Sample records for cone beam computerized

  1. Comparison between multislice and cone-beam computerized tomography in the volumetric assessment of cleft palate.

    PubMed

    Albuquerque, Marco Antonio; Gaia, Bruno Felipe; Cavalcanti, Marcelo Gusmão Paraíso

    2011-08-01

    The aim of this study was to determine the applicability of multislice and cone-beam computerized tomography (CT) in the assessment of bone defects in patients with oral clefts. Bone defects were produced in 9 dry skulls to mimic oral clefts. All defects were modeled with wax. The skulls were submitted to multislice and cone-beam CT. Subsequently, physical measurements were obtained by the Archimedes principle of water displacement of wax models. The results demonstrated that multislice and cone-beam CT showed a high efficiency rate and were considered to be effective for volumetric assessment of bone defects. It was also observed that both CT modalities showed excellent results with high reliability in the study of the volume of bone defects, with no difference in performance between them. The clinical applicability of our research has shown these CT modalities to be immediate and direct, and they is important for the diagnosis and therapeutic process of patients with oral cleft. Copyright © 2011 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Skeletal maturity assessment with the use of cone-beam computerized tomography.

    PubMed

    Joshi, Vajendra; Yamaguchi, Tetsutaro; Matsuda, Yukiko; Kaneko, Norikazu; Maki, Kotarou; Okano, Tomohiro

    2012-06-01

    The aim of the study was to compare cervical vertebrae maturity assessed with the use of cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) with the hand-wrist maturation method and cervical vertebrae maturation assessed with the use of lateral cephalography for the assessment of skeletal maturity. Assessment of skeletal maturation was done using skeletal maturity indicators (SMI) from hand-wrist radiography, cervical vertebrae maturity index (CVMI) from CBCT and lateral cephalography (cephalo-CVMI). The Spearman correlation coefficient was used for statistical analysis. We observed a significant relationship between CBCT-CVMI and cephalo-CVMI as well as between CBCT-CVMI and SMI stages. The Spearman correlation coefficient value between CBCT-CVMI and cephalo-CVMI was 0.975 (P < .0001) and between CBCT-CVMI and SMI was 0.961(P < .0001). Cervical vertebrae maturity assessment with CBCT provided a reliable assessment of pubertal growth spurt, and therefore CBCT can be used to assess skeletal maturity. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Effective radiation dose of ProMax 3D cone-beam computerized tomography scanner with different dental protocols.

    PubMed

    Qu, Xing-min; Li, Gang; Ludlow, John B; Zhang, Zu-yan; Ma, Xu-chen

    2010-12-01

    The aim of this study was to compare effective doses resulting from different scan protocols for cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) using International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) 1990 and 2007 calculations of dose. Average tissue-absorbed dose, equivalent dose, and effective dose for a ProMax 3D CBCT with different dental protocols were calculated using thermoluminescent dosimeter chips in a human equivalent phantom. Effective doses were derived using ICRP 1990 and the superseding 2007 recommendations. Effective doses (ICRP 2007) for default patient sizes from small to large ranged from 102 to 298 μSv. The coefficient of determination (R(2)) between tube current and effective dose (ICRP 2007) was 0.90. When scanning with lower resolution settings, the effective doses were reduced significantly (P < .05). ProMax 3D can provide a wide range of radiation dose levels. Reduction in radiation dose can be achieved when using lower settings of exposure parameters. Copyright © 2010 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Comparison of four stable numerical methods for Abel's integral equation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Murio, Diego A.; Mejia, Carlos E.

    1991-01-01

    The 3-D image reconstruction from cone-beam projections in computerized tomography leads naturally, in the case of radial symmetry, to the study of Abel-type integral equations. If the experimental information is obtained from measured data, on a discrete set of points, special methods are needed in order to restore continuity with respect to the data. A new combined Regularized-Adjoint-Conjugate Gradient algorithm, together with two different implementations of the Mollification Method (one based on a data filtering technique and the other on the mollification of the kernal function) and a regularization by truncation method (initially proposed for 2-D ray sample schemes and more recently extended to 3-D cone-beam image reconstruction) are extensively tested and compared for accuracy and numerical stability as functions of the level of noise in the data.

  5. Comparison of micro-computerized tomography and cone-beam computerized tomography in the detection of accessory canals in primary molars.

    PubMed

    Acar, Buket; Kamburoğlu, Kıvanç; Tatar, İlkan; Arıkan, Volkan; Çelik, Hakan Hamdi; Yüksel, Selcen; Özen, Tuncer

    2015-12-01

    This study was performed to compare the accuracy of micro-computed tomography (CT) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in detecting accessory canals in primary molars. Forty-one extracted human primary first and second molars were embedded in wax blocks and scanned using micro-CT and CBCT. After the images were taken, the samples were processed using a clearing technique and examined under a stereomicroscope in order to establish the gold standard for this study. The specimens were classified into three groups: maxillary molars, mandibular molars with three canals, and mandibular molars with four canals. Differences between the gold standard and the observations made using the imaging methods were calculated using Spearman's rho correlation coefficient test. The presence of accessory canals in micro-CT images of maxillary and mandibular root canals showed a statistically significant correlation with the stereomicroscopic images used as a gold standard. No statistically significant correlation was found between the CBCT findings and the stereomicroscopic images. Although micro-CT is not suitable for clinical use, it provides more detailed information about minor anatomical structures. However, CBCT is convenient for clinical use but may not be capable of adequately analyzing the internal anatomy of primary teeth.

  6. Assessment of radiation exposure in dental cone-beam computerized tomography with the use of metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) dosimeters and Monte Carlo simulations.

    PubMed

    Koivisto, J; Kiljunen, T; Tapiovaara, M; Wolff, J; Kortesniemi, M

    2012-09-01

    The aims of this study were to assess the organ and effective dose (International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) 103) resulting from dental cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) imaging using a novel metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) dosimeter device, and to assess the reliability of the MOSFET measurements by comparing the results with Monte Carlo PCXMC simulations. Organ dose measurements were performed using 20 MOSFET dosimeters that were embedded in the 8 most radiosensitive organs in the maxillofacial and neck area. The dose-area product (DAP) values attained from CBCT scans were used for PCXMC simulations. The acquired MOSFET doses were then compared with the Monte Carlo simulations. The effective dose measurements using MOSFET dosimeters yielded, using 0.5-cm steps, a value of 153 μSv and the PCXMC simulations resulted in a value of 136 μSv. The MOSFET dosimeters placed in a head phantom gave results similar to Monte Carlo simulations. Minor vertical changes in the positioning of the phantom had a substantial affect on the overall effective dose. Therefore, the MOSFET dosimeters constitute a feasible method for dose assessment of CBCT units in the maxillofacial region. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Reliability of implant surgical guides based on soft-tissue models.

    PubMed

    Maney, Pooja; Simmons, David E; Palaiologou, Archontia; Kee, Edwin

    2012-12-01

    The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of implant surgical guides fabricated on diagnostic casts. Guides were fabricated with radiopaque rods representing implant positions. Cone beam computerized tomograms were taken with guides in place. Accuracy was evaluated using software to simulate implant placement. Twenty-two sites (47%) were considered accurate (13 of 24 maxillary and 9 of 23 mandibular sites). Soft-tissue models do not always provide sufficient accuracy for fabricating implant surgical guides.

  8. [The reliability of dento-maxillary models created by cone-beam CT and rapid prototyping:a comparative study].

    PubMed

    Lv, Yan; Yan, Bin; Wang, Lin; Lou, Dong-hua

    2012-04-01

    To analyze the reliability of the dento-maxillary models created by cone-beam CT and rapid prototyping (RP). Plaster models were obtained from 20 orthodontic patients who had been scanned by cone-beam CT and 3-D models were formed after the calculation and reconstruction of software. Then, computerized composite models (RP models) were produced by rapid prototyping technique. The crown widths, dental arch widths and dental arch lengths on each plaster model, 3-D model and RP model were measured, followed by statistical analysis with SPSS17.0 software package. For crown widths, dental arch lengths and crowding, there were significant differences(P<0.05) among the 3 models, but the dental arch widths were on the contrary. Measurements on 3-D models were significantly smaller than those on other two models(P<0.05). Compared with 3-D models, RP models had more numbers which were not significantly different from those on plaster models(P>0.05). The regression coefficient among three models were significantly different(P<0.01), ranging from 0.8 to 0.9. But between RP and plaster models was bigger than that between 3-D and plaster models. There is high consistency within 3 models, while some differences were accepted in clinic. Therefore, it is possible to substitute 3-D and RP models for plaster models in order to save storage space and improve efficiency.

  9. The influence of body mass index, age, implants, and dental restorations on image quality of cone beam computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Ritter, Lutz; Mischkowski, Robert A; Neugebauer, Jörg; Dreiseidler, Timo; Scheer, Martin; Keeve, Erwin; Zöller, Joachim E

    2009-09-01

    The aim was to determine the influence of patient age, gender, body mass index (BMI), amount of dental restorations, and implants on image quality of cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT). Fifty CBCT scans of a preretail version of Galileos (Sirona, Germany) were investigated retrospectively by 4 observers regarding image quality of 6 anatomic structures, pathologic findings detection, subjective exposure quality, and artifacts. Patient age, BMI, gender, amount of dental restorations, and implants were recorded and statistically tested for correlations to image quality. A negative effect on image quality was found statistically significantly correlated with age and the amount of dental restorations. None of the investigated image features were garbled by any of the investigated influence factors. Age and the amount of dental restorations appear to have a negative impact on CBCT image quality, whereas gender and BMI do not. Image quality of mental foramen, mandibular canal, and nasal floor are affected negatively by age but not by the amount of dental restorations. Further studies are required to elucidate influence factors on CBCT image quality.

  10. A study of root canal morphology of human primary incisors and molars using cone beam computerized tomography: an in vitro study.

    PubMed

    Gaurav, Vivek; Srivastava, Nikhil; Rana, Vivek; Adlakha, Vivek Kumar

    2013-01-01

    Variations in morphology of root canals in primary teeth usually leads to complications during and after endodontic therapy. To improve the success in endodontics, a thorough knowledge of the root canal morphology is essential. The aim of this study was to assess the variation in number and morphology of the root canals of primary incisors and molars and to study the applicability of cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) in assessing the same. A total of 60 primary molars and incisors with full root length were collected and various parameters such as the number of roots, number of canals, diameter of root canal at cementoenamel junction and middle-third, length and angulations of roots of primary molars and incisors were studied using CBCT. The observations were put to descriptive statistics to find out the frequency, mean, standard deviation and range for all four subgroups. Further, unpaired t-test was used to compare these parameters between subgroups and analysis of variance test was implemented to evaluate the parameters within the subgroups. The CBCT showed the presence of bifurcation of root canal at middle third in 13% of mandibular incisors while 20% of mandibular molars had two canals in distal root. The diameter of distobuccal root canal of maxillary molars and mesiolingual canal of mandibular molars was found to be minimum. CBCT is a relatively new and effective technology, which provides an auxiliary imaging modality to supplement conventional radiography for assessing the variation in root canal morphology of primary teeth.

