Cone-Beam CT Angiography via Temporal Deconvolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging technologies, such as x-ray digital subtraction angiography and x-ray fluoroscopy, face limitations in providing high-temporal resolution and three-dimensional visualization of vascular structures, requiring patients to be moved repeatedly between rooms for imaging, which can be detrimental to patients, especially those with trauma or cardiovascular issues.
Innovation Solution
The development of a cone-beam CT imaging system using a SMART RECON process that reconstructs high-temporal resolution time-resolved images from a limited scan range, performing temporal deconvolution and subtraction to generate clear CT angiograms without the need for extensive patient movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional x-ray fluoroscopy and DSA are used for image-guided procedures, then real-time visualization of vascular structures is achieved, but three-dimensional resolution and temporal resolution are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the C-arm gantry rotation speed and data acquisition timing to capture rapid contrast agent flow through vascular structures. The dynamic imaging protocol synchronizes x-ray exposure with the temporal dynamics of contrast enhancement, enabling both high spatial resolution CT imaging and high temporal resolution visualization of vascular dynamics within the same procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges conventional fluoroscopy/DSA capabilities with CT imaging capabilities into a single integrated C-arm system. This allows the system to switch between or combine 2D angiographic modes and 3D CT modes without requiring separate imaging systems or moving the patient between different imaging rooms, thereby achieving both high spatial and temporal resolution
2Measurement precision
If multi-dimensional anatomical imaging systems are used to provide three-dimensional visualization, then spatial resolution is improved, but patient movement between rooms is required which increases procedure time and patient risk
Solution Approach 1:
The C-arm imaging system is designed with multi-functionality to perform both conventional 2D fluoroscopy/DSA and 3D CT imaging within the same imaging suite. This universal system eliminates the need to move patients between dedicated fluoroscopy rooms and dedicated CT rooms, as the single C-arm system can seamlessly switch between imaging modes to provide both real-time guidance and three-dimensional anatomical visualization
3Measurement precision
If conventional CT scanning is performed to achieve high spatial resolution, then three-dimensional anatomical detail is improved, but temporal resolution and patient throughput are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic, rapid rotation of the C-arm gantry through a limited angular range (e.g., 180-270 degrees) to acquire CT data sets. This periodic scanning approach, combined with fast contrast agent injection protocols, enables multiple volumetric acquisitions during the peak enhancement phase, achieving high temporal resolution of vascular dynamics while maintaining high spatial resolution through iterative reconstruction algorithms
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 acquisition of high-temporal resolution, time-resolved CT angiographic images within the interventional suite, reducing patient movement and radiation/contrast doses, thereby enhancing patient safety and simplifying clinical workflows.
Implementation Method 1
X-ray projection images encode the variations of the x-ray attenuation properties of an image object into the transmitted x-ray photons to produce the shadow image of the object
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for reconstructing an image using a cone-beam computed tomography (CT) imaging system includes acquiring data from a subject with the CT imaging system using a limited scan range that is less than 360 degrees. The process also includes reconstructing at least one image of the subject having a first temporal resolution from the data acquired, performing a temporal deconvolution of the at least one image using a finite temporal window to generate at least one image of the subject with a second temporal resolution that is greater than the first temporal resolution, and subtracting the at least one image of the subject with the second temporal resolution and a mask image of the subject to generate a time-resolved CT angiogram of the subject.