Efficient snap-shot CT imaging of the entire heart using staggered circular scans

描述（由申请人提供）：我们对冠状动脉的x射线计算机断层扫描（CT）成像感兴趣，通常称为冠状动脉CT血管造影（CTA）。具体来说，我们建议一种创新的、低成本的解决方案来解决在单次心跳中进行准确的冠状动脉CTA的问题。该解决方案结合了图像重建理论的最新进展和仔细的系统设计考虑。更具体地说，我们建议使用(i)一种新的扫描概念，称为交错圆形扫描，它使用几个x射线源一起获得平行圆形轨迹上的CB数据，以获得减少锥角的净效果，而不需要轴向运动，（ii）利用图像重建理论最新进展的创新重建算法，以减轻整个心脏圆形CB断层扫描产生的伪影。交错圆形扫描被定义为索引K，它给出了所涉及的x射线源的数量。我们将集中在以下目标上：(1)开发、实施和验证一种首选的冠状动脉CTA重建算法，该算法使用索引K = 2、K = 3和K = 4的交错循环扫描进行精确的冠状动脉CTA重建。(2)交错循环扫描与传统循环数据采集的对比评估。(3)对真实数据的鲁棒性论证。(4)使用设计用于交错循环扫描的扫描仪进行精确全身成像的可行性论证。该提案旨在实现技术的飞跃，从而实现心脏CT成像的一致性（即，独立于患者的心脏状况），具有高精度、低扫描仪成本和与传统CT扫描相当的剂量。因此，患者将接受较低的辐射剂量和改进的诊断，并且可以成像的患者群体将扩大。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We are interested in x-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging of the coronary arteries, commonly referred to as coronary CT angiography (CTA). Specifically, we suggest an innovative, low-cost solution to the problem of performing accurate coronary CTA within a single heartbeat. This solution is the result of combining the latest advances in image reconstruction theory with careful system design considerations. More specifically, we propose to mitigate artifacts occurring with circular CB tomography of the entire heart, using (i) a new concept of scans, called staggered circular scans, that use several x-ray sources together to obtain CB data on parallel circular trajectories for the net effect of reducing the cone angle without requiring axial motion, (ii) innovative reconstruction algorithms that draw on recent advances in image reconstruction theory. Staggered circular scans are defined with an index K that gives the number of x-ray sources involved. We will focus our effort on the following aims: (1) Development, implementation and validation of a preferred reconstruction algorithm for accurate coronary CTA using staggered circular scans of index K = 2, K = 3 and K = 4. (2) Comparative evaluation of staggered circular scans against each other and against the conventional circular data acquisition. (3) Demonstration of robustness for real data. (4) Feasibility demonstration of accurate general body imaging with a scanner designed to perform staggered circular scans. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: NARRATIVE This proposal aims at allowing a leap forward in technology so that cardiac CT imaging can be achieved consistently (i.e., independently of the patient heart's condition) with high accuracy, low scanner cost, and a dose comparable to that of a conventional CT scan. The patients will therefore receive a lower radiation dose with an improved diagnostic, and the population of patients that can be imaged will be widened.