Dynamic SPECT Scan Duration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional SPECT imaging methods result in prolonged scan times, leading to increased patient discomfort, higher healthcare costs, and a higher likelihood of scan failure due to patient motion, as they are not adapted to individual patient factors and photon count rates.
Innovation Solution
A SPECT imaging method that determines scan duration based on the photon count rate and a predetermined total photon count target, or photon count density, allowing the scan to terminate once the desired number of photon counts is reached, thereby optimizing scan time for each patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a predetermined fixed scan time is used for SPECT imaging, then the imaging procedure is simple to implement, but the scan time is prolonged leading to patient discomfort and increased healthcare costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static, predetermined fixed scan time to a dynamic scan duration that adapts to each patient's specific photon count rate. The scan time is calculated in real-time based on measured photon emission characteristics, allowing the system to optimize scan duration individually for each patient while maintaining operational simplicity through automated calculations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a predetermined fixed scan time is used for SPECT imaging, then the imaging protocol is easy to standardize, but patient motion artifacts increase leading to scan failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the scan time parameter from a fixed predetermined value to a dynamically calculated value based on the patient's photon count rate. This allows the scan duration to adapt to individual patient characteristics and emission rates, reducing motion artifacts and improving scan success while maintaining protocol standardization through automated parameter adjustment.
3Device complexity
If a predetermined fixed scan time is used for SPECT imaging, then the system operation is straightforward, but the radiation dose efficiency is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by measuring the patient's photon count rate during the scan and using this information to calculate the optimal scan duration. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust scan time based on actual emission characteristics, improving radiation dose efficiency by avoiding both unnecessarily long scans and insufficient counting statistics, while keeping system operation straightforward through automated feedback processing.
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 approach reduces average scan time, minimizes the need for repeat scans, enhances patient convenience, and allows for flexible adjustment of radiation dose and image quality, while reducing the likelihood of scan failure due to patient motion.
Implementation Method 1
directly measuring gamma rays emitted by radionuclides administered to a patient to produce slice-like images of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A SPECT diagnostic method of performing myocardial perfusion imaging on a patient, the method including (A) commencing a mycocardial perfusion diagnostic scan; (B) during the scan, determining the photon count rate; (C) using the photon count rate and a predetermined total photon count target, determining a scan duration time; (D) terminating the diagnostic scan when the scan duration time elapses.