Adaptive CT Perfusion Scan Control for Stroke Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic imaging protocols for acute stroke, such as CT perfusion scans, face challenges in reducing scan time and radiation exposure while maintaining image quality, especially when prior patient hemodynamic information is unavailable, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Innovation Solution
A personalized, adaptive CT perfusion scan method that adjusts scan parameters based on individual patient contrast agent kinetics using machine learning models to estimate arterial inflow and venous outflow curves, allowing for dynamic adaptation of scan protocols during the scan, including a fallback scan prescription to ensure high-quality images even if kinetic curves cannot be estimated promptly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a timing bolus scan is performed to personalize the CTP scan prescription, then the diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the scan time increases by five minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring a limited set of projection data during the contrast scan to estimate contrast agent kinetics, which then allows personalization of the scan prescription without requiring a separate timing bolus scan beforehand
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential projection data needed for kinetic estimation during the contrast scan, separating this measurement function from the full diagnostic imaging process, thereby avoiding the need for a separate timing bolus scan
2Device complexity
If the scan protocol is fixed without adaptive adjustment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to extended scan time for all patients
Solution Approach 1:
The scan protocol transitions from a static fixed protocol to a dynamic adaptive protocol that adjusts scan parameters in real-time based on estimated contrast agent kinetics, allowing personalized optimization without requiring complex pre-scanning procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring contrast signal during the scan, estimating kinetic parameters, and using this information to adaptively adjust the scan prescription, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes scanning in real-time
3Measurement precision
If the scan duration is extended to capture complete contrast kinetics, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial action by acquiring only a limited portion of projection data during the contrast scan sufficient for kinetic estimation, rather than capturing the complete contrast kinetics curve, thereby reducing scan duration while maintaining adequate measurement precision
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
This approach reduces scan time, minimizes radiation exposure, and maintains high-quality diagnostic images, facilitating timely patient care and accurate treatment decisions.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray source configured to project a beam of x-ray radiation
Implementation Method 2
a detector array configured to detect the x-ray radiation beams
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, initiating a contrast scan of a subject according to a fallback scan prescription, processing acquired projection data of an anatomical region of interest (ROI) of the subject to measure a contrast signal of the contrast agent, identifying a peak in the contrast signal within a predetermined time frame, if the peak in the contrast signal is not identified within the predetermined time frame, updating the fallback scan prescription to generate an adapted scan prescription for the contrast scan based on the contrast signal, and performing a remainder of the contrast scan according to the adapted scan prescription, and if the peak in the contrast signal is not identified within the predetermined time frame, continuing the remainder of the contrast scan according to the fallback scan prescription.