Photon-Counting CT Region-Specific Scan Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cancer treatment follow-up imaging, existing X-ray computed tomography (CT) systems face challenges in optimizing the X-ray dose for image quality, particularly in regions other than the cancer site, using auto exposure control (AEC).
Innovation Solution
An X-ray computed tomography apparatus is designed with a gantry, acquisition, setting, determination, and scan control units. It performs a photon-counting CT scan by determining a specific scan condition, including an X-ray dose and energy bin, tailored to the image quality standards of the region of interest, thereby optimizing the imaging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If auto exposure control (AEC) is used to ensure image quality of the entire body, then image quality of non-cancer regions is maintained, but X-ray dose is higher than necessary for follow-up imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging task by dividing the body into a region of interest (cancer site) and other regions. Different image quality standards are applied to each segment, with higher standards for the cancer site and lower standards for other regions, enabling dose reduction in non-critical areas while maintaining diagnostic quality where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by setting different image quality requirements for different anatomical regions. The region of interest (cancer site) receives high-quality imaging with stricter quality standards, while other regions use relaxed quality standards, allowing optimized X-ray dose distribution that matches clinical needs.
2Loss of information
If conventional CT imaging is performed on the entire body, then comprehensive diagnostic information is obtained, but radiation exposure is excessive for follow-up imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diagnostic task by identifying and prioritizing the region of interest (cancer site) for detailed imaging, while applying reduced imaging protocols to other regions. This segmentation maintains essential diagnostic information for cancer follow-up while minimizing unnecessary radiation to non-cancer areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing comprehensive high-quality imaging only on the region of interest and using reduced-protocol imaging for other regions. This partial approach provides sufficient diagnostic information for follow-up imaging without the excessive radiation of full-body conventional CT.
3Measurement precision
If uniform image quality standards are applied to all regions, then consistent diagnostic quality is achieved, but X-ray dose cannot be optimized for specific clinical needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by establishing different image quality standards for different regions based on clinical requirements. The region of interest uses stringent quality standards for accurate cancer assessment, while other regions use relaxed standards, enabling dose optimization while maintaining adaptability to specific clinical needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by making image quality standards adjustable and region-specific rather than uniform. The system dynamically adapts quality requirements to match clinical priorities, allowing flexible dose optimization for follow-up imaging while maintaining necessary diagnostic quality in critical areas.
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 allows for follow-up imaging with an X-ray dose and energy bin optimized for the region of interest, ensuring high image quality while reducing the overall exposure dose, thus enhancing both diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
a gantry (10), including an X-ray tube (11) that generates an X-ray
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray detector (12) that detects the X-ray generated from the X-ray tube (11)
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes a gantry and a processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires a first image in which a region of interest present on a subject is included, the first image being collected by a first scan of the subject; sets a specific region including the region of interest with respect to the first image; determines a scan condition for a photon counting CT scan as a second scan based on the specific region, the scan condition including an X-ray dose and/or an energy bin conforming to an image quality standard of the region of interest; and controls the gantry according to the scan condition to executes the second scan on the subject.