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

描述(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，通常被称为冠状动脉CT血管成像(CTA)。具体地说，我们建议一种创新的、低成本的解决方案，以解决在单一心跳内进行准确的冠状动脉CTA的问题。这一解决方案是图像重建理论的最新进展与仔细的系统设计考虑相结合的结果。更具体地说，我们建议使用(I)一种新的扫描概念，称为交错环形扫描，以获得平行圆形轨迹上的CB数据，从而在不需要轴向运动的情况下减小圆锥角的净效果，从而减少整个心脏的环形CB断层扫描产生的伪影，(Ii)利用图像重建理论的最新进展的创新重建算法。交错循环扫描是用指数K定义的，它给出了所涉及的X射线源的数量。我们将致力于以下目标：(1)开发、实现和验证使用指数K=2、K=3和K=4的交错环状扫描精确冠状动脉CTA的首选重建算法。(2)交错环状扫描相互之间和与传统环状数据采集的比较评估。(3)真实数据的稳健性论证。(4)用设计成交错扫描的扫描仪进行精确全身成像的可行性论证。与公共卫生相关：叙述这项提议旨在实现技术上的飞跃，使心脏CT成像能够以高精度、低扫描仪成本和与传统CT扫描相当的剂量始终如一地实现(即，独立于患者的心脏状况)。因此，患者将得到更低的辐射剂量和更好的诊断，可以成像的患者群体将会扩大。

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.