Single Scan Multi-Procedure CT Imaging Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CT imaging protocols require multiple scans for different anatomical structures, leading to increased patient radiation dose, separate scan results, and potential omission of ordered scans not on pre-approved lists, due to concerns about irradiating asymptomatic patients.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generate an optimized imaging protocol based on aggregate scan requirements for multiple procedures like colonography, bone mineral density, fat assessment, and vascular calcium score, allowing a single scan to produce data for all procedures, processed and presented using specific algorithms, and stored for future reference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple anatomy-specific scanning protocols are used for different anatomical structures, then imaging quality and diagnostic accuracy are improved, but patient radiation dose increases and scan time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple anatomy-specific scanning protocols (colonography, bone mineral density, fat assessment, vascular calcium score) into a single integrated scanning protocol. This merging allows all required imaging procedures to be performed in one scan, thereby maintaining diagnostic quality while reducing patient radiation exposure by eliminating the need for separate scans.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal scanning protocol that serves multiple imaging functions simultaneously. The single protocol is designed to accommodate different anatomical structures and imaging requirements (colon, bone, fat, vascular calcium) within one scan sequence, making the imaging system multi-functional and reducing the need for procedure-specific scans.
2Loss of information
If multiple separate scans are performed for different imaging procedures, then comprehensive diagnostic data is obtained, but scan time and patient inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging procedures into a single scan by integrating their respective protocols. The system combines the scanning parameters and sequences for colonography, bone density, fat assessment, and vascular calcium imaging into one unified protocol, allowing all diagnostic data to be collected during a single patient visit and scan time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary protocol integration and optimization before the actual scan. The imaging system pre-configures the combined protocol with appropriate parameters for all four imaging procedures, ensuring that comprehensive diagnostic data can be obtained efficiently without requiring multiple separate scan sessions.
3Measurement precision
If anatomy-specific protocols are used for each procedure, then imaging parameters are optimized for each anatomical structure, but device complexity and protocol management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal protocol that maintains anatomy-specific parameter optimization while simplifying protocol management. The single integrated protocol contains pre-configured parameters for all four imaging procedures (colonography, bone mineral density, fat assessment, vascular calcium score), allowing the system to automatically apply appropriate settings for each anatomical structure without requiring separate protocol selection or complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple anatomy-specific protocols into one unified protocol structure. By combining the parameter sets and scanning sequences for different anatomical structures into a single protocol, the system reduces protocol management complexity while preserving the optimized imaging parameters needed for each specific anatomical region.
4Reliability
If pre-approved procedure lists are used for screening scans, then scan quality control is maintained, but flexibility to perform necessary scans is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal screening protocol that can accommodate multiple imaging procedures (colonography, bone density, fat assessment, vascular calcium) within a single approved protocol framework. This multi-functional approach allows the system to maintain quality control through a single pre-approved protocol while providing the flexibility to perform various imaging procedures that may not be individually listed in traditional procedure lists.
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 a single scan to provide comprehensive imaging data for multiple procedures, reducing patient radiation exposure and streamlining data processing and presentation, while ensuring that necessary scans are performed without omitting relevant 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 imaging data generated by an imaging system (100) for a scan performed utilizing an imaging protocol with parameters that are based on a plurality of different imaging procedures; processing the imaging data using at least one algorithm corresponding to at least one of the plurality of different imaging procedures; and presenting the processed imaging data.