Respiratory Triggering for CT Scan Motion and Radiation Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breathhold CT scans are not suitable for patients unable to follow instructions, leading to lower image quality and radiation dose inefficiencies due to uncertainty in breathing states during free breathing CT scans.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for respiratory triggering that generates movement and radiation trigger information based on breathing signal data, using machine learning algorithms to ensure accurate alignment of patient movement and radiation release with target breathing states, particularly for high pitch helical scans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If breathhold CT scanning is used, then image quality is improved, but it becomes unsuitable for patients who cannot follow instructions (infants, young children, unconscious patients)
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automatic respiratory triggering that monitors the patient's natural breathing cycles and autonomously synchronizes scan acquisition without requiring patient cooperation. The respiratory monitoring system detects breathing patterns and automatically triggers scanner movement and radiation release at optimal respiratory phases, enabling the system to serve patients who cannot follow instructions.
2Ease of operation
If free breathing CT scanning is used, then patient comfort is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to artifacts from uncertain breathing states
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors respiratory parameters during free breathing and uses this feedback to dynamically trigger scan acquisition at optimal respiratory phases. The respiratory monitoring system provides real-time information about breathing state, and the scanner automatically adjusts timing to capture images during consistent respiratory phases, eliminating artifacts while maintaining patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary respiratory monitoring and triggering before actual image acquisition. By pre-synchronizing the scan sequence with the respiratory cycle based on prior breathing pattern detection, the system ensures that radiation is released and images are captured at the optimal moment in the respiratory cycle, preventing artifacts before they occur.
3Productivity
If high pitch CT scanning is used, then scanning speed is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to lower triggering accuracy in irregular breathing
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the triggering mechanism to match the patient's actual respiratory rate and pattern rather than using a fixed schedule. The respiratory monitoring system continuously adjusts trigger timing based on real-time breathing detection, allowing high-speed scanning to accommodate irregular breathing patterns while maintaining accurate triggering and image quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for providing trigger information in medical radiology, comprises: receiving a first portion of breathing signal data; generating movement trigger information regarding a movement of a patient support structure relative to a radiological interaction area based on the first portion of the breathing signal data; providing the movement trigger information; receiving, after providing the movement trigger information, a second portion of the breathing signal data; generating radiation trigger information regarding a release of radiation towards the radiological interaction area based on the second portion of the breathing signal data; and providing the radiation trigger information.