3D DSA Image Reconstruction Using Single-Rotation Mask Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D DSA image reconstruction techniques suffer from image artifacts due to contrast agent presence, leading to degraded image quality and inefficiencies in procedural workflow, particularly in cone beam CT angiography.

Innovation Solution

Reconstructing cone beam projection data into a 3D mask image before and during contrast agent presence, followed by temporal sequence reconstruction using a neural network to reduce artifacts and enhance image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If separate revolutions are used for mask and DSA image acquisition, then image quality may be improved, but procedural workflow is disrupted and time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidprocedural workflow time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines mask image acquisition and DSA image acquisition into a single continuous rotation of the C-arm, eliminating the need for separate revolutions. Projection data is acquired continuously while the contrast agent flows through the region of interest, with mask data and DSA data interleaved within the same rotational sweep, thereby maintaining image quality while eliminating procedural disruption and time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If projection data is acquired from multiple orientations, then 3D visualization capability is improved, but image artifacts from contrast agent in mask image increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D visualization capabilityVSAvoidimage artifacts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs mask image reconstruction first, using projection data acquired from multiple orientations during the single C-arm rotation. By reconstructing the mask image before generating the DSA images, the system establishes a clean reference that accounts for the anatomical structure without contrast agent, thereby enabling subsequent artifact reduction in the DSA images while maintaining the benefits of multi-orientation 3D visualization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If 2D X-ray images are acquired from multiple orientations, then comprehensive anatomical information is obtained, but X-ray dose and contrast agent dose increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanatomical information completenessVSAvoidX-ray dose and contrast agent dose
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent acquires projection data from a limited angular range (approximately 180 degrees plus fan angle) rather than a complete 360-degree rotation, which is sufficient for CT reconstruction. This partial action approach provides comprehensive enough anatomical information for 3D DSA while reducing the total X-ray exposure and contrast agent volume compared to acquiring images from all possible orientations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Adaptability or versatility

If re-orientation of projection X-ray imaging system is performed, then desired views are achieved, but time is consumed and mechanical constraints limit achievable views

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesired view achievementVSAvoidre-orientation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, step-by-step re-orientation approach into a dynamic continuous rotation. The C-arm rotates continuously through the required angular range while acquiring projection data at multiple orientations, enabling comprehensive 3D visualization without the time loss and mechanical constraint limitations of stopping and re-positioning the imaging system between views.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Improves 3D DSA image quality by reducing artifacts and allowing detailed visualization of complex anatomy and hemodynamic flow, while minimizing procedural disruption.

Implementation Method 1

receive cone beam projection data acquired during a portion of a revolution of a source-detector arrangement of a cone beam X-ray imaging system around an object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray transmission: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP4453879B13D DSA image reconstruction
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4453879B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4453879B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4453879B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A system (100) for reconstructing digital subtraction angiography, DSA, images (110) representing a region of interest (120) in an object (130), is provided. The system includes one or more processors (140) configured to: receive (S110) cone beam projection data (150) acquired during a portion of a revolution of a source-detector arrangement (160s, 160d) of a cone beam X-ray imaging system (170) around the object (130); reconstruct (S120) the cone beam projection data (150) acquired from one or more orientations within a first angular range (Dq1), into a 3D mask image (170) representing the region of interest (120); and reconstruct (S130) the cone beam projection data (150) acquired from one or more orientations within a second angular range (Dq2), into a temporal sequence of 3D DSA images (110) representing the region of interest (120), based on the reconstructed 3D mask image (170).