  11. Three-Dimensional Planning in Maxillofacial Fracture Surgery: Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacture Surgical Splints by Integrating Cone Beam Computerized Tomography Images Into Multislice Computerized Tomography Images.

    PubMed

    Ren, Jiayin; Zhou, Zhongwei; Li, Peng; Tang, Wei; Guo, Jixiang; Wang, Hu; Tian, Weidong

    2016-09-01

    This study aimed to evaluate an innovative workflow for maxillofacial fracture surgery planning and surgical splint designing. The maxillofacial multislice computerized tomography (MSCT) data and dental cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) data both were obtained from 40 normal adults and 58 adults who suffered fractures. The each part of the CBCT dentition image was registered into MSCT image by the use of the iterative closest point algorithm. Volume evaluation of the virtual splints that were designed by the registered MSCT images and MSCT images of the same object was performed. Eighteen patients (group 1) were operated without any splint. Twenty-one (group 2) and 19 patients (group 3) used the splints designed according to the MSCT images and registered MSCT images, respectively. The authors' results showed that the mean errors between the 2 models ranged from 0.53 to 0.92 mm and the RMS errors ranged from 0.38 to 0.69 mm in fracture patients. The mean errors between the 2 models ranged from 0.47 to 0.85 mm and the RMS errors ranged from 0.33 to 0.71 mm in normal adults. 72.22% patients in group 1 recovered occlusion. 85.71% patients in group 2, and 94.73% patients in group 3 reconstructed occlusion. There was a statistically significant difference between the MSCT images based splints' volume and the registered MSCT splints' volume in patients (P <0.05). The MSCT images based splints' volume was statistically significantly distinct from the registered MSCT splints' volume in normal adults (P <0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the MSCT images based splints' volume and the registered MSCT splints' volume in patients and normal adults (P <0.05). The occlusion recovery rate of group 3 was better than that of group 1 and group 2. The way of integrating CBCT images into MSCT images for splints designing was feasible. The volume of the splints designed by MSCT images tended to be smaller than the splints designed by the integrated MSCT images. The patients operated with splints tended to regain occlusion. The patients who were operated with the splints which were designed according to registered MSCT images tended to get occlusal recovered.

  12. A Semi-Discrete Landweber-Kaczmarz Method for Cone Beam Tomography and Laminography Exploiting Geometric Prior Information

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vogelgesang, Jonas; Schorr, Christian

    2016-12-01

    We present a semi-discrete Landweber-Kaczmarz method for solving linear ill-posed problems and its application to Cone Beam tomography and laminography. Using a basis function-type discretization in the image domain, we derive a semi-discrete model of the underlying scanning system. Based on this model, the proposed method provides an approximate solution of the reconstruction problem, i.e. reconstructing the density function of a given object from its projections, in suitable subspaces equipped with basis function-dependent weights. This approach intuitively allows the incorporation of additional information about the inspected object leading to a more accurate model of the X-rays through the object. Also, physical conditions of the scanning geometry, like flat detectors in computerized tomography as used in non-destructive testing applications as well as non-regular scanning curves e.g. appearing in computed laminography (CL) applications, are directly taken into account during the modeling process. Finally, numerical experiments of a typical CL application in three dimensions are provided to verify the proposed method. The introduction of geometric prior information leads to a significantly increased image quality and superior reconstructions compared to standard iterative methods.

  13. Design and development of C-arm based cone-beam CT for image-guided interventions: initial results

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Guang-Hong; Zambelli, Joseph; Nett, Brian E.; Supanich, Mark; Riddell, Cyril; Belanger, Barry; Mistretta, Charles A.

    2006-03-01

    X-ray cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is of importance in image-guided intervention (IGI) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). In this paper, we present a cone-beam CT data acquisition system using a GE INNOVA 4100 (GE Healthcare Technologies, Waukesha, Wisconsin) clinical system. This new cone-beam data acquisition mode was developed for research purposes without interfering with any clinical function of the system. It provides us a basic imaging pipeline for more advanced cone-beam data acquisition methods. It also provides us a platform to study and overcome the limiting factors such as cone-beam artifacts and limiting low contrast resolution in current C-arm based cone-beam CT systems. A geometrical calibration method was developed to experimentally determine parameters of the scanning geometry to correct the image reconstruction for geometric non-idealities. Extensive phantom studies and some small animal studies have been conducted to evaluate the performance of our cone-beam CT data acquisition system.

  14. CT cardiac imaging: evolution from 2D to 3D backprojection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tang, Xiangyang; Pan, Tinsu; Sasaki, Kosuke

    2004-04-01

    The state-of-the-art multiple detector-row CT, which usually employs fan beam reconstruction algorithms by approximating a cone beam geometry into a fan beam geometry, has been well recognized as an important modality for cardiac imaging. At present, the multiple detector-row CT is evolving into volumetric CT, in which cone beam reconstruction algorithms are needed to combat cone beam artifacts caused by large cone angle. An ECG-gated cardiac cone beam reconstruction algorithm based upon the so-called semi-CB geometry is implemented in this study. To get the highest temporal resolution, only the projection data corresponding to 180° plus the cone angle are row-wise rebinned into the semi-CB geometry for three-dimensional reconstruction. Data extrapolation is utilized to extend the z-coverage of the ECG-gated cardiac cone beam reconstruction algorithm approaching the edge of a CT detector. A helical body phantom is used to evaluate the ECG-gated cone beam reconstruction algorithm"s z-coverage and capability of suppressing cone beam artifacts. Furthermore, two sets of cardiac data scanned by a multiple detector-row CT scanner at 16 x 1.25 (mm) and normalized pitch 0.275 and 0.3 respectively are used to evaluate the ECG-gated CB reconstruction algorithm"s imaging performance. As a reference, the images reconstructed by a fan beam reconstruction algorithm for multiple detector-row CT are also presented. The qualitative evaluation shows that, the ECG-gated cone beam reconstruction algorithm outperforms its fan beam counterpart from the perspective of cone beam artifact suppression and z-coverage while the temporal resolution is well maintained. Consequently, the scan speed can be increased to reduce the contrast agent amount and injection time, improve the patient comfort and x-ray dose efficiency. Based up on the comparison, it is believed that, with the transition of multiple detector-row CT into volumetric CT, ECG-gated cone beam reconstruction algorithms will provide better image quality for CT cardiac applications.

  15. Clinical technique for invasive cervical root resorption

    PubMed Central

    Silveira, Luiz Fernando Machado; Silveira, Carina Folgearini; Martos, Josué; Piovesan, Edno Moacir; César Neto, João Batista

    2011-01-01

    This clinical case report describes the diagnosis and treatment of an external invasive cervical resorption. A 17-year-old female patient had a confirmed diagnosis of invasive cervical resorption class 4 by cone beam computerized tomography. Although, there was no communication with the root canal, the invasive resorption process was extending into the cervical and middle third of the root. The treatment of the cervical resorption of the lateral incisor interrupted the resorptive process and restored the damaged root surface and the dental functions without any esthetic sequelae. Both the radiographic examination and computed tomography are imperative to reveal the extent of the defect in the differential diagnosis. PMID:22144822

  16. Endodontic management of a mandibular first molar with six root canal systems.

    PubMed

    Jain, Dilip; Reddy, Smitha; Venigalla, Bhuvan Shome; Kamishetty, Shekhar

    2015-01-01

    Internal anatomy of pulp is complex. The first mandibular molars typically have two roots, one mesial with two root canals and another distal root, which contains one or two canals. A 20-year-old female patient reported with intermittent pain and incomplete root canal treatment in left lower back region since 1-week. Refined access cavity revealed initially two canals in mesial and two canals in the distal root. With operating microscope and cone beam computerized tomography, two additional canals (L-mesio-buccal and B-mesio-lingual) were identified in mesial root. One-year follow-up showed patient was asymptomatic and complete healing of periapical radiolucency.

  17. Image reconstruction from cone-beam projections with attenuation correction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Weng, Yi

    1997-07-01

    In single photon emission computered tomography (SPECT) imaging, photon attenuation within the body is a major factor contributing to the quantitative inaccuracy in measuring the distribution of radioactivity. Cone-beam SPECT provides improved sensitivity for imaging small organs. This thesis extends the results for 2D parallel- beam and fan-beam geometry to 3D parallel-beam and cone- beam geometries in order to derive filtered backprojection reconstruction algorithms for the 3D exponential parallel-beam transform and for the exponential cone-beam transform with sampling on a sphere. An exact inversion formula for the 3D exponential parallel-beam transform is obtained and is extended to the 3D exponential cone-beam transform. Sampling on a sphere is not useful clinically and current cone-beam tomography, with the focal point traversing a planar orbit, does not acquire sufficient data to give an accurate reconstruction. Thus a data acquisition method that obtains complete data for cone-beam SPECT by simultaneously rotating the gamma camera and translating the patient bed, so that cone-beam projections can be obtained with the focal point traversing a helix that surrounds the patient was developed. First, an implementation of Grangeat's algorithm for helical cone- beam projections was developed without attenuation correction. A fast new rebinning scheme was developed that uses all of the detected data to reconstruct the image and properly normalizes any multiply scanned data. In the case of attenuation no theorem analogous to Tuy's has been proven. We hypothesized that an artifact-free reconstruction could be obtained even if the cone-beam data are attenuated, provided the imaging orbit satisfies Tuy's condition and the exact attenuation map is known. Cone-beam emission data were acquired by using a circle- and-line and a helix orbit on a clinical SPECT system. An iterative conjugate gradient reconstruction algorithm was used to reconstruct projection data with a known attenuation map. The quantitative accuracy of the attenuation-corrected emission reconstruction was significantly improved.

  18. Dual energy approach for cone beam artifacts correction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Han, Chulhee; Choi, Shinkook; Lee, Changwoo; Baek, Jongduk

    2017-03-01

    Cone beam computed tomography systems generate 3D volumetric images, which provide further morphological information compared to radiography and tomosynthesis systems. However, reconstructed images by FDK algorithm contain cone beam artifacts when a cone angle is large. To reduce the cone beam artifacts, two-pass algorithm has been proposed. The two-pass algorithm considers the cone beam artifacts are mainly caused by high density materials, and proposes an effective method to estimate error images (i.e., cone beam artifacts images) by the high density materials. While this approach is simple and effective with a small cone angle (i.e., 5 - 7 degree), the correction performance is degraded as the cone angle increases. In this work, we propose a new method to reduce the cone beam artifacts using a dual energy technique. The basic idea of the proposed method is to estimate the error images generated by the high density materials more reliably. To do this, projection data of the high density materials are extracted from dual energy CT projection data using a material decomposition technique, and then reconstructed by iterative reconstruction using total-variation regularization. The reconstructed high density materials are used to estimate the error images from the original FDK images. The performance of the proposed method is compared with the two-pass algorithm using root mean square errors. The results show that the proposed method reduces the cone beam artifacts more effectively, especially with a large cone angle.

