Method for Performing Digital Subtraction Angiography, Hybrid Imaging Device, Computer Program and Electronically Readable Storage Medium

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention relates to an improved method for digital subtraction angiography (DSA) using a hybrid imaging device that combines an x-ray (CT) scanner with a second imaging modality such as MRI. Instead of taking separate x-ray images for the mask and contrast-enhanced views (which can result in motion artifacts and increased radiation), this method acquires the contrast-enhanced x-ray image and, at the same time, uses the second modality to generate a virtual x-ray mask through a conversion process, potentially using artificial intelligence. This approach reduces radiation exposure, improves image quality by minimizing motion errors, and streamlines the imaging process.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Imaging blood vessels in patients for diagnostic or interventional procedures, such as identifying blockages or malformations.
• Use in hybrid imaging systems in hospitals where both x-ray and MRI/CT are available.
• Minimally invasive interventions where fast and high-quality vessel imaging is needed, such as in angioplasty, stent placement, or aneurysm treatment.
• Situations where reducing patient radiation exposure is critical, such as pediatric or repeat imaging cases.
• Training and research, using the machine learning aspect to refine the mapping between MRI (or other modalities) and x-ray imaging.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly reduces patient exposure to radiation by avoiding a separate pre-contrast x-ray scan.
• Minimizes image motion artifacts and errors by acquiring both required datasets simultaneously, resulting in clearer angiograms with less need for complex image registration.
• Increases speed and efficiency of the angiography workflow, allowing for quicker diagnostics and interventions.
• Enables the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning for more accurate generation of virtual x-ray images from other modalities, improving image fidelity and patient specificity.
• Broadens the applicability and value of hybrid imaging devices, making them more useful in clinical settings.

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Patent Abstract

Method for performing digital subtraction angiography of a region of interest of a patient, wherein, with a contrast agent being present in blood vessels of the region of interest, a filled image data set (1) of the region of interest is acquired by x-ray imaging and an angiography image data set (4) is created by subtracting a mask image data set (3) from the filled image data set (1), whereby an x-ray imaging device (6) for x-ray imaging and a further imaging device (7) for at least one additional imaging modality, wherein the imaging devices (6, 7) are co-registered and operable to acquire image data in the same field of view, is used to simultaneously acquire the filled image data set (1) using the x-ray imaging device (6) and an anatomy data set (2) using the further imaging device (7) and the mask image data set (3) in derived from the anatomy data set (2) in a conversion process, which converts additional imaging modality image data into virtual x-ray image data.