Dual-Axis X-Ray Imaging for Continuous 3D Vessel Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D road mapping in X-ray diagnostic apparatuses requires interrupting operations for acquiring rotational DSA images, is time-consuming, and involves high doses of contrast medium and X-ray exposure, limiting its practical use for navigating catheters or guidewires due to the need for detailed vessel structures.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray diagnostic apparatus with two imaging systems (frontal and lateral) that rotate around a patient to generate 3D blood vessel images with a deficiency angle between imaging ranges, allowing for continuous operation and reduced exposure without the need for one system to park and return, thereby shortening acquisition time and reducing contrast medium and X-ray doses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If 3D road mapping is performed by acquiring rotational DSA images, then 3D blood vessel information is obtained, but the acquisition time increases and contrast medium dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by acquiring mask images before contrast medium injection and storing them for later subtraction processing. This allows the actual 3D imaging to be performed quickly after contrast injection without needing to acquire all reference images beforehand, reducing the critical acquisition time while maintaining 3D information quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the imaging process into multiple phases: mask image acquisition before contrast injection, contrast medium injection phase with rapid rotational imaging, and post-processing phase. This segmentation allows the time-consuming mask acquisition to occur separately from the critical 3D data collection phase, reducing overall acquisition time
2Loss of information
If 3D road mapping is performed by acquiring rotational DSA images, then 3D blood vessel information is obtained, but the contrast medium dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial action by acquiring mask images at selected angles rather than continuous 360-degree coverage before contrast injection. The rotational imaging after contrast injection captures only the necessary additional angles needed for 3D reconstruction, minimizing total contrast medium exposure while obtaining sufficient 3D information
3Adaptability or versatility
If one imaging system parks and returns during rotational imaging, then the other system can complete imaging, but the acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous useful action by having both imaging systems rotate and acquire data simultaneously without parking or interruption. The control unit coordinates both systems to operate in parallel, maintaining continuous data acquisition throughout the rotational imaging process, thereby eliminating time loss from system parking and returning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the operations of two imaging systems by coordinating their simultaneous rotational movement and data acquisition. Instead of sequential operation where one system must wait for the other, both systems work together in parallel, combining their capabilities to reduce total acquisition time while maintaining dual-system versatility
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 efficient 3D imaging with reduced exposure and contrast medium usage, providing precise blood vessel information for navigation while minimizing patient discomfort and operational time.
Implementation Method 1
a first imaging system F, a second imaging system L, a first support member configured to support the first imaging system so as to allow the first imaging system to rotate about a first rotation axis, a second support member configured to support the second imaging system so as to allow the second imaging system to rotate about a second rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus comprises a first imaging system, a second imaging system, a first support member, a second support member, control circuitry, and a reconstruction circuitry. The first projection data corresponds to a first imaging angle range. The second projection data corresponds to a second imaging angle range. A deficiency angle as an angle at which no imaging is performed is provided between the first imaging angle range and the second imaging angle range to make an imaging angle range in the projection data group have discontinuity.