CT Contrast Injection Routing for Artifact-Free Upright Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray CT apparatuses that photograph subjects in standing or sitting positions face challenges with contrast medium injection, as the tube through which the medium passes is often within the photographing region, causing artifacts.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray CT apparatus includes a gantry with a vertical movement mechanism and dual injection paths (upper and lower) to inject the contrast medium from either side, allowing the tube to be positioned outside the photographing region, regardless of the subject's posture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the subject is photographed in a standing or sitting position using conventional injection methods, then the imaging can be performed in upright positions, but the tube through which the contrast medium passes is disposed inside the photographing region causing artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The injection system is divided into separate upper and lower injection paths, allowing independent routing of contrast medium tubes. This segmentation enables the tube to be directed through the lower body (leg or foot) rather than passing through the photographing region, thus eliminating artifacts while maintaining upright positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The injection approach transitions from a single-direction (conventional upper body injection) to multi-directional routing with both upper and lower injection paths. By utilizing the lower injection path from below the gantry, the tube is routed through a different spatial dimension (vertical axis) that keeps it outside the photographing region while the subject remains in upright position
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the tube is routed outside the photographing region for standing/sitting subjects, then artifacts are prevented, but the injection path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual injection path system serves multiple functions: it enables artifact-free imaging in upright positions, maintains compatibility with conventional lying position imaging, and provides routing flexibility for various subject anatomies. The lower injection path specifically is designed to handle both upright and supine positioning scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The injection path selection is made dynamic and adaptable based on the subject's positioning. The system can switch between upper and lower injection paths depending on whether the subject is in standing, sitting, or lying position, optimizing the tube routing for each scenario to keep it outside the photographing region
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 configuration enables artifact-free imaging by ensuring the contrast medium tube is outside the imaging area, supporting subjects in various positions, including standing, sitting, and lying, without introducing artifacts.
Implementation Method 1
a gantry (10) including a hollow (10a) into which a subject (P) is inserted, an X-ray tube (11) that emits X-rays to the hollow (10a), and an X-ray detector (12) that detects X-rays passed through the hollow (10a)
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment includes a gantry, a supporter, and an injection path. The gantry includes a hollow into which a subject is inserted, an X-ray tube that emits X-rays to the hollow, and an X-ray detector that detects X-rays passed through the hollow. The supporter supports the gantry, and moves the gantry in a vertical direction. Through the injection path, a medical fluid is injected into the subject from at least one of an upper side and a lower side in the vertical direction of the gantry.