State of the art cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanners used in image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) are cumbersome because the imaging source must rotate a full 360 degrees around the patient. Utilizing cone shaped x-ray beam sources, panoramic cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is able to produce volumetric tissue density images obtained from a half scan rather than from the conventional full scan. The technology acquires multiple projection images over the half scan view and reconstructs the full scan image by stitching together the projection views using a direct image stitching method. In this way, panoramic CBCT reconstructs full scan image views by performing only a half scan of the target, improving the efficiency and functionality of conventional CBCT.
This technology represents a method for reconstructing accurate images of anatomical structures and volumetric tissue densities from CBCT half-scans for use in IGRT. Data obtained from the half-scan is manipulated by the reconstruction algorithm to reconstruct tissue densities. Unlike existing techniques aimed at reducing scan rotations, this method does not sacrifice the ability to image large volumes or image accuracy. This technology can be deployed for use with existing CBCT systems. The panoramic CBCT technique has been validated using simulated cone-beam projection images of a human thorax.
Patent Pending (WO/2012/139031)
Available for licensing and sponsored research support
Tech Ventures Reference: IR 2934
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