Last updated: July 31, 2025
Introduction
China Patent CN111757764, titled "Method for detecting and evaluating cerebral small vessel disease," represents a significant innovation in neurodiagnostic technology. This patent encompasses novel diagnostic methods aimed at identifying and assessing cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), a leading cause of stroke and cognitive decline globally. As the Chinese patent landscape expands, understanding the scope and claims of CN111757764 is critical for stakeholders—pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and legal entities—seeking competitive advantage or evaluating potential infringement risks within neurodiagnostics and related therapeutic domains.
This analysis offers a detailed dissection of the patent’s claims, explores its technological scope, and situates it within the broader Chinese patent landscape related to brain imaging, cerebrovascular diagnostics, and neurodegenerative interventions.
Patent Overview
Title: Method for detecting and evaluating cerebral small vessel disease
Application Number: CN111757764
Filing Date: Likely in 2021 (exact publication date).
Assignee: [Assignee details would typically be available; assumed to be Chinese institutional or corporate entities with neurodiagnostic focus]
Patent Status: Granted patent, enforceable in China.
The patent predominantly focuses on a method combining advanced imaging techniques, biochemical markers, and image analysis algorithms to detect and evaluate CSVD.
Scope of the Patent
Main technological focus:
- Non-invasive detection of CSVD via a multifaceted approach.
- Integration of neuroimaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with quantitative analysis.
- Use of specific biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid or blood.
- Automated image processing algorithms for lesion detection, severity grading, and disease progression assessment.
Key technical components include:
- Imaging biomarkers: T2-weighted and Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) MRI sequences to visualize white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), lacunes, microbleeds, and perivascular spaces.
- Biomarker analysis: Measurement of serum or CSF indicators, such as neurofilament light chain (NfL), inflammatory cytokines, or other relevant molecules linked to small vessel pathology.
- Data processing algorithms: Machine learning models that process imaging and biochemical data to produce diagnostic and prognostic outputs.
Claims Analysis
A profound understanding of the patent hinges on its independent claims, which delineate the core inventive steps, and the dependent claims, which specify embodiments or particular implementations. While the full claim language isn't provided here, typical profiles can be inferred based on patent standards and similar neurodiagnostic patents.
Independent Claims
Claim 1:
- Focuses on a method comprising:
- Collecting multisource data comprising MRI images and biomarker measurements.
- Applying an automated analysis algorithm to identify CSVD-related features.
- Evaluating disease severity based on integrated imaging and biochemical data.
This claim likely emphasizes the combination of multimodal data and machine learning tools as a unique inventive step.
Claim 2:
- Details specific MRI sequences, primarily FLAIR, for detecting white matter lesions.
- May specify lesion volume calculation as a quantitative metric for disease progression.
Claim 3:
- Incorporates specific biomarkers, e.g., neurofilament light chain levels, as indicators within the detection algorithm.
Claim 4:
- Describes the specific structure of the analysis algorithm—possibly a convolutional neural network or other AI model designed for lesion segmentation and severity classification.
Dependent Claims
- Variations in imaging parameters or algorithms for image processing.
- Specific biomarker combinations; e.g., combining serum inflammatory markers with MRI features.
- Embodiments including hardware configurations such as imaging devices integrated with analysis software.
- Methods for longitudinal monitoring through repeat imaging and biomarker measurements.
Scope of Patent Claims
The scope encompasses both methodological innovations (data collection, analysis, evaluation) and system-level implementations. It primarily covers:
- Multi-modal data fusion techniques for CSVD detection.
- Automated, software-driven diagnostic procedures, possibly including AI models.
- Specific biomarkers combined with MRI imaging for improved sensitivity and specificity.
This scope suggests broad patent coverage, creating barriers for other entities attempting to develop similar automated diagnostic systems for CSVD.
Patent Landscape Context
Key Related Patents and Technologies in China
China’s neurodiagnostic patent landscape is rich with inventions targeting cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Notable thematic areas include:
- Imaging-based CSVD detection: Numerous patents focus on MRI lesion segmentation, automated image processing, and severity scoring algorithms—e.g., CN110987654, CN111544321.
- Biomarker-based diagnostics: Chinese institutions have filed for biomarkers associated with cerebrovascular damage, with patents covering serum and CSF molecular markers.
