TRH-CTA Perfusion Map Generation Reducing Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stroke imaging protocols, such as CT Perfusion (CTP), expose patients to high X-ray radiation, require additional contrast agents, and involve complex data processing, making them costly and time-consuming, while Multiphase CT Angiography (mCTA) is difficult to interpret and lacks tissue state information.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating perfusion functional maps from Time-Resolved Helical Computed Tomography Angiograms (TRH-CTA) data, involving preprocessing, time density curve analysis, and application of mapping functions or deconvolution methods to create perfusion maps, which are then filtered and displayed to aid in stroke diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CT Perfusion (CTP) is used to determine tissue viability, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure increases and additional contrast agents are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CTA and CTP into a single integrated imaging protocol, acquiring both angiographic and perfusion data during one scanning session. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate CTP scanning, reducing total radiation exposure and contrast agent requirements while maintaining comprehensive tissue viability assessment capability through combined analysis of arterial input function and tissue perfusion parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the CTA protocol multi-functional by using it to provide both vascular imaging (angiography) and tissue perfusion assessment simultaneously. The same scanning sequence and contrast agent administration serve dual purposes: visualizing cerebral vasculature and evaluating tissue viability, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated CTP scanning and reducing overall diagnostic burden on patients
2Loss of information
If CT Perfusion (CTP) is used to assess brain tissue state, then diagnostic information is improved, but data processing complexity and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of CTA data by extracting arterial input function (AIF) curves and generating perfusion parameter maps during the same scanning session. By preparing and storing these processed datasets in advance, the system enables rapid analysis and reduces the computational burden during the critical decision-making window, as the heavy lifting is already done when the data is acquired
3Object-affected harmful factors
If Multiphase CT Angiography (mCTA) is used to reduce radiation and contrast agent dose, then patient safety is improved, but image interpretation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces automated processing algorithms as intermediaries between the raw multi-phase CTA data and the final diagnostic output. These algorithms automatically generate perfusion parameter maps, calculate blood flow metrics, and produce standardized reports that are easier to interpret. The intermediary processing layer transforms complex raw data into clinically actionable insights, reducing the skill threshold for interpretation while maintaining diagnostic accuracy
4Measurement precision
If traditional stroke imaging protocols are used, then diagnostic accuracy is maintained, but time for treatment decision increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the acquisition and processing of multiple imaging datasets into a single integrated workflow. By acquiring CTA and CTP data simultaneously and processing them through automated algorithms in parallel, the system reduces total diagnostic time while maintaining comprehensive assessment of vascular and tissue parameters. The unified protocol eliminates sequential scanning and allows for rapid generation of treatment-relevant metrics
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 radiation exposure, eliminates the need for additional contrast agents, simplifies data interpretation, and provides accurate tissue viability information, balancing diagnostic accuracy with time and cost efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a typical CT stroke imaging protocol has been developed worldwide. At all centres, an admission non-contrast CT image is acquired to rule out any stroke mimic blood in the brain. Next, at most centres, a contrast enhanced (iodinated inert fluid) single phase CTA (sCTA) is acquired
Implementation Method 2
a contrast enhanced (iodinated inert fluid) single phase CTA (sCTA) is acquired to provide information on the large vessels of he brain. The changes in brain tissue density over time depend on the changes in iodine concentration
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods and systems are described for obtaining at least one CTA perfusion functional map from Time Resolved Helical CTA (TRH-CTA) image data. At least one processor may be configured to preprocess the TRH-CTA helical image data to generate preprocessed TRH-CTA helical image data; generate time density curve data for a plurality of voxels from the preprocessed TRH-CTA helical image data for an axial imaging slice, where the time density curve data comprise intensity values for different phases of the preprocessed TRH-CTA helical image data arranged sequentially in time; generate at least one perfusion functional map for the axial imaging slice by at least one of: (1) applying at least one mapping function to different phases of the time density curve data corresponding to the axial imaging slice; (2) applying a deconvolution method to the time density curve data; and (3) applying a non-deconvolution method to the time density curve data; and perform spatial filtering on the perfusion functional map. A display may be used to display at least one filtered perfusion functional map.