Multi-pass computed tomography scans for improved workflow and performance
Inventors
Gagnon, Daniel • Bai, Chuanyong • YU, Zhicong
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11638568-B2
Publication Date
2023-05-02
Expiration Date
Abstract
An x-ray imaging apparatus and associated methods are provided to execute multi-pass imaging scans for improved quality and workflow. An imaging scan can be segmented into multiple passes that are faster than the full imaging scan. Data received by an initial scan pass can be utilized early in the workflow and of sufficient quality for treatment setup, including while the another scan pass is executed to generate data needed for higher quality images, which may be needed for treatment planning. In one embodiment, a data acquisition and reconstruction technique is used when the detector is offset in the channel and/or axial direction for a large FOV during multiple passes.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an x-ray imaging apparatus and associated multi-pass scan workflow in which a scan is performed in a first pass and a second pass. A rotatable gantry system positioned at least partially around a patient support carries an imaging radiation source and a radiation detector to receive radiation during each pass. During the first pass, the patient support is moved relative to the rotatable gantry system and first imaging data are measured by the detector.
Based on the first imaging data, a scanning parameter for the second pass is determined. The scanning parameter is selected from pitch, an energy level, a tube potential, a pulse width, a beam filter, and a speed. The apparatus then moves the patient support during the second pass, receives second imaging data, and reconstructs a second patient image using the first imaging data and the second imaging data.
The radiation detector is offset in one transaxial direction during the first pass and offset in an opposite transaxial direction during the second pass. In a radiotherapy delivery device embodiment, the apparatus reconstructs first and second patient images, bases a treatment setup on the first patient image, and uses the second patient image to calculate a dose delivered by a therapeutic radiation source during adaptive IGRT.
Claims Coverage
The document includes three independent claims: an x-ray imaging apparatus, a method of collecting imaging data, and a radiotherapy delivery device. Across these independent claims, the coverage centers on multi-pass scanning with inter-pass parameter selection from first-pass data, reconstruction using first and second imaging data, and a detector offset in opposite transaxial directions between passes.
Multi-pass imaging reconstruction using first-pass-driven second-pass parameters
Move the patient support relative to the rotatable gantry system during a first pass and a second pass, receive first imaging data during the first pass, determine a scanning parameter for the second pass based on the first imaging data (selected from pitch, an energy level, a tube potential, a pulse width, a beam filter, and a speed), receive second imaging data during the second pass, and reconstruct a second patient image using the first imaging data and the second imaging data.
Opposite transaxial detector offsets for first and second passes
The radiation detector is offset in one transaxial direction during the first pass and offset in an opposite transaxial direction during the second pass.
Adaptive IGRT with treatment setup based on first image and dose calculated from second image
Reconstruct a first patient image based on the first imaging data, determine a scanning parameter for a second pass based on the first imaging data, reconstruct a second patient image based on the first imaging data and the second imaging data, base a treatment setup on the first patient image, and deliver a dose calculated based on the second patient image during adaptive IGRT.
Reconstruct patient image using first and second pass imaging data
Receiving first imaging data measured by the radiation detector during the first pass; determining, based on the first imaging data, a scanning parameter for a second pass (selected from pitch, an energy level, a tube potential, a pulse width, a beam filter, and a speed); receiving second imaging data measured by the radiation detector during the second pass; and reconstructing a patient image using the first imaging data and the second imaging data.
Overall, the independent claim set covers multi-pass x-ray/CBCT-style imaging where first-pass detector data are used to select second-pass scanning parameters, both passes contribute to reconstruction, and the detector is offset in opposite transaxial directions between the first and second passes. The radiotherapy delivery device further ties the reconstructed images to treatment setup and adaptive IGRT dose calculation.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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