execute in a
real-time clinical environment. Consequently, the present
disclosure describes new approaches for performing rapid,
noninvasive estimations of blood flow characteristics that are
computationally inexpensive.
SUMMARY
[0007] Systems and methods are disclosed for deriving a
patient-specific geometric model of a patient's blood vessels, and
combining this geometry with the patient-specific physiological
information and boundary conditions. Combined, these data may be
used to estimate the patient's blood flow characteristics and
predict clinically relevant quantities of interest (e.g., FFR). The
presently disclosed systems and methods offer advantages over
physics-based simulation of blood flow to compute the quantity of
interest, such as by instead using machine learning to predict the
results of a physics-based simulation. In one embodiment, disclosed
systems and methods involve two phases: first, a training phase in
which a machine learning system is trained to predict one or more
blood flow characteristics; and second, a production phase in which
the machine learning system is used to produce one or more blood
flow characteristics and clinically relevant quantities of
interest. In the case of predicting multiple blood flow
characteristics, this machine learning system can be applied for
each blood flow characteristic and quantity of interest.
[0008] According to one embodiment, a method is disclosed for
determining individual-specific blood flow characteristics. The
method includes acquiring, for each of a plurality of individuals,
individual-specific anatomic data and blood flow characteristics of
at least part of the individual's vascular system; executing a
machine learning algorithm on the individual -specific anatomic
data and blood flow characteristics for each of the plurality of
individuals; relating, based on the executed machine learning
algorithm, each individual's individual-specific anatomic data to
functional estimates of blood flow characteristics; acquiring, for
an individual, individual-specific anatomic data of at least part
of the individual's vascular system; and for at least one point in
the individual's individual-specific anatomic data, determining a
blood flow characteristic of the individual, using relations from
the step of relating individual-specific anatomic data to
functional estimates of blood flow characteristics.
[0009] According to one embodiment, a system is disclosed for
determining individual-specific blood flow characteristics. The
system includes a data storage device storing instructions for
estimating individual-specific blood flow characteristics; and a
processor configured to execute the instructions to perform a
method including the steps of: acquiring, for each of a plurality
of individuals, individual-specific anatomic data and blood flow
characteristics of at least part of the individual's vascular
system; executing a machine learning algorithm on the individual
-specific anatomic data and blood flow characteristics for each of
the plurality of individuals; relating, based on the executed
machine learning algorithm, each individual's individual-specific
anatomic data to functional estimates of blood flow
characteristics; acquiring, for an individual, individual-specific
anatomic data of at least part of the individual's vascular system;
and for at least one point in the individual's individual-specific
anatomic data, determining a blood flow characteristic of the
individual, using relations from the step of relating
individual-specific anatomic data to functional estimates of blood
flow characteristics.
[0010] According to one embodiment, a non-transitory
computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed
by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method including:
acquiring, for each of a plurality of individuals,
individual-specific anatomic data and blood flow characteristics of
at least part of the individual's vascular system; executing a
machine learning algorithm on the individual -specific anatomic
data and blood flow characteristics for each of the plurality of
individuals; relating, based on the executed machine learning
algorithm, each individual's individual-specific anatomic data to
functional estimates of blood flow characteristics; acquiring, for
an individual, individual-specific anatomic data of at least part
of the individual's vascular system; and for at least one point in
the individual's individual-specific anatomic data, determining a
blood flow characteristic of the individual, using relations from
the step of relating individual-specific anatomic data to
functional estimates of blood flow characteristics.
[0011] Additional objects and advantages of the disclosed
embodiments will be set forth in part in the description that
follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may
be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments. The objects
and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be realized and
attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly
pointed out in the appended claims.
[0012] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosed
embodiments, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various
exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to
explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system and network
for estimating patient-specific blood flow characteristics from
vessel geometry and physiological information, according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary method for
estimating patient-specific blood flow characteristics from vessel
geometry and physiological information, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary
embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same
or like parts.
