Tomography Scanner Contrast Normalization via Reference Vessel
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Solution Overview
Problem
In x-ray diagnostics, the low contrast between organs, vessels, or tumors and neighboring tissue structures makes precise examination challenging, and the dynamic spread of contrast agents complicates comparing image data from subsequent examinations due to varying patient-specific and examination-specific parameters.
Innovation Solution
A method and tomography scanner configuration that normalize image data by using a reference vessel from the blood vessel system, allowing comparison of contrast agent enhancement independently of patient-specific and examination-specific parameters, by calculating a representative reference value and adjusting image data accordingly, including geometric parameters if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If contrast agent is administered to increase contrast in image data, then contrast between tissue structures is improved, but comparability of image data from subsequent examinations deteriorates due to dynamic spread and varying parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference vessel as an intermediary element to bridge the comparison between different examinations. By using the reference vessel's contrast values as a mediator, the system normalizes the contrast agent distribution in the examination region relative to a stable reference, thereby enabling reliable comparisons across time while maintaining the enhanced contrast provided by the contrast agent
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by normalizing the image data through calculation of contrast ratios relative to the reference vessel. This transformation changes the parameter space from absolute contrast values (which vary dynamically) to relative contrast ratios (which are stable), allowing meaningful comparison across examinations with different injection protocols and time points
2Measurement precision
If contrast agent concentration and injection parameters are optimized for each examination, then image quality is improved, but complexity of examination protocols increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-identifying and segmenting the reference vessel in the image data before performing the normalization calculation. This preliminary segmentation step prepares the reference contrast values in advance, allowing the main normalization process to proceed efficiently without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the examination
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically identifying and using the reference vessel from the same image data set to normalize the examination region. This self-referencing mechanism eliminates the need for external calibration standards or complex multi-parameter optimization protocols, simplifying the examination process while maintaining image quality
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 enables more comparable image data analysis across different examinations, allowing for reliable diagnosis of changes in vascularization and tissue structure, making geometric and perfusion-specific changes immediately visible.
Implementation Method 1
contrasts in image data are produced by different attenuation characteristics of the substances with respect to the x-ray radiation generated by an x-ray device
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a correspondingly configured tomography scanner are disclosed for normalizing image data with respect to a contrast in the image data produced by a contrast agent, the image data illustrating a tissue structure to be examined and at least part of a blood vessel system of an examination region connected to the tissue structure, which are at least in part permeated by the contrast agent. In an embodiment of the method, image data of the examination region is provided with the aid of the tomography scanner. At least one section of a reference vessel permeated by contrast agent is selected in the image data. The image data is normalized on the basis of image data from the section of the reference vessel such that the contrast in the image data as a result of the contrast agent is almost independent of patient-specific and examination-specific parameters in order to ensure that image data from different times can be compared.