Dynamic Slice Positioning for Respiratory Motion in CT Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray computed tomography apparatuses face challenges in depicting regions of interest, such as the adhesion between the aorta and a tumor, due to three-dimensional movement caused by respiratory motion, leading to incomplete representation in slice images.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing apparatus that generates slice images from volume data files using Multi Planar Reconstruction processing and determines optimal slice positions and thicknesses, allowing for real-time reproduction of images in both forward and reverse directions to maintain continuous visualization of tissue distribution during respiratory motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If slice images are generated from volume data files using conventional MPR processing, then image generation is achieved, but regions of interest fall outside slice images due to respiratory motion causing incomplete visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the slice position variable and adaptive rather than fixed. The slice position determination unit dynamically adjusts the slice position for each volume data file based on the position of regions of interest, ensuring continuous visualization despite respiratory motion. This transforms the static slice positioning into a dynamic system that adapts to changing anatomical positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by determining slice positions based on the detected position of regions of interest in each volume data file. The slice position determination unit receives information about ROI positions and adjusts slice positions accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that ensures regions of interest remain within the slice images throughout the respiratory cycle.
2Reliability
If multiple slice images are generated to cover respiratory motion, then complete visualization is achieved, but line-of-sight adjustments are frequently required increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making a single slice image serve multiple purposes across different respiratory phases. By dynamically adjusting the slice position to track regions of interest, one slice image effectively covers multiple anatomical positions that would otherwise require multiple fixed slice images, simplifying the operational workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static spatial positioning to dynamic temporal-spatial positioning. Instead of creating multiple slice images at fixed positions, the system uses time-varying slice positions that adapt to respiratory motion, adding the time dimension to the spatial slicing approach and reducing the need for multiple discrete slice images.
3Speed
If repeated volume data acquisition is performed to capture respiratory phases, then temporal resolution is improved, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the slice position parameter across different volume data files rather than maintaining a fixed slice position. This allows the system to achieve continuous visualization of moving regions of interest through parameter adaptation rather than through repeated acquisition of complete volumetric data, potentially reducing radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary determination of optimal slice positions based on predicted or measured region of interest positions before generating the slice images. This preliminary action allows for optimized slice positioning that maintains visualization accuracy without requiring excessive repeated acquisitions, thereby reducing radiation exposure while maintaining temporal resolution.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, it is an subject to reduce the occasion that a region of interest falls outside an image due to the influence of respiratory motion or pulsation. A medical image processing apparatus causes an slice image generation unit to generate a series of slice images from a series of volume data files associated with a three-dimensional region of an subject, and causes a slice position determination unit to determine each of a plurality of slices respectively corresponding to the slice images based on the position of a specific region included in the plurality of volume data files.