Volcano Corporation

Volcano Corporaton

David Goodwin

Kendall Rand Waters

Jon D Klingensmith

Bernhard Sturm

Vladimir Zagrodsky

Wolf-Ekkehard Blanz

Nikhil Rajguru

Computer-implemented methods for use in improving the diagnostic quality of images, including intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images, are disclosed. The methods include using a non-linear, probabilistic classifier algorithm to analyze a plurality of spatiotemporal features of RF backscatter and to produce a blood likelihood map or blood probability map that corresponds to the original IVUS image. The methods disclosed herein allow for visualizing both static and dynamic characteristic of a vessel either by producing a transparency modulated color overlay of the blood likelihood map without altering the underlying IVUS image or by processing the IVUS image based upon the blood likelihood map to better distinguish between static and dynamic components of the vessel.

Method for visualizing blood and blood-likelihood in vascualar images

A system and method are disclosed that facilitate characterizing vascular plaque tissue based upon spectral analysis of intravascular ultrasound echo signal segments. In particular, a power spectrum analysis of an integrated backscatter parameter renders a set of characterizing parameter values based on received intravascular ultrasound echo signal segments. The resulting parameter values are applied to plaque tissue characterization criteria to render a plaque tissue characterizations for regions of interest. The system and method include computer-executable instructions performed on a computing device to render an estimate of a system transfer function using a homomorphic deconvolution technique.

System and method for characterizing tissue based upon homomorphic deconvolution of backscattered ultrasound

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El Dorado Hills, CA, United States of America

David Goodwin