Cardiac Motion Correction via Phase-Specific Image Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive medical imaging techniques face challenges in achieving a temporal resolution of 20 ms or less to effectively 'freeze' cardiac motion, leading to motion-related artifacts such as blurring and streaking in images of dynamic internal tissues like the heart.
Innovation Solution
The method involves acquiring a plurality of projection images during a slow rotation over a limited angular range and generating phase-specific reconstructions based on these projections, using a computer-readable media and image analysis system to improve temporal resolution and reduce motion-related artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the acquisition time is decreased to improve temporal resolution, then motion-related artifacts are reduced, but the amount of imaging data acquired is insufficient for high-quality reconstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring projections over a limited angular range during a slow rotation at a relatively high rotation speed to capture sufficient data, then uses motion estimation and correction techniques to compensate for the reduced acquisition time, effectively preparing the data in advance for high-quality reconstruction without requiring prolonged scanning
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes parameters by using motion estimation algorithms that calculate displacement vectors and motion fields from the acquired projections, then applies motion correction through parameter adjustments in the reconstruction process, allowing high temporal resolution to be achieved without sacrificing reconstruction quality despite reduced data acquisition time
2Measurement precision
If the rotation speed is increased to reduce acquisition time, then temporal resolution is improved, but motion-related artifacts increase due to insufficient data sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by estimating motion from the acquired projections using algorithms that calculate displacement vectors, then uses this motion information to correct the reconstruction process, creating a closed-loop system that continuously adjusts for motion effects and eliminates artifacts while maintaining high rotation speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical solutions (slowing down rotation to capture more data) with computational methods (motion estimation and correction algorithms) that can achieve the same artifact reduction effect without requiring reduced rotation speed, thus maintaining high temporal resolution while eliminating motion-related artifacts
3Manufacturing precision
If the acquisition time is extended to capture more cardiac phases, then image quality is improved, but the temporal resolution deteriorates and cardiac motion cannot be frozen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary motion estimation and correction calculations during the acquisition process itself, using algorithms that compute displacement vectors and motion fields from the projections as they are acquired, then applies these corrections in real-time to maintain both high image quality and temporal resolution without requiring extended acquisition time
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 enhances the temporal resolution of cardiac imaging, minimizing motion-related artifacts and producing high-quality, motion-corrected images that accurately represent the heart's motion throughout the cardiac cycle.
Implementation Method 1
a simple X-ray imaging technique may involve generating X-rays using an X-ray tube or other X-ray source and directing the X-rays through an imaging volume in which the part of the patient to be imaged is located. As the X-rays pass through the patient, the X-rays are attenuated based on the composition of the tissue they pass through. The attenuated X-rays then impact a detector that converts the X-rays into signals
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of projection images are acquired over an angular range during the slow rotation of a C-arm gantry having a source and detector. Phase-specific reconstructions are generated from the plurality of projections, wherein each phase-specific reconstruction is generated generally from projections acquired at or near the respective phase. In one embodiment, a plurality of motion estimates are generated based upon the phase-specific reconstructions. One or more motion-corrected reconstructions may be generated using the respective motion estimates and projections. The motion-corrected reconstructions may be associated to form motion-corrected volume renderings.