BMD Analysis Without Phantom Using Patient Anatomy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CT imaging systems require a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) reference phantom for accurate bone density measurements, which is not feasible during routine patient scans for osteoporosis risk assessment, as most scans are not prescribed for BMD screening.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that perform BMD analysis without a BMD reference phantom by using a computer-readable medium with a program to analyze scan data, calculating BMD reference values from patient data using image attenuation area and tissue-specific measurements, and fitting these values to overall body size and tissue composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a BMD reference phantom is used for accurate BMD measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and scanning protocol complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential calibration function from the physical reference phantom and implements it through computational algorithms. The system calculates patient-specific calibration factors by analyzing the patient's own anatomical structures (vertebral bodies, intervertebral discs) in the CT scan, eliminating the need to scan a separate reference phantom while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patient's own anatomical structures serve as the reference for calibration. The system uses the patient's vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs visible in their own CT scan to automatically calculate calibration factors, making the system self-calibrating without requiring external reference objects or additional scanning protocols.
2Measurement precision
If a BMD reference phantom is scanned with the patient, then BMD measurement accuracy is improved, but loss of time occurs due to additional scanning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the BMD measurement function with the routine CT scan by using the same acquired images for both diagnostic purposes and bone density assessment. The system processes the existing CT scan data to calculate BMD values, eliminating the need for separate BMD scanning sessions or additional reference phantom scans.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration calculations are performed automatically during the standard CT scan acquisition and reconstruction process. The system prepares patient-specific calibration factors from the routine scan data before BMD analysis is initiated, so no additional time is required during the actual measurement phase.
3Ease of operation
If BMD analysis is performed without a reference phantom, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the calibration approach from using fixed reference phantom values to calculating dynamic, patient-specific calibration factors based on anatomical parameters. The system measures vertebral body areas, intervertebral disc heights, and tissue attenuation values to compute individualized calibration constants that maintain measurement accuracy while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces computational algorithms as an intermediary between the raw CT scan data and BMD measurements. These algorithms automatically extract anatomical features, calculate calibration factors, and apply corrections to derive accurate BMD values without requiring manual reference phantom placement or complex user intervention.
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
Enables accurate estimation of BMD from routine CT scans without a phantom, improving accuracy by relating BMD reference values to patient-specific anatomy and body composition, thus identifying osteoporosis risk without additional scanning protocols.
Implementation Method 1
CT number values for human tissue (especially bone) change as a function of the size of the patient section and the amount of bone, fat, muscle, etc in the scan section
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes scanning a patient without a BMD reference present to obtain data, and performing a BMD analysis on the obtained data.