Cardiac Imaging Timing via Ventricular Volume Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cardiac imaging methods require additional cine scans and operator-determined timing, leading to extended examination times and unstable image quality due to variations in scan timing.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic imaging apparatus, including MRI and X-ray CT systems, measures ventricular volume variations to automatically determine the time phase of minimal cardiac motion, setting scanning conditions for data collection and image reconstruction without additional special scans or operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cine scan methods are used to determine scan timing, then image quality can be stabilized, but examination time is extended and operator burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines scan timing by measuring ventricular volume variations from routine cine scan images, eliminating the need for operator visual determination and additional timing scans. The automated measurement and calculation of R-R intervals and timing parameters allows the system to serve itself in determining optimal scan conditions without operator intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter used for timing determination from operator-visual assessment to automated measurement of ventricular volume variations. By calculating timing parameters based on measured volume changes and R-R intervals, the system transforms a subjective parameter selection process into an objective, automated measurement process.
2Ease of operation
If operator visually determines scan timing, then scan conditions can be set, but image quality becomes unstable due to variations in operator determination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the operator's visual assessment mechanism with an automated computer-based measurement system. The system automatically measures ventricular volume variations, calculates R-R intervals, and determines timing parameters through computational algorithms, eliminating human subjectivity and variability in timing determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors ventricular volume variations during the cine scan and uses this feedback to automatically calculate timing parameters. By measuring actual volume changes and R-R intervals from the acquired images, the system provides real-time feedback to determine optimal scan timing, ensuring consistent and reliable results.
3Measurement precision
If additional cine scan is performed for timing determination, then scan timing can be accurately set, but device complexity and examination procedure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the routine cine scan serve multiple functions: both imaging and timing determination. The same cine scan images used for general cardiac assessment are also used to measure ventricular volume variations and calculate scan timing parameters, eliminating the need for a separate timing determination scan and reducing overall procedure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the imaging function and timing determination function into a single integrated process. By combining the routine cine scan with automated volume measurement and timing calculation, the system consolidates what would otherwise be separate steps into one unified examination procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic imaging apparatus includes a ventricular volume-variation measuring unit that measures sequential variations in a size of a ventricle within at least one heart beat, from images of a heart scanned in each of a plurality of time phases; a scanning-condition setting unit that specifies a time phase of little cardiac motion based on variations in the size of the ventricle measured by the ventricular volume-variation measuring unit, and sets scanning conditions so as to collect data in the specified time phase; and an imaging unit that collects data based on the scanning conditions set by the scanning-condition setting unit, and reconstructs an image from the collected data.