Radiation Parameter Determination Through Dynamic Chest Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CT scan protocols require patients to hold their breath during calibration and imaging, limiting the ability to capture radiation parameters at different breathing phases, which can provide valuable information for x-ray imaging and therapy.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for determining radiation parameters using a 3D imaging technique to measure patient chest positions, generate a model, and expose the patient to radiation based on this model while accounting for breathing, allowing for accurate imaging and therapy without breath-holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the patient holds their breath during calibration and imaging, then the radiation parameters can be accurately determined, but the ability to capture radiation parameters at different breathing phases is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static breath-hold imaging to dynamic real-time tracking of chest motion during normal breathing. The 3D imaging technique continuously measures chest position changes, enabling radiation parameter determination across multiple breathing phases without requiring the patient to hold their breath.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses 3D imaging to provide real-time feedback on chest position and breathing phase. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt radiation parameters based on the patient's actual breathing state, capturing data at different breathing phases while maintaining measurement accuracy through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the patient breathes normally during imaging, then radiation parameters at different breathing phases can be captured, but measurement accuracy may deteriorate due to patient motion
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary 3D imaging measurements to establish baseline chest positions and breathing patterns before radiation exposure. This preliminary action creates a reference model that allows accurate radiation parameter determination even during normal breathing, as the system can compensate for motion based on pre-established anatomical references.
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D imaging technique serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between patient motion and accurate radiation measurement. By continuously tracking chest position and providing real-time anatomical information, the 3D imaging acts as a mediator that allows the radiation system to maintain measurement accuracy despite the patient's normal breathing movements.
3Ease of manufacture
If reconnaissance images are taken with the patient holding their breath, then calibration is simplified, but the imaging protocol becomes more complex requiring coordinated breath-holding
Solution Approach 1:
The 3D imaging technique serves multiple functions: it performs both calibration and imaging operations without requiring breath-holding. This multi-functional approach simplifies the overall protocol by eliminating the need for separate breath-hold calibration procedures, as the same system continuously captures anatomical data during normal breathing for both calibration and imaging purposes.
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
Enables the capture of radiation parameters at various breathing phases, improving image quality and accuracy in x-ray imaging and therapy by accounting for patient motion, thereby reducing unnecessary radiation exposure and enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
using a 3D imaging technique to measure one or more positions of the patient's chest
Implementation Method 2
exposing the patient to a dose of radiation using the radiation source
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes positioning a patient at a first orientation relative to a radiation source. The method further includes using a 3D imaging technique to measure one or more positions of the patient's chest. The method further includes, while using the 3D imaging technique to measure the one or more positions of the patient's chest: generating a model of the patient's chest using the one or more positions of the patient's chest; updating the model of the patient's chest as the patient breathes; and exposing the patient to a dose of radiation using the radiation source, wherein the dose is based on the model of the patient's chest.