Parallel X-ray Tomosynthesis for Real-time Lung Tumor Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiological imaging technologies, such as CT and MRI, are inadequate for real-time tracking of patient motion during radiation therapy due to slow data acquisition and insufficient contrast, leading to increased radiation exposure to healthy tissue and toxicity in treatments like lung cancer stereotactic ablative radiation therapy.
Innovation Solution
A real-time tomosynthesis system using multiple x-ray sources that simultaneously illuminate a small field of view and a single detector to produce reconstructed images, allowing for rapid feedback and adjustments in radiation delivery to compensate for patient motion during treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional tomosynthesis is used to improve image contrast, then image quality is improved, but acquisition time increases to half a second or more, which is too slow for real-time feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple independent x-ray sources (at least two, preferably three or more) that simultaneously illuminate the target from different angles. This segmentation allows parallel acquisition of multiple projection views that would traditionally require sequential acquisition, reducing total acquisition time while maintaining the multi-angle data needed for tomosynthesis reconstruction and improved contrast.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous imaging by having multiple x-ray sources operate simultaneously or in rapid succession, with the detector continuously capturing projections from all sources. This continuous parallel acquisition eliminates the gaps and sequential delays inherent in conventional tomosynthesis, achieving real-time feedback capability while maintaining image quality through simultaneous multi-angle data collection.
2Measurement precision
If multiple views are acquired serially to achieve tomosynthesis, then image reconstruction quality is improved, but the speed of imaging is reduced, preventing real-time tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple independent x-ray sources (at least two, preferably three or more) that simultaneously illuminate the target from different angles. This segmentation allows parallel acquisition of multiple projection views that would traditionally require sequential acquisition, reducing total acquisition time while maintaining the multi-angle data needed for tomosynthesis reconstruction and improved contrast.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of multiple x-ray sources and their corresponding detectors into a unified parallel imaging system. Multiple sources and detectors work together simultaneously to capture all necessary projection data in a single integrated acquisition event, rather than sequentially processing each view separately. This merging enables real-time tomosynthesis by combining all viewing angles in parallel, achieving both high reconstruction quality and imaging speed.
3Device complexity
If a single detector is used to reduce device complexity, then device simplicity is improved, but the ability to simultaneously capture images from multiple sources is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system resolves the conflict between using a single detector and capturing multiple simultaneous views by introducing the time dimension. Multiple x-ray sources illuminate the target simultaneously or in rapid succession, and the single detector captures all projections within a single readout cycle or continuously. This temporal dimension allows a single detector to perform what would otherwise require multiple detectors, maintaining device simplicity while achieving parallel imaging capability through rapid sequential or simultaneous exposure.
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 approach enhances imaging speed and contrast, enabling precise tracking of moving targets during radiation therapy, reducing tissue damage and toxicity by minimizing the volume of healthy tissue exposed to radiation.
Implementation Method 1
multiple x-ray sources that simultaneously illuminate a small field of view... After traveling through the patient, the images can be detected simultaneously in a single readout of an x-ray detector
Data Source
AI summary
A device for performing tomosynthesis in real time is described. Multiple imaging sources (such as x-ray sources) may be energized in parallel and collimated towards a field of view. Objects within the field of view cast shadows onto one or more detectors. An imaging system may read the one or more detectors and acquire multiple views corresponding to the multiple imaging sources to produce a reconstructed image of an object of interest. From this reconstructed image, a target of the radiation therapy can be located, and the delivery of the radiation can be adjusted, as needed. The approach provides a real-time tomosynthesis design that can produce enhanced contrast for guidance of, for example, lung tumor treatment. Higher frame rates can be achieved to better compensate for changes in the position of the target during radiation therapy due to, for example, respiratory or cardiac motion.