CT Control Scan Parameters for Metal Artifact Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computed tomography images of control scans often suffer from image artifacts due to metal objects like needles, causing dark streaks and signal loss, which can lead to incomplete visualization of the object's position during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses an evaluation model to assess the risk of image artifacts by analyzing object path data and control scan data, adjusting parameters such as radiation dose, gantry orientation, and tube settings to minimize artifact risk before the scan is performed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the radiation dose is reduced to a low level to minimize patient exposure, then patient safety is improved, but image quality deteriorates and objects may disappear in the computed tomography image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between different projection angles and applying artifact reduction techniques selectively to projections that are parallel to the object path, while maintaining standard processing for other projections. This allows optimization of image quality in critical areas without unnecessarily increasing radiation dose across all projections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes processing parameters by applying different reconstruction algorithms and artifact reduction methods to specific projections based on their orientation relative to the object path. This enables maintaining adequate image quality at lower radiation doses by optimizing the processing of each projection according to its specific characteristics.
2Ease of operation
If objects are inserted along paths completely within the scan plane for easier planning and following, then ease of operation is improved, but image artifacts increase and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful beam-hardening and scatter artifacts into useful information by using the known object path geometry to identify and correct affected projections. The artifact patterns generated by objects in the scan plane are used to guide the artifact reduction process, improving image quality without requiring changes to the surgical workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the projection data into different categories based on their orientation relative to the object path, applying specific artifact reduction techniques to each segment. This allows targeted processing of projections that are parallel to the object path while preserving the benefits of having the object within the scan plane for surgical guidance.
3Measurement precision
If repeated online computed tomography imaging is performed to control object position, then measurement precision is improved, but image artifacts increase and signal loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-planning the object path and using this information to prepare artifact reduction strategies before acquiring the control scan images. The system identifies projections that will be affected by the object and pre-configures appropriate processing methods, enabling accurate object position control while minimizing artifacts in the repeated imaging sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the known object path information to continuously adjust the artifact reduction processing for each control scan. The system monitors the object position and adapts the projection-specific processing parameters accordingly, maintaining measurement precision while reducing artifacts in the repeated imaging series.
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
Improves the reconstruction of computed tomography images by reducing or eliminating image artifacts, ensuring accurate visualization of medical objects like needles during control scans.
Implementation Method 1
a source for generating x-rays and a detector for detecting the x-rays
Implementation Method 2
Those artifacts are caused by the physical effects of beam-hardening and scatter
Implementation Method 3
Those artifacts are caused by the physical effects of beam-hardening and scatter
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for providing parameter data for performing at least one control scan with a computed tomography scanner, comprises receiving object path data, the object path data at least comprising geometric information about a planned movement path of an object; receiving predefined control scan data, the predefined control scan data at least comprising information about a position and an orientation of at least one scan plane of at least one planned control scan for controlling the movement path of the object; receiving an evaluation model configured to provide parameter data for performing the at least one control scan at least depending on the object path data and the predefined control scan data; and applying the evaluation model and providing the parameter data for performing the at least one control scan.