CT Lung Ventilation via Deformable Image Registration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring pulmonary ventilation, such as single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), are more expensive and time-consuming than computed axial tomography (CT) and offer poorer resolution, necessitating a more efficient and effective method using CT scans.

Innovation Solution

Combining thoracic four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) with deformable image registration algorithms to assess lung density differences between respiratory phases, allowing for the identification of regions with low ventilation by deforming CT scans from exhale to inhale phases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If SPECT is used to measure pulmonary ventilation, then ventilation can be measured, but the procedure is more expensive and time-consuming with poorer resolution

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveresolutionVSAvoidtime consuming

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the imaging parameter from nuclear medicine (SPECT) to computed tomography (CT), utilizing the inherent high resolution and speed of CT scanners to measure ventilation. By acquiring multiple CT scans at different respiratory phases and processing them through deformable image registration, the system achieves both high measurement precision and reduced time consumption compared to SPECT

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the nuclear medicine imaging system with a CT-based system that uses deformable image registration algorithms. This substitution eliminates the need for radioactive tracers and complex nuclear medicine infrastructure, reducing both cost and time while improving resolution through the use of standard CT imaging technology

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If SPECT is used to measure pulmonary ventilation, then ventilation can be measured, but the procedure is more expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation measurement capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs standard CT scanner technology that is already widely available and relatively inexpensive compared to SPECT equipment. By using off-the-shelf CT scanners and software-based processing rather than specialized nuclear medicine equipment, the system significantly reduces the cost barrier for pulmonary ventilation measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the CT scanner serve multiple functions - it not only provides structural imaging but also enables ventilation measurement through phase-specific scanning and image registration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment, reducing overall system cost while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7668357B2Method and system for using computed tomography to test pulmonary function

Publication Date: 2010.02.23 VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIV

AI summary

Computed axial tomography images of different respiratory phases of lungs are obtained, where the intensity of the image measures lung density. One image is deformed to the coordinate space of the other image, and the differences between the intensity values of the other image as compared to the mapped image are evaluated as measures of ventilation.