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

摘要 带数字平板探测器（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-探测器组件， 可以采集束CT（CBCT）数据以补充2D X射线成像并改善疾病诊断， 医疗程序中的治疗计划和治疗执行。尽管它的体积覆盖面和高 空间分辨率，基于FPD的CBCT不提供必要的软组织对比度分辨率， 术中出血监测、灰白质鉴别或其他低对比度的检测 各种成像任务中的病变。此外，定量成像能力是非常期望的， 目前的CBCT技术缺乏医生。该项目的总体目标是 通过添加X射线光子计数探测器，开发集成PCD-FPD CBCT成像平台 (PCD)与当前CBCT系统的兼容性，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FPD的成像之间没有干扰的两个组件。这个新 成像平台提供与MDCT相同的软组织对比度分辨率和z覆盖范围，但 而不需要额外的房间空间来将MDCT和CBCT容纳在同一套房中。此外，本发明还 所提出的系统在减少辐射和对比剂量的情况下提供定量光谱CT成像功能 用于图像引导的干预。研制PCD-FPD一体化CBCT成像系统，并探讨其 为了增加医疗诊断的价值，计划实现三个具体目标。目标1旨在构建和校准 原型PCD-CBCT系统;目标#2致力于开发新的校正算法 需要实现无伪影的PCD-CBCT图像;目标3专用于使用体内 犬受试者和人类受试者。在完成这些目标后，下一代的原型 CBCT成像系统将已构建、校准和评估;该系统将能够 始终如一地产生几乎无伪影的PCD-CBCT图像，具有光谱成像功能和MDCT样 低对比度可检测性;集成PCD-FPD CBCT的受益和潜在临床应用 成像系统将得到验证。

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.