Spectral CT Vessel Morphology Assessment with Calcification Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining vessel morphology in CT images are limited by partial volume effects caused by calcifications, leading to inaccurate evaluations of vessel diameters and plaque volumes, particularly in standard HU images.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing spectral CT information by recording and superimposing 3D CT images with different energies to generate an examination image, calculating derivatives to identify change regions, and outputting information on these regions for improved vessel morphology determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard HU images are used for vessel morphology evaluation, then the evaluation process is simple, but measurement precision deteriorates due to partial volume effects from calcifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the CT imaging process into multiple energy levels (low energy and high energy images) to separately evaluate different tissue components. By dividing the spectral information into distinct energy ranges, the system can independently analyze soft plaque, calcification, and lumen structures, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining operational simplicity through automated multi-energy processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spectral dimension by acquiring CT images at multiple energy levels rather than using a single standard HU image. This adds an energy dimension to the imaging data, enabling differentiation between tissues with similar attenuation coefficients at a single energy level but different spectral characteristics, thus resolving the partial volume effect problem
2Illumination intensity
If calcifications are highlighted in standard HU images, then contrast is enhanced, but harmful factors increase due to overexposure of the lumen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by generating separate image representations for different tissue types through spectral processing. By analyzing the spectral characteristics at each pixel or voxel, the system can enhance calcification contrast in specific regions while preserving lumen visibility in other regions, avoiding the uniform overexposure problem of standard HU images
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses spectral CT information as an intermediary between the raw CT data and the final morphology evaluation. The spectral processing acts as a mediator that separates the contrast-enhancing effect of calcifications from the overexposure problem, allowing independent optimization of both features through material decomposition and virtual mono-energetic image generation
3Measurement precision
If quantitative evaluation of plaque volumes is performed, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically perform material decomposition and morphology measurement without requiring manual intervention. The automated spectral processing pipeline independently completes all necessary steps from raw data acquisition to quantitative plaque volume calculation, reducing the operational complexity burden on the user while maintaining high measurement precision
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 more accurate and robust determination of vessel diameters and stenosis levels, reducing errors in morphological assessments by enhancing the clarity of vessel structures and plaque identification.
Implementation Method 1
recording with iodine contrast medium and a subsequent reconstruction of the images as 'standard HU' images
Implementation Method 2
providing at least two 3D CT images of a person which have been recorded with different recording energies
Implementation Method 3
calculating at least the first derivative of the working set with respect to the location, and establishing a number of change regions in the progression of the image values
Data Source
AI summary
One or more example embodiments relates to a method for supporting a determination of a vessel morphology on the basis of spectral CT information. Furthermore, one or more example embodiments comprises an apparatus, a control facility and a medical technology system.