Adaptive Scan Control for Stroke Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive imaging techniques for stroke management, such as CT angiography and CT perfusion studies, require separate scans and a timing bolus scan, which are time-consuming and increase radiation and contrast doses, posing challenges in timely and accurate diagnosis for ischemic stroke.
Innovation Solution
A method that dynamically adjusts scan protocols based on real-time contrast level monitoring, allowing for the interleaving of multiple scan protocols like CT angiography and perfusion scans within a single scan, eliminating the need for a separate contrast bolus timing scan and optimizing scan parameters to reduce overall time and dose.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate CTA and CTP scans are performed with a timing bolus scan, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but examination time increases to 10-12 minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CTA, CTP, and timing bolus scan into a single integrated scan protocol. The system performs all three diagnostic functions simultaneously by interleaving CTA and CTP acquisitions around a contrast bolus timing scan, reducing total examination time to approximately 5 minutes while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through multi-protocol data acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous scanning throughout the examination without interruptions between separate studies. The scan operates continuously, dynamically switching between CTA and CTP protocols based on real-time contrast enhancement monitoring, eliminating the need for patients to remain stationary between separate scans and reducing total examination time.
2Measurement precision
If separate CTA and CTP scans are performed, then diagnostic quality is improved, but radiation dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges CTA and CTP scans into a single examination with shared radiation exposure. By performing both protocols during one continuous scan with a single contrast bolus administration, the system reduces cumulative radiation dose compared to separate scans while maintaining diagnostic quality through optimized protocol interleaving and contrast timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts scan parameters including tube current, voltage, and rotation speed based on the acquired phase and contrast enhancement level. The system switches between CTA and CTP protocols with optimized parameters for each phase, reducing overall radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic quality through adaptive parameter modification.
3Measurement precision
If separate CTA and CTP scans are performed, then diagnostic completeness is improved, but contrast media dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CTA and CTP studies into a single scan with one contrast bolus administration. The system acquires both angiography and perfusion data during the same contrast passage, eliminating the need for a second contrast bolus and reducing total contrast media dose while maintaining diagnostic completeness through multi-protocol data acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs a timing bolus scan first to characterize contrast enhancement kinetics and determine optimal timing for CTA and CTP acquisitions. This preliminary action allows the system to plan the subsequent scan protocol to capture both CTA and CTP data during a single contrast bolus passage, minimizing contrast media requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a timing bolus scan is performed, then scan protocol personalization is improved, but examination time increases by 5 minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the timing bolus scan function within the main CTA/CTP protocol rather than performing it as a separate preliminary study. The system uses real-time contrast enhancement monitoring during the interleaved CTA and CTP acquisitions to dynamically adjust scan parameters and timing, achieving protocol personalization without adding 5 minutes to the examination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs continuous scanning throughout the examination, using real-time contrast monitoring data to dynamically adjust and personalize the scan protocol on the fly. The system continuously adapts acquisition parameters based on measured contrast enhancement, eliminating the need for a separate 5-minute timing bolus scan while maintaining protocol personalization benefits.
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 significantly reduces the time and radiation/contrast dose required for ischemic stroke assessment, enabling faster and more accurate diagnosis by seamlessly combining CT angiography and perfusion scans while avoiding venous contamination.
Implementation Method 1
technologies such as computed tomography (CT) use various physical principals, such as the differential transmission of x-rays through the target volume
Implementation Method 2
processing acquired projection data to measure a contrast level; responsive to the contrast level increasing above a first threshold
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for adaptive scan control. In one embodiment, a method comprises: while performing a scan of a scan subject, processing acquired projection data to measure a contrast level; responsive to the contrast level increasing above a first threshold, automatically switching the scan from a first scan protocol to a second scan protocol; responsive to the contrast level decreasing below a second threshold, automatically switching the scan from the second scan protocol to the first scan protocol; and responsive to the contrast level decreasing below a third threshold, automatically ending the scan. In this way, multiple scan protocols, such as angiography and perfusion scan protocols, can be interleaved within a single scan without the use of a separate timing bolus scan.