CT Timing Bolus Delay Using Automated Contrast Curves
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manual calculation of timing bolus delay in CT imaging with contrast agents is unreliable, tedious, and slow, leading to suboptimal synchronization of CT imaging with contrast agent administration.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically determining timing bolus delay by administering a test bolus, acquiring CT images, analyzing contrast values, and calculating the prep delay using a computing device, with user interface customization options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual calculation of timing bolus delay is used, then the process is simple to implement, but the accuracy and reliability of timing determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calculation methods with an automated computer-based system that processes CT images and contrast agent concentration data. The computing device automatically determines timing bolus delay by analyzing image data and generating a contrast curve, eliminating manual intervention while improving accuracy and reliability of timing determination.
2Device complexity
If manual calculation of timing bolus delay is used, then the system complexity is low, but the productivity and efficiency of contrast-enhanced CT scans deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically acquiring CT images, processing the image data, generating contrast curves, and determining timing bolus delay without requiring manual intervention. The computing device autonomously completes the entire timing determination process, significantly improving productivity and efficiency of contrast-enhanced CT scans while maintaining manageable system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If automated determination of timing bolus delay is implemented, then the accuracy and reliability of timing determination is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device performs multiple functions within a single integrated system: acquiring CT images, processing image data, generating contrast curves, and determining timing bolus delay. This multi-functionality approach consolidates what could be separate complex components into a unified system, improving timing determination accuracy while keeping overall device complexity manageable through functional integration.
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
Enhances the accuracy and efficiency of contrast-enhanced CT scans by optimizing the timing of image acquisition with the contrast agent's presence in the region of interest, reducing manual errors and improving image quality.
Implementation Method 1
The contrast agent attenuates X-rays and helps identify and highlight certain areas of the body on the CT images
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method for determining a timing bolus delay. The method can include administering a test bolus to a subject; acquiring, via a computed tomography (CT) imaging system, a plurality of images of the subject; determining a contrast value for each of the plurality of images; generating a contrast curve based on the determined contrast values; determining a peak contrast value on the contrast curve; determining a prep delay based on the peak contrast value; and administering a contrast-enhanced CT scan of the subject based on the determined prep delay.