X-ray Imaging Device Alternating Scan Direction for Rapid Contrast Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CT scanners are unable to perform two scans of a patient quickly enough after contrast agent injection, leading to prolonged procedures and patient stress due to the need for multiple injections.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray apparatus with a controller that enables the X-ray imaging device to move in alternating forward and backward directions, allowing for rapid acquisition of three-dimensional images in a short time period, potentially reducing the need for multiple contrast agent injections by optimizing scan timing and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional CT scanners perform two scans after contrast agent injection, then diagnostic accuracy for hepatocellular carcinoma is improved, but procedure time is excessively long and patient stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scanning by alternating the movement direction of the scanning device between forward and backward directions. This allows the system to perform multiple scans during a single contrast agent dispersion cycle, capturing images at different time points when the contrast agent reaches different concentrations in the liver vasculature. The dynamic direction switching enables efficient use of the limited time window when contrast agent is dispersing, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy without proportionally increasing procedure time.
2Measurement precision
If conventional CT scanners use multiple contrast agent injections to achieve multiple scans, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but patient stress and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by completing all necessary scanning operations during a single contrast agent injection and dispersion cycle. The controller is programmed to automatically alternate the scanning direction and perform multiple scans while the contrast agent is naturally dispersing through the liver vasculature. This preliminary planning and execution of multiple scans within one injection window eliminates the need for subsequent injections, reducing patient stress and simplifying the overall procedure while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy.
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 the acquisition of three-dimensional images in less than 30 seconds after contrast agent injection, supporting the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma with a single injection, reducing procedure time and patient stress.
Implementation Method 1
The X-ray imaging device is adapted to take a first plurality of images of the object during the first movement
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray apparatus 10 executes a first scan of an object during a forward movement F and a second scan during a backward movement B. Due to the wiper-like movement of the X-ray imaging device 18 supported by an arm 12 of the X-ray apparatus 10, the time between two scans may be very short.