4D Angiography Artifact Resolution via Tomosynthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Four-dimensional (4D) digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images often suffer from artifacts caused by overlapping anatomical features, which lead to uncertainties and inaccuracies in the reconstruction of time-resolved three-dimensional angiographic volumes.
Innovation Solution
The system and method utilize tomosynthesis image data to resolve overlapping structures in 4D DSA images by acquiring rotational x-ray volume data and x-ray tomosynthesis data, reconstructing time-resolved three-dimensional image volumes, and selectively combining these data to generate four-dimensional images with resolved overlapping features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If rotational DSA C-arm imaging is used to generate 4D volumes, then temporal resolution is improved, but artifacts occur due to overlapping anatomical features in 2D projections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D projection data to 3D volumetric data by acquiring rotational x-ray volume image data and reconstructing time-resolved 3D image volumes. This dimensional change allows anatomical features that overlap in 2D projections to be separated in 3D space, resolving the intensity information ambiguity while preserving temporal resolution through time-dependent volume generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces tomosynthesis image data as an intermediary to resolve overlapping features. The tomosynthesis data provides depth information that acts as a mediator to disambiguate which anatomical structure contributes to the intensity signal in each voxel, thereby improving measurement precision without sacrificing temporal resolution
2Measurement precision
If 3D volume reconstruction is performed from 2D projections, then spatial information is improved, but overlapping features cannot be uniquely attributed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent acquires rotational x-ray volume image data to reconstruct 3D volumes, adding the depth dimension to separate overlapping anatomical features. This allows intensity information to be correctly attributed to specific 3D locations rather than being ambiguous in 2D projections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses tomosynthesis image data as an intermediary to resolve intensity information ambiguity. The tomosynthesis provides depth-resolved information that mediates between the 3D volume reconstruction and the 2D projection data, enabling unique attribution of intensity signals to specific anatomical features
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 effectively reduces artifacts in 4D DSA images without compromising temporal or spatial resolution, providing clearer and more accurate visualizations of vascular anatomy.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring, during a common imaging acquisition process, rotational, x-ray volume image data and x-ray tomosynthesis image data from a subject
Implementation Method 2
The system includes an x-ray imaging system configured to rotate an x-ray source and x-ray detector through a range of view angles about a subject
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for medical imaging that includes acquiring, during a common imaging acquisition process, rotational, x-ray volume image data and x-ray tomosynthesis image data from a subject. The method includes reconstructing a time-resolved three-dimensional (3D) image volume from the rotational, x-ray volume image data and producing a four-dimensional (4D) image series of the subject with resolved overlapping features by selectively combining the time-resolved 3D image volume and the x-ray tomosynthesis imaging data.