CT Scan Parameter Adaptation for Peak Contrast Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

CT scans often miss peak contrast enhancement due to varying distribution speeds of contrast agents in the cardiovascular system, impacting the assessment of occlusions and coronary artery disease.

Innovation Solution

A CT imaging system with a scan parameter adapter module that adjusts scan parameters based on real-time contrast agent concentration estimation, using a processor to determine and adapt parameters such as table speed and other settings to ensure peak contrast is captured during the scan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed scan parameters are used during CT angiography, then the scan protocol is simple and fast, but peak contrast enhancement may be missed due to varying contrast agent distribution speeds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeak contrast enhancement captureVSAvoidscan parameter adaptation system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors contrast agent concentration in real-time during the scan and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust scan parameters. The processor determines contrast agent concentration from projection data and modifies table speed or other scan parameters based on the measured concentration, ensuring peak enhancement is captured despite individual variations in contrast agent distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The scan parameters are transformed from fixed static values to dynamic adjustable parameters. The table speed and other scan parameters are continuously adapted during the scan based on real-time contrast agent concentration measurements, allowing the system to respond to individual patient physiology and capture peak enhancement reliably

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If scan parameters are adjusted dynamically based on contrast agent concentration, then peak contrast enhancement is reliably captured, but the system complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeak contrast enhancement captureVSAvoidreal-time parameter adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-adjustment by automatically monitoring its own scan conditions and modifying parameters without external intervention. The processor continuously analyzes projection data to determine contrast agent concentration and autonomously adjusts scan parameters, making the system self-regulating and reducing the need for manual operator intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A closed-loop feedback system is implemented where the contrast agent concentration measured during scanning feeds back to the parameter control system. This feedback loop enables automatic real-time adjustments of scan parameters based on actual contrast distribution, reliably capturing peak enhancement while automating the process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If real-time contrast agent concentration monitoring is implemented, then scan parameters can be optimized during the scan, but the processing time and computational load increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage quality at peak enhancementVSAvoidprocessing time during scan

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial monitoring by focusing computational resources on determining contrast agent concentration from projection data rather than full image reconstruction. This partial processing approach provides sufficient information for parameter adjustment without the complete computational burden of real-time full-image reconstruction, balancing precision with processing speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Ensures accurate imaging of peak contrast concentration throughout the scan, improving the assessment of vascular conditions by maintaining optimal scan parameters in response to individual patient anatomy and contrast agent dynamics.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray tube and a detector array, which are located opposite each other across an aperture of the frame that defines an examination region... the X-ray tube emits radiation that traverses the examiner region and the detector array detects radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray radiation emission and detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS12433562B2Scan parameter adaption during a contrast enhanced scan

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

A computed tomography imaging system (102) includes an X-ray radiation source (110) configured to emit X-ray radiation that traverses an examination region (108) and an X-ray radiation sensitive detector array (112) configured to detect X-ray radiation traversing the examination region and generate a view of line integrals. The imaging system further includes a subject support table top (118) configured to translate in the examination region for a scan based on at least one scan parameter. The imaging system further includes an operator console (122), which includes a processor (128) and computer readable storage medium (130) with a scan parameter adapter module (132). The processor is configured to execute instructions of the scan parameter adapter module, which causes the processor to determine a contrast agent concentration from the view of line integrals and adjust the at least one scan parameter based on the determined concentration.