[0017] The present disclosure describes certain principles and
embodiments for providing advantages over physics-based simulation
of blood flow to compute patient-specific blood flow
characteristics and clinically relevant quantities of interest.
Namely, the presently disclosed systems and methods may incorporate
machine learning techniques to predict the results of a
physics-based simulation. For example, the present disclosure
describes an exemplary, less processing-intensive technique, which
may involve modeling the fractional flow reserve (FFR) as a
function of a patient's vascular cross-sectional area, diseased
length, and boundary conditions. The cross-sectional area may be
calculated based on lumen segment and plaque segment, among other
things. The diseased length may be calculated based on plaque
segment and stenosis location, among other things. The boundary
conditions may reflect patient-specific physiology, such as
coronary flow (estimated from myocardial mass), outlet area, and
hyperemic assumptions, to reflect that different patients have
different geometry and physiologic responses.
[0018] In one embodiment, fractional flow reserve may be modeled as
a function of a patient's boundary conditions (f(BCs)), and a
function of a patient's vascular geometry (g(areaReductions)).
Although the patient's geometry may be described as a function of
"areaReductions," it should be appreciated that this term refers,
not just to changes in patient's vascular cross-sectional area, but
to any physical or geometric characteristics affecting a patient's
blood flow. In one embodiment, FFR can be predicted by optimizing
the functions "f" and "g" such that the difference between the
estimated FFR (FFR.sub.CT.sub._.sub.ScalingLaw) and the measured
FFR (mFFR) is minimized. In other words, machine learning
techniques can be used to solve for the functions that cause the
estimated FFR to approximate the measured FFR. In one embodiment,
the measured FFR may be calculated by traditional catheterized
methods or by modern, computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
techniques. In one embodiment, one or more machine learning
algorithms may be used to optimize the functions of boundary
conditions and patient geometry for hundreds or even thousands of
patients, such that estimates for FFR can reliably approximate
measured FFR values. Thus, FFR values calculated by CFD techniques
can be valuable for training the machine learning algorithms.
[0019] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram
of an exemplary system and network for estimating patient-specific
blood flow characteristics from vessel geometry and physiological
information. Specifically, FIG. 1 depicts a plurality of physicians
102 and third party providers 104, any of whom may be connected to
an electronic network 100, such as the Internet, through one or
more computers, servers, and/or handheld mobile devices. Physicians
102 and/or third party providers 104 may create or otherwise obtain
images of one or more patients' cardiac and/or vascular systems.
The physicians 102 and/or third party providers 104 may also obtain
any combination of patient-specific information, such as age,
medical history, blood pressure, blood viscosity, etc. Physicians
102 and/or third party providers 104 may transmit the
cardiac/vascular images and/or patient-specific information to
server systems 106 over the electronic network 100. Server systems
106 may include storage devices for storing images and data
received from physicians 102 and/or third party providers 104.
Sever systems 106 may also include processing devices for
processing images and data stored in the storage devices.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary method for
estimating patient-specific blood flow characteristics from vessel
geometry and physiological information, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure. The method of FIG. 2 may be
performed by server systems 106, based on information received from
physicians 102 and/or third party providers 104 over electronic
network 100.
[0021] In one embodiment, the method of FIG. 2 may include a
training method 202, for training one or more machine learning
algorithms based on numerous patients' blood flow characteristic
estimates, and a production method 204 for using the machine
learning algorithm results to predict a particular patient's blood
flow characteristics.
[0022] In one embodiment, training method 202 may be performed
based on FFR estimates generating using CFD techniques for hundreds
of patients. Training method 202 may involve acquiring, for each of
a plurality of individuals, e.g., in digital format: (a) a
patient-specific geometric model, (b) one or more measured or
estimated physiological parameters, and (c) values of blood flow
characteristics. Training method 202 may then involve, for one or
more points in each patient's model, creating a feature vector of
the patients' physiological parameters and associating the feature
vector with the values of blood flow characteristics. For example,
training method 202 may associate an estimated FFR with every point
in a patient's geometric model. Training method 202 may then train
a machine learning algorithm (e.g., using processing devices of
server systems 106) to predict blood flow characteristics at each
point of a geometric model, based on the feature vectors and blood
flow characteristics. Training method 202 may then save the results
of the machine learning algorithm, including feature weights, in a
storage device of server systems 106. The stored feature weights
may define the extent to which patient features or geometry are
predictive of certain blood flow characteristics.
