C-arm X-ray Imaging Apparatus with Variable Rotation Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray imaging techniques for generating three-dimensional images of blood vessels are expensive and require a large amount of contrast medium, making them inaccessible to smaller hospitals and increasing the patient burden.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus that uses a C-arm with a rotation driving unit to acquire both mask and contrast-enhanced images at different rotational speeds, allowing for the generation of two types of three-dimensional images by adjusting the intervals between image acquisitions before and after contrast medium injection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional IVR-CT is used to generate three-dimensional blood vessel images, then image quality is improved, but device cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the existing C-arm fluoroscopy apparatus perform multiple functions: it can acquire both mask images (for 3D-DSA blood vessel imaging) and contrast-enhanced images (for soft tissue imaging) using the same hardware system, eliminating the need for separate IVR-CT equipment while providing comprehensive imaging capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the acquisition parameters by rotating the C-arm at different speeds during different phases: faster rotation for mask images and slower rotation for contrast-enhanced images, allowing the single apparatus to generate both types of three-dimensional images with optimal quality for each purpose
2Device complexity
If soft tissue imaging method is used to reduce device cost, then device accessibility is improved, but contrast medium requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the imaging process into two distinct phases: a mask image acquisition phase before contrast injection and a contrast-enhanced image acquisition phase after injection. This segmentation allows the system to use contrast medium only when necessary for soft tissue imaging, while maintaining the ability to perform blood vessel imaging without additional contrast, thereby reducing overall contrast medium requirements compared to conventional soft tissue imaging methods
3Measurement precision
If conventional 3D-DSA is performed to identify blood vessels, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but examination time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention continues the C-arm rotation motion without interruption to acquire both mask images and contrast-enhanced images in a single continuous examination sequence. The control unit manages different rotation speeds during different phases, but the C-arm remains in motion throughout, eliminating idle time and reducing total examination time compared to sequential separate examinations
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 the generation of high-quality three-dimensional blood vessel images and soft tissue images with reduced contrast medium usage and patient exposure, making the technology more accessible and reducing examination time.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray tube (12) mounted on substantially the C-arm (60)
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray detector (14) mounted on substantially the C-arm (60)
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging apparatus includes a substantially C-arm, a support mechanism which rotatably supports substantially the C-arm, a rotation driving unit which drives rotation of substantially the C-arm, an X-ray tube mounted on substantially the C-arm, an X-ray detector mounted on substantially the C-arm, and a control unit which controls at least one of the rotation driving unit and an imaging control unit to make intervals between a plurality of contrast-enhanced images shorter than intervals between a plurality of mask images by changing a rotational speed of substantially the C-arm before and after injection of a contrast medium.