X-ray CT Phase Selection for Moving Heart Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray CT methods for scanning moving sites, such as the heart, face challenges in accurately determining the static cardiac phase for image reconstruction, leading to reduced accuracy and increased analysis time due to reliance on data analysis and phase analysis algorithms.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray CT apparatus and image reconstruction method that includes an X-ray source, detector, data acquisition device, movement information measuring device, selection image generation unit, and presentation unit, allowing operators to select arbitrary movement phases based on scan data and movement information to generate diagnostic images efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If data analysis and phase analysis algorithms are used to automatically determine static cardiac phase, then operator burden is reduced, but determination accuracy decreases and analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary generation of selection images in multiple movement phases before the operator needs to select the optimal phase. By pre-computing and displaying images at different cardiac phases (e.g., using ECG gating to create images at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% of the cardiac cycle), the operator can directly visually assess and select the best phase without performing complex real-time analysis, thus reducing operator burden while maintaining high accuracy through direct visual evaluation.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive data analysis is performed to evaluate static cardiac phase, then phase determination accuracy is improved, but analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cardiac cycle is segmented into multiple discrete phases (e.g., early systole, mid-systole, late systole, diastole) and separate selection images are generated for each phase. This segmentation allows the system to present focused images representing specific cardiac events rather than requiring analysis of the entire cardiac cycle, reducing the time needed while maintaining accuracy by allowing targeted selection of the most diagnostically relevant phase.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing exhaustive analysis of all scan data to determine the single optimal phase, the system generates selection images for multiple candidate phases and allows the operator to select from these partial options. This partial action approach is sufficient for clinical needs, as the operator can identify the diagnostically optimal phase from the presented options without requiring complete analysis of all possible phases, thus reducing analysis time while maintaining adequate accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image data sets with different phases are generated, then diagnostic flexibility is improved, but operator workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple image data sets representing different cardiac phases are merged into a single integrated display interface showing selection images side-by-side or in a scrollable format. The system combines the information from multiple phases into one unified view, allowing the operator to compare different phases without managing separate data sets, thus reducing operator workload while maintaining diagnostic flexibility to select from multiple phases.
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 enables the determination of optimal movement phases for generating diagnostic images with fewer operations, reducing operator burden and shortening scanning time while minimizing motion artifacts.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray source that generates X-rays; an X-ray detector that is placed opposite to the X-ray source and detects X-rays transmitted through an object
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray CT apparatus and an image reconstruction method are configured (i) to determine a movement phase to be used for generating diagnostic images with a small number of operations and (ii) to acquire diagnostic images in a short time while reducing a burden on an operator, such as when the target in scanning is a moving site. For example, an image processing device of an X-ray CT apparatus obtains movement information of a diagnostic site (such as the heart), determines phase selection positions, permits the operator to select an arbitrary movement phase based on the acquired movement information, and reconstructs selection images in a plurality of movement phases for each of the determined phase selection positions using scan data before presentation.