Adaptive Contrast Scan Timing for Stroke Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic imaging protocols for acute stroke management, such as CT angiography and perfusion scans, are delayed due to monitoring scans that disrupt image reconstruction and require excessive contrast agent, particularly in time-sensitive situations, potentially leading to prolonged treatment times and increased radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive imaging system that uses machine learning to estimate arterial and venous contrast agent kinetics from a prior scan, allowing for personalized timing of subsequent scans without intermediate monitoring scans, thereby reducing contrast agent usage and scan duration while maintaining diagnostic image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If monitoring scans are performed to personalize CTA scan prescription, then scan quality is improved, but scan time is delayed and treatment is postponed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a first contrast scan (perfusion scan) before the CTA scan to obtain preliminary contrast kinetics data. This preliminary action allows the system to estimate arterial and venous contrast agent kinetics, which are then used to personalize the CTA scan prescription and determine optimal scan timing, eliminating the need for additional monitoring scans.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes scan parameters (timing, duration, contrast injection rate) based on measured contrast kinetics from the first scan. By adapting these parameters to individual patient physiology, the system achieves personalized scan prescription without requiring separate monitoring scans, thus reducing total scan time while maintaining quality.
2Measurement precision
If monitoring scans are performed to detect contrast levels, then contrast timing is optimized, but other non-acquisition functions are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the contrast timing optimization function with the first contrast scan (perfusion scan). The same scan serves dual purposes: acquiring diagnostic perfusion data and measuring contrast kinetics for CTA timing optimization. This eliminates the need for separate monitoring scans, avoiding disruption to background reconstruction and other non-acquisition functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The first contrast scan performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a perfusion scan for diagnostic purposes, a timing scan for optimizing CTA acquisition, and a kinetics measurement scan for personalizing scan parameters. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated monitoring scans and maintains system productivity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple contrast scans are performed with monitoring, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but contrast agent load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system adjusts contrast injection parameters (rate, duration, timing) for the CTA scan based on kinetics measured during the first scan. By personalizing these parameters to individual patient contrast uptake characteristics, the system achieves optimal diagnostic images with reduced contrast agent load, avoiding the need for excessive contrast administration that would result from standardized protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the first contrast scan (measured contrast kinetics) to adjust and optimize the second CTA scan parameters. This closed-loop approach ensures that the CTA scan is performed at the optimal time with appropriate contrast dosage, maintaining diagnostic accuracy while minimizing contrast agent usage.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for adaptive scan control. In one embodiment, a method for an imaging system includes performing, with the imaging system, a first contrast scan of a subject including injection of a contrast agent to the subject; processing projection data of the subject acquired during the first contrast scan to measure a contrast signal of the subject at a monitoring area; estimating a target acquisition timing for a first acquisition of a second contrast scan of the subject based on the contrast signal; and performing, with the imaging system, the second contrast scan of the subject, with the first acquisition performed at the target acquisition timing and without performing any monitoring scans between the first contrast scan and the second contrast scan.