Medical Imaging
Highly Constrained Image Reconstruction for Medical Imaging Applications
WARF: P06088US
Inventors: Charles Mistretta
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing a new method for reconstructing medical images from projection views of a subject.
Overview
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique that measures a subject’s nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to form images of internal structures. Computed tomography (CT) is another medical imaging technique that measures the attenuation of an X-ray beam’s signal to form images.
To create images from a specific data set, the images must be reconstructed. One method used to reconstruct images involves backprojection of the processed data, which is essentially the same for MRI and CT data. A common error in this technique is the false assumption of homogeneity of the backprojected signal. This error is minimized by taking sufficient data sets, however this increases scan time and, for the CT scan case, increases the X-ray dose to the patient.
To create images from a specific data set, the images must be reconstructed. One method used to reconstruct images involves backprojection of the processed data, which is essentially the same for MRI and CT data. A common error in this technique is the false assumption of homogeneity of the backprojected signal. This error is minimized by taking sufficient data sets, however this increases scan time and, for the CT scan case, increases the X-ray dose to the patient.
The Invention
A UW–Madison researcher has developed a new method for reconstructing medical images from projection views of a subject. A backprojection technique is used that does not assume homogeneity in the backprojected signal. A composite image is reconstructed, and then this composite image is used to highly constrain the image reconstruction process to provide more image detail where needed.
This image reconstruction method reduces scan time and radiation dose, and provides higher resolution for time-resolved studies. Acquiring a highly sampled composite image will increases the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the undersampled reconstructed images. This method can be used to improve the reconstruction of medical images.
This image reconstruction method reduces scan time and radiation dose, and provides higher resolution for time-resolved studies. Acquiring a highly sampled composite image will increases the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the undersampled reconstructed images. This method can be used to improve the reconstruction of medical images.
Applications
- Highly constrained image reconstruction for MRI and X-ray CT imaging techniques, as well as positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and digital tomosynthesis (DTS)
Key Benefits
- Produces good quality images with far less data
- Reduces scan time
- Reduces radiation dose to patient
- Increases time resolution for time resolved studies
- Increases signal to noise ratio for reconstructed images
Additional Information
For More Information About the Inventors
For current licensing status, please contact Jeanine Burmania at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9846