Contrast Agent Optimization via Baseline Volumetric Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical imaging technologies face challenges in optimizing contrast agent protocols due to the large number of parameters involved, leading to suboptimal usage and increased costs, with bolus tracking not fully compensating for inefficiencies in selecting imaging parameters.

Innovation Solution

A method to produce a quantified measure of image contrast enhancement by comparing enhanced and baseline volumetric data, allowing for the assessment of contrast agent use without additional patient scans, and providing a report that links the enhancement value to the medical imaging procedure, enabling objective evaluation of imaging protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If bolus tracking procedure is used to adjust protocol parameters, then contrast agent delivery can be adapted to patient-specific factors, but it does not eliminate the need for ex ante selection of most protocol parameters and cannot fully compensate for sub optimal parameter selection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation to patient-specific factorsVSAvoidprotocol parameter selection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring baseline volumetric data without contrast agent before contrast administration. This baseline acquisition enables subsequent quantitative comparison to assess contrast enhancement effectiveness, allowing protocol optimization without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the imaging procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex mechanical adjustment systems with a computational approach. Instead of relying on bolus tracking to dynamically adjust protocol parameters, the system uses quantitative comparison between baseline and contrast-enhanced volumetric data to objectively evaluate and optimize contrast agent usage, substituting mechanical/ procedural complexity with data-driven optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If sophisticated contrast enhancing protocols with multiple parameters are used, then image quality can be optimized, but it leads to excessive contrast material usage with increased costs and unnecessary risk to the patient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidcontrast material usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by quantitatively measuring contrast enhancement through comparison of baseline and contrast-enhanced volumetric data. This objective measurement provides feedback on the actual effectiveness of contrast agent usage, enabling optimization of protocol parameters to achieve required image quality with minimal contrast material, thereby reducing costs and patient risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention enables parameter changes by providing objective quantitative data on contrast enhancement effectiveness. This data allows systematic adjustment of protocol parameters (such as contrast agent volume, concentration, and injection rate) to optimize the balance between image quality and contrast material usage, reducing excessive administration while maintaining diagnostic quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If quantitative evaluation of contrast agent use is implemented, then optimal contrast imaging parameters can be identified and contrast material usage reduced, but requires comparison of enhanced and baseline volumetric data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol optimization efficiencyVSAvoiddata processing requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses copying by acquiring baseline volumetric data without contrast agent that serves as a reference copy for later comparison. This baseline copy enables quantitative assessment of contrast enhancement by comparing pixel values between the baseline and contrast-enhanced images, providing objective measurement without requiring complex additional imaging procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 method enables the identification of optimal contrast imaging parameters, reduces contrast material usage, and minimizes patient risk by providing a cost-effective, objective assessment of image enhancement, allowing for improved protocol optimization and reduced costs.

Implementation Method 1

Such contrast materials, in CT, provide greater x-ray attenuation in high contrast uptake tissue, promoting improved visibility of the structures.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11995831B2Method and apparatus for optimizing the use of contrast agents during medical imaging

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 WISCONSIN ALUMNI RES FOUND

AI summary

A method of establishing a quantitative measure of contrast enhancement in contrast medical imaging through computer analysis of baseline and enhanced images allows statistical comparison of protocols and imaging parameters from routine hospital operations to enhance and evaluate such protocols and parameters.