Parathyroid Localization Using Time-Interval Nuclear Image Subtraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging techniques for parathyroid glands are hindered by the close proximity of the thyroid gland, leading to difficulties in visualizing parathyroid glands due to overlapping radioactive isotope uptake, which results in increased radiation exposure for patients and limited diagnostic accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing nuclear medicine image information acquired over different time intervals, combined with mathematical post-processing, to distinguish thyroid and parathyroid activity by subtracting diminishing thyroid activity and enhancing increasing parathyroid activity, using external and internal reference points for alignment, and potentially aided by computer-aided drafting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Sestamibi is used to image parathyroid glands, then abnormal parathyroid glands can be visualized, but thyroid gland uptake overlaps and impedes visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is divided into multiple time points (early and delayed images) to separate thyroid and parathyroid uptake patterns. By acquiring images at different times, the method segments the overlapping signals into distinct temporal components that can be differentiated through subtraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The method employs periodic imaging at specific time intervals (early and delayed phases) to capture the dynamic uptake characteristics of thyroid and parathyroid glands. This periodic acquisition allows differentiation based on the temporal patterns of radiotracer accumulation and clearance.
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging modalities (CT and nuclear medicine) are used to improve localization, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but radiation exposure increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The method merges nuclear medicine imaging data acquired at multiple time points with mathematical subtraction techniques to achieve CT-like anatomical differentiation without using ionizing radiation from CT scans. This combines the functional information from nuclear medicine with post-processing to create anatomically localized images.
Solution Approach 2:
The method replaces the mechanical/physical CT scanning process with a computational approach using mathematical subtraction of nuclear medicine images. Instead of using additional ionizing radiation from CT, the system uses software-based image processing to achieve anatomical differentiation.
3Measurement precision
If delayed imaging is performed to allow thyroid activity to diminish, then parathyroid activity becomes more conspicuous, but diagnostic time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The method performs preliminary image acquisition at an early time point before thyroid activity significantly diminishes. This early image serves as a reference that, when subtracted from the delayed image, enhances parathyroid visualization without requiring prolonged delayed imaging alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The delayed image is processed with feedback from the early image through mathematical subtraction. This feedback mechanism uses the early acquired data to enhance the delayed image, improving parathyroid conspicuity while reducing the total imaging time required compared to delayed imaging alone.
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
Enhances diagnostic accuracy of parathyroid glands by improving conspicuity between thyroid and parathyroid activity, reducing radiation exposure, and allowing for more confident diagnosis of parathyroid abnormalities.
Implementation Method 1
Technecium is a radioactive isotope that is bound to the Sestamibi. Sestamibi is a molecular compound that is taken up by abnormal parathyroid glands.
Data Source
AI summary
A local positioning system (LPS) is provided. The LPS includes at least three local position tracking devices, each further including one or more of: a clock synchronized to the clock in each of the other devices; a transmitter transmitting signals over time synchronized to the clock; and a receiver receiving the signals over time from the other devices. The LPS further includes a processor operatively coupled to at least one of the devices and that is configured to: obtain for each of the signals a location of the device that transmitted that signal; produce one or more representations of at least a part of a living body based on at least one of one or more of the locations and one or more further representations of the at least the part of the living body, each of the representations including one or more temporal frames; and to provide output.