Dual-Energy Tomosynthesis Control Unit for Patient-Specific Scan Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dual-energy tomosynthesis methods fail to optimize the second high-energy scan parameters based on examination-specific and patient-specific conditions, leading to suboptimal image results and increased radiation exposure.

Innovation Solution

A control unit that acquires and evaluates low-energy tomosynthesis image data to determine greyscale values and corresponding projection angles for the high-energy scan, calculating target greyscale values and adjusting tube current-time product and high voltage settings for each projection angle using an association table to optimize the high-energy scan parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional dual-energy tomosynthesis methods are used with fixed acquisition parameters, then the imaging process is simple and fast, but image quality is suboptimal and radiation exposure is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidacquisition parameter configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a preliminary low-energy tomosynthesis scan to acquire image data that characterizes the examination subject's tissue properties. Based on this preliminary data, the control unit calculates optimal acquisition parameters (tube current, exposure time, voltage) for the subsequent high-energy scan, enabling patient-specific optimization before the main imaging procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit uses image data from the low-energy scan as feedback to automatically determine and adjust acquisition parameters for the high-energy scan. This closed-loop approach ensures that parameters are optimized based on actual patient anatomy and tissue composition, improving image quality while reducing radiation dose

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If fixed acquisition parameters are used for the high-energy scan, then the imaging process is simple to operate, but radiation exposure cannot be minimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation exposureVSAvoidparameter configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically performs all parameter optimization calculations and configurations based on the low-energy scan data without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts tube current, exposure time, and voltage settings to minimize radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic image quality, making the complex optimization process transparent to the operator

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the high-energy scan uses standardized parameters, then the imaging protocol is easy to implement, but sensitivity and specificity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensitivity and specificityVSAvoidparameter calculation and control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system determines acquisition parameters separately for different projection angles based on local tissue characteristics observed in the low-energy scan. This allows optimization tailored to specific anatomical regions and viewing angles, improving detection sensitivity and specificity for lesions at different locations and orientations within the breast tissue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 improves image quality while minimizing radiation exposure by allowing for patient-specific and examination-specific adaptation of acquisition parameters, enhancing sensitivity and specificity of the imaging results.

Implementation Method 1

low-energy x-ray images are initially acquired without application of contrast agent, and high-energy x-ray images are subsequently generated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray radiation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

The high-energy acquisitions (which are normally obtained with an energy level above 33 kV) serve to cause visualization of the contrast agent enrichment in tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS8965092B2Method and apparatus to determine acquisition parameters in dual-energy tomosynthesis

Publication Date: 2015.02.24 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

In a control method and a control unit to control a high-energy, tomosynthesis scan in a contrast agent-assisted dual-energy tomosynthesis, image data of a first tomosynthesis scan are evaluated in order to determine the respective greyscale values for all volume segments. A tube current-time product value for every greyscale value is stored in a memory. For every projection angle, a calculation unit can thereupon calculate a tube current-time product value and acquisition parameters and result with which the second high-energy tomosynthesis scan is controlled.