PET/CT Table Plate Height Adjustment for Image Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In PET/CT imaging systems, the bending of the table plate during CT and PET scans leads to differences in image alignment, compromising the accuracy of fused images due to varying heights and bending trends between the two modalities, which affects diagnostic precision.
Innovation Solution
A table system with adjustable plate heights and a height adjustment mechanism that matches the plate's movement and bending trends between CT and PET scans, ensuring consistent image alignment through linear or non-linear relationship determination and correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the plate is extended out during CT scanning, then the patient can be placed on or removed from the table, but the plate bends under patient weight causing misalignment between CT and PET images
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by measuring the plate's bending state during CT scanning and storing this information. Before PET scanning, the system retrieves the stored bending data and pre-adjusts the plate position to compensate for expected bending, ensuring accurate image alignment without requiring the plate to be in the same physical state during both scans.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the plate's actual position and bending state during CT scanning using sensors. This real-time feedback information is used to calculate and apply corrective adjustments during PET scanning, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains image alignment accuracy despite plate deformation.
2Measurement precision
If the plate position is fixed for CT scan, then the scanning cross-section is well-defined, but the plate cannot be adjusted for PET scan requiring separate positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by transitioning from a static plate position approach to a dynamic adjustment mechanism. The plate can be positioned at a first position for CT scanning with a well-defined scanning cross-section, then dynamically adjusted to a second position for PET scanning. The system calculates and applies the necessary position offset based on the difference between these two positions, enabling adaptability across different scan modes while maintaining measurement precision for each.
3Ease of operation
If the plate moves further from the scanning cross-section, then patient access is improved, but the CT scanner's effective scan range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses copying by creating a virtual model of the plate's bending behavior based on measurements taken during CT scanning. This copied information about plate deformation is then applied to predict and compensate for bending during PET scanning, allowing the plate to be positioned optimally for patient access without sacrificing scan range or image alignment accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a table and an imaging system and method for PET/CT imaging. The table may include a base, a bracket, and a plate movable relative to the bracket. The bracket may include a releasing position, a CT scan position, and a PET scan position. The table may extend the scan range of the CT scanner without changing the size of the imaging system.