Imaging Apparatus Synchronized with Organ Volume Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging technologies, such as CT scans, face challenges in capturing dynamic lung motion effectively due to poor temporal resolution and high radiation doses, which limit their ability to detect subtle changes in lung structure and function, and result in increased patient exposure to radiation.
Innovation Solution
A method that correlates the timing of image acquisition with predetermined changes in organ volume, such as lung tissue motion, to optimize imaging sequences and minimize radiation exposure by focusing on periods of greatest diagnostic interest while reducing unnecessary image capture during periods of minimal change.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If continuous imaging is performed to capture dynamic lung motion, then temporal resolution is improved, but radiation dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs imaging at periodic intervals synchronized with the respiratory cycle, specifically triggering images at predetermined volume changes (e.g., end-inspiration, end-expiration) rather than continuously. This periodic imaging approach captures critical motion phases while allowing radiation-free intervals between exposures.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time monitoring of respiratory volume changes. The scanner is triggered to image only when specific volume change thresholds are met, making the imaging process adaptive to the patient's breathing pattern rather than operating at a fixed rate.
2Measurement precision
If imaging frequency is increased to capture subtle lung changes, then measurement precision is improved, but radiation dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic imaging triggered by respiratory volume milestones to capture subtle lung changes at critical moments without requiring continuous high-frequency imaging. This maintains measurement precision for detecting subtle changes while reducing overall radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-identifies critical imaging moments based on predicted respiratory volume changes. By anticipating when significant lung motion will occur and preparing to image at those specific moments, the system ensures subtle changes are captured without needing continuous imaging.
3Speed
If imaging is performed at constant time intervals, then temporal resolution is improved, but diagnostic quality decreases due to missed motion phases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static, constant-interval imaging to dynamic, event-triggered imaging. The scanner actively monitors respiratory volume in real-time and adjusts imaging timing based on actual breathing patterns, ensuring critical motion phases are captured regardless of their temporal spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback from respiratory volume monitoring to control imaging timing. The volume monitoring system continuously tracks lung motion and provides feedback signals that trigger imaging at optimal moments, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to patient-specific breathing patterns.
4Quantity of substance
If full-resolution imaging is performed continuously, then data completeness is improved, but data storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and captures only the most diagnostically relevant motion phases (e.g., end-inspiration, end-expiration, transition points) rather than storing all continuous imaging data. This selective extraction maintains data completeness for critical assessments while dramatically reducing overall storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial imaging by capturing only specific phases of the respiratory cycle at full resolution, rather than continuously imaging at full resolution. This partial action approach maintains sufficient data completeness for diagnostic purposes while reducing storage burden.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of imaging motion of an organ that changes volume in a patient including the steps of monitoring change in volume of the organ, and recording multiple in vivo images of the organ, wherein the change of organ volume between the images is constant or of some other predetermined value.