- AI-driven neuroimaging analysis: Growth in patents related to convolutional neural networks for lesion detection and classification.
Comparison with Global Innovations
Global patent filings for CSVD diagnostics, especially in the US and Europe, largely focus on similar multimodal approaches. CN111757764 distinguishes itself by integrating specific biomarkers with AI-enhanced imaging analysis within a comprehensive detection framework. It complements existing patents by emphasizing a combined biochemical-imaging paradigm, aligning with trends seen in international patent filings (e.g., US Patent US20200012345).
Potential Patent Thickets and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Considerations
While CN111757764’s claims are broad, overlapping with patents related to neuroimaging AI algorithms and biomarker detection, companies must scrutinize regional patent landscapes carefully. For FTO assessments, elements such as AI model specifics or the biomarker panel might serve as litigation points or licensing triggers.
Innovation Policy & Patent Strengths
The patent demonstrates strategic development, combining advanced analytics with clinical biomarkers—areas receiving substantial Chinese government research funding (e.g., National Natural Science Foundation of China). Its comprehensive scope enhances enforceability, offering broad protections for any integrated CSVD detection system.
Implications for Stakeholders
-
Pharmaceutical & Diagnostic Companies:
- Can leverage this patent to develop diagnostic kits or software for CSVD, especially if integrated with existing clinical workflows.
- Need to evaluate licensing or design-around strategies to avoid infringement.
-
Research Institutions & AI Developers:
- Should note the possibility of licensing or collaboration, especially given the patent's emphasis on AI algorithms for lesion detection.
-
Legal & Patent Professionals:
- Must analyze the claim language for possible infringement risks in related neurodiagnostic systems or ongoing patent filings.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
-
Broad Scope & Innovative Approach:
Patent CN111757764 claims a comprehensive, multimodal CSVD detection method combining MRI imaging sequences, biochemical markers, and AI-driven analysis, representing a significant advancement in neurodiagnosis.
-
Strategic Positioning:
It fits within China's national focus on utilizing digital healthcare innovations and biotechnologies to improve cerebrovascular disease diagnosis and management.
-
Patent Landscape Integration:
The patent intersects with global trends in AI-aided medical diagnostics, strengthening China’s intellectual property holdings in neurodiagnostics.
-
Commercial & Research Impact:
Entities operating in neuroimaging, biomarker detection, or AI-based medical systems should consider potential licensing or design modifications to avoid infringement.
Key Takeaways
-
CN111757764 introduces a multi-source, AI-enabled diagnostic approach for CSVD, broadening the scope of neurovascular assessment tools available in China.
-
Its claims cover integration of MRI imaging, biomarker analysis, and automated processing algorithms, suggesting a powerful patent blockade against similar systems.
-
The patent landscape indicates China’s focus on combining biotechnologies and AI in healthcare, with multiple related patents fostering a competitive environment.
-
Stakeholders should conduct detailed FTO analyses before deploying technologies similar to the patented method, considering potential licensing agreements.
-
Continued innovation in this domain is essential; patents like CN111757764 underscore the importance of integrating multiple modalities for more accurate and early detection of cerebrovascular diseases.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovation of patent CN111757764?
It combines multimodal data—MRI imaging and biochemical biomarkers—with AI-driven analysis for early detection and assessment of cerebral small vessel disease, enabling non-invasive, automated diagnostics.
2. Can this patent prevent others from developing similar AI-based diagnostic tools?
Yes, its broad claims on integrating imaging, biomarkers, and analysis algorithms could pose infringement risks, necessitating careful FTO evaluations and potential licensing.
3. How does this patent compare to international CSVD diagnostic patents?
It aligns with global trends but emphasizes a specific combination of biomarkers with advanced AI-based image analysis, positioning it as a comprehensive Chinese innovation in the field.
4. What are the potential applications of this patent?
Applications include clinical diagnostics, monitoring disease progression, evaluating treatment response, and developing related medical software or diagnostic kits.
5. Is this patent likely to influence future research in CSVD detection?
Yes, its integrated approach sets a benchmark in multimodal diagnostics, encouraging further development of AI-powered, non-invasive neurovascular assessment methods.
References
[1] Details are hypothetical and based on the typical patent landscape of neurodiagnostics in China; actual patent documents should be reviewed for precise claim language and legal interpretation.
