Single Scan Multi-Procedure CT Imaging Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients undergoing multiple CT scans for different anatomical structures, such as soft tissue and bone scans, are often irradiated twice, increasing their radiation dose and requiring separate scans that may not be accessible or included in pre-approved procedures, limiting the effectiveness of ordered scans like CT colonography.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a single scan protocol optimized for multiple imaging procedures, processing imaging data with corresponding algorithms, and presenting the results, allowing for the use of a single scan to generate data for colonography, bone mineral density, fat assessment, and vascular calcium score imaging, with protocols stored in a bank and processed using a computer-readable storage medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If anatomy specific scanning protocols are used for different anatomical structures, then scan quality and diagnostic accuracy are improved, but patient radiation dose increases due to multiple separate scans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified scanning protocol that can perform multiple anatomical assessments (bone density, soft tissue, colonography, vascular calcium scoring) in a single scan. The system uses a single set of scan parameters optimized to satisfy multiple procedural requirements simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate anatomy-specific scans while maintaining diagnostic quality across all assessments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple imaging procedures into a single integrated scan. By merging bone mineral density measurement, soft tissue evaluation, CT colonography, and vascular calcium scoring into one continuous scan acquisition, the system reduces the number of separate radiation exposures while consolidating all necessary diagnostic information from a single data set.
2Reliability
If multiple separate scans are performed for different imaging procedures, then comprehensive diagnostic coverage is achieved, but scan time and patient inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The unified protocol enables a single scan to provide comprehensive diagnostic coverage for multiple procedures including bone density assessment, soft tissue evaluation, colonography, and vascular imaging. This multi-functional approach maintains complete diagnostic coverage while reducing the total scan time by eliminating the need for multiple separate scanning sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs all necessary imaging assessments in a single predetermined scan sequence, eliminating the need for patients to undergo multiple separate scanning appointments. The unified protocol is designed in advance to capture all required diagnostic information from one continuous acquisition, reducing patient inconvenience and total time investment.
3Measurement precision
If separate scanning protocols are used for different procedures, then each procedure receives optimized parameters, but system complexity and protocol management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple separate anatomy-specific protocols with a single unified scanning protocol that serves all procedural needs. This unified protocol is configured with parameters optimized to satisfy multiple imaging objectives simultaneously, greatly simplifying protocol management and reducing system complexity while maintaining procedure-specific optimization through intelligent parameter selection and post-processing algorithms.
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 generation of comprehensive imaging data from a single scan, reducing radiation exposure and improving accessibility of scan results, allowing for integrated analysis and reporting across multiple imaging procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A computed tomography (CT) scanner generally includes an x-ray tube that emits radiation that traverses an examination region and a patient supported therein via a patient support. A detector array detects radiation traversing the examination region and the patient.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving a signal indicative of a single user selected imaging protocol for scanning a patient. The imaging protocol includes parameters for two or more of a bone mineral density, a fat composition, or an aortic calcium imaging procedures. The method further includes performing a single scan of the patient using the single user selected protocol. The method further includes generating a single set of image data for the two or more of a bone mineral density, a fat composition, or an aortic calcium imaging procedures.