Biplane X-ray Imaging for Extended Z-Axis Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing three-dimensional image datasets in medical examination facilities, especially for larger target volumes like the abdominal region or limbs, are time-consuming and strain patients due to the need for multiple rotations and contrast agent administration.
Innovation Solution
A method using biplane facilities with two image recording facilities, each with an x-ray source and detector, allows for simultaneous rotation and adjustment of recording areas to overlap or adjoin in the z-direction, enabling a larger recording area to be created without additional patient strain, by reconstructing and combining sub-image datasets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple rotations of the C-arm are performed consecutively to cover larger target volumes, then the recording area is increased, but the examination time and patient strain are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two image recording facilities (C-arms) into a single biplane examination facility, allowing simultaneous recording of two different recording areas. This merging enables coverage of larger target volumes without performing multiple consecutive examinations, thus reducing examination time while maintaining expanded recording capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements simultaneous continuous recording by both image recording facilities during a single examination procedure. This continuity eliminates the interruption and time loss associated with performing multiple consecutive rotations, as both facilities record their respective volumes at the same time without requiring sequential execution
2Area of stationary object
If multiple rotations of the C-arm are performed consecutively to cover larger target volumes, then the recording area is increased, but the complexity of image registration is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coordinate systems of both image recording facilities into a single unified coordinate system during the examination. This is achieved by determining transformation matrices that relate both facilities to the unified system, eliminating the need for complex post-examination registration of multiple separate volumes and simplifying the overall process
3Area of stationary object
If contrast agent is administered multiple times for consecutive recordings, then larger target volumes can be imaged, but the patient strain and health risk are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous simultaneous recording by both image recording facilities during a single contrast agent administration. This eliminates the need for multiple contrast agent doses by maintaining continuous imaging coverage of the entire target volume in one examination session, thereby reducing patient strain and health risks associated with repeated contrast exposure
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 method significantly reduces the time required to record larger volumes and minimizes the number of contrast agent administrations, facilitating efficient and strain-free three-dimensional imaging.
Implementation Method 1
each featuring a radiation source and an x-ray detector
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing a three-dimensional image dataset of a target volume by using an examination facility having at least two image recording facilities, each featuring a radiation source and a radiation detector, which can be rotated about an axis of rotation which is arranged perpendicular to the connecting line between the radiation source and the radiation detector, comprising: adjusting the recording areas of the image recording facilities such that the recording areas arranged offset in the z-direction supplement each other to form a recording area, which is enlarged in the z-direction; simultaneously recording two-dimensional images in different orientations by means of the image recording facilities rotating about their axis of rotation; reconstructing a three-dimensional sub-image dataset in each instance from the images of the individual image recording facilities; combining the sub-image datasets to form the three-dimensional image dataset.