  19. 3D algebraic iterative reconstruction for cone-beam x-ray differential phase-contrast computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Fu, Jian; Hu, Xinhua; Velroyen, Astrid; Bech, Martin; Jiang, Ming; Pfeiffer, Franz

    2015-01-01

    Due to the potential of compact imaging systems with magnified spatial resolution and contrast, cone-beam x-ray differential phase-contrast computed tomography (DPC-CT) has attracted significant interest. The current proposed FDK reconstruction algorithm with the Hilbert imaginary filter will induce severe cone-beam artifacts when the cone-beam angle becomes large. In this paper, we propose an algebraic iterative reconstruction (AIR) method for cone-beam DPC-CT and report its experiment results. This approach considers the reconstruction process as the optimization of a discrete representation of the object function to satisfy a system of equations that describes the cone-beam DPC-CT imaging modality. Unlike the conventional iterative algorithms for absorption-based CT, it involves the derivative operation to the forward projections of the reconstructed intermediate image to take into account the differential nature of the DPC projections. This method is based on the algebraic reconstruction technique, reconstructs the image ray by ray, and is expected to provide better derivative estimates in iterations. This work comprises a numerical study of the algorithm and its experimental verification using a dataset measured with a three-grating interferometer and a mini-focus x-ray tube source. It is shown that the proposed method can reduce the cone-beam artifacts and performs better than FDK under large cone-beam angles. This algorithm is of interest for future cone-beam DPC-CT applications.

  20. Flat panel detector-based cone beam computed tomography with a circle-plus-two-arcs data acquisition orbit: preliminary phantom study.

    PubMed

    Ning, Ruola; Tang, Xiangyang; Conover, David; Yu, Rongfeng

    2003-07-01

    Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been investigated in the past two decades due to its potential advantages over a fan beam CT. These advantages include (a) great improvement in data acquisition efficiency, spatial resolution, and spatial resolution uniformity, (b) substantially better utilization of x-ray photons generated by the x-ray tube compared to a fan beam CT, and (c) significant advancement in clinical three-dimensional (3D) CT applications. However, most studies of CBCT in the past are focused on cone beam data acquisition theories and reconstruction algorithms. The recent development of x-ray flat panel detectors (FPD) has made CBCT imaging feasible and practical. This paper reports a newly built flat panel detector-based CBCT prototype scanner and presents the results of the preliminary evaluation of the prototype through a phantom study. The prototype consisted of an x-ray tube, a flat panel detector, a GE 8800 CT gantry, a patient table and a computer system. The prototype was constructed by modifying a GE 8800 CT gantry such that both a single-circle cone beam acquisition orbit and a circle-plus-two-arcs orbit can be achieved. With a circle-plus-two-arcs orbit, a complete set of cone beam projection data can be obtained, consisting of a set of circle projections and a set of arc projections. Using the prototype scanner, the set of circle projections were acquired by rotating the x-ray tube and the FPD together on the gantry, and the set of arc projections were obtained by tilting the gantry while the x-ray tube and detector were at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions, respectively. A filtered backprojection exact cone beam reconstruction algorithm based on a circle-plus-two-arcs orbit was used for cone beam reconstruction from both the circle and arc projections. The system was first characterized in terms of the linearity and dynamic range of the detector. Then the uniformity, spatial resolution and low contrast resolution were assessed using different phantoms mainly in the central plane of the cone beam reconstruction. Finally, the reconstruction accuracy of using the circle-plus-two-arcs orbit and its related filtered backprojection cone beam volume CT reconstruction algorithm was evaluated with a specially designed disk phantom. The results obtained using the new cone beam acquisition orbit and the related reconstruction algorithm were compared to those obtained using a single-circle cone beam geometry and Feldkamp's algorithm in terms of reconstruction accuracy. The results of the study demonstrate that the circle-plus-two-arcs cone beam orbit is achievable in practice. Also, the reconstruction accuracy of cone beam reconstruction is significantly improved with the circle-plus-two-arcs orbit and its related exact CB-FPB algorithm, as compared to using a single circle cone beam orbit and Feldkamp's algorithm.

  1. A reconstruction method for cone-beam differential x-ray phase-contrast computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Fu, Jian; Velroyen, Astrid; Tan, Renbo; Zhang, Junwei; Chen, Liyuan; Tapfer, Arne; Bech, Martin; Pfeiffer, Franz

    2012-09-10

    Most existing differential phase-contrast computed tomography (DPC-CT) approaches are based on three kinds of scanning geometries, described by parallel-beam, fan-beam and cone-beam. Due to the potential of compact imaging systems with magnified spatial resolution, cone-beam DPC-CT has attracted significant interest. In this paper, we report a reconstruction method based on a back-projection filtration (BPF) algorithm for cone-beam DPC-CT. Due to the differential nature of phase contrast projections, the algorithm restrains from differentiation of the projection data prior to back-projection, unlike BPF algorithms commonly used for absorption-based CT data. This work comprises a numerical study of the algorithm and its experimental verification using a dataset measured with a three-grating interferometer and a micro-focus x-ray tube source. Moreover, the numerical simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can deal with several classes of truncated cone-beam datasets. We believe that this feature is of particular interest for future medical cone-beam phase-contrast CT imaging applications.

  2. Cone beam computed tomography in the diagnosis of dental disease.

    PubMed

    Tetradis, Sotirios; Anstey, Paul; Graff-Radford, Steven

    2011-07-01

    Conventional radiographs provide important information for dental disease diagnosis. However, they represent 2-D images of 3-D objects with significant structure superimposition and unpredictable magnification. Cone beam computed tomography, however, allows true 3-D visualization of the dentoalveolar structures, avoiding major limitations of conventional radiographs. Cone beam computed tomography images offer great advantages in disease detection for selected patients. The authors discuss cone beam computed tomography applications in dental disease diagnosis, reviewing the pertinent literature when available.

  3. Cone Beam CT vs. Fan Beam CT: A Comparison of Image Quality and Dose Delivered Between Two Differing CT Imaging Modalities.

    PubMed

    Lechuga, Lawrence; Weidlich, Georg A

    2016-09-12

    A comparison of image quality and dose delivered between two differing computed tomography (CT) imaging modalities-fan beam and cone beam-was performed. A literature review of quantitative analyses for various image quality aspects such as uniformity, signal-to-noise ratio, artifact presence, spatial resolution, modulation transfer function (MTF), and low contrast resolution was generated. With these aspects quantified, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) shows a superior spatial resolution to that of fan beam, while fan beam shows a greater ability to produce clear and anatomically correct images with better soft tissue differentiation. The results indicate that fan beam CT produces superior images to that of on-board imaging (OBI) cone beam CT systems, while providing a considerably less dose to the patient.

  4. Dose Calculation on KV Cone Beam CT Images: An Investigation of the Hu-Density Conversion Stability and Dose Accuracy Using the Site-Specific Calibration

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Rong Yi, E-mail: rong@humonc.wisc.ed; Smilowitz, Jennifer; Tewatia, Dinesh

    2010-10-01

    Precise calibration of Hounsfield units (HU) to electron density (HU-density) is essential to dose calculation. On-board kV cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging is used predominantly for patients' positioning, but will potentially be used for dose calculation. The impacts of varying 3 imaging parameters (mAs, source-imager distance [SID], and cone angle) and phantom size on the HU number accuracy and HU-density calibrations for CBCT imaging were studied. We proposed a site-specific calibration method to achieve higher accuracy in CBCT image-based dose calculation. Three configurations of the Computerized Imaging Reference Systems (CIRS) water equivalent electron density phantom were used to simulatemore » sites including head, lungs, and lower body (abdomen/pelvis). The planning computed tomography (CT) scan was used as the baseline for comparisons. CBCT scans of these phantom configurations were performed using Varian Trilogy{sup TM} system in a precalibrated mode with fixed tube voltage (125 kVp), but varied mAs, SID, and cone angle. An HU-density curve was generated and evaluated for each set of scan parameters. Three HU-density tables generated using different phantom configurations with the same imaging parameter settings were selected for dose calculation on CBCT images for an accuracy comparison. Changing mAs or SID had small impact on HU numbers. For adipose tissue, the HU discrepancy from the baseline was 20 HU in a small phantom, but 5 times lager in a large phantom. Yet, reducing the cone angle significantly decreases the HU discrepancy. The HU-density table was also affected accordingly. By performing dose comparison between CT and CBCT image-based plans, results showed that using the site-specific HU-density tables to calibrate CBCT images of different sites improves the dose accuracy to {approx}2%. Our phantom study showed that CBCT imaging can be a feasible option for dose computation in adaptive radiotherapy approach if the site-specific calibration is applied.« less

  5. Development of Prior Image-based, High-Quality, Low-Dose Kilovoltage Cone Beam CT for Use in Adaptive Radiotherapy of Prostate Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-05-01

    employs kilovoltage (KV) cone- beam CT (CBCT) for guiding treatment. High quality CBCT images are important in achieving improved treatment effect...necessary for achieving successful adaptive RT. Kilovoltage cone-beam CT (CBCT) has shown its capability of yielding such images to guide the prostate cancer...study of low-dose intra-operative cone-beam CT for image- guided surgery,” Proc. SPIE, 7961, 79615P, 2011 10. X. Han, E. Pearson, J. Bian, S. Cho, E. Y

  6. Technical note: suppression of artifacts arising from simultaneous cone-beam imaging and RF transponder tracking in prostate radiotherapy.

    PubMed

    Poludniowski, Gavin; Webb, Steve; Evans, Philip M

    2012-03-01

    Artifacts in treatment-room cone-beam reconstructions have been observed at the authors' center when cone-beam acquisition is simultaneous with radio frequency (RF) transponder tracking using the Calypso 4D system (Calypso Medical, Seattle, WA). These artifacts manifest as CT-number modulations and increased CT-noise. The authors present a method for the suppression of the artifacts. The authors propose a three-stage postprocessing technique that can be applied to image volumes previously reconstructed by a cone-beam system. The stages are (1) segmentation of voxels into air, soft-tissue, and bone; (2) application of a 2D spatial-filter in the axial plane to the soft-tissue voxels; and (3) normalization to remove streaking along the axial-direction. The algorithm was tested on patient data acquired with Synergy XVI cone-beam CT systems (Elekta, Crawley, United Kingdom). The computational demands of the suggested correction are small, taking less than 15 s per cone-beam reconstruction on a desktop PC. For a moderate loss of spatial-resolution, the artifacts are strongly suppressed and low-contrast visibility is improved. The correction technique proposed is fast and effective in removing the artifacts caused by simultaneous cone-beam imaging and RF-transponder tracking.

