Multi-modality Imaging for Specimen Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current specimen imaging techniques, such as high-dose CT scans, require lengthy imaging times due to the need for high x-ray doses, which increases overall acquisition and processing time, limiting clinical throughput and efficiency in the operating room.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multi-modality imaging (MMI) techniques that utilize different imaging modalities and doses based on specific tissue types, such as low-dose CT for soft tissue and high-dose imaging for microcalcifications, allowing for isotropic high-resolution imaging at lower doses and reducing unnecessary high-dose image acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-dose CT scan is used for specimen imaging, then image quality is improved, but imaging time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is divided into multiple passes with different dose levels. A first pass uses low-dose imaging to capture soft tissue structures, while a second pass uses high-dose imaging only for specific regions containing microcalcifications. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive image quality without subjecting the entire specimen to high-dose radiation throughout the imaging process.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the specimen receive different imaging doses based on their specific diagnostic requirements. Soft tissue regions are imaged with low-dose protocols, while regions containing microcalcifications receive high-dose imaging. This local quality approach ensures that each region is imaged with the appropriate dose level, optimizing overall image quality while minimizing total imaging time and radiation exposure.
2Measurement precision
If high-dose imaging is used for all tissue types, then detection precision is improved, but energy consumption and processing time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system dynamically changes dosimetric parameters based on tissue type and diagnostic requirements. Low-dose protocols are applied to soft tissue imaging, while high-dose protocols are reserved for microcalcification detection. This parameter change strategy allows the system to achieve necessary detection precision for different tissue types while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to uniform high-dose imaging.
3Measurement precision
If multi-modality imaging is implemented, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is designed with multi-functionality to perform both low-dose and high-dose imaging modes using the same physical infrastructure. The system can switch between different dosimetric protocols and imaging modalities (such as tomosynthesis and CT) without requiring separate dedicated equipment for each function. This universality approach improves diagnostic accuracy through multi-modality imaging while avoiding the device complexity that would result from having entirely separate imaging systems.
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
MMI reduces imaging time while maintaining or improving image quality, enabling faster specimen evaluation and potential for immediate additional tissue removal during procedures, thereby enhancing clinical throughput and surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
imaging the specimen with a first imaging modality using an imaging source, wherein the imaging source is disposed a fixed distance from the axis
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for multi-modality (MMI) imaging of a specimen (136) are disclosed. A specimen may be imaged with a first modality at a first plurality of imaging angles and imaged with a second modality at a second plurality of imaging angles. The first modality may be associated with a different x-ray dose than the second modality. Additionally, one or more angles of the first plurality of imaging angles may be different from the second plurality of imaging angles. Image data obtained from imaging with each modality is used to compile reconstructed images of the specimen. A portion of the reconstructed images that includes a micro-calcification may be reconstructed based on image data from the modality associated with a higher dose.