Technical Note: A benchtop cone-beam x-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) system with a high-power x-ray source and transmission CT imaging capability

BACKGROUND: The time of flight (TOF) cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was recently shown to reduce the X-ray scattering effects by 95%and improve the image CNR by 110%for large volume objects. The advancements in X-ray sources like in compact Free Electron Lasers (FEL) and advancements in detector technology show potential for the TOF method to be feasible in CBCT when imaging large objects. OBJECTIVE: To investigate feasibility and efficacy of TOF CBCT in imaging smaller objects with different targets such as bones and tumors embedded inside the background. METHODS: The TOF method used in this work was verified using a 24cm phantom. Then, the GATE software was used to simulate the CBCT imaging of an 8 cm diameter cylindrical water phantom with two bone targets using a modeled 20 keV quasi-energetic FEL source and various TOF resolutions ranging from 1 to 1000 ps. An inhomogeneous breast phantom of similar size with tumor targets was also imaged using the same system setup. RESULTS: The same results were obtained in the 24cm phantom, which validated the applied CBCT simulation approach. For the case of 8cm cylindrical phantom and bone target, a TOF resolution of 10 ps improved the image contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) by 57%and reduced the scatter-to-primary ratio (SPR) by 8.63. For the case of breast phantom and tumor target, image CNR was enhanced by 12%and SPR was reduced by 1.35 at 5 ps temporal resolution. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that a TOF resolution below 10 ps is required to observe notable enhancements in the image quality and scatter reduction for small objects around 8cm in diameter. The strong scattering targets such as bone can result in substantial improvements by using TOF CBCT.

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Automatic Knot Detection in Coarse-Resolution Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Images of Softwood Logs

Forest Products Journal ◽

10.13073/fpj-d-19-00008 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 69 (3) ◽

pp. 185-187

Author(s):

Magnus Fredriksson ◽

Julie Cool ◽

Stavros Avramidis

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Exploratory Study ◽

Ct Scanning ◽

Detection Algorithm ◽

Cone Beam ◽

X Ray ◽

Coarse Resolution ◽

Computed Tomography Images ◽

X Ray Computed ◽

Accurate Position

Abstract X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning of sawmill logs is associated with costly and complex machines. An alternative scanning solution was developed, but its data have not been evaluated regarding detection of internal features. In this exploratory study, a knot detection algorithm was applied to images of four logs to evaluate its performance in terms of knot position and size. The results were a detection rate of 67 percent, accurate position, and inaccurate size. Although the sample size was small, it was concluded that automatic knot detection in coarse resolution CT images of softwoods is feasible, albeit for knots of sufficient size.

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MLEM reconstruction with specific initial image for cone-beam x-ray luminescence computed tomography

Medical Imaging 2021: Physics of Medical Imaging ◽

10.1117/12.2580840 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jiabin Ruan ◽

Peng Gao ◽

Tianshuai Liu ◽

Yonghua Zhan ◽

Hongbing Lu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Cone Beam ◽

Initial Image ◽

X Ray

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X-ray scatter correction algorithm for cone beam CT imaging

Medical Physics ◽

10.1118/1.1711475 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 31 (5) ◽

pp. 1195-1202 ◽

Cited By ~ 220

Author(s):

Ruola Ning ◽

Xiangyang Tang ◽

David Conover

Keyword(s):

Cone Beam Ct ◽

Scatter Correction ◽

Ct Imaging ◽

Cone Beam ◽

Correction Algorithm ◽

X Ray

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An observational study of post-operative Volumetric Modulated Arc Radiotherapy (VMAT) of breast cancer by immobilizing patients on All-in-one (AIOTM) solution Breast and Lung Board without usingthermoplastic mask: Risk of collusion of gantry with couch exists if acquisition of Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)is attempted for set-up verification.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-24920/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ramaiah Vinay Kumar

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Computed Tomography ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Target Volume ◽

Cone Beam ◽

Breast Cancer Patients ◽

Unilateral Breast Cancer ◽

Planar Image ◽

X Ray ◽

Set Up

Abstract Background: Automatic Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) based image matching for set-up verification is recommended as compared to 2-D match for post-operative local / loco-regional radiotherapy of breast cancer patients by Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) technique. However, in supine position, off-midline peripheral body Clinical Target Volume (CTV) of unilateral breast cancer patients immobilized on Breast and Lung board of All-in-One (AIO) positioning systemmay necessitate augmented movement of couch in ‘x’ and ‘z’ axis thereby raising the risk of collusion of x-ray sources / detectors system with couch. Methods and Materials: VMAT was planned by a pair of partial arc for whole target volume for seven consecutive post-operative breast cancer patients (five post-mastectomy and two post-breast conservation patients). Tattoo based set-up by shift of treatment table in x-, y- and z-axis as determined by Treatment Planning System followed by X-rays with planar image acquisition and online 2-D imaging matching was performed for set-up verification. In-room 360°rotation of x-ray source and detector system of linear accelerator (linac) was performed before x-ray planar image acquisition. Results: Completion of 360°rotation in-room of x-ray source and detector system of linacaround the machine iso-centre was not possible in six out of seven patients due to possibility of collusion of gantry with contralateral side of the couch. Conclusion: Performing CBCT for generating 3D images for computed tomography (CT) reconstruction may not be practical for patient set-up verification of post-operative radiotherapy of unilateral breast cancer patients positioned supine on breast and lung board.

