Computed Tomography Dynamic Axial Helical Mode Switching

Solution Overview

Problem

Current computed tomography (CT) systems face limitations in both axial and helical acquisition modes, particularly in accommodating patients with variable heart rates or irregular heartbeats, leading to potential increased x-ray exposure and reduced image resolution or artifacts.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that simultaneously acquire both axial and helical datasets as part of the same acquisition protocol, using a controller to manage the x-ray tube and table movement, and switch between modes based on patient parameters such as EKG signals to optimize data collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If axial acquisition mode is used with prospective gating, then image resolution and artifact reduction are improved, but x-ray exposure increases for patients with variable heart rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidx-ray exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between axial and helical acquisition modes based on real-time analysis of patient parameters (heart rate variability). The controller monitors EKG signals and adaptively selects the optimal acquisition mode during the scan, making the system flexible rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by allowing axial mode for stable patients (good resolution, low exposure) and helical mode for variable patients (acceptable resolution, reduced exposure).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the acquisition mode parameter (axial vs. helical) based on patient condition. By monitoring heart rate variability through EKG analysis, the system adjusts the acquisition strategy in real-time. This parameter change allows optimization of both image quality and radiation dose according to the patient's physiological state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If helical acquisition mode is used, then accommodation of patients with variable heart rates is improved, but image resolution and artifact reduction worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient accommodationVSAvoidimage resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between axial and helical acquisition modes based on real-time analysis of patient parameters (heart rate variability). The controller monitors EKG signals and adaptively selects the optimal acquisition mode during the scan, making the system flexible rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by allowing axial mode for stable patients (good resolution, low exposure) and helical mode for variable patients (acceptable resolution, reduced exposure).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The acquisition process is segmented into different phases based on patient stability. Axial acquisition is used for stable cardiac conditions where high resolution is needed, while helical acquisition is used for variable conditions where patient accommodation is prioritized. This segmentation allows each mode to be optimized for its specific use case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If prospectively gated axial dataset is acquired, then x-ray exposure is reduced, but accommodation of patients with irregular heartbeats worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvex-ray exposureVSAvoidpatient accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between axial and helical acquisition modes based on real-time analysis of patient parameters (heart rate variability). The controller monitors EKG signals and adaptively selects the optimal acquisition mode during the scan, making the system flexible rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by allowing axial mode for stable patients (good resolution, low exposure) and helical mode for variable patients (acceptable resolution, reduced exposure).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from EKG signal analysis to control the acquisition mode selection. By continuously monitoring heart rate variability and feeding this information back to the controller, the system can adaptively adjust whether to use axial or helical mode. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal balance between radiation exposure and patient accommodation throughout the scan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 reduced x-ray exposure, improved image resolution, and better accommodation of patients with variable heart rates by combining the strengths of both axial and helical acquisition modes, while minimizing artifacts and providing comprehensive imaging.

Implementation Method 1

an x-ray tube emits a fan-shaped x-ray beam or a cone-shaped x-ray beam toward a patient positioned on a table. The x-ray beam, after being attenuated by the patient, impinges upon a detector assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS7831011B2Computed tomography method and system

Publication Date: 2010.11.09 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

An method of computed tomography is disclosed herein. The method includes acquiring an axial dataset and acquiring a helical dataset as part of an acquisition protocol. A computed tomography system is also disclosed.