C12065: Quantitative Measurement of Fractional Flow Reserve from Medical ImagingNovelty:
This invention is a new way to quantify Fractional flow reserve (FFR) from medical imaging.
Value Proposition:
FFR is a quantitative index of the physiologic significance of coronary artery stenosis. It has become the most frequently used assessment method and is being increasingly applied in cardiac catheterization laboratory. Current methods of determining coronary artery health from blood flow involve either an invasive medical procedure or computer-aided methods that are less precise and require significant computing resources. A time-based FFR is proposed which measures a regional time-density-curve (TDC) from medical images, providing a simple and effective way to quantify the FFR. This invention is not limited to a specified medical imaging modality, potentially achieving a noninvasive quantification of FFR. This invention is not limited to the cardiac application, and can be used to other organs such as brain. Other advantages include:
• Effective when combined with any imaging modality
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• Applicable for quantification of blood flow in other organs
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• Uses current imaging techniques
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• Using this method as a metric to start percutaneous coronary intervention improves primary end point results
Technical Details:
Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a method of calculating fractional flow reserve (FFR) from medical imaging data alone. FFR is a metric in determining the extent of coronary artery stenosis and has been adopted as a key indicator of the necessity of stent therapy in heart disease patients. Specifically, FFR is the ratio of blood flow proximal and distal to an arterial narrowing. This invention uses X-ray CT-derived time density curves to calculate FFR. The final calculation involves the TDC of the diseased artery, the TDC of a healthy reference artery, and a term to account for perfusion characteristics.
Looking for Partners:
To develop and commercialize the technology as a method for quantifying fractional flow reserve.
Stage of Development:
Pre-Clinical
Data Availability:
Under CDA/NDA
Publications/Associated Cases:
Not available at this time.