  7. Examination of the dental cone-beam CT equipped with flat-panel-detector (FPD)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ito, Rieko; Fujita, Naotoshi; Kodera, Yoshie

    2011-03-01

    In dentistry, computed tomography (CT) is essential for diagnosis. Recently, cone-beam CT has come into use. We used an "Alphard 3030" cone-beam CT equipped with an FPD system. This system can obtain fluoroscopic and CT images. Moreover, the Alphard has 4 exposure modes for CT, and each mode has a different field of view (FOV) and voxel size. We examined the image quality of kinetic and CT images obtained using the cone-beam CT system. To evaluate kinetic image quality, we calculated the Wiener spectrum (WS) and modulation transfer function (MTF). We then analyzed the lag images and exposed a phantom. To evaluate CT image quality, we calculated WS and MTF at various places in the FOV and examined the influence of extension of the cone beam X-ray on voxel size. Furthermore, we compared the WS and MTF values of cone-beam CT to those of another CT system. Evaluation of the kinetic images showed that cone-beam CT is sufficient for clinical diagnosis and provides better image quality than the other system tested. However, during exposure of a CT image, the distance from the center influences image quality (especially MTF). Further, differences in voxel size affect image quality. It is therefore necessary to carefully position the region of interest and select an appropriate mode.

  8. Compensating the intensity fall-off effect in cone-beam tomography by an empirical weight formula.

    PubMed

    Chen, Zikuan; Calhoun, Vince D; Chang, Shengjiang

    2008-11-10

    The Feldkamp-David-Kress (FDK) algorithm is widely adopted for cone-beam reconstruction due to its one-dimensional filtered backprojection structure and parallel implementation. In a reconstruction volume, the conspicuous cone-beam artifact manifests as intensity fall-off along the longitudinal direction (the gantry rotation axis). This effect is inherent to circular cone-beam tomography due to the fact that a cone-beam dataset acquired from circular scanning fails to meet the data sufficiency condition for volume reconstruction. Upon observations of the intensity fall-off phenomenon associated with the FDK reconstruction of a ball phantom, we propose an empirical weight formula to compensate for the fall-off degradation. Specifically, a reciprocal cosine can be used to compensate the voxel values along longitudinal direction during three-dimensional backprojection reconstruction, in particular for boosting the values of voxels at positions with large cone angles. The intensity degradation within the z plane, albeit insignificant, can also be compensated by using the same weight formula through a parameter for radial distance dependence. Computer simulations and phantom experiments are presented to demonstrate the compensation effectiveness of the fall-off effect inherent in circular cone-beam tomography.

  9. Cone Beam CT vs. Fan Beam CT: A Comparison of Image Quality and Dose Delivered Between Two Differing CT Imaging Modalities

    PubMed Central

    Weidlich, Georg A.

    2016-01-01

    A comparison of image quality and dose delivered between two differing computed tomography (CT) imaging modalities—fan beam and cone beam—was performed. A literature review of quantitative analyses for various image quality aspects such as uniformity, signal-to-noise ratio, artifact presence, spatial resolution, modulation transfer function (MTF), and low contrast resolution was generated. With these aspects quantified, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) shows a superior spatial resolution to that of fan beam, while fan beam shows a greater ability to produce clear and anatomically correct images with better soft tissue differentiation. The results indicate that fan beam CT produces superior images to that of on-board imaging (OBI) cone beam CT systems, while providing a considerably less dose to the patient. PMID:27752404

  10. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Cone-Beam CT in Conjunction with DSA for Identifying Prostatic Arterial Anatomy.

    PubMed

    Wang, Mao Qiang; Duan, Feng; Yuan, Kai; Zhang, Guo Dong; Yan, Jieyu; Wang, Yan

    2017-01-01

    Purpose To describe findings in prostatic arteries (PAs) at digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and cone-beam computed tomography (CT) that allow identification of benign prostatic hyperplasia and to determine the value added with the use of cone-beam CT. Materials and Methods This retrospective single-institution study was approved by the institutional review board, and the requirement for written informed consent was waived. From February 2009 to December 2014, a total of 148 patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 70.5 years ± 14.5) underwent DSA of the internal iliac arteries and cone-beam CT with a flat-detector angiographic system before they underwent prostate artery embolization. Both the DSA and cone-beam CT images were evaluated by two interventional radiologists to determine the number of independent PAs and their origins and anastomoses with adjacent arteries. The exact McNemar test was used to compare the detection rate of the PAs and the anastomoses with DSA and with cone-beam CT. Results The PA anatomy was evaluated successfully by means of cone-beam CT in conjunction with DSA in all patients. Of the 296 pelvic sides, 274 (92.6%) had only one PA. The most frequent PA origin was the common gluteal-pudendal trunk with the superior vesicular artery in 118 (37.1%), followed by the anterior division of the internal iliac artery in 99 (31.1%), and the internal pudendal artery in 77 (24.2%) pelvic sides. In 67 (22.6%) pelvic sides, anastomoses to adjacent arteries were documented. The numbers of PA origins and anastomoses, respectively, that could be identified were significantly higher with cone-beam CT (301 of 318 [94.7%] and 65 of 67 [97.0%]) than with DSA (237 [74.5%] and 39 [58.2%], P < .05). Cone-beam CT provided essential information that was not available with DSA in 90 of 148 (60.8%) patients. Conclusion Cone-beam CT is a useful adjunctive technique to DSA for identification of the PA anatomy and provides information to help treatment planning during prostatic arterial embolization. © RSNA, 2016.

  11. Reproducibility of three-dimensional cephalometric landmarks in cone-beam and low-dose computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Olszewski, R; Frison, L; Wisniewski, M; Denis, J M; Vynckier, S; Cosnard, G; Zech, F; Reychler, H

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this study is to compare the reproducibility of three-dimensional cephalometric landmarks on three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) surface rendering using clinical protocols based on low-dose (35-mAs) spiral CT and cone-beam CT (I-CAT). The absorbed dose levels for radiosensitive organs in the maxillofacial region during exposure in both 3D-CT protocols were also assessed. The study population consisted of ten human dry skulls examined with low-dose CT and cone-beam CT. Two independent observers identified 24 cephalometric anatomic landmarks at 13 sites on the 3D-CT surface renderings using both protocols, with each observer repeating the identification 1 month later. A total of 1,920 imaging measurements were performed. Thermoluminescent dosimeters were placed at six sites around the thyroid gland, the submandibular glands, and the eyes in an Alderson phantom to measure the absorbed dose levels. When comparing low-dose CT and cone-beam CT protocols, the cone-beam CT protocol proved to be significantly more reproducible for four of the 13 anatomical sites. There was no significant difference between the protocols for the other nine anatomical sites. Both low-dose and cone-beam CT protocols were equivalent in dose absorption to the eyes and submandibular glands. However, thyroid glands were more irradiated with low-dose CT. Cone-beam CT was more reproducible and procured less irradiation to the thyroid gland than low-dose CT. Cone-beam CT should be preferred over low-dose CT for developing three-dimensional bony cephalometric analyses.

  12. Experimental and raytrace results for throat-to-throat compound parabolic concentrators

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Leviton, D. B.; Leitch, J. W.

    1986-01-01

    Compound parabolic concentrators are nonimaging cone-shaped optics with useful angular transmission characteristics. Two cones used throat-to-throat accept radiant flux within one well-defined acceptance angle and redistribute it into another. If the entrance cone is fed with Lambertian flux, the exit cone produces a beam whose half-angle is the exit cone's acceptance angle and whose cross section shows uniform irradiance from near the exit mouth to infinity. (The pair is a beam angle transformer). The design of one pair of cones is discussed, also an experiment to map the irradiance of the emergent beam, and a raytracing program which models the cones fed by Lambertian flux. Experimental results compare favorably with raytrace results.

  13. Cone Beam X-Ray Luminescence Tomography Imaging Based on KA-FEM Method for Small Animals.

    PubMed

    Chen, Dongmei; Meng, Fanzhen; Zhao, Fengjun; Xu, Cao

    2016-01-01

    Cone beam X-ray luminescence tomography can realize fast X-ray luminescence tomography imaging with relatively low scanning time compared with narrow beam X-ray luminescence tomography. However, cone beam X-ray luminescence tomography suffers from an ill-posed reconstruction problem. First, the feasibility of experiments with different penetration and multispectra in small animal has been tested using nanophosphor material. Then, the hybrid reconstruction algorithm with KA-FEM method has been applied in cone beam X-ray luminescence tomography for small animals to overcome the ill-posed reconstruction problem, whose advantage and property have been demonstrated in fluorescence tomography imaging. The in vivo mouse experiment proved the feasibility of the proposed method.

  14. Generalized Fourier slice theorem for cone-beam image reconstruction.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Shuang-Ren; Jiang, Dazong; Yang, Kevin; Yang, Kang

    2015-01-01

    The cone-beam reconstruction theory has been proposed by Kirillov in 1961, Tuy in 1983, Feldkamp in 1984, Smith in 1985, Pierre Grangeat in 1990. The Fourier slice theorem is proposed by Bracewell 1956, which leads to the Fourier image reconstruction method for parallel-beam geometry. The Fourier slice theorem is extended to fan-beam geometry by Zhao in 1993 and 1995. By combining the above mentioned cone-beam image reconstruction theory and the above mentioned Fourier slice theory of fan-beam geometry, the Fourier slice theorem in cone-beam geometry is proposed by Zhao 1995 in short conference publication. This article offers the details of the derivation and implementation of this Fourier slice theorem for cone-beam geometry. Especially the problem of the reconstruction from Fourier domain has been overcome, which is that the value of in the origin of Fourier space is 0/0. The 0/0 type of limit is proper handled. As examples, the implementation results for the single circle and two perpendicular circle source orbits are shown. In the cone-beam reconstruction if a interpolation process is considered, the number of the calculations for the generalized Fourier slice theorem algorithm is O(N^4), which is close to the filtered back-projection method, here N is the image size of 1-dimension. However the interpolation process can be avoid, in that case the number of the calculations is O(N5).