[0023] In one embodiment, the production method 204 may involve
estimating FFR values for a particular patient, based on results of
executing training method 202. In one embodiment, production method
204 may include acquiring, e.g. in digital format: (a) a
patient-specific geometric model, and (b) one or more measured or
estimated physiological parameters. For multiple points in the
patient's geometric model, production method 204 may involve
creating a feature vector of the physiological parameters used in
the training mode. Production method 204 may then use saved results
of the machine learning algorithm to produce estimates of the
patient's blood flow characteristics for each point in the
patient-specific geometric model. Finally, production method 204
may include saving the results of the machine learning algorithm,
including predicted blood flow characteristics, to a storage device
of server systems 106.
[0024] Described below are general and specific exemplary
embodiments for implementing a training mode and a production mode
of machine learning for predicting patient-specific blood flow
characteristics, e.g. using server systems 106 based on images and
data received from physicians 102 and/or third party providers 104
over electronic network 100.
General Embodiment
[0025] In a general embodiment, server systems 106 may perform a
training mode based on images and data received from physicians 102
and/or third party providers 104 over electronic network 100.
Specifically, for one or more patients, server systems 106 may
acquire a digital representation (e.g., the memory or digital
storage [e.g., hard drive, network drive] of a computational device
such as a computer, laptop, DSP, server, etc.) of the following
items: (a) a patient-specific model of the geometry for one or more
of the patient's blood vessels; (b) a list of one or more measured
or estimated physiological or phenotypic parameters of the patient;
and/or (c) measurements, estimations or simulated values of all
blood flow characteristic being targeted for prediction. In one
embodiment, the patient-specific model of the geometry may be
represented by a list of points in space (possibly with a list of
neighbors for each point) in which the space can be mapped to
spatial units between points (e.g., millimeters). In one
embodiment, the list of one or more measured or estimated
physiological or phenotypic parameters of the patient may include
blood pressure, blood viscosity, patient age, patient gender, mass
of the supplied tissue, etc. These patient-specific parameters may
be global (e.g., blood pressure) or local (e.g., estimated density
of the vessel wall at a particular location).
[0026] For every point in the patient-specific geometric model for
which there is a measured, estimated or simulated value of the
blood flow characteristic, server systems 106 may then create a
feature vector for that point. The feature vector may be a
numerical description of the patient-specific geometry at that
point and estimates of physiological or phenotypic parameters of
the patient. The feature vector may contain both global and local
physiological or phenotypic parameters, where: for global
parameters, all points have the same numerical value; and for local
parameters, the value(s) may change at different points in the
feature vector. Server systems 106 may then associate this feature
vector with the measured, estimated or simulated value of the blood
flow characteristic at this point.
[0027] Server systems 106 may then train a machine learning
algorithm to predict the blood flow characteristics at the points
from the feature vectors at the points. Examples of machine
learning algorithms that can perform this task are support vector
machines (SVMs), multi-layer perceptrons (MLPs), and multivariate
regression (MVR) (e.g., weighted linear or logistic regression).
Server systems 106 may then save the results of the machine
learning algorithm (e.g., feature weights) to a digital
representation (e.g., the memory or digital storage [e.g., hard
drive, network drive] of a computational device such as a computer,
laptop, DSP, server, etc.).
[0028] Also in a general embodiment, server systems 106 may perform
a production mode based on images and data received from physicians
102 and/or third party providers 104 over electronic network 100.
