Low-Dose CT Perfusion via First-Pass Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CT perfusion techniques for assessing coronary artery disease often underestimate myocardial perfusion and deliver high radiation doses to patients, struggling to accurately quantify absolute perfusion due to technological limitations and the need for multiple volume scans.
Innovation Solution
A low-dose CT perfusion technique using a first-pass analysis method and conservation of mass principles, which models the entire myocardial perfusion volume as a compartment with a unique entrance and exit vessel, allowing for simultaneous anatomical and physiological assessment with reduced radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional CT perfusion techniques are used to assess coronary artery disease, then functional assessment of stenosis severity is achieved, but radiation dose to the patient becomes very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the perfusion measurement process into distinct phases (pre-contrast, post-contrast, and delayed phases) and uses separate volume scans for each phase. This segmentation allows for optimized radiation dosing in each phase while maintaining accurate perfusion assessment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters including reducing radiation dose to low levels (below conventional thresholds), optimizing contrast agent timing and concentration, and adjusting scan acquisition parameters to achieve accurate perfusion measurement at low radiation doses
2Reliability
If conventional CT perfusion techniques are used to provide functional assessment, then stenosis severity evaluation is possible, but the technique underestimates actual myocardial perfusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges CT angiography and CT perfusion into a single integrated protocol, acquiring both anatomical (angiography) and functional (perfusion) data in the same imaging session. This combination eliminates the underestimation problem by correlating anatomical stenosis with actual perfusion deficits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs a pre-contrast volume scan to establish baseline anatomy and perfusion characteristics before contrast administration. This preliminary action provides reference data that improves the accuracy of subsequent perfusion measurements and prevents underestimation
3Quantity of substance
If multiple volume scans are performed for CT perfusion assessment, then perfusion data is collected, but radiation dose increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses continuous low-dose volumetric scanning throughout the contrast passage, maintaining continuous data acquisition rather than using discrete high-dose snapshots. This continuous approach collects sufficient perfusion data while keeping each moment's radiation exposure minimal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent acquires perfusion data over an extended time period with multiple low-dose scans rather than using fewer high-dose scans. This partial action approach (multiple lower-dose scans) achieves the same data quality with reduced peak radiation exposure
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 method accurately quantifies regional perfusion, reduces radiation dose, and provides vessel-specific perfusion measurements in a single noninvasive test, overcoming the limitations of existing techniques by extending the transit time window and integrating CT angiography and perfusion data.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining a computed tomography scan of the patient
Implementation Method 2
determining the amount of iodinated blood entering the vascular compartment
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for quantifying regional organ perfusion with low radiation dose using whole-organ CT in a patient comprising obtaining a computed tomography scan of the patient and determining perfusion of the organ using a first-pass analysis method in conjunction with conservation of mass for perfusion measurement.