The importance of three dimensional coronary artery reconstruction accuracy when computing virtual fractional flow reserve from invasive angiography

Three dimensional (3D) coronary anatomy, reconstructed from coronary angiography (CA), is now being used as the basis to compute ‘virtual’ fractional flow reserve (vFFR), and thereby guide treatment decisions in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Reconstruction accuracy is therefore important. Yet the methods required remain poorly validated. Furthermore, the magnitude of vFFR error arising from reconstruction is unkown. We aimed to validate a method for 3D CA reconstruction and determine the effect this had upon the accuracy of vFFR. Clinically realistic coronary phantom models were created comprosing seven standard stenoses in aluminium and 15 patient-based 3D-printed, imaged with CA, three times, according to standard clinical protocols, yielding 66 datasets. Each was reconstructed using epipolar line projection and intersection. All reconstructions were compared against the real phantom models in terms of minimal lumen diameter, centreline and surface similarity. 3D-printed reconstructions (n = 45) and the reference files from which they were printed underwent vFFR computation, and the results were compared. The average error in reconstructing minimum lumen diameter (MLD) was 0.05 (± 0.03 mm) which was < 1% (95% CI 0.13–1.61%) compared with caliper measurement. Overall surface similarity was excellent (Hausdorff distance 0.65 mm). Errors in 3D CA reconstruction accounted for an error in vFFR of ± 0.06 (Bland Altman 95% limits of agreement). Errors arising from the epipolar line projection method used to reconstruct 3D coronary anatomy from CA are small but contribute to clinically relevant errors when used to compute vFFR.

The Accuracy of Virtual Fractional Flow Reserve From Invasive Angiography: Importance of the Method of Reconstructing Three-dimensional Coronary Artery Anatomy

Background Three dimensional (3D) coronary anatomy, reconstructed from coronary angiography (CA), is now being used as the basis to compute ‘virtual’ fractional flow reserve (vFFR), and thereby guide treatment decisions in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Reconstruction accuracy is therefore important. Yet these methods remain poorly validated. Furthermore, the magnitude of vFFR error arising from reconstruction is unkown. We aimed to validate a new method for 3D CA reconstruction and determine the effect this had upon the accuracy of vFFR.Methods Clinically realistic coronary phantom models were created (seven standard stenoses in aluminium and 15 patient-based 3D-printed) and imaged with CA, three times, according to clinical protocols, yielding 66 datasets. Each was reconstructed using epipolar line projection and intersection. All reconstructions were compared against the phantom models in terms of minimal lumen diameter, centreline and surface similarity. 3D-printed reconstructions (n=45) and the reference files from which they were printed underwent vFFR computation, and the results were compared. Results The average error in reconstructing minimum lumen diameter (MLD) was 0.05 (±0.03 mm) which was <1% (95%CI 0.13-1.61%) compared with caliper measurement. Overall surface similarity was excellent (Hausdorff distance 0.65 mm). Errors in 3D CA reconstruction accounted for an error in vFFR of ±0.06 (95% limits of agreement).Conclusions Errors arising from the epipolar line projection method used to reconstruct 3D coronary anatomy from CA are small but result in clinically relevant errors in vFFR simulation, amounting to approximately 40% of the total error associated with vFFR.

Weld Parameters Information Access Based on Laser Line Projected Image

In the guiding system for fillet welding of corrugated sheet based on laser line projection, the Laser Lines Projected on the Corrugated Sheet and Plane (abbreviated as LLP_CS_P) are interfered by the irregular width of Assemble Gap to be Welded (abbreviated as AG-W), the Scratches of the Metal Surface (abbreviated as S_MSS), the Laser Line Projected on the Welding Point (abbreviated as LLP_WP) an so on. As a solution of these problems, an algorithm and on-line processing system based on morphology are proposed to stably and accurately locate the endpoints of LLP_CS_P. First, the interferences are separated from the laser line projection. Second, the interferences are eliminated by morphology filter. Third, the locations of laser line projection at AG-W are obtained through connected component labeling and extreme theory. Image acquiring and processing on line indicate that this algorithm and system can perform stably and effectively under the condition of irregular width of fillet welding seam of corrugated sheet, scratches, welding points. The trajectory and width of welding seam are monitored on line to guide the torch to track the AG-W and adjust welding parameters adaptively.