PET Attenuation Correction Using CT-Free Transmission Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attenuation correction methods in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging face limitations such as high radiation dose, metal artifacts, beam-hardening artifacts, truncation issues, and patient motion, which affect the accuracy of attenuation maps derived from CT data.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for attenuation correction that utilizes radiological coincidence event data and transmission data, including backscattering coincidence event data and lutetium background event data, to reconstruct attenuation-corrected radiological images without relying on CT data, thereby avoiding CT-related artifacts and reducing radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CT data is used to derive attenuation maps, then attenuation correction can be achieved, but radiation dose increases and artifacts (metal, beam-hardening, truncation) are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts attenuation correction capability from the CT scanning process and implements it through PET-specific transmission data collection. By using backscattering coincidence event data and lutetium background event data from the PET scanner itself, the system obtains attenuation information without requiring separate CT scanning, thereby eliminating CT-related radiation dose and artifacts while maintaining attenuation correction functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces transmission data (backscattering coincidence event data and lutetium background event data) as an intermediary between the PET scanner and attenuation correction. This intermediary data allows the system to derive attenuation maps directly from PET measurements rather than relying on CT data, serving as a bridge that enables accurate attenuation correction while avoiding the harmful effects of CT scanning
2Measurement precision
If CT data is used for attenuation correction, then attenuation factors can be calculated, but patient motion between PET/CT scans affects derivation accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the attenuation correction process with the PET scanning process by collecting transmission data during the same PET scan. By combining PET coincidence event data with transmission data (backscattering and lutetium background events) acquired during the same scanning session, the system eliminates the temporal separation between PET and CT scans, thereby removing patient motion artifacts and ensuring consistent anatomical positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary data collection by acquiring transmission data (backscattering coincidence event data and lutetium background event data) during the PET scan before attenuation correction is applied. This preliminary action ensures that attenuation information is obtained in the same anatomical position as the PET emission data, preventing errors caused by patient motion or repositioning between separate scans
3Reliability
If CT data is used to obtain attenuation maps, then attenuation correction is achieved, but system complexity and scanning time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the PET scanner multi-functional by enabling it to perform both PET imaging and attenuation correction using the same hardware and scanning process. By utilizing the PET scanner's ability to detect coincidence events and transmission data, the system eliminates the need for a separate CT scanner, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive attenuation correction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the PET scanner to self-provide attenuation correction data by collecting transmission data (backscattering coincidence event data and lutetium background event data) during its own scanning operation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external CT scanning equipment and reduces the overall system complexity by having a single device perform multiple functions
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 provides accurate attenuation correction without increasing system complexity, scanning time, or radiation dose to the patient, while improving image accuracy by excluding noise and interference signals through comprehensive screening of event data.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining radiological coincidence event data of radiation of a target object using an imaging device
Implementation Method 2
the transmission data includes at least one of: backscattering coincidence event data of the target object
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method, a system, and a medium for attenuation correction. The method includes obtaining radiological coincidence event data of a target object using an imaging device; obtaining transmission data related to the target object; and obtaining an attenuation-corrected radiological image by performing an attenuation correction and reconstruction based on the transmission data and the radiological coincidence event data.