  15. Analytic image reconstruction from partial data for a single-scan cone-beam CT with scatter correction

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Min, Jonghwan; Pua, Rizza; Cho, Seungryong, E-mail: scho@kaist.ac.kr

    Purpose: A beam-blocker composed of multiple strips is a useful gadget for scatter correction and/or for dose reduction in cone-beam CT (CBCT). However, the use of such a beam-blocker would yield cone-beam data that can be challenging for accurate image reconstruction from a single scan in the filtered-backprojection framework. The focus of the work was to develop an analytic image reconstruction method for CBCT that can be directly applied to partially blocked cone-beam data in conjunction with the scatter correction. Methods: The authors developed a rebinned backprojection-filteration (BPF) algorithm for reconstructing images from the partially blocked cone-beam data in amore » circular scan. The authors also proposed a beam-blocking geometry considering data redundancy such that an efficient scatter estimate can be acquired and sufficient data for BPF image reconstruction can be secured at the same time from a single scan without using any blocker motion. Additionally, scatter correction method and noise reduction scheme have been developed. The authors have performed both simulation and experimental studies to validate the rebinned BPF algorithm for image reconstruction from partially blocked cone-beam data. Quantitative evaluations of the reconstructed image quality were performed in the experimental studies. Results: The simulation study revealed that the developed reconstruction algorithm successfully reconstructs the images from the partial cone-beam data. In the experimental study, the proposed method effectively corrected for the scatter in each projection and reconstructed scatter-corrected images from a single scan. Reduction of cupping artifacts and an enhancement of the image contrast have been demonstrated. The image contrast has increased by a factor of about 2, and the image accuracy in terms of root-mean-square-error with respect to the fan-beam CT image has increased by more than 30%. Conclusions: The authors have successfully demonstrated that the proposed scanning method and image reconstruction algorithm can effectively estimate the scatter in cone-beam projections and produce tomographic images of nearly scatter-free quality. The authors believe that the proposed method would provide a fast and efficient CBCT scanning option to various applications particularly including head-and-neck scan.« less

  16. High-quality 3D correction of ring and radiant artifacts in flat panel detector-based cone beam volume CT imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abu Anas, Emran Mohammad; Kim, Jae Gon; Lee, Soo Yeol; Kamrul Hasan, Md

    2011-10-01

    The use of an x-ray flat panel detector is increasingly becoming popular in 3D cone beam volume CT machines. Due to the deficient semiconductor array manufacturing process, the cone beam projection data are often corrupted by different types of abnormalities, which cause severe ring and radiant artifacts in a cone beam reconstruction image, and as a result, the diagnostic image quality is degraded. In this paper, a novel technique is presented for the correction of error in the 2D cone beam projections due to abnormalities often observed in 2D x-ray flat panel detectors. Template images are derived from the responses of the detector pixels using their statistical properties and then an effective non-causal derivative-based detection algorithm in 2D space is presented for the detection of defective and mis-calibrated detector elements separately. An image inpainting-based 3D correction scheme is proposed for the estimation of responses of defective detector elements, and the responses of the mis-calibrated detector elements are corrected using the normalization technique. For real-time implementation, a simplification of the proposed off-line method is also suggested. Finally, the proposed algorithms are tested using different real cone beam volume CT images and the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed methods can effectively remove ring and radiant artifacts from cone beam volume CT images compared to other reported techniques in the literature.

  17. PI-line-based image reconstruction in helical cone-beam computed tomography with a variable pitch.

    PubMed

    Zou, Yu; Pan, Xiaochuan; Xia, Dan; Wang, Ge

    2005-08-01

    Current applications of helical cone-beam computed tomography (CT) involve primarily a constant pitch where the translating speed of the table and the rotation speed of the source-detector remain constant. However, situations do exist where it may be more desirable to use a helical scan with a variable translating speed of the table, leading a variable pitch. One of such applications could arise in helical cone-beam CT fluoroscopy for the determination of vascular structures through real-time imaging of contrast bolus arrival. Most of the existing reconstruction algorithms have been developed only for helical cone-beam CT with constant pitch, including the backprojection-filtration (BPF) and filtered-backprojection (FBP) algorithms that we proposed previously. It is possible to generalize some of these algorithms to reconstruct images exactly for helical cone-beam CT with a variable pitch. In this work, we generalize our BPF and FBP algorithms to reconstruct images directly from data acquired in helical cone-beam CT with a variable pitch. We have also performed a preliminary numerical study to demonstrate and verify the generalization of the two algorithms. The results of the study confirm that our generalized BPF and FBP algorithms can yield exact reconstruction in helical cone-beam CT with a variable pitch. It should be pointed out that our generalized BPF algorithm is the only algorithm that is capable of reconstructing exactly region-of-interest image from data containing transverse truncations.

  18. A BPF-FBP tandem algorithm for image reconstruction in reverse helical cone-beam CT

    PubMed Central

    Cho, Seungryong; Xia, Dan; Pellizzari, Charles A.; Pan, Xiaochuan

    2010-01-01

    Purpose: Reverse helical cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a scanning configuration for potential applications in image-guided radiation therapy in which an accurate anatomic image of the patient is needed for image-guidance procedures. The authors previously developed an algorithm for image reconstruction from nontruncated data of an object that is completely within the reverse helix. The purpose of this work is to develop an image reconstruction approach for reverse helical CBCT of a long object that extends out of the reverse helix and therefore constitutes data truncation. Methods: The proposed approach comprises of two reconstruction steps. In the first step, a chord-based backprojection-filtration (BPF) algorithm reconstructs a volumetric image of an object from the original cone-beam data. Because there exists a chordless region in the middle of the reverse helix, the image obtained in the first step contains an unreconstructed central-gap region. In the second step, the gap region is reconstructed by use of a Pack–Noo-formula-based filteredbackprojection (FBP) algorithm from the modified cone-beam data obtained by subtracting from the original cone-beam data the reprojection of the image reconstructed in the first step. Results: The authors have performed numerical studies to validate the proposed approach in image reconstruction from reverse helical cone-beam data. The results confirm that the proposed approach can reconstruct accurate images of a long object without suffering from data-truncation artifacts or cone-angle artifacts. Conclusions: They developed and validated a BPF-FBP tandem algorithm to reconstruct images of a long object from reverse helical cone-beam data. The chord-based BPF algorithm was utilized for converting the long-object problem into a short-object problem. The proposed approach is applicable to other scanning configurations such as reduced circular sinusoidal trajectories. PMID:20175463

  19. A BPF-FBP tandem algorithm for image reconstruction in reverse helical cone-beam CT.

    PubMed

    Cho, Seungryong; Xia, Dan; Pellizzari, Charles A; Pan, Xiaochuan

    2010-01-01

    Reverse helical cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a scanning configuration for potential applications in image-guided radiation therapy in which an accurate anatomic image of the patient is needed for image-guidance procedures. The authors previously developed an algorithm for image reconstruction from nontruncated data of an object that is completely within the reverse helix. The purpose of this work is to develop an image reconstruction approach for reverse helical CBCT of a long object that extends out of the reverse helix and therefore constitutes data truncation. The proposed approach comprises of two reconstruction steps. In the first step, a chord-based backprojection-filtration (BPF) algorithm reconstructs a volumetric image of an object from the original cone-beam data. Because there exists a chordless region in the middle of the reverse helix, the image obtained in the first step contains an unreconstructed central-gap region. In the second step, the gap region is reconstructed by use of a Pack-Noo-formula-based filteredback-projection (FBP) algorithm from the modified cone-beam data obtained by subtracting from the original cone-beam data the reprojection of the image reconstructed in the first step. The authors have performed numerical studies to validate the proposed approach in image reconstruction from reverse helical cone-beam data. The results confirm that the proposed approach can reconstruct accurate images of a long object without suffering from data-truncation artifacts or cone-angle artifacts. They developed and validated a BPF-FBP tandem algorithm to reconstruct images of a long object from reverse helical cone-beam data. The chord-based BPF algorithm was utilized for converting the long-object problem into a short-object problem. The proposed approach is applicable to other scanning configurations such as reduced circular sinusoidal trajectories.

  20. Immediate Implant Placement into Extraction Sockets with Labial Plate Dehiscence Defects: A Clinical Case Series.

    PubMed

    Sarnachiaro, Guido O; Chu, Stephen J; Sarnachiaro, Evangelina; Gotta, Sergio Luis; Tarnow, Dennis P

    2016-08-01

    To measure the buccal plate reconstruction of extraction sockets with labial plate dehiscence defects using a bone allograft in combination with an absorbable collagen membrane and a custom-healing abutment at the time of tooth removal. Ten patients underwent immediate implant placement and reconstruction of the buccal plate. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed preextraction, immediately after bone grafting and implant placement (day 0), and between 6 and 9 months following implant surgery. Measurements were taken at three levels: coronal (L1), middle (L2), and apical (L3) level. Implants placed into sockets with labial plate dehiscence defects demonstrated radiographic reformation of the labial plate dehiscence defect at 6 to 9 months posttreatment. The net gain in labial plate on cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) in L1 and L2 was 3.0 mm, where 0 mm existed at pretreatment. The minimum amount of labial plate thickness of 2.0 mm was achieved in all treated sites, evaluated radiographically at 6 to 9 months postoperatively, in a single procedure, without flap elevation and maintaining the gingival architecture and satisfactory esthetics. Placing an absorbable membrane, bone graft, and custom-healing abutment at the time of flapless anterior tooth extraction and immediate implant placement into a socket with a labial osseous dehiscence is a viable clinical technique to reconstitute the absence of the labial bone plate. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  1. Design study of a continuously variable roller cone traction CVT for electric vehicles

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mccoin, D. K.; Walker, R. D.

    1980-01-01

    Continuously variable ratio transmissions (CVT) featuring cone and roller traction elements and computerized controls are studied. The CVT meets or exceeds all requirements set forth in the design criteria. Further, a scalability analysis indicates the basic concept is applicable to lower and higher power units, with upward scaling for increased power being more readily accomplished.

  2. The association of malocclusion and trumpet performance.

    PubMed

    Kula, Katherine; Cilingir, H Zeynep; Eckert, George; Dagg, Jack; Ghoneima, Ahmed

    2016-01-01

    To determine whether trumpet performance skills are associated with malocclusion. Following institutional review board approval, 70 university trumpet students (54 male, 16 female; aged 20-38.9 years) were consented. After completing a survey, the students were evaluated while playing a scripted performance skills test (flexibility, articulation, range, and endurance exercises) on their instrument in a soundproof music practice room. One investigator (trumpet teacher) used a computerized metronome and a decibel meter during evaluation. A three-dimensional (3D) cone-beam computerized tomography scan (CBCT) was taken of each student the same day as the skills test. Following reliability studies, multiple dental parameters were measured on the 3D CBCT. Nonparametric correlations (Spearman), accepting P < .05 as significant, were used to determine if there were significant associations between dental parameters and the performance skills. Intrarater reliability was excellent (intraclass correlations; all r values > .94). Although associations were weak to moderate, significant negative associations (r ≤ -.32) were found between Little's irregularity index, interincisal inclination, maxillary central incisor rotation, and various flexibility and articulation performance skills, whereas significant positive associations (r ≤ .49) were found between arch widths and various skills. Specific malocclusions are associated with trumpet performance of experienced young musicians.

