Multi-Energy CT Imaging for Contrast-Enhanced Angiogenesis Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current angiogenesis imaging techniques, such as iodine-contrast-enhanced mammography, face limitations in detecting malignancies below 5 millimeters due to limited contrast resolution and patient discomfort from breast compression, which restricts blood flow and interferes with contrast agent delivery.
Innovation Solution
A computed tomography (CT) system that generates image data using radiation at multiple energy levels, with a contrast agent introduced before and after imaging, allowing for the creation of a composite image by subtracting logarithmic transforms of image data taken at different energy levels, thereby enhancing contrast features while reducing tissue features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If breast compression is applied during mammography to reduce patient movement, then image registration accuracy is improved, but patient discomfort increases and blood flow to the breast is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression system with a non-contact CT imaging system. Instead of using physical paddles to compress the breast, the system uses x-ray sources and detectors that rotate around the patient's body to acquire three-dimensional images without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating patient discomfort and blood flow restriction while maintaining image quality through computational processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging parameters from two-dimensional projection mammography to three-dimensional CT imaging with multiple energy levels. This parameter change allows for better image registration and contrast enhancement without requiring mechanical compression, as the volumetric data can be processed to achieve precise alignment and the higher energy levels improve contrast resolution
2Device complexity
If single-energy imaging is used in contrast-enhanced mammography, then the imaging procedure is simple, but contrast resolution is limited and malignancies below 5 millimeters are not detectable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the x-ray spectrum into multiple energy levels, acquiring images at different energy ranges. This segmentation allows for differential absorption of contrast agents at various energy levels, enabling the system to distinguish between different tissue types and enhance the visibility of small malignancies while maintaining a manageable imaging procedure through automated processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite imaging by combining data from multiple energy levels to create enhanced contrast images. The system processes images acquired at different energies and combines them to produce composite images that highlight contrast agents more effectively, thereby improving the detection of small tumors without significantly increasing procedural complexity
3Loss of time
If contrast agent is delivered during breast compression, then the imaging time is reduced, but the amount of contrast agent that can be delivered is limited due to restricted blood flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical compression entirely by using non-contact CT imaging. This allows normal blood flow to continue during the imaging procedure, enabling adequate delivery of contrast agent to the breast tissue without time constraints, while the rapid CT acquisition maintains efficient imaging timing
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 method improves detection of angiogenesis by enhancing contrast and detail resolution without the need for breast compression, allowing better delivery of the contrast agent and reducing patient discomfort, while providing better imaging capabilities for smaller tumors.
Implementation Method 1
The x-ray source assembly can include a plurality of voltage supplies, a plurality of target materials (anodes), and/or a plurality of filters, thereby allowing the x-ray source assembly to deliver radiation having different characteristics
Implementation Method 2
the imager can include a scintillating material that converts x-ray into light
Implementation Method 3
a photoconductor layer that produces electron-hole-pairs in response to x-ray radiation
Implementation Method 4
the first energy level is below a k-edge of the contrast agent, and the second energy level is above a k-edge of the contrast agent
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating images of a portion of a body includes introducing a contrast agent into the body, generating a first set of image data using radiation at a first energy level after the contrast agent is introduced into the body, generating a second set of image data using radiation at a second energy level after the contrast agent is introduced into the body, and creating a volumetric composite image using the first and the second sets of image data.