Cardiac Image Reconstruction via Automatic Phase Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cardiac image reconstruction methods are inefficient due to the need for manual comparison of multiple phases to determine the optimal phase for image reconstruction, leading to low operational efficiency and high resource consumption, especially when dealing with cardiac motion artifacts.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically determine the optimal phase for cardiac image reconstruction by obtaining projection data across multiple cardiac phases, reconstructing preview images, determining the thoracic contour, and using this information to select a smaller field of view for reconstruction, thereby reducing artifacts and improving image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image reconstruction is performed for each of the multiple phases to obtain multiple reconstructed images, then the optimal phase image can be obtained by comparison, but the operation time is excessive and operational efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary image reconstruction on a small field of view (SFOV) containing only the heart region before performing reconstruction on the large field of view (LFOV). This preliminary reconstruction allows for early identification of the heart region and determination of the optimal phase, avoiding the need to fully reconstruct all LFOV images before comparison. The preliminary action reduces the total operation time while maintaining the ability to obtain high-quality optimal phase images.
2Manufacturing precision
If data of the diastolic period (75% phase) are used to reconstruct cardiac images, then motion artifacts are reduced, but the method is not suitable for all patients with different heart rates and respiratory movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic optimal phase determination process that uses feedback from the preliminarily reconstructed SFOV images. The system identifies the heart region in the preliminary reconstruction, evaluates image quality across different phases, and automatically determines the optimal phase for each patient based on their specific heart rate and respiratory characteristics. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to individual patient variations rather than using a fixed 75% phase approach.
3Area of stationary object
If a large field of view is used for reconstruction, then complete thoracic coverage is obtained, but the data processing time and resource consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reconstruction process into two segments: first, a preliminary reconstruction on a small field of view (SFOV) containing only the heart region; second, a final reconstruction on the large field of view (LFOV) using the optimal phase determined from the preliminary step. This segmentation allows the system to process the minimal necessary data for phase determination quickly, then apply that information to the full dataset, improving overall operational efficiency while maintaining complete thoracic coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the heart region from the complete thoracic anatomy by performing preliminary reconstruction on a small field of view that contains only the heart. This extracted heart region information is then used to guide the optimal phase determination and subsequent full-field reconstruction. By taking out and processing the critical heart region separately and earlier, the system reduces the computational burden on the complete dataset.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reconstructing target cardiac images is provided. The method may include: obtaining a plurality of projection data corresponding to a plurality of cardiac motion phases; determining a plurality of cardiac motion parameters corresponding to at least a portion of the plurality of cardiac motion phases based on the plurality of projection data; determining a phase of interest based on the plurality of cardiac motion parameters; and/or reconstructing the one or more target cardiac images of the phase of interest.