Flow-Resolved 3D Imaging via Single-Sweep CT Phase Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 2D digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and 4D DSA technologies are limited in providing accurate 3D flow patterns and are cumbersome due to the need for multiple acquisitions and increased radiation exposure, especially in thoracic procedures where respiratory motion can cause artifacts.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods for generating flow-resolved, 3D image volumes from single-sweep CT or CBCT datasets without the need for non-contrast data sets, allowing for the quantification of flow dynamics within vessels using phase shifts from a single-sweep acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If 4D DSA uses two separate rotational C-arm sweeps to provide time-resolved imaging, then flow information can be visualized, but acquisition time increases and radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the acquisition of anatomical data and flow dynamics data into a single rotational C-arm sweep. The system simultaneously captures 3D anatomical information and time-resolved contrast flow information during one continuous rotation, eliminating the need for separate mask and fill sweeps required by conventional 4D DSA. This merging approach reduces acquisition time while maintaining complete flow visualization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs continuous data acquisition throughout the entire rotational sweep without interruption or pausing for separate acquisitions. The x-ray detector array continuously captures projection data at multiple time points during the rotation, ensuring uninterrupted collection of both anatomical and flow information in a single continuous action.
2Loss of information
If 4D DSA performs two separate rotational C-arm sweeps, then flow patterns can be imaged, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the acquisition of flow pattern information with anatomical data into a single rotational sweep. By using a single C-arm rotation to capture both the 3D anatomical structure and the time-resolved contrast flow patterns simultaneously, the system reduces radiation exposure by approximately 50% compared to conventional 4D DSA that requires two separate sweeps.
3Loss of information
If multiple acquisitions are performed to generate 3D flow images, then complete flow information is obtained, but device complexity and acquisition time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple data acquisition functions into a single operational sweep. The x-ray imaging system simultaneously captures 3D anatomical data, contrast agent flow dynamics, and temporal information during one continuous rotation, simplifying the acquisition process from multiple separate scans to a single integrated sweep.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the temporal dimension to the 3D anatomical data by capturing flow information at multiple time points during the rotation. This transforms the data from static 3D anatomy to dynamic 4D (3D+time) flow-resolved imaging, enabling visualization of contrast flow through the vascular tree without requiring multiple separate acquisitions.
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
Enables efficient and accurate 3D imaging of blood flow and velocity measurements with reduced radiation exposure and acquisition time, providing valuable information for guiding interventions without the need for multiple sweeps, thus improving clinical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
determine a phase shift corresponding to pulsatile contrast in vessels within the 3D image volume
Implementation Method 2
an x-ray imaging system configured to acquire images from the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for creating an image including quantified flow within vessels of a subject. The method includes providing a single-sweep, three-dimensional (3D) image volume acquired from a subject during a single pass of a computed tomography (CT) imaging system as the subject receives a dose of a contrast agent and determining a phase shift corresponding to pulsatile contrast in vessels within the single-sweep, 3D image volume. The method further includes quantifying a flow through the vessels within the single-sweep, 3D image volume using the phase shift and generating a report including indicating flow through the vessels within the 3D image volume.