X-ray CT Apparatus Contrast Medium Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray computed tomography (CT) systems face challenges in accurately detecting the inflow amount of a contrast medium during imaging, often requiring manual intervention and region-of-interest selection, which can lead to inefficiencies and exposure dose issues.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray CT apparatus with reconstruction and control circuitry that performs a monitoring scan with lower X-ray doses, reconstructing images before and after contrast medium administration, and automatically switches to an actual scan based on CT value changes, eliminating the need for manual region-of-interest selection and reducing exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual region-of-interest selection is performed for contrast medium detection, then measurement precision can be adjusted, but device complexity and operation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrast medium detection accuracyVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the contrast medium inflow by analyzing CT value changes in the entire image without requiring operator intervention for region selection. The control circuitry autonomously determines when the contrast medium has reached the imaging portion by monitoring overall CT value increases, making the system self-sufficient in the detection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring scan function serves multiple purposes: it detects contrast medium inflow, identifies optimal scan timing, and provides preliminary imaging data. By using the entire image CT values rather than requiring specific region selection, the system universalizes the detection approach across different imaging scenarios and anatomical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If monitoring scan is performed with lower X-ray doses, then exposure dose is reduced, but detection reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveX-ray exposure doseVSAvoidcontrast medium inflow detection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors CT values during the monitoring scan and provides feedback to determine when contrast medium inflow is sufficient. By establishing threshold-based decision logic (when CT value increase indicates adequate contrast presence), the system maintains reliable detection even with lower exposure doses used in monitoring scans.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring scan performs preliminary detection of contrast medium inflow before the actual high-dose scan. This preliminary action allows the system to assess contrast timing and adjust subsequent imaging parameters, ensuring that the full diagnostic scan occurs at the optimal moment when contrast is adequately present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automated scan switching is implemented, then productivity increases, but measurement precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescan workflow efficiencyVSAvoidscan timing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual operator judgment with automated electronic detection and control. The control circuitry objectively measures CT value changes and automatically triggers scan switching based on predetermined criteria, eliminating human reaction time variability and subjectivity while maintaining precise timing through electronic control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for accurate detection of contrast medium inflow without operator influence, improving workflow, reducing exposure doses, and ensuring timely and robust initiation of actual scans, even with minor body motion.

Implementation Method 1

reconstruction circuitry configured to, at the time of the monitoring scan, based on an output of an X-ray detector for detecting X-rays having passed through the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10863962B2X-ray computed tomography apparatus and contrast medium inflow amount detection method

Publication Date: 2020.12.15 CANON MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

According to an embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes reconstruction circuitry and control circuitry. The reconstruction circuitry is configured to, at the time of the monitoring scan, based on an output of an X-ray detector for detecting X-rays having passed through the object, reconstruct a first image concerning the object at the time of administration of the contrast medium and a second image concerning the object after a predetermined period elapses since administration of the contrast medium. The control circuitry is configured to shift from the monitoring scan to the actual scan based on a change amount of a CT value obtained when the entire reconstructed first image is compared with the entire reconstructed second image.