  3. Comparison of Online 6 Degree-of-Freedom Image Registration of Varian TrueBeam Cone-Beam CT and BrainLab ExacTrac X-Ray for Intracranial Radiosurgery.

    PubMed

    Li, Jun; Shi, Wenyin; Andrews, David; Werner-Wasik, Maria; Lu, Bo; Yu, Yan; Dicker, Adam; Liu, Haisong

    2017-06-01

    The study was aimed to compare online 6 degree-of-freedom image registrations of TrueBeam cone-beam computed tomography and BrainLab ExacTrac X-ray imaging systems for intracranial radiosurgery. Phantom and patient studies were performed on a Varian TrueBeam STx linear accelerator (version 2.5), which is integrated with a BrainLab ExacTrac imaging system (version 6.1.1). The phantom study was based on a Rando head phantom and was designed to evaluate isocenter location dependence of the image registrations. Ten isocenters at various locations representing clinical treatment sites were selected in the phantom. Cone-beam computed tomography and ExacTrac X-ray images were taken when the phantom was located at each isocenter. The patient study included 34 patients. Cone-beam computed tomography and ExacTrac X-ray images were taken at each patient's treatment position. The 6 degree-of-freedom image registrations were performed on cone-beam computed tomography and ExacTrac, and residual errors calculated from cone-beam computed tomography and ExacTrac were compared. In the phantom study, the average residual error differences (absolute values) between cone-beam computed tomography and ExacTrac image registrations were 0.17 ± 0.11 mm, 0.36 ± 0.20 mm, and 0.25 ± 0.11 mm in the vertical, longitudinal, and lateral directions, respectively. The average residual error differences in the rotation, roll, and pitch were 0.34° ± 0.08°, 0.13° ± 0.09°, and 0.12° ± 0.10°, respectively. In the patient study, the average residual error differences in the vertical, longitudinal, and lateral directions were 0.20 ± 0.16 mm, 0.30 ± 0.18 mm, 0.21 ± 0.18 mm, respectively. The average residual error differences in the rotation, roll, and pitch were 0.40°± 0.16°, 0.17° ± 0.13°, and 0.20° ± 0.14°, respectively. Overall, the average residual error differences were <0.4 mm in the translational directions and <0.5° in the rotational directions. ExacTrac X-ray image registration is comparable to TrueBeam cone-beam computed tomography image registration in intracranial treatments.

  4. [Accurate 3D free-form registration between fan-beam CT and cone-beam CT].

    PubMed

    Liang, Yueqiang; Xu, Hongbing; Li, Baosheng; Li, Hongsheng; Yang, Fujun

    2012-06-01

    Because the X-ray scatters, the CT numbers in cone-beam CT cannot exactly correspond to the electron densities. This, therefore, results in registration error when the intensity-based registration algorithm is used to register planning fan-beam CT and cone-beam CT. In order to reduce the registration error, we have developed an accurate gradient-based registration algorithm. The gradient-based deformable registration problem is described as a minimization of energy functional. Through the calculus of variations and Gauss-Seidel finite difference method, we derived the iterative formula of the deformable registration. The algorithm was implemented by GPU through OpenCL framework, with which the registration time was greatly reduced. Our experimental results showed that the proposed gradient-based registration algorithm could register more accurately the clinical cone-beam CT and fan-beam CT images compared with the intensity-based algorithm. The GPU-accelerated algorithm meets the real-time requirement in the online adaptive radiotherapy.

  5. Intraprocedural C-Arm Dual-Phase Cone-Beam CT: Can It Be Used to Predict Short-term Response to TACE with Drug-eluting Beads in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma?

    PubMed Central

    Loffroy, Romaric; Lin, MingDe; Yenokyan, Gayane; Rao, Pramod P.; Bhagat, Nikhil; Noordhoek, Niels; Radaelli, Alessandro; Blijd, Järl; Liapi, Eleni

    2013-01-01

    Purpose: To investigate whether C-arm dual-phase cone-beam computed tomography (CT) performed during transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with doxorubicin-eluting beads can help predict tumor response at 1-month follow-up in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods: This prospective study was compliant with HIPAA and approved by the institutional review board and animal care and use committee. Analysis was performed retrospectively on 50 targeted HCC lesions in 29 patients (16 men, 13 women; mean age, 61.9 years ± 10.7) treated with TACE with drug-eluting beads. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed at baseline and 1 month after TACE. Dual-phase cone-beam CT was performed before and after TACE. Tumor enhancement at dual-phase cone-beam CT in early arterial and delayed venous phases was assessed retrospectively with blinding to MR findings. Tumor response at MR imaging was assessed according to European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) guidelines. Two patients were excluded from analysis because dual-phase cone-beam CT scans were not interpretable. Logistic regression models for correlated data were used to compare changes in tumor enhancement between modalities. The radiation dose with dual-phase cone-beam CT was measured in one pig. Results: At 1-month MR imaging follow-up, complete and/or partial tumor response was seen in 74% and 76% of lesions in the arterial and venous phases, respectively. Paired t tests used to compare images obtained before and after TACE showed a significant reduction in tumor enhancement with both modalities (P < .0001). The decrease in tumor enhancement seen with dual-phase cone-beam CT after TACE showed a linear correlation with MR findings. Estimated correlation coefficients were excellent for first (R = 0.89) and second (R = 0.82) phases. A significant relationship between tumor enhancement at cone-beam CT after TACE and complete and/or partial tumor response at MR imaging was found for arterial (odds ratio, 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91, 0.99; P = .023) and venous (odds ratio, 0.96; 95% CI: 0.93, 0.99; P = .035) phases with the multivariate logistic regression model. Radiation dose for two dual-phase cone-beam CT scans was 3.08 mSv. Conclusion: Intraprocedural C-arm dual-phase cone-beam CT can be used immediately after TACE with doxorubicin-eluting beads to predict HCC tumor response at 1-month MR imaging follow-up. © RSNA, 2012 PMID:23143027

  6. Use of cone beam computed tomography in implant dentistry: current concepts, indications and limitations for clinical practice and research.

    PubMed

    Bornstein, Michael M; Horner, Keith; Jacobs, Reinhilde

    2017-02-01

    Diagnostic radiology is an essential component of treatment planning in the field of implant dentistry. This narrative review will present current concepts for the use of cone beam computed tomography imaging, before and after implant placement, in daily clinical practice and research. Guidelines for the selection of three-dimensional imaging will be discussed, and limitations will be highlighted. Current concepts of radiation dose optimization, including novel imaging modalities using low-dose protocols, will be presented. For preoperative cross-sectional imaging, data are still not available which demonstrate that cone beam computed tomography results in fewer intraoperative complications such as nerve damage or bleeding incidents, or that implants inserted using preoperative cone beam computed tomography data sets for planning purposes will exhibit higher survival or success rates. The use of cone beam computed tomography following the insertion of dental implants should be restricted to specific postoperative complications, such as damage of neurovascular structures or postoperative infections in relation to the maxillary sinus. Regarding peri-implantitis, the diagnosis and severity of the disease should be evaluated primarily based on clinical parameters and on radiological findings based on periapical radiographs (two dimensional). The use of cone beam computed tomography scans in clinical research might not yield any evident beneficial effect for the patient included. As many of the cone beam computed tomography scans performed for research have no direct therapeutic consequence, dose optimization measures should be implemented by using appropriate exposure parameters and by reducing the field of view to the actual region of interest. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  7. Dynamic cone beam CT angiography of carotid and cerebral arteries using canine model

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cai Weixing; Zhao Binghui; Conover, David

    2012-01-15

    Purpose: This research is designed to develop and evaluate a flat-panel detector-based dynamic cone beam CT system for dynamic angiography imaging, which is able to provide both dynamic functional information and dynamic anatomic information from one multirevolution cone beam CT scan. Methods: A dynamic cone beam CT scan acquired projections over four revolutions within a time window of 40 s after contrast agent injection through a femoral vein to cover the entire wash-in and wash-out phases. A dynamic cone beam CT reconstruction algorithm was utilized and a novel recovery method was developed to correct the time-enhancement curve of contrast flow.more » From the same data set, both projection-based subtraction and reconstruction-based subtraction approaches were utilized and compared to remove the background tissues and visualize the 3D vascular structure to provide the dynamic anatomic information. Results: Through computer simulations, the new recovery algorithm for dynamic time-enhancement curves was optimized and showed excellent accuracy to recover the actual contrast flow. Canine model experiments also indicated that the recovered time-enhancement curves from dynamic cone beam CT imaging agreed well with that of an IV-digital subtraction angiography (DSA) study. The dynamic vascular structures reconstructed using both projection-based subtraction and reconstruction-based subtraction were almost identical as the differences between them were comparable to the background noise level. At the enhancement peak, all the major carotid and cerebral arteries and the Circle of Willis could be clearly observed. Conclusions: The proposed dynamic cone beam CT approach can accurately recover the actual contrast flow, and dynamic anatomic imaging can be obtained with high isotropic 3D resolution. This approach is promising for diagnosis and treatment planning of vascular diseases and strokes.« less

  8. Comparison of the Diagnostic Image Quality of the Canine Maxillary Dentoalveolar Structures Obtained by Cone Beam Computed Tomography and 64-Multidetector Row Computed Tomography.

    PubMed

    Soukup, Jason W; Drees, Randi; Koenig, Lisa J; Snyder, Christopher J; Hetzel, Scott; Miles, Chanda R; Schwarz, Tobias

    2015-01-01

    The objective of this blinded study was to validate the use of cone beam computed tomography (C) for imaging of the canine maxillary dentoalveolar structures by comparing its diagnostic image quality with that of 64-multidetector row CT Sagittal slices of a tooth-bearing segment of the maxilla of a commercially purchased dog skull embedded in methylmethacrylate were obtained along a line parallel with the dental arch using a commercial histology diamond saw. The slice of tooth-bearing bone that best depicted the dentoalveolar structures was chosen and photographed. The maxillary segment was imaged with cone beam CT and 64-multidetector row CT. Four blinded evaluators compared the cone beam CT and 64-multidetector row CT images and image quality was scored as it related to the anatomy of dentoalveolar structures. Trabecular bone, enamel, dentin, pulp cavity, periodontal ligament space, and lamina dura were scored In addition, a score depicting the evaluators overall impression of the image was recorded. Images acquired with cone beam CT were found to be significantly superior in image quality to images acquired with 64-multidetector row CT overall, and in all scored categories. In our study setting cone beam CT was found to be a valid and clinically superior imaging modality for the canine maxillary dentoalveolar structures when compared to 64-multidetector row CT.

