X-ray CT Respiration Control for Dynamic Phase Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray CT scanners using respiratory-gated reconstruction are limited to capturing images during resting respiration and fail to observe dynamic respiratory movements, such as maximal expiration or inspiration, which restricts diagnostic analysis and the ability to acquire volume data for non-reproducible breaths.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray CT apparatus with a respiration prompter and monitor that controls the timing of X-ray beam irradiation based on the subject's respiratory motion, allowing data acquisition during varying breath depths, including conscious deep breaths, using a two-dimensional detector system and scan control section to collect volume data across different respiratory phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If respiratory-gated reconstruction is used to acquire images during resting respiration, then image data can be collected, but the system cannot capture dynamic respiratory movements such as maximal expiration or inspiration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic respiratory phase gating by continuously monitoring respiratory motion and adjusting scan timing based on real-time respiratory phase detection. The system transitions from static resting respiration imaging to dynamic capture of various respiratory phases including deep breaths, maximal expiration, and inspiration through automated respiratory phase detection and adaptive scan scheduling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs respiratory monitors that provide continuous feedback on respiratory phase, depth, and motion patterns. This feedback is used to dynamically control scan timing and positioning, enabling the system to adapt to varying respiratory patterns and capture images at any respiratory phase regardless of whether the breath is reproducible or not.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional respiratory-gated scan is used, then data can be acquired during resting breath, but volume data for non-reproducible breaths cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal scanning system that can accommodate multiple respiratory patterns including resting breaths, deep breaths, and non-reproducible breaths. The respiratory-gated scanning mechanism is enhanced to work with any breath pattern by using real-time respiratory phase monitoring, making the system universally applicable to diverse respiratory conditions without requiring reproducible breathing patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes scanning parameters such as scan timing, duration, and positioning based on real-time respiratory phase detection. By adjusting these parameters according to the actual respiratory pattern being observed, the system can acquire volume data regardless of whether the breath is reproducible or not, expanding the range of applicable respiratory conditions.
3Ease of operation
If fixed scan timing is used for respiratory-gated reconstruction, then scanning is simplified, but diagnostic analysis of respiratory motion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed scan timing with dynamic, real-time scan timing control based on respiratory phase detection. The system continuously monitors respiratory motion and automatically adjusts scan timing to capture images at specific respiratory phases, enabling detailed analysis of respiratory motion dynamics while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous monitoring of respiratory phase throughout the scanning process, ensuring that scan timing is continuously adapted to the current respiratory state. This continuous adjustment allows for comprehensive capture of respiratory motion information without interrupting the scanning process or requiring manual intervention.
4Measurement precision
If only resting respiration images are acquired, then scanning is straightforward, but hidden sites like tumors during maximal expiration or inspiration remain undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic imaging at various respiratory phases including maximal expiration and inspiration, allowing the detection of hidden sites such as tumors that may only be visible during these specific phases. The real-time respiratory phase monitoring and adaptive scan timing enable precise capture of anatomical structures at different positions, improving measurement precision while expanding detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the respiratory phase dimension to traditional static imaging, capturing images not only at resting respiration but also during deep breaths, maximal expiration, and inspiration. This additional temporal dimension reveals hidden anatomical structures and pathological findings that are obscured at rest, enhancing both measurement precision and diagnostic capability.
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
Enables the acquisition of volume data for any respiratory phase, including non-reproducible breaths, allowing for diagnostic analysis of motions associated with deep breathing, and reveals hidden sites like tumors during maximal expiration or inspiration.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray generation section (4) irradiating a subject (2) with a cone-beam X-ray emitted by an X-ray source (4)
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention, a subject is prompted to take breaths that are different at least in depth, and the subject's motion associated with respiration is captured. A timing when the subject is scanned is controlled according to the captured motion of the subject associated with respiration. A two-dimensional detector formed like a two-dimensional plane detects an X-ray beam having passed through the subject. Data is collected from the two-dimensional detector to acquire volume data on the subject.