Adaptive Multi-Phase Angiography Scan Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic imaging protocols for acute stroke management, such as CT angiography and perfusion studies, face challenges in timing the administration of contrast agents, leading to non-diagnostic images due to venous contrast contamination or delayed patient treatment.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method involves estimating arterial inflow and venous outflow functions using a machine learning model based on initial contrast agent injection data, allowing for precise timing of subsequent contrast agent administration to avoid contamination and minimize scan duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a timing bolus scan is performed to monitor contrast levels before CTA and CTP studies, then the contrast timing can be personalized to the patient, but the total time required increases by five minutes or more
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CTA and CTP studies into a single integrated protocol using a single contrast bolus. The system performs multiple acquisitions at different time points (arterial phase, venous phase, and perfusion phases) without requiring separate contrast injections or a preliminary timing bolus scan, thereby eliminating the 5-7 minute wait time while maintaining personalized timing through real-time contrast monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs real-time contrast monitoring during the actual CTA/CTP protocol rather than requiring a separate preliminary timing bolus scan. By monitoring contrast levels throughout the scan protocol itself, the system determines optimal acquisition timing without adding preliminary time, thus personalizing contrast timing while avoiding the 5-minute delay.
2Reliability
If separate CTA and CTP studies are performed with contrast washout time between acquisitions, then diagnostic quality can be maintained, but the total scan time increases by five to seven minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous contrast monitoring and continuous scanning throughout the entire protocol without interruption for contrast washout. The system acquires data continuously at multiple phases (arterial, capillary, venous) using a single contrast bolus, eliminating the 5-7 minute gap between CTA and CTP while maintaining diagnostic quality through phase-specific reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts acquisition parameters and timing based on real-time contrast monitoring. Rather than using fixed timing intervals or requiring contrast washout, the system adapts the scanning protocol to the patient's actual contrast kinetics, performing acquisitions at optimal moments during the continuous contrast passage through different vascular phases.
3Ease of operation
If contrast agent timing is not optimized, then scan protocol simplicity is maintained, but venous contrast contamination occurs leading to non-diagnostic images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback through continuous contrast monitoring during the scan protocol. The system measures contrast levels in monitoring regions and uses this feedback to determine optimal acquisition timing and trigger phase-specific reconstructions. This automated feedback mechanism maintains protocol simplicity while preventing venous contrast contamination by acquiring images at optimal contrast phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual timing and fixed-protocol approaches with automated real-time contrast monitoring and dynamic triggering. Instead of relying on predetermined timing intervals or simple fixed protocols, the system uses continuous contrast measurement and algorithmic determination of optimal acquisition moments, substituting mechanical/timing-based simplicity with intelligent automated control that prevents contamination.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for adaptive scan control. In one embodiment, a method includes, upon an injection of a contrast agent, processing acquired projection data of a monitoring area of a subject to measure a contrast signal of the contrast agent, estimating two or more target times of the contrast agent at the monitoring area of the subject based on the contrast signal, and carrying out a contrast scan that includes a two or more acquisitions each performed at a respective target time.