Pseudo-CT Image Calibration With Radiation Data for Treatment Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiotherapy techniques face challenges in accurately determining tissue radiodensity for treatment planning, as CT scans expose patients to unnecessary radiation and provide poor soft tissue contrast, while pseudo-CT images based on previous scans are inherently inaccurate and can lead to incorrect dosages due to patient movement and varying scanning techniques.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for calibrating pseudo-CT images using MR data and real-time radiation intensity data to create a refined pseudo-CT image, minimizing patient exposure to radiation and improving accuracy by iteratively updating the image based on actual tissue attenuation properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a CT scan is performed to obtain tissue radiodensity information for treatment planning, then accurate radiodensity data is obtained, but the patient is exposed to additional ionizing radiation before treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (contrast agent) that enhances the difference in radiation attenuation between tumor tissue and surrounding healthy tissue. This allows for more accurate radiodensity measurement without requiring increased radiation exposure, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and patient radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the previously acquired CT scan data as a reference model to create a simplified representation of tissue radiodensity distribution. This reference model is then used to guide radiation delivery without requiring additional high-dose CT scans, thus maintaining measurement accuracy while reducing repeated radiation exposure.
2Shape
If a CT scan is used to image the patient, then three-dimensional anatomical information is obtained, but soft tissue contrast is poor making it difficult to distinguish between different soft tissue types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a contrast agent as an intermediary substance that selectively enhances the radiodensity of tumor tissue relative to surrounding healthy soft tissue. This chemical intermediary provides the missing soft tissue contrast information while preserving the three-dimensional anatomical structure already captured by the CT scan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the tissue by introducing a contrast agent that alters the radiation attenuation properties of tumor tissue. This parameter change (increased radiodensity) creates sufficient contrast to distinguish tumor from healthy tissue while maintaining the existing three-dimensional anatomical information.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If pseudo-CT images are generated from previous scans to avoid additional radiation, then patient radiation exposure is reduced, but the images are inherently inaccurate due to patient movement and varying scanning techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the previously acquired CT data serves as initial information, but the actual radiation delivery process provides real-time feedback on tissue radiodensity. The system uses this feedback to dynamically adjust and refine the radiodensity values, correcting inaccuracies from patient movement or scanning technique variations without requiring additional high-dose imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by acquiring a reference CT scan with contrast agent enhancement before treatment. This preliminary scan establishes accurate baseline radiodensity values that account for the patient's specific anatomy and tissue characteristics. These pre-established values are then used to guide treatment planning, reducing the need for additional accurate imaging while maintaining measurement precision.
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 reduces patient radiation dose and enhances treatment planning accuracy by providing a calibrated pseudo-CT image that better reflects the patient's current tissue geometry, ensuring targeted radiation delivery and minimizing healthy tissue exposure.
Implementation Method 1
obtain radiation intensity data from a radiation detector. The obtained radiation intensity data is indicative of attenuation properties of tissues within the patient
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method for producing a calibrated pseudo-CT image of at least part of a patient for radiation treatment planning. The method comprises obtaining radiation intensity data indicative of attenuation properties of tissues within the patient and calibrating a first pseudo-CT image of at least part of the patient using the radiation intensity data to produce the calibrated pseudo-CT image.