Cardiac Gated Digital Tomosynthesis Phase Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital tomosynthesis imaging techniques face challenges in capturing clear, dynamic x-ray images of cardiac anatomy due to image blurring caused by the heart's rhythmic motion during a cardiac cycle, which limits the accuracy of 3D and 4D reconstructions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the capture of a plurality of radiographic cardiac images grouped by cardiac phase, followed by 3D reconstruction for each phase group, and the generation of a 4D motion image using these reconstructions, which reduces image blurring and allows for precise alignment and display of cardiac motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional digital tomosynthesis imaging is used to capture cardiac images, then the imaging process is simple and fast, but image blurring occurs due to heart motion during the cardiac cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cardiac cycle into multiple phase groups (e.g., early, mid, late phase) and captures images at different phases. By segmenting the cardiac cycle and reconstructing 3D images for each phase separately, the method reduces motion blur while maintaining diagnostic quality. This is achieved by capturing a plurality of radiographic cardiac images and grouping them according to cardiac phase before reconstruction.
2Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured per cardiac cycle to reduce motion blur, then image quality improves, but the imaging time and data processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the periodic nature of the cardiac cycle by capturing images at specific phases across multiple cycles. By synchronizing image capture with the periodic cardiac rhythm and grouping images by phase, the method achieves high-quality 3D and 4D reconstructions without requiring excessive imaging time. The system captures a plurality of radiographic cardiac images over multiple cardiac cycles, grouping them according to cardiac phase.
3Adaptability or versatility
If 3D reconstructions are created for each cardiac phase group, then dynamic cardiac visualization is achieved, but computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large dataset of cardiac images into smaller phase groups (e.g., early, mid, late phase groups) before reconstruction. This segmentation approach allows the system to process and reconstruct 3D images for each phase group separately, reducing the computational complexity compared to processing all images together. The method creates a 3D reconstruction for each phase group, enabling dynamic cardiac visualization while managing processing requirements.
4Measurement precision
If cardiac images are captured and grouped by phase to reduce blurring, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but the complexity of image alignment and reconstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary grouping of cardiac images by phase before the reconstruction process. By organizing images into phase groups in advance (early, mid, late phases), the system simplifies the subsequent alignment and reconstruction steps. This preliminary organization reduces the complexity of the reconstruction process while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy through phase-specific 3D visualizations.
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 enables reduced image blurring and improved accuracy in 3D and 4D reconstructions, providing clearer visualizations of cardiac anatomy in motion, enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A tube head is movable over a range of imaging angles with respect to the stationary patient... Acquire a full set of digital x-ray tomosynthesis (DT) cardiac images
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of radiographic cardiac images of a living patient are captured and grouped according to a cardiac phase depicted in each of the captured images. A 3D cardiac image is then reconstructed for each phase group. A 4D motion reconstruction is generated and displayed using the plurality of 3D reconstructions. A 3D reconstruction using all of the plurality of cardiac images may be used as an alignment check.