  9. Comparison of the Diagnostic Image Quality of the Canine Maxillary Dentoalveolar Structures Obtained by Cone Beam Computed Tomography and 64-Multidetector Row Computed Tomography

    PubMed Central

    Soukup, Jason W.; Drees, Randi; Koenig, Lisa J.; Snyder, Christopher J.; Hetzel, Scott; Miles, Chanda R.; Schwarz, Tobias

    2016-01-01

    Summary The objective of this blinded study was to validate the use of cone beam computed tomography (CT) for imaging of the canine maxillary dentoalveolar structures by comparing its diagnostic image quality with that of 64-multidetector row CT. Sagittal slices of a tooth-bearing segment of the maxilla of a commercially purchased dog skull embedded in methyl methacrylate were obtained along a line parallel with the dental arch using a commercial histology diamond saw. The slice of tooth-bearing bone that best depicted the dentoalveolar structures was chosen and photographed. The maxilla segment was imaged with cone beam CT and 64-multidetector row CT. Four blinded evaluators compared the cone beam CT and 64-multidetector row CT images and image quality was scored as it related to the anatomy of dentoalveolar structures. Trabecular bone, enamel, dentin, pulp cavity, periodontal ligament space, and lamina dura were scored. In addition, a score depicting the evaluators overall impression of the image was recorded. Images acquired with cone beam CT were found to be significantly superior in image quality to images acquired with 64-multidetector row CT overall, and in all scored categories. In our study setting, cone beam CT was found to be a valid and clinically superior imaging modality for the canine maxillary dentoalveolar structures when compared to 64-multidetector row CT. PMID:26415384

  10. Exact cone beam reconstruction formulae for functions and their gradients for spherical and flat detectors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Louis, Alfred K.

    2016-11-01

    We derive unified inversion formulae for the cone beam transform similar to the Radon transform. Reinterpreting Grangeat’s formula we find a relation between the Radon transform of the gradient of the searched-for function and a quantity computable from cone beam data. This gives a uniqueness result for the cone beam transform of compactly supported functions under much weaker assumptions than the Tuy-Kirillov condition. Furthermore this relation leads to an exact formula for the direct calculation of derivatives of the density distribution; but here, similar to the classical Radon transform, complete Radon data are needed, hence the Tuy-Kirillov condition has to be imposed. Numerical experiments reported in Hahn B N et al (2013 Meas. Sci. Technol. 24 125601) indicate that these calculations are less corrupted by beam-hardening noise. Finally, we present flat detector versions for these results, which are mathematically less attractive but important for applications.

  11. Simultaneous Impacted Third Molar Extraction and Lateral Ramus Block Graft Harvest for Horizontal Ridge Augmentation: A Case Series.

    PubMed

    Deeb, George R; Laskin, Daniel M; Deeb, Janina Golob

    2017-03-01

    The purpose of this study was to confirm the efficiency of using a lateral ramus block graft taken at the time of impacted mandibular third molar removal for horizontal ridge augmentation and implant placement. Ten patients had grafts obtained from the lateral aspect of the mandible during impacted third molar removal and placed in areas of horizontal ridge deficiency. Measurements made on cone-beam computerized tomograms after 4 months showed gains of 2.7 to 3.5 mm and 16 implants were placed successfully. In patients with impacted third molars requiring dental implants, simultaneous harvest of a lateral block bone graft is an efficient way of obtaining bone for horizontal ridge augmentation. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. A BPF-FBP tandem algorithm for image reconstruction in reverse helical cone-beam CT

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cho, Seungryong; Xia, Dan; Pellizzari, Charles A.

    2010-01-15

    Purpose: Reverse helical cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a scanning configuration for potential applications in image-guided radiation therapy in which an accurate anatomic image of the patient is needed for image-guidance procedures. The authors previously developed an algorithm for image reconstruction from nontruncated data of an object that is completely within the reverse helix. The purpose of this work is to develop an image reconstruction approach for reverse helical CBCT of a long object that extends out of the reverse helix and therefore constitutes data truncation. Methods: The proposed approach comprises of two reconstruction steps. In the first step, amore » chord-based backprojection-filtration (BPF) algorithm reconstructs a volumetric image of an object from the original cone-beam data. Because there exists a chordless region in the middle of the reverse helix, the image obtained in the first step contains an unreconstructed central-gap region. In the second step, the gap region is reconstructed by use of a Pack-Noo-formula-based filteredbackprojection (FBP) algorithm from the modified cone-beam data obtained by subtracting from the original cone-beam data the reprojection of the image reconstructed in the first step. Results: The authors have performed numerical studies to validate the proposed approach in image reconstruction from reverse helical cone-beam data. The results confirm that the proposed approach can reconstruct accurate images of a long object without suffering from data-truncation artifacts or cone-angle artifacts. Conclusions: They developed and validated a BPF-FBP tandem algorithm to reconstruct images of a long object from reverse helical cone-beam data. The chord-based BPF algorithm was utilized for converting the long-object problem into a short-object problem. The proposed approach is applicable to other scanning configurations such as reduced circular sinusoidal trajectories.« less

  13. Apparatus for measuring charged particle beam

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gregory, D. A.; Stocks, C. D. (Inventor)

    1984-01-01

    An apparatus to measure the incident charged particle beam flux while effectively eliminating losses to reflection and/or secondary emission of the charged particle beam being measured is described. It comprises a sense cup through which the charged particle beam enters. A sense cone forms the rear wall of the interior chamber with the cone apex adjacent the entry opening. An outer case surrounds the sense cup and is electrically insulated therefrom. Charged particles entering the interior chamber are trapped and are absorbed by the sense cup and cone and travel through a current measuring device to ground.

  14. Evaluation of 3D airway imaging of obstructive sleep apnea with cone-beam computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Ogawa, Takumi; Enciso, Reyes; Memon, Ahmed; Mah, James K; Clark, Glenn T

    2005-01-01

    This study evaluates the use of cone-beam Computer Tomography (CT) for imaging the upper airway structure of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients. The total airway volume and the anteroposterior dimension of oropharyngeal airway showed significant group differences between OSA and gender-matched controls, so if we increase sample size these measurements may distinguish the two groups. We demonstrate the utility of diagnosis of anatomy with the 3D airway imaging with cone-beam Computed Tomography.

  15. Conical Refraction: new observations and a dual cone model.

    PubMed

    Sokolovskii, G S; Carnegie, D J; Kalkandjiev, T K; Rafailov, E U

    2013-05-06

    We propose a paraxial dual-cone model of conical refraction involving the interference of two cones of light behind the exit face of the crystal. The supporting experiment is based on beam selecting elements breaking down the conically refracted beam into two separate hollow cones which are symmetrical with one another. The shape of these cones of light is a product of a 'competition' between the divergence caused by the conical refraction and the convergence due to the focusing by the lens. The developed mathematical description of the conical refraction demonstrates an excellent agreement with experiment.

  16. Design of a modulated orthovoltage stereotactic radiosurgery system.

    PubMed

    Fagerstrom, Jessica M; Bender, Edward T; Lawless, Michael J; Culberson, Wesley S

    2017-07-01

    To achieve stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) dose distributions with sharp gradients using orthovoltage energy fluence modulation with inverse planning optimization techniques. A pencil beam model was used to calculate dose distributions from an orthovoltage unit at 250 kVp. Kernels for the model were derived using Monte Carlo methods. A Genetic Algorithm search heuristic was used to optimize the spatial distribution of added tungsten filtration to achieve dose distributions with sharp dose gradients. Optimizations were performed for depths of 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 cm, with cone sizes of 5, 6, 8, and 10 mm. In addition to the beam profiles, 4π isocentric irradiation geometries were modeled to examine dose at 0.07 mm depth, a representative skin depth, for the low energy beams. Profiles from 4π irradiations of a constant target volume, assuming maximally conformal coverage, were compared. Finally, dose deposition in bone compared to tissue in this energy range was examined. Based on the results of the optimization, circularly symmetric tungsten filters were designed to modulate the orthovoltage beam across the apertures of SRS cone collimators. For each depth and cone size combination examined, the beam flatness and 80-20% and 90-10% penumbrae were calculated for both standard, open cone-collimated beams as well as for optimized, filtered beams. For all configurations tested, the modulated beam profiles had decreased penumbra widths and flatness statistics at depth. Profiles for the optimized, filtered orthovoltage beams also offered decreases in these metrics compared to measured linear accelerator cone-based SRS profiles. The dose at 0.07 mm depth in the 4π isocentric irradiation geometries was higher for the modulated beams compared to unmodulated beams; however, the modulated dose at 0.07 mm depth remained <0.025% of the central, maximum dose. The 4π profiles irradiating a constant target volume showed improved statistics for the modulated, filtered distribution compared to the standard, open cone-collimated distribution. Simulations of tissue and bone confirmed previously published results that a higher energy beam (≥ 200 keV) would be preferable, but the 250 kVp beam was chosen for this work because it is available for future measurements. A methodology has been described that may be used to optimize the spatial distribution of added filtration material in an orthovoltage SRS beam to result in dose distributions with decreased flatness and penumbra statistics compared to standard open cones. This work provides the mathematical foundation for a novel, orthovoltage energy fluence-modulated SRS system. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

  17. Geometrical study on two tilting arcs based exact cone-beam CT for breast imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zeng, Kai; Yu, Hengyong; Fajardo, Laurie L.; Wang, Ge

    2006-08-01

    Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. Currently, X-ray mammography is the method of choice for screening and diagnosing breast cancer. However, this 2D projective modality is far from perfect; with up to 17% breast cancer going unidentified. Over past several years, there has been an increasing interest in cone-beam CT for breast imaging. However, previous methods utilizing cone-beam CT only produce approximate reconstructions. Following Katsevich's recent work, we propose a new scanning mode and associated exact cone-beam CT method for breast imaging. In our design, cone-beam scans are performed along two tilting arcs for collection of a sufficient amount of data for exact reconstruction. In our Katsevich-type algorithm, conebeam data is filtered in a shift-invariant fashion and then backprojected in 3D for the final reconstruction. This approach has several desirable features. First, it allows data truncation unavoidable in practice. Second, it optimizes image quality for quantitative analysis. Third, it is efficient for sequential/parallel computation. Furthermore, we analyze the reconstruction region and the detection window in detail, which are important for numerical implementation.