For a patient on whom a blood flow analysis is to be performed,
server systems 106 may acquire a digital representation (e.g., the
memory or digital storage [e.g., hard drive, network drive] of a
computational device such as a computer, laptop, DSP, server, etc.)
of (a) a patient-specific model of the geometry for one or more of
the patient's blood vessels; and (b) a list of one or more
estimates of physiological or phenotypic parameters of the patient.
In one embodiment, the patient-specific model of the geometry for
one or more of the patient's blood vessels may be represented as a
list of points in space (possibly with a list of neighbors for each
point) in which the space can be mapped to spatial units between
points (e.g., millimeters). The list of one or more estimates of
physiological or phenotypic parameters of the patient, may include
blood pressure, blood viscosity, patient age, patient gender, the
mass of the supplied tissue, etc. These parameters may be global
(e.g., blood pressure) or local (e.g., estimated density of the
vessel wall at a location). This list of parameters must be the
same as the list used in the training mode.
[0029] For every point in the patient-specific geometric model,
server systems 106 may create a feature vector that consists of a
numerical description of the geometry and estimates of
physiological or phenotypic parameters of the patient. Global
physiological or phenotypic parameters can be used in the feature
vector of all points and local physiological or phenotypic
parameters can change in the feature vector of different points.
These feature vectors may represent the same parameters used in the
training mode. Server systems 106 may then use the saved results of
the machine learning algorithm produced in the training mode (e.g.,
feature weights) to produce estimates of the blood flow
characteristics at each point in the patient-specific geometric
model. These estimates may be produced using the same machine
learning algorithm technique used in the training mode (e.g., the
SVM, MLP, MVR technique). Server systems 106 may also save the
predicted blood flow characteristics for each point to a digital
representation (e.g., the memory or digital storage [e.g., hard
drive, network drive] of a computational device such as a computer,
laptop, DSP, server, etc.).
Exemplary Embodiment
[0030] In one exemplary embodiment, server systems 106 may perform
a training mode based on images and data received from physicians
102 and/or third party providers 104 over electronic network 100.
Specifically, for one or more patients, server systems 106 may
acquire a digital representation (e.g., the memory or digital
storage [e.g., hard drive, network drive] of a computational device
such as a computer, laptop, DSP, server, etc.) of (a) a
patient-specific model of the geometry for the patient's ascending
aorta and coronary artery tree; (b) a list of measured or estimated
physiological or phenotypic parameters of the patient; and (c)
measurements of the FFR when available.
[0031] In one embodiment, the patient-specific model of the
geometry for the patient's ascending aorta and coronary artery tree
may be represented as a list of points in space (possibly with a
list of neighbors for each point) in which the space can be mapped
to spatial units between points (e.g., millimeters). This model may
be derived by performing a cardiac CT imaging study of the patient
during the end diastole phase of the cardiac cycle. The resulting
CT images may then be segmented manually or automatically to
identify voxels belonging to the aorta and to the lumen of the
coronary arteries. Once all relevant voxels are identified, the
geometric model can be derived (e.g., using marching cubes).
[0032] In one embodiment, the list of measured or estimated
physiological or phenotypic parameters of the patient may be
obtained and may include: (i) systolic and diastolic blood
pressures; (ii) heart rate; (iii) hematocrit level; (iv) patient
age, gender, height, weight, general health status (presence or
absence of diabetes, current medications); (v) lifestyle
characteristics: smoker/non-smoker; and/or (vi) myocardial mass
(may be derived by segmenting the myocardium obtained during the CT
imaging study and then calculating the volume in the image; the
mass is then computed using the computed volume and an estimated
density (1.05 g/mL) of the myocardial mass.
[0033] In one embodiment, measurements of the FFR may be obtained
when available. If the measured FFR value is not available at a
given spatial location in the patient-specific geometric model,
then a numerically computed value of the FFR at the point may be
used. The numerically computed values may be obtained from a
previous CFD simulation using the same geometric model and
patient-specific boundary conditions derived from the physiological
and phenotypic parameters listed above.
