Agent-Based Imaging Correlation for Contrast Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agent-based imaging procedures, such as CT scans, rely on operator experience and guidelines for timing the scan after contrast agent administration, leading to potential misalignment with peak enhancement time, resulting in lower quality images due to uncertainty in when the scan is performed relative to the actual peak enhancement.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that correlate agent delivery information from an injector with imaging data acquired by an imaging system, using a data correlator to synchronize and validate injector and scanner protocols, ensuring accurate timing and quality of image acquisition by correlating injection data with imaging data based on a common time frame, and performing pre- and post-scan validation checks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operator experience and guidelines are used to determine scan timing, then the procedure is simple to operate, but the image quality deteriorates due to misalignment with peak enhancement time
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time feedback by monitoring contrast agent delivery data and correlating it with imaging data to determine actual peak enhancement time. This feedback loop replaces operator experience with automated, data-driven timing determination, ensuring scan timing aligns with actual peak enhancement while maintaining ease of operation through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual, experience-based mechanical process of timing determination with an automated electronic system that correlates delivery information with imaging data. This substitution eliminates human variability and provides precise, objective timing determination based on actual physiological response to contrast agent administration.
2Productivity
If a predetermined delay is used for scanning after agent administration, then the procedure is efficient and quick, but the timing may be off from actual peak enhancement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary correlation of delivery information with imaging data during the imaging procedure itself, rather than relying on pre-calculated predetermined delays. This preliminary action allows the system to establish the actual peak enhancement time based on real-time data, improving timing accuracy while maintaining efficiency through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static, predetermined delay values to dynamic, data-driven timing determination. The scan timing becomes adaptive, adjusting based on actual contrast agent delivery characteristics and real-time imaging data correlation, allowing the system to optimize timing for each specific procedure while maintaining efficiency.
3Device complexity
If operator experience is relied upon for timing, then no additional equipment is needed, but the reliability of image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-validation by automatically correlating delivery information with imaging data and determining peak enhancement timing without external intervention. This self-service capability improves reliability by eliminating operator variability while maintaining straightforward system configuration through automated, integrated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single system: contrast agent delivery monitoring, imaging data acquisition, automated correlation analysis, and peak enhancement timing determination. This multi-functionality improves reliability through consistent, standardized processing while avoiding increased device complexity by consolidating functions within existing imaging and injection infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes correlating, via a data correlator (120), contrast delivery information from an injector (118) for a contrast-enhanced imaging procedure with imaging data acquired by an imaging system (100) utilized for the procedure. In another embodiment, a method includes performing a pre-procedure validation check on at least one of an injector (118) or an imaging system (100) respectively based on at least one protocol parameter of the imaging system (100) or the injector (118) and generating, with the injector (118) or the imagining system (100), a value indicative of the validation check.