3D Medical Image Reconstruction via Multi-Path X-Ray Cone Intersection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging systems, such as C-arms, are limited in the size of the reconstructed 3D medical image due to the size of the detection panel, the distance between the X-ray source and detector, and the limited mobility of the C-arm, which restricts the complexity of the imaging path.
Innovation Solution
The method involves computing multiple paths for the X-ray imaging system to acquire subsets of 2D X-ray images, where each path defines a cone of projection that overlaps with others, allowing for a larger reconstructed 3D image by intersecting these cones. This approach optimizes the imaging path to increase the size of the 3D image while maintaining safety parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single orbital path is used for 2D image acquisition, then the imaging system is simple to operate, but the size of the reconstructed 3D image is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging path is segmented into multiple discrete paths (first path and second path), each acquiring a subset of 2D images. By dividing the overall imaging task across multiple paths with different orientations, the system reconstructs a larger 3D volume than any single path could achieve alone, while keeping each individual path relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-planar orbital path to multi-planar paths by varying the orientation of the C-arm around the isocenter. The first path lies in a first plane and the second path lies in a second plane, effectively adding dimensional complexity to the imaging trajectory, which enables coverage of a larger 3D reconstruction volume.
2Volume of moving object
If the detection panel size is increased to enlarge the 3D reconstruction, then the imaging coverage is improved, but the device size and mobility are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a static, oversized detection panel, the invention employs dynamic repositioning of the C-arm along multiple paths. The system adapts the imaging geometry by moving the detector to different positions and orientations, effectively using temporal dynamics to achieve spatial coverage that would otherwise require a much larger physical detector.
3Volume of moving object
If the C-arm mobility range is increased to expand the imaging path, then the 3D reconstruction size is improved, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The C-arm system is designed to perform multiple imaging functions by executing different paths (first path and second path) around the isocenter. This multi-functionality allows a single device to achieve large 3D reconstruction volumes without requiring multiple specialized devices or complex manual reconfiguration, maintaining ease of operation through standardized multi-planar capabilities.
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 method enables the reconstruction of larger 3D medical images, improving surgical comfort and outcomes, especially in procedures involving multiple bones or obese patients, by effectively utilizing the capabilities of the X-ray imaging system.
Implementation Method 1
two-dimensional (2D) projection images with different anatomical structures superimposed along the path of the X-rays
Implementation Method 2
three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques have become necessary over the past decades... cone-beam reconstruction techniques (CBCT), using two-dimensional detectors
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for reconstructing a 3D medical image of a region of interest from a set of 2D X-ray images acquired by an X-ray imaging system comprising an X-ray source(S) and an image detector (D), comprising the steps of: —computing n paths of the X-ray imaging system, n being an integer greater than or equal to 2, said paths being adapted to acquire n respective subsets of 2D X-ray images together forming the set of 2D X-ray images, each image (IA, IB, IC) of a subset defining a respective cone of projection (CA, CB, CC) of the region of interest onto the image detector, such that, for a same position of the X-ray source(S) along the n paths, the cone of projection of an image of any subset is contiguous to the cone of projection of an image of at least one other subset, wherein computing said n paths comprises: —placing a virtual isocenter (O) of the X-ray imaging system at a given position or set of positions relative to a center (C) of the region of interest, and —defining, for each position of the X-ray source along the n paths, the n cones of projection such that the center of a height of an enlarged cone formed by the union of the n cones of projection is said virtual isocenter (O): —implementing the computed n paths to acquire the n subsets of images: —reconstructing the 3D medical image by intersecting the cones of projection defined by each image of the n subsets.