Perfusion Imaging System Combining Pre-Scan Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computed tomography perfusion (CTP) scans face challenges in accurately interpreting cerebral perfusion deficits, as they often misinterpret perfusion issues caused by vascular malfunctions outside the scanned region, leading to incorrect diagnoses, especially when slow blood flow or late contrast arrival are attributed to arterial obstructions without considering external factors.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines perfusion information by combining pre-perfusion scan image data and perfusion scan image data, using contrast time-attenuation curves and anatomical models to derive flow data and parameters, allowing for the identification and mapping of perfusion deficits in the correct vascular tissue, even if they are outside the primary scan field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional CTP scan is performed with limited field of view covering only brain areas, then the scan duration and X-ray dose are reduced, but perfusion deficits caused by vascular malfunctions outside the scanned region cannot be detected, leading to misinterpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The vascular system is segmented into imaged arteries (within scan field of view) and external arteries (outside scan field of view). The system separately analyzes perfusion data from both segments, allowing detection of perfusion deficits caused by external arterial obstructions while maintaining a limited scan field of view for the brain areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Perfusion information acts as an intermediary that connects and integrates data from both imaged arteries and external arteries. By analyzing contrast agent dynamics and perfusion parameters, the system mediates between the limited scan field of view and the need to detect systemic vascular issues, enabling accurate diagnosis of perfusion deficits regardless of their origin.
2Loss of time
If CTP scan is performed without planning pre-scan, then the scan time is reduced, but the risk of not completely imaging the first pass of contrast agent through the tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of available perfusion information to estimate contrast agent arrival time and dynamics before initiating the full CTP scan. This preliminary action allows optimization of scan timing to ensure complete capture of the first pass of contrast agent while minimizing unnecessary scan duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The scan timing and duration are dynamically adjusted based on real-time analysis of contrast agent dynamics in the imaged arteries. The system adapts the scan parameters to match the actual contrast agent flow patterns, ensuring reliable capture of the first pass while optimizing scan time based on individual patient physiology.
3Device complexity
If perfusion analysis is based only on imaged arteries within scan field of view, then the analysis complexity is reduced, but the accuracy of perfusion deficit interpretation deteriorates due to inability to distinguish local from systemic causes
Solution Approach 1:
The analysis is segmented into evaluation of imaged arteries (local assessment) and external arteries (systemic assessment). By separately analyzing perfusion parameters from both segments and comparing them, the system achieves accurate differentiation between local arterial obstructions and systemic vascular malfunctions without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The perfusion analysis system performs multiple functions: it assesses both local arterial perfusion and systemic vascular status using the same perfusion imaging data. This multi-functionality allows accurate interpretation of perfusion deficits while maintaining reasonable analysis complexity through integrated processing of available information.
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 enables accurate discrimination and mapping of perfusion deficits, reducing misinterpretation by considering the impact of connecting and external vascular tissues, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy in cerebral perfusion assessments.
Implementation Method 1
The contrast agent causes the x-ray density of the brain to temporarily increase as the contrast agent flows through the vascular structure of the brain
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a perfusion information determiner (124) that determines perfusion information based on a combination of pre-perfusion scan image data and perfusion scan image data.