[0034] For every point in the patient-specific geometric model for
which there is a measured, estimated or simulated value of the
blood flow characteristics, server systems 106 may create a feature
vector for that point that contains a numerical description of
physiological or phenotypic parameters of the patient and a
description of the local geometry. Specifically the feature vector
may contain: (i) systolic and diastolic blood pressures; (ii) heart
rate; (iii) blood properties including: plasma, red blood cells
(erythrocytes), hematocrit, white blood cells (leukocytes) and
platelets (thrombocytes), viscosity, yield stress; (iv) patient
age, gender, height, weight, etc.; (v) diseases: presence or
absence of diabetes, myocardial infarction, malignant and rheumatic
conditions, peripheral vascular conditions, etc.; (vi) lifestyle
characteristics: presence or absence of current medications/drugs,
smoker/non-smoker; (vii) characteristics of the aortic geometry
(Cross-sectional area of the aortic inlet and outlet, Surface area
and volume of the aorta, Minimum, maximum, and average
cross-sectional area, etc.); (viii) characteristics of the coronary
branch geometry; and (ix) one or more feature sets.
[0035] In one embodiment, the characteristics of the coronary
branch geometry may include: (i) volumes of the aorta
upstream/downstream of the coronary branch point; (ii)
cross-sectional area of the coronary/aorta bifurcation point, i.e.,
inlet to the coronary branch; (iii) total number of vessel
bifurcations, and the number of upstream/downstream vessel
bifurcations; (iv) average, minimum, and maximum
upstream/downstream cross-sectional areas; (v) distances (along the
vessel centerline) to the centerline point of minimum and maximum
upstream/downstream cross-sectional areas; (vi) cross-sectional of
and distance (along the vessel centerline) to the nearest
upstream/downstream vessel bifurcation; (vii) cross-sectional area
of and distance (along the vessel centerline) to the nearest
coronary outlet and aortic inlet/outlet; (viii) cross-sectional
areas and distances (along the vessel centerline) to the downstream
coronary outlets with the smallest/largest cross-sectional areas;
(ix) upstream/downstream volumes of the coronary vessels; and (x)
upstream/downstream volume fractions of the coronary vessel with a
cross-sectional area below a user-specified tolerance.
[0036] In one embodiment, a first feature set may define
cross-sectional area features, such as a cross-sectional lumen area
along the coronary centerline, a powered cross-sectional lumen
area, a ratio of lumen cross-sectional area with respect to the
main ostia (LM, RCA), a powered ratio of lumen cross-sectional area
with respect to the main ostia, a degree of tapering in
cross-sectional lumen area along the centerline, locations of
stenotic lesions, lengths of stenotic lesions, location and number
of lesions corresponding to 50%, 75%, 90% area reduction, distance
from stenotic lesion to the main ostia, and/or irregularity (or
circularity) of cross-sectional lumen boundary.
[0037] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional lumen area along the
coronary centerline may be calculated by extracting a centerline
from constructed geometry, smoothing the centerline if necessary,
and computing cross-sectional area at each centerline point and map
it to corresponding surface and volume mesh points. In one
embodiment, the powered cross-sectional lumen area can be
determined from various source of scaling laws. In one embodiment,
the ratio of lumen cross-sectional area with respect to the main
ostia (LM, RCA) can be calculated by measuring cross-sectional area
at the LM ostium, normalizing cross-sectional area of the left
coronary by LM ostium area, measuring cross-sectional area at the
RCA ostium, and normalizing cross-sectional area of the right
coronary by RCA ostium area. In one embodiment, the powered ratio
of lumen cross-sectional area with respect to the main ostia can be
determined from various source of scaling laws. In one embodiment,
the degree of tapering in cross-sectional lumen area along the
centerline can be calculated by sampling centerline points within a
certain interval (e.g., twice the diameter of the vessel) and
compute a slope of linearly-fitted cross-sectional area. In one
embodiment, the location of stenotic lesions can be calculated by
detecting minima of cross-sectional area curve, detecting locations
where first derivative of area curve is zero and second derivative
is positive, and computing distance (parametric arc length of
centerline) from the main ostium. In one embodiment, the lengths of
stenotic lesions can be calculated by computing the proximal and
distal locations from the stenotic lesion, where cross-sectional
area is recovered.
