Virtual Dose Model for Patient-Specific Radiation Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dose estimation techniques in healthcare imaging often oversimplify patient anatomy, leading to inaccurate radiation dose calculations, particularly in diagnostic imaging procedures, as they rely on generic phantoms rather than individualized patient models.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for creating a virtual dose model using patient-specific scan data and information, allowing for the estimation of radiation dose exposure in various imaging modalities by generating a 3D voxel-based model that accounts for actual patient shape, size, and tissue composition, using a Monte Carlo simulation technique.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If generic radiation phantoms are used for dose estimation, then the calculation process is simplified, but the accuracy of dose estimation deteriorates due to oversimplified patient anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the patient's actual anatomy by generating a 3D voxel-based model from medical imaging data (CT or MRI scans). This virtual phantom replicates the patient's unique body shape, size, and internal organ structures, allowing accurate dose estimation without requiring physical patient presence while maintaining anatomical fidelity that generic phantoms cannot provide
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms anatomical data from medical images into a voxel-based parameter representation where each voxel contains tissue density and composition information. This parameter transformation enables the dose calculation engine to process complex anatomical variations efficiently, converting detailed anatomical information into computable parameters that maintain accuracy while facilitating calculation
2Measurement precision
If full-body scans are performed to create accurate patient models, then the precision of dose estimation improves, but the radiation exposure to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential anatomical information needed for dose calculation from the patient's body using a limited scan of specific regions. Rather than scanning the entire body, the system identifies and extracts relevant anatomical data from key regions, then uses computational methods to complete the virtual model, thereby reducing patient radiation exposure while maintaining sufficient accuracy for dose estimation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary anatomical assessment using low-dose scout scans or existing medical imaging data before conducting the actual dose calculation. This preliminary action creates a preliminary virtual phantom that guides the dose calculation process, allowing the system to plan and optimize the imaging protocol to minimize additional radiation exposure while ensuring accurate dose estimation
3Measurement precision
If detailed 3D voxel-based patient models are created, then the accuracy of region-specific dose estimation improves, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the patient's anatomy into discrete volumetric pixels (voxels) that can be individually processed and assigned tissue types. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex anatomical structures in a manageable way, processing each voxel independently through the dose calculation algorithm. The segmented approach enables region-specific dose estimation by allowing users to select and analyze particular anatomical regions without having to process the entire model at once
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a virtual phantom as an intermediary between the patient's actual anatomy and the dose calculation process. This virtual phantom serves as a computational model that mediates the complex interaction between radiation and patient anatomy, translating real-world anatomical complexity into a form that can be efficiently processed by simulation algorithms while preserving the essential physical properties needed for accurate dose estimation
4Loss of time
If pre-constructed phantoms are used for dose estimation, then the processing time is reduced, but the ability to provide individualized patient-specific dose information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic virtual phantom generation system that adapts to each patient's unique anatomy. Rather than using static pre-constructed phantoms, the system dynamically creates customized virtual models based on each patient's actual imaging data. This dynamic approach allows the phantom to be generated on-demand with the specific anatomical characteristics of each patient, providing individualized dose estimation without requiring extensive pre-processing or selection from predefined phantom libraries
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 provides more accurate and efficient radiation dose modeling and management during diagnostic imaging and therapy, reducing the need for full-body scans and minimizing radiation exposure while offering detailed dose estimates for specific regions of interest.
Implementation Method 1
using a Monte Carlo simulation technique
Implementation Method 2
perform radiation dose calculations
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a method of providing an estimate of radiation dose received by a patient during an imaging scan performed by an imaging system. The method includes receiving patient information about the patient, receiving scan data generated during the imaging scan of the patient by the imaging system, creating a virtual dose model of the patient based upon the patient information and the scan data, receiving a selection of a region of interest of the patient, performing a dose simulation on the virtual dose model of the patient or a portion thereof, and determining, based upon an outcome of the dose simulation, an estimate of the radiation dose received within the region of interest. The imaging scan can be a partial imaging scan of a portion of the patient. Also provided is a system and software for carrying out this method.