Dual Energy Source Imaging System for Tissue Differentiation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems face challenges in acquiring optimal image data for accurately modeling physiological characteristics and anatomical features, particularly in distinguishing between different tissues and contrast agents during medical procedures, which limits the precision of surgical interventions.
Innovation Solution
A dual energy source imaging system that switches between two different energy settings to emit x-rays, allowing for enhanced contrast discrimination between soft and hard tissues, and a contrast agent injection system synchronized with image acquisition to differentiate between arterial and venous phases, enabling precise reconstruction of vasculature and other anatomical structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single energy source imaging system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the tissue differentiation capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple energy sources (first and second energy sources with different energy levels) that operate independently to acquire images at different energy levels. This segmentation allows each energy source to target specific tissue types differently, improving tissue differentiation capability while keeping each individual energy source module relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds an energy dimension by introducing multiple energy levels beyond the traditional single energy source. By imaging at different energy levels and combining the information, the system achieves enhanced tissue differentiation capability, effectively adding a new dimension to the imaging process.
2Measurement precision
If contrast agent injection timing is not synchronized with image acquisition, then the injection process is simple, but the vascular phase differentiation precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by synchronizing the contrast agent injection timing with the image acquisition timing. The controller monitors the injection process and adjusts the imaging sequence accordingly, ensuring that images are captured at optimal moments for different vascular phases (arterial, venous, etc.), thereby achieving precise vascular phase differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-planning and coordinating the contrast agent injection schedule with the imaging sequence before actual acquisition begins. This allows the system to capture images at predetermined optimal time points for different vascular phases, improving differentiation precision without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
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 and precise imaging of vasculature and other anatomical structures, improving surgical precision by allowing for the differentiation of various tissue types and phases, thereby enhancing the accuracy of surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A dual energy source imaging system that switches between two different energy settings to emit x-rays
Implementation Method 2
allowing for enhanced contrast discrimination between soft and hard tissues
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system is disclosed for acquiring image data of a subject. The image data can be collected with an imaging system having a detector able to move relative to the subject. A contrast agent can be injected into the subject and image data can be acquired with the contrast agent in various phases of the subject. A volumetric model of multiple phases can be reconstructed selected reconstruction techniques.