3D Perfusion Imaging via Segmented Rotational Runs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current three-dimensional imaging with C-arm x-ray devices is static and lacks temporal information, making it difficult to perform functional imaging in interventional settings, especially for perfusion processes which require dynamic representation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving multiple perfusion measurements with varying contrast agent injections and rotational runs, where the start time and angle of subsequent runs are adjusted to allow for improved temporal resolution and data interpolation, enabling functional three-dimensional time-resolved imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple rotational runs are performed with contrast agent injections to achieve temporal resolution of perfusion processes, then functional three-dimensional time-resolved imaging is enabled, but the complexity of the imaging protocol and data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging protocol is segmented into multiple rotational runs, each capturing a specific phase of the perfusion process. By dividing the complete perfusion cycle into discrete temporal segments (first rotational run capturing early phase, second rotational run capturing later phase), the system can reconstruct three-dimensional images at different time points without requiring continuous imaging throughout the entire cycle, thus reducing overall protocol complexity while preserving temporal information.
Solution Approach 2:
The contrast agent injection is performed as a preliminary action before the rotational runs begin. The timing of the injection is carefully coordinated so that the contrast agent reaches the region of interest during the rotational runs, allowing the imaging system to capture the perfusion process at predetermined time points without needing to continuously monitor and adjust the imaging protocol during the procedure.
2Measurement precision
If the start time and angle of rotational runs are varied between perfusion measurements, then temporal resolution of perfusion processes is improved, but the difficulty of data interpolation and reconstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational runs are performed with periodic timing intervals that correspond to the expected duration of the perfusion process. By varying the start time of subsequent rotational runs in a systematic periodic manner (e.g., first run at time T1, second run at time T2 = T1 + ΔT), the system captures consistent temporal phases across multiple measurements, making the data interpolation process more predictable and manageable despite the temporal variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system systematically changes the temporal parameters (start time and start angle) between rotational runs according to a predetermined scheme. By controlling how these parameters change rather than leaving them random, the patent enables more accurate interpolation algorithms to reconstruct the three-dimensional perfusion process at intermediate time points, as the parameter changes follow a known pattern that can be mathematically compensated for during reconstruction.
3Productivity
If multiple perfusion measurements are performed with adjusted timing to enhance temporal scanning, then the speed of data acquisition improves, but the quantity of contrast agent required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational runs are performed in continuous succession without interruption between the first and second measurements. The second rotational run begins immediately after the first run completes, maintaining continuous imaging operation. This continuity allows the system to acquire temporal data at multiple time points using the same contrast agent bolus, thereby improving data acquisition speed without proportionally increasing the contrast agent quantity required.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system captures more temporal data points than strictly necessary by performing multiple rotational runs with overlapping temporal coverage. While this partially redundant imaging approach increases the quantity of data acquired, it allows for more robust temporal resolution and interpolation. The contrast agent quantity increase is partial rather than proportional, as the same bolus is utilized across multiple runs with optimized timing to maximize information extraction from each unit of contrast agent administered.
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 method enhances the temporal scanning of perfusion processes, allowing for more accurate and efficient three-dimensional representation of moving structures, overcoming the limitations of static imaging and improving the speed of data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
a series of projection images are recorded by an image recording unit during a rotational run from different recording angles between a start angle and an end angle
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for three-dimensional representation of a moving structure by a tomographical method. Projection images are recorded by an image recording unit during a rotational run from recording angles between a start angle and an end angle, with a three-dimensional image data reconstructed from the projection images, with a first perfusion measurement with a first contrast agent injection and a first rotational run and with a further perfusion measurement with a further contrast agent injection and a further rotational run, which is started after the preceding perfusion measurement has concluded, with the start time and/or the start angle of the additional rotational run deviating from one another in respect of the time of the contrast agent injection. The method enables a functional three-dimensional time-resolved imaging of perfusion processes with the aid of flexible C-arm x-ray devices, which allow a functional imaging in an interventional environment.