[0038] In one embodiment, another feature set may include intensity
features that define, for example, intensity change along the
centerline (slope of linearly-fitted intensity variation). In one
embodiment, another feature set may include surface features that
define, for example, 3D surface curvature of geometry (Gaussian,
maximum, minimum, mean). In one embodiment, another feature set may
include volume features that define, for example, a ratio of total
coronary volume compared to myocardial volume. In one embodiment,
another feature set may include centerline features that define,
for example, curvature (bending) of coronary centerline, e.g., by
computing Frenet curvature:
.kappa. = p ' .times. p '' p ' 3 , ##EQU00001##
where p is coordinate of centerline
[0039] or by computing an inverse of the radius of circumscribed
circle along the centerline points. Curvature (bending) of coronary
centerline may also be calculated based on tortuosity
(non-planarity) of coronary centerline, e.g., by computing Frenet
torsion:
.tau. = ( p ' .times. p '' ) p ''' p ' .times. p '' 2 ,
##EQU00002##
where p is coordinate of centerline
[0040] In one embodiment, another feature set may include a SYNTAX
scoring feature, including, for example, an existence of aorto
ostial lesion, detection of a lesion located at the origin of the
coronary from the aorta; and/or dominance (left or right).
[0041] In one embodiment, another feature set may include a
simplified physics feature, e.g., including a fractional flow
reserve value derived from Hagen-Poisseille flow assumption
(Resistance.about.Area.sup.-2). For example, in one embodiment,
server systems 106 may compute the cross-sectional area of the
origin (LM ostium or RCA ostium) of the coronary from the aorta
(A.sub.0) with aortic pressure (P.sub.0); compute cross-sectional
area of coronary vessel (A.sub.i) at each sampled interval
(L.sub.i); determine the amount of coronary flow in each segment of
vessel using resistance boundary condition under hyperemic
assumption (Q.sub.i); estimate resistance at each sampled location
(R.sub.i) based on:
R i = .alpha. i 8 .mu. L i .pi. A i .gamma. i + .beta. i ,
##EQU00003##
where:
[0042] Nominal value .mu.=dynamic viscosiy of blood,
.alpha..sub.i=1.0, .beta..sub.i=0, .gamma..sub.i=2.0
(Hagen-Poisseille).
[0043] Server systems 106 may estimate pressure drop
(.DELTA.P.sub.i) as .DELTA.P.sub.i=Q.sub.iR.sub.i and compute FFR
at each sampled location as
FFR i = P 0 - k = 1 i .DELTA. P k P 0 . ##EQU00004##
Locations of cross-sectional area minima or intervals smaller than
vessel radius may be used for sampling locations. Server systems
106 may interpolate FFR along the centerline using FFR.sub.i,
project FFR values to 3D surface mesh node, and vary .alpha..sub.i,
.beta..sub.i, .gamma..sub.i and obtain new sets of FFR estimation
as necessary for training, such as by using the feature sets
defined above to perturb parameters where .alpha..sub.i,
.beta..sub.i can be a function of the diseased length, degree of
stenosis and tapering ratio to account for tapered vessel; and
Q.sub.i can be determined by summing distributed flow of each
outlet on the basis of the same scaling law as the resistance
boundary condition (outlet resistance .varies. outlet
area.sup.-135). However, a new scaling law and hyperemic assumption
can be adopted, and this feature vector may be associated with the
measurement or simulated value of the FFR at that point. Server
systems 106 may also train a linear SVM to predict the blood flow
characteristics at the points from the feature vectors at the
points; and save the results of the SVM as a digital representation
(e.g., the memory or digital storage [e.g., hard drive, network
drive] of a computational device such as a computer, laptop, DSP,
server, etc.).
