Dual-Energy X-Ray Gating for Tissue and Contrast Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems struggle to efficiently differentiate between soft and hard tissues, as well as contrast agents, in patients during surgical procedures, leading to suboptimal image data acquisition and reconstruction.
Innovation Solution
A dual-energy x-ray imaging system with a switchable power source capable of emitting x-rays at different voltages and amperages, combined with a controller for timed contrast agent injection and image data acquisition, allows for enhanced contrast discrimination and reconstruction of patient anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional single-energy imaging is used, then the imaging system is simple and radiation exposure is low, but the ability to differentiate between soft tissues, hard tissues, and contrast agents is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system segments the energy spectrum into multiple discrete energy levels by using a switchable power source that can emit x-rays at different voltages and amperages. This allows the system to acquire multiple energy images separately and then process them to differentiate between soft tissues, hard tissues, and contrast agents, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a dynamic switchable power source that can change its output characteristics (voltage and amperage) based on the imaging requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to optimize tissue differentiation by selecting appropriate energy levels for different tissue types while maintaining manageable system complexity through controlled variability
2Measurement precision
If multiple images with different energy exposures are combined, then contrast discrimination is enhanced, but image acquisition time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring multiple energy images in a predetermined sequence before the actual surgical procedure. The switchable power source is configured to emit x-rays at different voltages and amperages in a controlled manner, allowing the system to prepare and store multiple energy images that can be processed later to enhance contrast discrimination without significantly increasing total acquisition time
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy parameters (voltage and amperage) of the x-ray source to acquire images at different energy levels. By systematically varying these parameters and storing the resulting images, the system enables enhanced contrast discrimination through post-processing while managing acquisition time through efficient parameter switching and selective imaging
3Measurement precision
If contrast agent injection is timed precisely, then image data quality is improved, but the coordination complexity between pump and imaging system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the contrast agent injection function and the imaging function into a coordinated system where the pump and imaging system communicate through a controller. This integration allows precise timing of contrast agent injection relative to image acquisition, improving image data quality by ensuring optimal contrast enhancement while managing coordination complexity through unified control architecture
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
The system efficiently separates and reconstructs soft and hard tissues, as well as contrast agents, providing clear 3D volumetric models for surgical navigation and planning with reduced radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging system can include an x-ray source operable to emit x-rays at two different energies through the patient to be detected by the detector
Implementation Method 2
a pump operable to inject a contrast agent into the patient... acquire image data based upon the timing of the injection of the contrast agent
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
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 with at least two different power characteristics. The image data can be reconstructed using dynamic or enhanced reconstruction techniques.