X-ray Collimator Dose Feedback for ROI Fluoroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray imaging technologies for intravascular treatments, particularly in ischemic heart disease, face challenges in reducing patient and medical staff exposure doses during fluoroscopic procedures, with existing methods like using protective plates or reducing imaging rates not adequately addressing the issue, and operators lack clear feedback on exposure dose reductions during Region Of Interest (ROI) fluoroscopy.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus equipped with an X-ray generation unit, X-ray collimator, dose detection unit, and dose reduction rate calculation unit, which allows for real-time monitoring and display of exposure dose reduction effects by comparing pre- and post-collimator irradiation conditions, enabling operators to quantify and visualize the dose reduction achieved through ROI fluoroscopy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If ROI fluoroscopy is implemented to reduce exposure dose, then the exposure dose of the object is reduced, but the operator cannot recognize the degree of exposure dose reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by displaying the calculated exposure dose reduction rate on the screen. The exposure dose reduction rate calculation unit computes the reduction rate based on dose detection unit measurements taken before and after collimator activation, and this calculated value is then presented to the operator. This closes the information loop, allowing operators to recognize and understand the actual dose reduction achieved by ROI fluoroscopy, thereby resolving the information loss problem while maintaining dose reduction benefits
2Area of stationary object
If normal X-ray imaging is executed to maintain comprehensive visualization, then complete anatomical overview is achieved, but the exposure dose of the object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the imaging field into a region of interest (ROI) and non-ROI areas. The collimator restricts the X-ray beam to only irradiate the necessary ROI portion, while other areas receive no radiation. This spatial segmentation allows the system to maintain comprehensive visualization capability when needed while significantly reducing exposure dose by limiting irradiation to only the essential imaging area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by applying X-ray irradiation only to the necessary ROI area rather than the entire field of view. The collimator enables selective irradiation of partial regions, and the system can switch between full-field and ROI modes depending on procedural needs. This partial irradiation approach reduces overall exposure dose while maintaining sufficient imaging capability for the specific clinical task
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
The apparatus effectively quantifies and displays the exposure dose reduction, providing operators with clear feedback on the dose savings during ROI fluoroscopy compared to standard imaging, thereby optimizing radiation protection without compromising image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray generation unit configured to irradiate the object with X-rays
Implementation Method 2
a dose detection unit configured to detect the X-rays that have passed through the X-ray collimator
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generation unit, an X-ray collimator, a dose detection unit, and a dose reduction rate calculation unit. The X-ray generation unit irradiates the object with X-rays. The X-ray collimator limits an X-ray irradiation range of the X-ray generation unit. The dose detection unit detects the X-rays that have passed through the X-ray collimator. The dose reduction rate calculation unit calculates a reduction rate of an exposure dose of the object based on a value detected by the dose detection unit in X-ray imaging before the X-ray irradiation range is limited by the X-ray collimator and a value detected by the dose detection unit in X-ray imaging after the X-ray irradiation range is limited by the X-ray collimator.