[0044] In an exemplary production mode, servers systems 106 may,
for a target patient, acquire in digital representation (e.g., the
memory or digital storage (e.g., hard drive, network drive) of a
computational device such as a computer, laptop, DSP, server,
etc.): (a) a patient-specific model of the geometry for the
patient's ascending aorta and coronary artery tree; and (b) a list
of physiological and phenotypic parameters of the patient obtained
during training mode. In one embodiment, the patient-specific model
of the geometry for the patient's ascending aorta and coronary
artery tree may be represented as a list of points in space
(possibly with a list of neighbors for each point) in which the
space can be mapped to spatial units between points (e.g.,
millimeters). This model may be derived by performing a cardiac CT
imaging of the patient in the end diastole phase of the cardiac
cycle. This image then may be segmented manually or automatically
to identify voxels belonging to the aorta and the lumen of the
coronary arteries. Once the voxels are identified, the geometric
model can be derived (e.g., using marching cubes). The process for
generating the patient-specific model of the geometry may be the
same as in the training mode. For every point in the
patient-specific geometric model, the server systems 106 may create
a feature vector for that point that consists of a numerical
description of the geometry at that point and estimates of
physiological or phenotypic parameters of the patient. These
features may be the same as the quantities used in the training
mode. The server systems 106 may then use the saved results of the
machine learning algorithm produced in the training mode (e.g.,
feature weights) to produce estimates of the FFR at each point in
the patient-specific geometric model. These estimates may be
produced using the same linear SVM technique used in the training
mode. The server systems 106 may save the predicted FFR values for
each point to a digital representation (e.g., the memory or digital
storage [e.g., hard drive, network drive] of a computational device
such as a computer, laptop, DSP, server, etc.).
[0045] In one embodiment, the above factors (i) thru (viii)
("Systolic and diastolic blood pressures" thru "Characteristics of
the coronary branch geometry") may be considered global features,
which are applicable to all points within a given patient's
geometric model. Also, items (ix) thru (xv) ("Feature Set I:
Cross-sectional area feature" thru "Feature Set VII: Simplified
Physics feature") may be considered features that are local to
specific points within a given patient's geometric model. In
addition, features (i) thru (vi) may be considered variables within
the function of boundary conditions, f(BCs), while features (vii)
thru (xv) may be considered variables within the function of
geometry, g(areaReductions), on that page. It will be appreciated
that any combination of those features, modified by any desired
weighting scheme, may be incorporated into a machine learning
algorithm executed according to the disclosed embodiments.
[0046] In another embodiment, systems and methods are described to
obtain estimates of physiologic metrics, such as ischemia, blood
flow, or FFR from patient-specific anatomy and characteristics. The
system may consist of a computer and software either on-site at a
hospital or off-site that physicians load or transfer
patient-specific data to. The anatomic data may consist of imaging
data (ie CT) or measurements and anatomic representation already
obtained from imaging data (quantitative angiography, vessel
segmentations from third party software, vascular diameters, etc).
Other patient characteristics may consist of heart rate, blood
pressure, demographics such as age or sex, medication, disease
states including diabetes and hypertension, prior MI, etc.
[0047] After relevant data is received by the system, it may be
processed by software automation, the physician using the system, a
third-party technician or analyst using the system, or any
combination. The data may be processed using algorithms relating
the patient's anatomy and characteristics to functional estimates
of ischemia and blood flow. The algorithms may employ empirically
derived models, machine learning, or analytical models relating
blood flow to anatomy. Estimates of ischemia (blood flow, FFR, etc)
may be generated for a specific location in a vessel, as an overall
estimate for the vessel, or for an entire system of vessels such as
the coronary arteries. A numeric output, such as an FFR value, may
be generated or simple positive/negative/inconclusive indications
based on clinical metrics may be provided (ie FFR > or
<0.80). Along with the output, a confidence may be provided.
Results of the analysis may be displayed or stored in a variety of
media, including images, renderings, tables of values, or reports
and may be transferred back to the physician through the system or
through other electronic or physical delivery methods.
