Next Generation Cone Beam CT with Improved Contrast Resolution and Added Spectral Imaging Functionality

摘要 使用数字平板探测器(FPD)的锥形束计算机断层扫描(CBCT)是主要成像 图像引导干预的主力。通过围绕患者旋转管-检测器组件，3D锥体 可以获取束CT(CBCT)数据来补充2D x射线成像并改进疾病诊断， 医疗程序中的治疗计划和治疗执行。尽管它的体积覆盖率和高 空间分辨率，基于FPD的CBCT不能提供必要的软组织对比分辨率 术中出血监测、灰白质鉴别或其他低对比度检测 病变在各种成像任务中。此外，定量成像功能是 医生缺乏目前的CBCT技术。该项目的总体目标是 通过增加X射线光子计数探测器开发集成的PCD-FPD CBCT成像平台 (PCD)到当前的CBCT系统，使用户能够在新的PCD-CBCT成像之间自由切换 模式和现有的基于平板显示器的成像之间没有干扰的两个组件。这是一项新的 成像平台提供与MDCT相同的软组织对比度分辨率和z覆盖，但 不需要额外的房间空间在同一套房中同时容纳MDCT和CBCT。另外， 建议的系统提供定量光谱CT成像功能，减少辐射和对比度剂量 用于图像引导的干预。PCD-FPD CBCT一体化成像系统的研制与应用 为了增加医疗诊断的价值，计划实现三个具体目标。AIM#1旨在构建和校准 PCD-CBCT原型系统；AIM#2致力于开发新的校正算法 需要获得无伪影的PCD-CBCT图像；目标#3致力于使用活体进行临床可行性研究 犬类受试者和人类受试者。在完成这些目标后，下一代的原型 CBCT成像系统将被建造、校准和评估；该系统将能够 始终如一地生成具有光谱成像功能和类似MDCT的几乎无伪影的PCD-CBCT图像 低对比度可探测性；一体化PCD-FPD CBCT的优点和潜在的临床应用 成像系统将被演示。

ABSTRACT Cone beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) with a digital flat panel detector (FPD) is the primary imaging workhorse for image-guided interventions. By rotating the tube-detector assembly around the patient, 3D cone beam CT (CBCT) data can be acquired to supplement 2D x-ray imaging and improve disease diagnosis, treatment planning, and treatment execution in medical procedures. Despite its volumetric coverage and high spatial resolution, FPD-based CBCT does not provide the necessary soft-tissue contrast resolution for intraoperative hemorrhage monitoring, gray-white matter differentiation, or the detection of other low-contrast lesions in a variety of imaging tasks. In addition, quantitative imaging capabilities that are much desired by physicians are lacking in the current CBCT technology. The overarching objective of this project is to develop an integrated PCD-FPD CBCT imaging platform by adding an x-ray photon counting detector (PCD) to the current CBCT system, enabling users to freelyswitch between the new PCD-CBCT imaging mode and the existing FPD-based imaging without interference between the two components. This new imaging platform offers the same soft-tissue contrast resolution and z-coverage as those of MDCT, but without requiring additional room space to house both MDCT and CBCT in the same suite. Additionally, the proposed system offers quantitative spectral CT imaging functionality at reduced radiation and contrast dose for image-guided interventions. To develop the integrated PCD-FPD CBCT imaging system and to explore its added value to medical diagnosis, three specific aims are planned. Aim #1 is designed to construct and calibrate a prototype PCD-CBCT system; Aim #2 is dedicated to the development of the novel correction algorithms needed to achieve artifact-free PCD-CBCT images; Aim #3 is dedicated to clinical feasibility studies using in vivo canine subjects and human subjects. Upon the completion of these aims, a prototype for the next-generation CBCT imaging system will have been constructed, calibrated, and evaluated; the system will be capable of consistently producing nearly artifact-free PCD-CBCT images with spectral imaging functionality and MDCT-like low-contrast detectability; the benefits and potential clinical applications of the integrated PCD-FPD CBCT imaging system will have been demonstrated.