Radiation Dose Mapping Using Patient-Specific Correction Factors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating and monitoring radiation doses during medical imaging are inaccurate due to variations in exposure directions and interactions with human tissues, leading to potential overexposure in certain body regions, especially in fluoroscopically guided procedures where precise dose estimation is challenging across multiple sessions.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a dosimeter adapted to a patient with a processing unit that uses a patient model to estimate radiation exposure, applying correction factors based on measured values from dosimeters to provide a refined estimation of radiation exposure, and visually presenting this data through a graphical display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If point dosimeters are used to measure radiation dose, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to low sampling resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the patient's body into multiple anatomical regions and places dosimeters at specific segmented locations (e.g., head, trunk, limbs) to achieve comprehensive coverage. This segmentation approach transforms a single complex measurement system into multiple simpler point measurements that collectively provide high-resolution dose distribution data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances point dosimeter measurements by adding spatial and temporal dimensions through mathematical modeling. The system correlates point measurements with 3D anatomical models and accumulates dose data across multiple imaging sessions, transforming limited point data into comprehensive volumetric dose distribution information.
2Device complexity
If mathematical models are used to estimate radiation dose, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to limited accuracy in accounting for patient size and location
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dosimeter measurements as feedback to validate and refine mathematical models. By comparing model predictions with actual dosimeter readings at specific locations, the system iteratively improves the accuracy of dose estimation algorithms, particularly in accounting for patient-specific anatomy and positioning variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts model parameters based on patient-specific characteristics such as body size, shape, and composition. The system modifies attenuation coefficients, scattering parameters, and geometric factors to match the actual patient anatomy, thereby improving the precision of dose estimation without increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If radiation imaging is performed across multiple exam sessions, then the diagnostic quality is improved, but the cumulative radiation dose increases due to inaccuracy in dose estimation when position differences are not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary dose mapping and accumulation planning before multiple imaging sessions. By establishing a reference coordinate system and pre-defining anatomical regions of interest, the system prepares the framework for accurate cross-session dose accumulation, enabling real-time monitoring and adjustment of cumulative exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric correction factors that account for the non-uniform nature of patient positioning and anatomy across different imaging sessions. Rather than applying uniform dose accumulation, the system selectively adjusts dose values based on the specific asymmetric variations in patient position, beam angle, and anatomical landmarks observed in each session.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of estimating radiation dose include obtaining at least one radiation exposure value from a location marked on a patient model. A radiation exposure of the patient is estimated using a dose model which includes the patient model. At least one correction factor is calculated based upon the radiation exposure value and the estimation of radiation exposure using the dose model. The at least one correction factor is applied to the dose model and a refined estimation of radiation exposure is produced based upon the at least one correction factor and the dose model.