Dual-Energy X-Ray Source for Tissue Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems face challenges in acquiring optimal image data for accurately modeling physiological characteristics and anatomical features, particularly in differentiating between soft and hard tissues and contrast agents during surgical procedures, which limits the precision and efficiency of surgical interventions.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a dual energy x-ray source with switchable power sources to emit x-rays at different energies, combined with a controller that synchronizes the injection of contrast agents and image data acquisition, enabling enhanced contrast reconstruction and material separation, allowing for precise imaging of vasculature and other anatomical structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single energy x-ray source is used for imaging, then the device complexity 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 x-ray energy spectrum into multiple discrete energy levels using switchable power sources (e.g., 80 kVp and 140 kVp). By acquiring images at different energy levels separately and processing them through dual-energy subtraction algorithms, the system achieves enhanced material differentiation without requiring a continuously variable energy source, thus balancing precision improvement with device complexity management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy parameter of the x-ray source by switching between discrete power levels. This parameter change enables different attenuation characteristics for various materials (soft tissue, bone, contrast agents) to be captured, allowing post-processing differentiation without requiring complex real-time energy modulation hardware.
2Measurement precision
If contrast agent injection timing is not synchronized with image acquisition, then the imaging process is simple, but the contrast enhancement quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-synchronizing the contrast agent injection protocol with the dual-energy image acquisition sequence. The injection timing, rate, and volume are predetermined and coordinated with the alternating energy level acquisition cycles, ensuring optimal contrast enhancement is captured during specific energy phases without requiring complex real-time adaptive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system employs periodic action by alternating between different x-ray energy levels in a regular sequence (e.g., 80 kVp for 500ms, then 140 kVp for 500ms). This periodic energy switching is synchronized with the periodic contrast agent delivery, creating predictable enhancement patterns that can be reliably captured and processed.
3Speed
If continuous x-ray exposure is used for dynamic imaging, then the temporal resolution is high, but the patient exposure to radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by implementing pulsed x-ray exposure at alternating energy levels rather than continuous exposure. The x-ray beam is activated only during brief intervals at each energy level, with dark frames captured in between. This periodic pulsing maintains temporal resolution for detecting contrast agent flow dynamics while significantly reducing the cumulative radiation dose compared to continuous exposure at a single energy level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by rapidly alternating between energy levels in a continuous acquisition cycle. Although each individual exposure is brief, the alternating sequence continues without interruption, ensuring that dynamic processes like contrast agent flow are captured across both energy levels, maintaining diagnostic information continuity while minimizing total exposure time.
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 dynamic contrast reconstruction, allowing for precise differentiation between soft and hard tissues and contrast agents, improving the accuracy of surgical planning and navigation by generating detailed 3D volumetric models from 2D projections, thus enhancing surgical precision and minimizing exposure to x-rays.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging system can include a first energy source with a first energy parameters and a second energy source with a second energy parameters
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 with at least two different power characteristics. A volumetric model of multiple phases can be reconstructed using dynamic or enhanced reconstruction techniques.