Multi-Modal Simulation Phantom for CT and MRI Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing simulation phantoms can only be imaged on a single imaging device, requiring multiple phantoms for different imaging devices, increasing costs and complicating storage and sorting.
Innovation Solution
A simulation phantom with a simulated target volume and encasing normal tissue that have distinct characteristics for imaging on multiple devices, such as differences in CT value for CT imaging and hydrogen-containing density for MRI, allowing imaging on at least two different imaging devices, and optionally including a detachable cassette system and precisely-marked points for accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple simulation phantoms are used for different imaging devices, then imaging compatibility is improved, but cost and storage complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation phantom is designed with dual characteristics: it has a first characteristic (such as specific CT value range) for CT imaging and a second characteristic (such as specific hydrogen-containing density for T1-weighted MRI) for MRI imaging. This allows a single phantom to be imaged on multiple different imaging devices, eliminating the need for separate phantoms for each imaging modality and thereby reducing storage complexity while maintaining imaging compatibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple simulation phantoms are used for different imaging devices, then imaging compatibility is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation phantom is designed with dual characteristics: it has a first characteristic (such as specific CT value range) for CT imaging and a second characteristic (such as specific hydrogen-containing density for T1-weighted MRI) for MRI imaging. This allows a single phantom to be imaged on multiple different imaging devices, eliminating the need for separate phantoms for each imaging modality and thereby reducing storage complexity while maintaining imaging compatibility.
3Device complexity
If a single simulation phantom is used for multiple imaging devices, then cost and storage are improved, but imaging characteristics may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation phantom incorporates different materials with specific properties in different regions. The simulated normal tissue has a first characteristic (such as CT value within 20-40 HU) for CT imaging, while the simulated target volume has a second characteristic (such as hydrogen-containing density for T1-weighted MRI) for MRI imaging. This local differentiation of material properties ensures that the phantom maintains appropriate imaging characteristics for multiple modalities without compromising precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation phantom is constructed using composite materials that exhibit different imaging properties. The normal tissue is made from materials with specific CT values, while the target volume uses materials with specific MRI characteristics. This composite approach allows the single phantom to maintain precise imaging characteristics across multiple imaging modalities while reducing overall complexity.
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 imaging on multiple imaging devices with a single phantom, reducing the need for multiple phantoms, lowering costs and simplifying storage and sorting, while providing accurate positioning and verification of radiotherapy plans.
Implementation Method 1
the first characteristic indicates a difference in CT value and the first imaging device is a CT imaging device
Implementation Method 2
the second characteristic indicates a difference in hydrogen-containing density and the second imaging device is a magnetic resonance imaging device
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a simulation phantom including a simulated target volume and a simulated normal tissue encasing the simulated target volume, wherein the simulated target volume and a portion of the simulated normal tissue abutting the simulated target volume have a first characteristic to enable the simulation phantom to be imaged on a first imaging device, and the simulated target volume and the portion of the simulated normal tissue abutting the simulated target volume further have a second characteristic to enable the simulation phantom to be imaged on a second imaging device different from the first imaging device.