Ultrasound Compatible Anti-Scatter Grid for Hybrid Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-modal X-ray and ultrasound imaging systems are cumbersome and result in subpar image quality due to the need for separate procedures and the incompatibility of existing anti-scatter grids with ultrasound imaging.
Innovation Solution
An anti-scatter grid filled with a filler material matching the acoustic impedance of human or animal tissue, allowing for concurrent X-ray and ultrasound imaging without compromising image quality, integrated into a single detector module with an X-ray detector and ultrasound transducer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an anti-scatter grid is used for X-ray imaging, then X-ray image quality is improved, but ultrasound transparency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-scatter grid is filled with a filler material having acoustic impedance matching human or animal tissue (1.4-1.8 MRayls), creating a composite structure that maintains X-ray scatter rejection while enabling ultrasound transparency. This composite approach allows the grid to function effectively in both X-ray and ultrasound imaging modalities simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic impedance of the filler material is specifically tuned to match biological tissue (1.4-1.8 MRayls), and the grid pitch is optimized to be smaller than one-tenth of the ultrasound wavelength. These parameter adjustments ensure minimal ultrasound reflection and transmission while maintaining X-ray anti-scatter properties.
2Measurement precision
If separate procedures are used for X-ray and ultrasound imaging, then each imaging modality can be optimized, but imaging complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-scatter grid is integrated into a detector module that combines both X-ray detection and ultrasound transducer capabilities. This merged design allows concurrent X-ray and ultrasound imaging in a single procedure, eliminating the need for separate imaging sessions while maintaining optimal image quality for both modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-scatter grid structure serves dual functions: it rejects X-ray scatter to improve X-ray image quality while simultaneously being transparent to ultrasound waves for high-quality ultrasound imaging. This multi-functionality enables a single imaging system to perform both modalities effectively without compromise.
3Measurement precision
If existing anti-scatter grids are used in combined imaging, then X-ray imaging is effective, but device complexity increases due to incompatibility with ultrasound
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-scatter grid, X-ray detector, and ultrasound transducer are integrated into a single detector module. This unified design eliminates the need for separate anti-scatter grids and reduces system complexity while enabling effective combined X-ray and ultrasound imaging in one procedure.
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 high-quality simultaneous X-ray and ultrasound imaging in a single procedure by ensuring the anti-scatter grid is transparent to ultrasound waves and compatible with both imaging modalities, improving image quality and reducing complexity in imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
said filler material having an acoustic impedance that corresponds to that of human or animal tissue
Implementation Method 2
a pitch of the grid is smaller than a tenth of a wavelength of an ultrasound center frequency
Implementation Method 3
an anti-scatter grid filled with a filler material... for X-ray imaging
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An anti-scatter device (ASG) filled with a filler material. The filler material (202) has an acoustic impedance that corresponds to that of human or animal tissue. Furthermore a hybrid X-ray/ultrasound imager (IM) including such an anti-scatter device (ASG).