[0048] In one embodiment, the algorithm to estimate FFR from
patient anatomy consists of deriving an analytical model based on
fundamentals of physiology and physics, for example analytical
fluid dynamics equations and morphometry scaling laws. Information
about the following coronary anatomy, including but not limited to
the following features derived from imaging data (ie CT), serves as
an input:
[0049] Vessel sizes
[0050] Vessel size at ostium
[0051] Vessel size at distal branches
[0052] Reference and minimum vessel size at plaque
[0053] Distance from ostium to plaque
[0054] Length of plaque and length of minimum vessel size
[0055] Myocardial volume
[0056] Branches proximal/distal to measurement location
[0057] Branches proximal/distal to plaque
[0058] Measurement location
[0059] Using some or all of the information above, a network of
flow resistance may be created. Pressure drop may be estimated by
relating the amount of blood flow to the resistance to blood flow
using any of a variety of analytical models, such as Poiseuille's
equation, energy loss models, etc. As an example embodiment:
[0060] FFR=(P-.DELTA.P)/P where P is the aortic pressure and
.DELTA.P is the change in pressure from the aorta to the location
of interest.
[0061] .DELTA.P=QR, where Q is flow rate, and R is resistance
[0062] The flow rate may be estimated by morphometry relations,
such as Q .varies. M.sup.k where M is the myocardial volume and k
is an exponent, often approximately 0.75. Individual vessel flow
rates may scale based on the morphometry relationship of Q .varies.
D.sup.k where D is the diameter of the vessel and k is an exponent,
often between 2 and 3.
[0063] In an example embodiment, the resistance through a vessel
may be estimated by Poiseuille's equation:
R .varies. .mu.L/D.sup.4 where u is viscosity, L is length, and D
is diameter
[0064] Downstream, or microvascular resistances may be estimated
through morphometric tree generation or other methods described in
Ser. Nos. 13/014,809 and 8/157,742. FFR can be estimated by
relating all the resistance and flow estimates in a network
representing the distribution of vessels in the coronary
circulation, and pressure can be solved.
[0065] In another embodiment, regression or machine learning may be
employed to train the algorithm using the features previously
mentioned, formulations of resistances and flows, and additional
anatomic and patient characteristics, including but not limited
to:
[0066] Age, sex, and other demographics
[0067] Heart rate, blood pressure, and other physiologic
measures
[0068] Disease state, such as hypertension, diabetes, previous
cardiac events
[0069] Vessel dominance
[0070] Plaque type
[0071] Plaque shape
[0072] Prior simulation results, such as full 3D simulations of
FFR
[0073] A library or database of anatomic and patient
characteristics along with FFR, ischemia test results, previous
simulation results, imaging data, or other metrics may be compiled.
For every point of interest where an FFR estimation is required, a
set of features may be generated. A regression or machine learning
technique, such as linear regression or decision trees, may be used
to define which features have the largest impact on estimating FFR
and to create an algorithm that weights the various features.
Example embodiments may estimate FFR numerically, classify a vessel
as ischemia positive or negative, or classify a patient as ischemia
positive or negative.
[0074] Once an algorithm is created, it may be executed on new data
provided by the physician to the system. As previously described, a
number of methods may be used to generate the anatomic information
required, and once obtained, the features defined, algorithm
performed, and results reported. Along with numerical or
classification results, a confidence from the machine learning
algorithm may be provided. One example embodiment is to report that
a particular vessel in a patient has a specific percent confidence
of being positive or negative for ischemia, ie Left anterior
descending artery is positive with 85% confidence. Over time, the
algorithm may be refined or updated as additional patient data is
added to the library or database.
[0075] One additional embodiment is to derive any of the previously
mentioned parameters, physiologic, or physical estimations
empirically. Coupled with machine learning or analytic techniques,
empirical studies of flow and pressure across various geometries
may be utilized to inform the algorithms.
[0076] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and
practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the
specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a
true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the
following claims.
* * * * *