X-ray Tube Voltage Optimization for Iodine Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current x-ray imaging technologies face challenges in minimizing x-ray radiation dose while maintaining optimal image quality, particularly in multiphase examinations where iodine contrast is crucial, as existing methods rely on empirical noise constraint parameters and relative dose factors without considering the specific tissue-dependent x-ray spectrum.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine the optimal tube voltage for x-ray devices by considering the tissue-dependent contrast and noise characteristics, using a contrast-to-noise ratio and reference noise levels, and adjusting tube current to minimize radiation dose while maintaining desired image quality, with data storage and user input for specific examination types and tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If low tube voltage is used to reduce radiation dose, then radiation dose is reduced, but image quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting tube voltage and tube current based on tissue-specific x-ray spectrum characteristics. Instead of using fixed low voltage, the system calculates optimal parameters considering tissue density, atomic number, and desired contrast-to-noise ratio, allowing dose reduction while maintaining image quality through precise parameter optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the x-ray imaging parameters adaptive rather than static. The system continuously adjusts tube voltage and current based on real-time calculations of tissue characteristics and desired image quality metrics, enabling the imaging system to respond optimally to different examination conditions and tissue types.
2Measurement precision
If tube voltage is optimized for iodine contrast, then iodine visibility is improved, but radiation dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes to optimize for iodine contrast by calculating the specific tube voltage that maximizes the photoelectric effect for iodine atoms (atomic number 53). The system determines optimal voltage based on iodine's K-edge energy and tissue composition, then adjusts tube current to maintain acceptable noise levels, achieving high iodine visibility with minimized dose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the skipping principle by using multiphase imaging to capture iodine enhancement at critical time points rather than continuous imaging. This allows achieving diagnostic iodine contrast with reduced total radiation exposure by focusing imaging resources on phases where iodine contrast is most diagnostic.
3Manufacturing precision
If empirical noise constraint parameters are used, then image quality is maintained, but radiation dose cannot be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using measured or estimated tissue characteristics (density, atomic number, thickness) to adjust imaging parameters. The system calculates the actual contrast-to-noise ratio achieved and compares it with target values, then iteratively optimizes tube voltage and current to achieve desired image quality with minimum dose, replacing empirical approaches with physics-based calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating optimal imaging parameters based on known tissue characteristics and examination protocols before actual imaging. The system determines the ideal tube voltage and current settings in advance based on tissue composition and desired contrast, eliminating the need for empirical trial-and-error during the examination and enabling dose minimization from the start.
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 allows for the reduction of x-ray radiation dose to patients by optimizing tube voltage and current settings based on tissue-specific characteristics, ensuring consistent image quality and compliance with system limits, thereby minimizing radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic image quality.
Implementation Method 1
the spectrum of the x-ray radiation that is used... Given the use of relatively low tube voltages, the spectrum of the x-ray radiation is such that the image contrast of iodine increases
Implementation Method 2
The image contrast of defined elements and materials (such as the iodine used as a contrast agent in computed tomography) has a relatively strong dependency on the spectrum of the x-ray radiation that is used
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and x-ray device to determine the value of an x-ray tube voltage to generate at least one image of defined tissue to be examined, at least one provided parameter is used that establishes or describes the desired image quality; based on the dependency of the contrast of the defined tissue to be examined on the spectrum of the x-ray radiation or on the value of the tube voltage of the x-ray tube. The tube voltage is determined also based on a contrast-to-noise ratio that is constantly maintained under consideration of the aforementioned parameter such that the dose of x-ray radiation applied to the patient is optimally low upon setting the value of the tube voltage at the x-ray tube and the acquisition of at least one x-ray projection of the defined tissue.