CT Scanner Spatial Registration via Multi-Source Cone Beam Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluoroscopy and CT imaging techniques used during interventional procedures provide 2D and 3D images separately, lacking accurate spatial registration, which limits their effectiveness in real-time monitoring and positioning of organs, lesions, or devices within the human body.
Innovation Solution
A CT scanner system incorporating multiple cone beam X-Ray sources and detectors that generate stereoscopic fluoroscopic images spatially registered with CT images, allowing for real-time 3D visualization and accurate positioning of interventional devices relative to lesions or anatomical structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fluoroscopy and CT imaging are used separately, then 2D and 3D images can be obtained, but accurate spatial registration between the images is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cone beam X-ray sources and detectors into a single integrated imaging system that can simultaneously acquire both fluoroscopic and CT images. This merging of imaging modalities into one system ensures that all images are acquired under identical conditions with precise spatial registration, eliminating the need for separate imaging sessions and the associated registration problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both fluoroscopy and CT imaging using the same hardware platform. The system can switch between or simultaneously execute different imaging protocols, providing universal imaging capabilities that maintain spatial consistency across different imaging modes without requiring separate dedicated systems.
2Measurement precision
If CT scanners are used for real-time monitoring, then 3D visualization is improved, but scanning speed becomes too slow
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the imaging function by using multiple cone beam X-ray sources positioned at different locations. Each source can independently acquire images, and by selectively activating specific sources based on the imaging protocol, the system can rapidly acquire 3D data without requiring a full rotational CT scan, thereby improving scanning speed while maintaining 3D visualization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by using multiple X-ray sources that can be activated in a sequential or alternating manner. This allows the system to acquire multiple projections rapidly by switching between sources, effectively increasing the scanning speed for 3D reconstruction without compromising the accuracy of the volumetric images.
3Measurement precision
If multiple cone beam X-ray sources are used, then stereoscopic fluoroscopic images with spatial registration are generated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cone beam X-ray sources and detectors into a single integrated gantry system. This consolidation allows the system to achieve stereoscopic imaging and precise spatial registration while managing complexity through unified control and shared infrastructure, rather than operating multiple independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a spatial dimension by positioning multiple cone beam X-ray sources at different locations around the patient. This multi-dimensional source configuration enables stereoscopic imaging and accurate 3D localization of interventional devices, transforming the imaging capability from 2D to true 3D spatial registration without requiring proportionally complex additional hardware.
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 accurate spatial registration and real-time 3D visualization, enhancing the precision and efficiency of interventional procedures by overlaying stereoscopic fluoroscopic images onto CT images, thus improving the accuracy of device positioning within the body.
Implementation Method 1
at least two cone beam X-Ray sources displaced from each other mounted on the gantry; at least one 2D detector array mounted on the gantry, said detector is capable of receiving radiation emitted by said at least two X-Ray sources
Data Source
AI summary
A CT scanner for scanning a subject is provided, the scanner comprising: a gantry capable of rotating about a scanned subject; at least two cone beam X-Ray sources displaced from each other mounted on said gantry; at least one 2D detector array mounted on said gantry, said detector is capable of receiving radiation emitted by said at least two X-Ray sources and attenuated by the subject to be scanned; a first image processor capable of generating and displaying CT images of a volume within the subject; a second image processor capable of generating projection X-Ray images of said volume, wherein the images are responsive to X-Ray separately emitted by each of said at least two cone beam X-Ray sources; and a third image processor capable of generating and displaying fluoroscopic images composed of said projection X-Ray images, wherein said fluoroscopic images are spatially registered to said CT images.