Solid State X-ray Image Intensifier Development

描述(由申请人提供)：长期目标是将新型固态X射线图像增强器(SSXII)开发成比平板设备(FPD)和X射线图像增强器(XII)具有明显优势的首选动态X射线成像设备。这些优势包括更高的空间分辨率和更小的像素、更低的仪器噪声从而在更低的曝光下更好地运行、由于芯片内增益可调而获得巨大的动态范围、无滞后、无重影，以及基于现有固态技术的可扩展生产。SSXII由模块阵列组成，每个模块都有一个光纤锥体，将来自CSI(TL)等结构化磷光X射线转换器的光聚焦到电子倍增电荷耦合器件(EMCCD)上。EMCCDs是一种相对较新的传感器，它具有标准CCDs的所有优点(高分辨率、高速度、低噪声、无滞后)，并增加了由数百个额外的特殊倍增元件产生的片上增益。调整施加到这些电子倍增元件上的低电压(几十伏)可提供从1到大于1000倍的片内增益。该项目的具体目标包括开发由基于EMCCD的模块阵列组成的原型探测器。由商用EMCCD摄像机制成的2x2系统将使在有限视场(FOV)上进行早期测试成为可能。更大的3x3阵列由于其模块化而由组件构建，将展示一种可扩展到完全临床FOV的设计，并可能完全取代XIIS或FPD的功能，但具有更高分辨率和更低剂量操作的额外好处。为了评估这些新的阵列探测器，我们将使用线性系统分析来获得定量的物理特征，并使用患者特定的快速原型模体来模拟完整的干预。操作员友好的基于LabVIEW软件的图形用户界面将在透视期间提供对SSXII的控制，并提供路线图和血管成像采集。我们还将在动物模型中评估SSXII原型，以探索在最初的人类研究计划之前的各种潜在应用。我们将开始研究在神经和心血管手术方面的应用，如血管内成像引导介入(EIGI)治疗颅内血管深处的动脉瘤和狭窄血管，诊断和治疗冠状动脉慢性完全闭塞(CTO)，以及研究抗血管生成肿瘤治疗的可能应用。还将探索涉及感兴趣区(ROI)透视、血管成像和锥形束计算机断层扫描(CBCT)的其他新方法，在这些方法中，可以使用SSXII的独特高分辨率功能，同时保持较低的患者积分剂量。除了EIGI程序外，可能的应用包括乳房X光CT和断层合成以及其他成像，其中SSXII的低噪声特性将使更多的低剂量视图能够减少重建伪影。总而言之，拟议的新SSXII一旦开发出来，可能会成为未来的动态X射线探测器的选择，具有比目前的FPD或XIIS更高的分辨率和更低的曝光操作。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The long-term objective is to develop the new Solid State X-ray Image Intensifier (SSXII) into the preferred dynamic x-ray imaging device with clear advantages over flat-panel devices (FPD) and x-ray image intensifiers (XII). These advantages include higher spatial resolution with smaller pixels, lower instrumentation noise hence better operation at lower exposure, huge dynamic range due to adjustable on-chip gain, no lag, no ghosting, and scalable production based on existing solid state technology. The SSXII consists of an array of modules each with a fiber optic taper that focuses light from a structured phosphor x-ray converter such as CsI(Tl) onto an electron multiplying charge coupled device (EMCCD). EMCCDs are relatively new sensors that have all the benefits of standard CCDs (high resolution, high speed, low noise, no lag) with the addition of on-chip gain created by an extra row of hundreds of special multiplying elements. Adjustment of a low voltage (tens of volts) applied to these electron multiplying elements provides on-chip gains from 1 to greater than 1000X. The specific aims for the project include development of prototype detectors made of arrays of EMCCD-based modules. A 2x2 system made of commercial EMCCD-based cameras will enable early testing over a limited field of view (FOV). The larger 3x3 array built from components because of its modularity will demonstrate a design that is extensible to full clinical FOVs and may completely replace the functions of XIIs or FPDs but with additional benefits of higher resolution and lower dose operation. For the evaluation of these new array detectors, we will obtain quantitative physical characterizations using linear systems analysis and, using patient specific rapid-prototyped phantoms, we will simulate complete interventions. An operator-friendly LabVIEW-software-based graphics user interface will provide control over the SSXII during fluoroscopy with roadmapping and angiography acquisitions. We will also evaluate the prototype SSXIIs in animal models to explore the wide variety of potential applications prior to planning for initial human studies. Applications we will begin to study are to neuro- and cardio-vascular procedures such as endovascular image guided interventions (EIGI) for treating aneurysms and stenotic vessels deep in the cranial vasculature, diagnosis and treatment of coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) as well as investigations of possible applications to anti-angiogenic tumor treatment. Additional new modalities involving region of interest (ROI) fluoroscopy, angiography, and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), where the unique high resolution capabilities of the SSXII can be used while maintaining lower integral dose to the patient, will also be explored. Possible applications in addition to EIGI procedures include mammographic CT and tomosynthesis and other imaging where the low noise characteristics of the SSXII will enable increased number of lower dose views to reduce reconstruction artifacts. In summary, the proposed new SSXII once developed may become the future dynamic x-ray detector of choice with higher resolution and lower exposure operation than is possible with current FPDs or XIIs.