Myocardial Perfusion CT Imaging via Contrast Saturation Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray CT systems require lengthy scanning times and high X-ray dosages for myocardial perfusion imaging, limiting the duration and frequency of contrast medium injection, which is not practical for generating accurate myocardial perfusion images.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray CT apparatus and myocardial perfusion image generating system that utilize a blood-flow information acquisition unit, correction value calculating unit, and blood-flow image generating unit to reconstruct CT images and correct relative blood flow rates, allowing for shorter imaging times with reduced contrast medium injection and X-ray dosage by defining a concentration transition period and constant concentration period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If long-period dynamic imaging is performed to obtain accurate myocardial perfusion images, then image quality is improved, but X-ray dosage and imaging time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the contrast medium's concentration transition period and saturation timing before the main imaging phase. By predicting when the contrast medium will reach and saturate the myocardium, the system can precisely time the imaging acquisition to occur during the optimal perfusion window, eliminating the need for prolonged imaging while ensuring accurate perfusion data capture
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the contrast medium concentration in the blood pool and provides real-time feedback to adjust imaging timing. By detecting the concentration transition period and saturation point dynamically, the system adapts the imaging acquisition window to match the actual physiological perfusion timeline, optimizing image quality while minimizing exposure time
2Duration of action of moving object
If multiple contrast medium injections are performed to extend imaging duration, then imaging time is extended, but contrast medium dosage increases beyond acceptable limits
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous imaging acquisition throughout the entire contrast medium concentration transition period and saturation phase, rather than using discrete repeated injections. By continuously monitoring and imaging during the full duration of contrast medium perfusion and saturation, the system extends effective imaging time from a single injection without requiring additional contrast medium doses
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the imaging parameter from fixed-time intervals to concentration-based triggering. By detecting the contrast medium concentration levels and adjusting imaging timing based on these parameter changes, the system extends the useful imaging window to cover the entire perfusion and saturation process, maximizing information extraction from a single contrast medium dose
3Measurement precision
If conventional bolus injection timing is used to form temporal peak, then perfusion data can be obtained, but additional X-ray imaging is required for coronary artery and heart function analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a single continuous imaging acquisition that simultaneously captures coronary artery anatomy, myocardial perfusion dynamics, and heart function information. By imaging throughout the entire contrast medium concentration transition and saturation period, one imaging procedure generates multiple diagnostic datasets, eliminating the need for separate specialized imaging studies
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges coronary artery imaging, myocardial perfusion imaging, and heart function imaging into a single integrated acquisition process. By continuously imaging during the contrast medium's concentration transition and saturation phases, the system combines multiple diagnostic functions that were previously required to be performed separately, reducing overall procedural complexity
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 the generation of myocardial perfusion images in a shorter time with reduced contrast medium and X-ray exposure, facilitating more efficient and accurate imaging while minimizing the number of injections.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray tube 4 and an X-ray detector 6
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray CT apparatus comprises a blood-flow information acquisition unit, a correction value calculating unit and a blood-flow image generating unit. The blood-flow information acquisition unit obtains information of a relative blood flow rate in the myocardium of the subject based on the CT image. The correction value calculating unit obtains a correction value based on the CT image in a concentration transition period defined to be a period from immediately after start of a continuous injection of a contrast medium into the subject until the contrast medium reaching the myocardium increases and is be in a state where it can be considered that the contrast medium is saturated at a constant value. The blood-flow image generating unit generates a blood flow value image in the myocardium by correcting the information of the relative blood flow rate with the correction value.