Patient-Specific Scan Timing for Contrast Agent Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining optimal scan timing for contrast agent-enhanced imaging in medical imaging devices rely heavily on empirical data and do not adequately account for patient-specific factors, leading to variability and inefficiency in generating high-quality image data sets.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes a trained function to establish patient-specific time information for contrast agent enhancement by comparing patient-specific data with training data, allowing for personalized actuation of imaging devices to optimize image acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a test bolus method is used to determine scan timing, then the time of maximum contrast enhancement can be observed in local arteries, but larger volumes of contrast agent are required and the test bolus volume is too low to observe enhancement in extravascular regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the contrast agent administration into two distinct phases: a test bolus phase for determining scan timing parameters, and a main imaging phase using a larger contrast agent volume. This segmentation allows the test bolus to be optimized for timing measurement while the main phase provides sufficient contrast for extravascular region observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The test bolus is administered as a preliminary action before the main imaging examination. This preliminary contrast agent administration enables the system to pre-determine optimal scan timing parameters without requiring the full imaging protocol to be executed first, thereby avoiding unnecessary radiation and contrast agent exposure.
2Productivity
If empirical experience is used to adapt time values for local arterial enhancement, then scan timing can be determined, but patient-specific factors are not adequately accounted for leading to variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the test bolus is actually administered to the patient and real-time contrast agent distribution is monitored. The system uses this feedback information to calculate patient-specific scan timing parameters, replacing empirical estimates with measured data from the individual patient's contrast enhancement curve.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes from using fixed empirical time values to calculating dynamic, patient-specific time parameters based on the actual contrast agent concentration-time curve measured during the test bolus phase. This parameter adaptation ensures optimal scan timing is determined individually for each patient based on their specific physiological characteristics.
3Measurement precision
If a test bolus method is used, then scan timing can be determined, but the test bolus volume is too low to observe enhancement in extravascular regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent clearly segments the imaging protocol into a test bolus phase for arterial inflow measurement and a main imaging phase for comprehensive examination. This segmentation allows the test bolus to be optimized for observing arterial enhancement while the main phase uses sufficient contrast agent volume to observe extravascular regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The test bolus uses a small, controlled volume of contrast agent that is sufficient for observing arterial inflow but intentionally limited in volume. The main imaging phase then uses a larger, adequate volume to provide sufficient contrast for extravascular regions, avoiding the need for excessive contrast agent in the test phase.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes provisioning an item of patient information of the patient via an interface; establishing, via a computing device, a first item of time information relating to a point in time of contrast enhancement by a contrast agent in at least one first subregion of the examination region based upon the item of patient information and by application of a trained function, at least one parameter of the trained function being adapted based upon a comparison between a first training item of time information based on a training item of patient information of a training patient and a first comparison item of time information, the first comparison item of time information being linked with the training item of patient information; and actuating, via a controller, the imaging device based upon the first item of time information established to acquire the contrast agent-enhanced image data set.