Tomosynthesis Depth Location Display for Radiologist Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computed tomography imaging methods like tomosynthesis, there is a lack of direct feedback on the depth location of slice images relative to the patient, making it difficult for radiologists and physicians to anticipate and adjust the optimal slice locations for specific examinations, especially due to the limited angle of X-ray exposure and high in-plane resolution.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a controller and projector system to provide visual feedback on the depth location of slice images by projecting horizontal lines or other indicators onto the patient or adjacent surfaces, allowing for real-time adjustment of reconstruction parameters to ensure optimal slice alignment with the body parts of interest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a limited number of discrete exposures are performed with the X-ray source moved over a limited angle (15 to 60 degrees), then the acquisition time and complexity are reduced, but the depth resolution becomes limited due to the ill-defined problem in the direction perpendicular to the detector
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary scout image acquisition before the main tomosynthesis scan. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-calculate and display the depth locations of slice images on the patient's body, enabling the radiologist to adjust slice parameters before the actual imaging, thus optimizing depth resolution without increasing the main scan time
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary visual feedback mechanism (display device showing depth locations on the patient's body) that mediates between the acquisition parameters and the final slice images. This intermediary allows the radiologist to see the relationship between acquisition settings and slice depth locations, enabling informed adjustments to optimize depth resolution
2Measurement precision
If tomosynthesis uses a flat panel detector with higher resolution than most CT scanners, then the in-plane resolution of the reconstruction is improved, but the depth resolution remains limited due to the limited angle of acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates and displays the depth locations of slice images on the patient's body before the actual reconstruction. This preliminary calculation uses the known acquisition geometry and detector resolution to predict where slices will appear in 3D space, allowing the radiologist to adjust slice thickness and spacing to optimize depth resolution while maintaining high in-plane resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of reconstruction parameters (slice thickness, slice spacing, slice depth) based on the visual feedback of slice locations on the patient's body. The radiologist can change these parameters to optimize the balance between in-plane resolution (maintained by the flat panel detector) and depth resolution (improved by appropriate slice configuration)
3Adaptability or versatility
If there is no direct interpretable correspondence between the acquired projection images and the sliced images, then the computational flexibility is increased, but it becomes difficult for the physician to judge in advance whether the slice images will provide the desired information
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces visual feedback by displaying the calculated depth locations of slice images on the patient's body using the display device. This feedback loop allows the radiologist to see where slices will be located in 3D space before reconstruction, enabling informed decisions about whether the planned slices will capture the desired anatomical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary visual representation (depth location display) that bridges the gap between the projection images and the final slice images. This intermediary shows the spatial relationship between acquisition geometry and reconstruction results, providing the radiologist with interpretable information about slice locations without compromising computational flexibility
Data Source
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AI summary
Display of depth location of computed tomography slice images relative to an object to be imaged. A visual indication is generated of depth locations of slices obtained by applying a reconstruction algorithm in a computed tomography method with given settings, the display being shown on the object, e.g. on the patient's lateral side or in close relation to the patient.