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Workflow-Based Design and Evaluation of a Device for CBCT-Guided Biopsy

Journal of Medical Devices ◽

10.1115/1.4050660 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (3) ◽

Author(s):

A. Pfeil ◽

L. Barbé ◽

F. Geiskopf ◽

R. L. Cazzato ◽

P. Renaud

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Remote Control ◽

Cone Beam Computed Tomography ◽

Added Value ◽

Cone Beam ◽

X Ray ◽

Novel Device ◽

Robotic Devices ◽

Mechanical Devices ◽

Personalized Cancer

Abstract Biopsies for personalized cancer care can be performed with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) guidance, but manual needle manipulation remains an issue due to X-ray exposure to physicians. Modern CBCT scanners integrate today real-time imaging and software assistance for needle planning. In this paper, these available features are exploited to design a novel device offering an intermediate level of assistance between simple passive mechanical devices of limited efficiency, and advanced robotic devices requiring adapted procedure workflows. Our resulting system is built to limit its impact on the current manual practice. It is patient-mounted and provides remote control of needle orientation and insertion. A multilayer phantom is specifically developed to reproduce interactions between the needle and soft abdominal tissues. It is used to experimentally evaluate the device added value by comparing assisted versus manual needle insertions. The device is shown to help reducing X-ray exposure by a factor 4, without impacting the accuracy obtained manually.

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Target Embolization of Complex Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysm with Endovascular Reconstructive Technique Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography Angiography: Technical Note

World Neurosurgery ◽

10.1016/j.wneu.2021.11.123 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Kenji Fukuda ◽

Dai Kawano ◽

Yoshinobu Horio ◽

Hironori Fukumoto ◽

Masaki Takahara ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Vertebral Artery ◽

Cone Beam Computed Tomography ◽

Computed Tomography Angiography ◽

Dissecting Aneurysm ◽

Technical Note ◽

Cone Beam ◽

Reconstructive Technique ◽

Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysm

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Designing and Fabricating Nano-Structured and Micro-Structured Radiation Shields for Protection against CBCT Exposure

Materials ◽

10.3390/ma13194371 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (19) ◽

pp. 4371 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kiana Nikeghbal ◽

Zahra Zamanian ◽

Shoaleh Shahidi ◽

Gianrico Spagnuolo ◽

Parisa Soltani

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Weight Ratio ◽

Dioctyl Phthalate ◽

Cone Beam ◽

Linear Attenuation Coefficient ◽

X Rays ◽

X Ray ◽

Nano Material ◽

Radiation Shields ◽

Shielding Properties

Researchers have always been interested in finding new and effective materials for protection against radiation. This experimental study aimed to design and fabricate new types of nano-material and micro-material based shields against the ionizing effect of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) X-rays. To fabricate a flexible prototype, we added dioctyl phthalate (DOP) oil to emulsion polyvinyl chloride (PVC) powder. The paste was mixed and dispersed. Then, nano- and micro-powders of WO3 and Bi2O3 were added to the paste, with the weight ratio of 20% PVC, 20% DOP, and 60% nano- and micro-metals. Using an ultrasonic mixer, the polymer matrix and metals were mixed and a paste with a thick texture was developed. The resultant paste was poured into glass molds and the molds were then heated in an oven. After cooling, the resultant sheets were selected for further experiments. A CBCT unit and dosimeter were used to evaluate the characterization and X-ray shielding properties of the fabricated prototypes. The half-value layers (HVL) for nano-WO3, micro-WO3, nano-Bi2O3, and micro-Bi2O3 were 0.0390, 0.0524, 0.0351, and 0.0374 cm, respectively. In addition, the linear attenuation coefficient (µ) for these materials were 17.77, 13.20, 19.71, and 18.5 cm−1, respectively. The findings indicate that nano-structured samples are more effective in the attenuation of X-ray energy. The nano-structured WO3 prototype was nearly 34% more efficient in attenuating radiation compared to the micro-structured WO3 prototype. This difference in nano- and micro-structured Bi2O3 prototypes was 6.5%.

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