  18. Guiding and focusing of fast electron beams produced by ultra-intense laser pulse using a double cone funnel target

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhang, Wen-shuai; Cai, Hong-bo, E-mail: Cai-hongbo@iapcm.ac.cn; HEDPS, Center for Applied Physics and Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871

    A novel double cone funnel target design aiming at efficiently guiding and focusing fast electron beams produced in high intensity (>10{sup 19 }W/cm{sup 2}) laser-solid interactions is investigated via two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. The forward-going fast electron beams are shown to be directed and focused to a smaller size in comparison with the incident laser spot size. This plasma funnel attached on the cone target guides and focuses electrons in a manner akin to the control of liquid by a plastic funnel. Such device has the potential to add substantial design flexibility and prevent inefficiencies for important applications such as fast ignition.more » Two reasons account for the collimation of fast electron beams. First, the sheath electric fields and quasistatic magnetic fields inside the vacuum gap of the double cone provide confinement of the fast electrons in the laser-plasma interaction region. Second, the interface magnetic fields inside the beam collimator further guide and focus the fast electrons during the transport. The application of this technique to cone-guided fast ignition is considered, and it is shown that it can enhance the laser energy deposition in the compressed fuel plasma by a factor of 2 in comparison with the single cone target case.« less

  19. TU-H-BRC-05: Stereotactic Radiosurgery Optimized with Orthovoltage Beams

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Fagerstrom, J; Culberson, W; Bender, E

    2016-06-15

    Purpose: To achieve improved stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) dose distributions using orthovoltage energy fluence modulation with inverse planning optimization techniques. Methods: A pencil beam model was used to calculate dose distributions from the institution’s orthovoltage unit at 250 kVp. Kernels for the model were derived using Monte Carlo methods as well as measurements with radiochromic film. The orthovoltage photon spectra, modulated by varying thicknesses of attenuating material, were approximated using open-source software. A genetic algorithm search heuristic routine was used to optimize added tungsten filtration thicknesses to approach rectangular function dose distributions at depth. Optimizations were performed for depths of 2.5,more » 5.0, and 7.5 cm, with cone sizes of 8, 10, and 12 mm. Results: Circularly-symmetric tungsten filters were designed based on the results of the optimization, to modulate the orthovoltage beam across the aperture of an SRS cone collimator. For each depth and cone size combination examined, the beam flatness and 80–20% and 90–10% penumbrae were calculated for both standard, open cone-collimated beams as well as for the optimized, filtered beams. For all configurations tested, the modulated beams were able to achieve improved penumbra widths and flatness statistics at depth, with flatness improving between 33 and 52%, and penumbrae improving between 18 and 25% for the modulated beams compared to the unmodulated beams. Conclusion: A methodology has been described that may be used to optimize the spatial distribution of added filtration material in an orthovoltage SRS beam to result in dose distributions at depth with improved flatness and penumbrae compared to standard open cones. This work provides the mathematical foundation for a novel, orthovoltage energy fluence-modulated SRS system.« less

  20. Statistical spatio-temporal properties of the Laser MegaJoule speckle

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Le Cain, A.; Sajer, J. M.; Riazuelo, G.

    2012-10-15

    This paper investigates a statistical model to describe the spatial and temporal properties of hot spots generated by the superimposition of multiple laser beams. In the context of the Laser MegaJoule design, we introduce the formula for contrasts, trajectories and velocities of the speckle pattern. Single bundle of four beams, two-cones and three-cones configurations are considered. Statistical properties of the speckle in the zone where all the beams overlap are studied with different configurations of polarizations. These properties are shown to be very different from the case of one single bundle of four beams. The configuration of polarization has onlymore » a slight effect in the two-cones or three cones configuration. Indeed, the impact of the double polarization smoothing is reduced in the area in which all the beams overlap, while it is much more significant when they split. Moreover, the size of the hot-spots decreases as the number of laser beams increases, but we show that their velocity decreases. As a matter of fact, the maximal velocity of hot spots is found to be only about 10{sup -5} of the velocity of light and the integrated contrast is about 15% when the beams overlap.« less

  1. Scatter correction, intermediate view estimation and dose characterization in megavoltage cone-beam CT imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sramek, Benjamin Koerner

    The ability to deliver conformal dose distributions in radiation therapy through intensity modulation and the potential for tumor dose escalation to improve treatment outcome has necessitated an increase in localization accuracy of inter- and intra-fractional patient geometry. Megavoltage cone-beam CT imaging using the treatment beam and onboard electronic portal imaging device is one option currently being studied for implementation in image-guided radiation therapy. However, routine clinical use is predicated upon continued improvements in image quality and patient dose delivered during acquisition. The formal statement of hypothesis for this investigation was that the conformity of planned to delivered dose distributions in image-guided radiation therapy could be further enhanced through the application of kilovoltage scatter correction and intermediate view estimation techniques to megavoltage cone-beam CT imaging, and that normalized dose measurements could be acquired and inter-compared between multiple imaging geometries. The specific aims of this investigation were to: (1) incorporate the Feldkamp, Davis and Kress filtered backprojection algorithm into a program to reconstruct a voxelized linear attenuation coefficient dataset from a set of acquired megavoltage cone-beam CT projections, (2) characterize the effects on megavoltage cone-beam CT image quality resulting from the application of Intermediate View Interpolation and Intermediate View Reprojection techniques to limited-projection datasets, (3) incorporate the Scatter and Primary Estimation from Collimator Shadows (SPECS) algorithm into megavoltage cone-beam CT image reconstruction and determine the set of SPECS parameters which maximize image quality and quantitative accuracy, and (4) evaluate the normalized axial dose distributions received during megavoltage cone-beam CT image acquisition using radiochromic film and thermoluminescent dosimeter measurements in anthropomorphic pelvic and head and neck phantoms. The conclusions of this investigation were: (1) the implementation of intermediate view estimation techniques to megavoltage cone-beam CT produced improvements in image quality, with the largest impact occurring for smaller numbers of initially-acquired projections, (2) the SPECS scatter correction algorithm could be successfully incorporated into projection data acquired using an electronic portal imaging device during megavoltage cone-beam CT image reconstruction, (3) a large range of SPECS parameters were shown to reduce cupping artifacts as well as improve reconstruction accuracy, with application to anthropomorphic phantom geometries improving the percent difference in reconstructed electron density for soft tissue from -13.6% to -2.0%, and for cortical bone from -9.7% to 1.4%, (4) dose measurements in the anthropomorphic phantoms showed consistent agreement between planar measurements using radiochromic film and point measurements using thermoluminescent dosimeters, and (5) a comparison of normalized dose measurements acquired with radiochromic film to those calculated using multiple treatment planning systems, accelerator-detector combinations, patient geometries and accelerator outputs produced a relatively good agreement.

  2. Flat-panel cone-beam CT: a novel imaging technology for image-guided procedures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Siewerdsen, Jeffrey H.; Jaffray, David A.; Edmundson, Gregory K.; Sanders, W. P.; Wong, John W.; Martinez, Alvaro A.

    2001-05-01

    The use of flat-panel imagers for cone-beam CT signals the emergence of an attractive technology for volumetric imaging. Recent investigations demonstrate volume images with high spatial resolution and soft-tissue visibility and point to a number of logistical characteristics (e.g., open geometry, volume acquisition in a single rotation about the patient, and separation of the imaging and patient support structures) that are attractive to a broad spectrum of applications. Considering application to image-guided (IG) procedures - specifically IG therapies - this paper examines the performance of flat-panel cone-beam CT in relation to numerous constraints and requirements, including time (i.e., speed of image acquisition), dose, and field-of-view. The imaging and guidance performance of a prototype flat panel cone-beam CT system is investigated through the construction of procedure-specific tasks that test the influence of image artifacts (e.g., x-ray scatter and beam-hardening) and volumetric imaging performance (e.g., 3D spatial resolution, noise, and contrast) - taking two specific examples in IG brachytherapy and IG vertebroplasty. For IG brachytherapy, a procedure-specific task is constructed which tests the performance of flat-panel cone-beam CT in measuring the volumetric distribution of Pd-103 permanent implant seeds in relation to neighboring bone and soft-tissue structures in a pelvis phantom. For IG interventional procedures, a procedure-specific task is constructed in the context of vertebroplasty performed on a cadaverized ovine spine, demonstrating the volumetric image quality in pre-, intra-, and post-therapeutic images of the region of interest and testing the performance of the system in measuring the volumetric distribution of bone cement (PMMA) relative to surrounding spinal anatomy. Each of these tasks highlights numerous promising and challenging aspects of flat-panel cone-beam CT applied to IG procedures.

  3. [CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN DIAGNOSTICS OF ODONTOGENIC MAXILLARY SINUSITIS (CASE REPORTS)].

    PubMed

    Demidova, E; Khurdzidze, G

    2017-06-01

    Diagnostic studies performed by cone beam computed tomography Morita 3D made possible to obtain high resolution images of hard tissues of upper jawbone and maxillary sinus, to detect bony tissue defects, such as odontogenic cysts, cystogranulomas and granulomas. High-resolution and three dimensional tomographic image reconstructions allowed for optimal and prompt determination of the scope of surgical treatment and planning of effective conservative treatment regimen. Interactive diagnostics helped to estimate cosmetic and functional results of surgical treatment, to prevent the occurrence of surgical complications, and to evaluate the efficacy of conservative treatment. The obtained data contributed to determination of particular applications of cone beam computed tomography in the diagnosis of odontogenic maxillary sinusitis, detection of specific defects with cone beam tomography as the most informative method of diagnosis; as well as to determination of weak and strong sides, and helped to offer mechanisms of x-ray diagnostics to dental surgeons and ENT specialists.

  4. Ion beam microtexturing of surfaces

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Robinson, R. S.

    1981-01-01

    Some recent work in surface microtecturing by ion beam sputtering is described. The texturing is accomplished by deposition of an impurity onto a substrate while simultaneously bombarding it with an ion beam. A summary of the theory regarding surface diffusion of impurities and the initiation of cone formation is provided. A detailed experimental study of the time-development of individual sputter cones is described. A quasi-liquid coating was observed that apparently reduces the sputter rate of the body of a cone compared to the bulk material. Experimental measurements of surface diffusion activation energies are presented for a variety of substrate-seed combinations and range from about 0.3 eV to 1.2 eV. Observations of apparent crystal structure in sputter cones are discussed. Measurements of the critical temperature for cone formation are also given along with a correlation of critical temperature with substrate sputter rate.

  5. The association of malocclusion and trumpet performance.

    PubMed

    Kula, Katherine; Cilingir, H Zeynep; Eckert, George; Dagg, Jack; Ghoneima, Ahmed

    2015-04-20

      To determine whether trumpet performance skills are associated with malocclusion.   Following institutional review board approval, 70 university trumpet students (54 male, 16 female; aged 20-38.9 years) were consented. After completing a survey, the students were evaluated while playing a scripted performance skills test (flexibility, articulation, range, and endurance exercises) on their instrument in a soundproof music practice room. One investigator (trumpet teacher) used a computerized metronome and a decibel meter during evaluation. A three-dimensional (3D) cone-beam computerized tomography scan (CBCT) was taken of each student the same day as the skills test. Following reliability studies, multiple dental parameters were measured on the 3D CBCT. Nonparametric correlations (Spearman), accepting P < .05 as significant, were used to determine if there were significant associations between dental parameters and the performance skills.   Intrarater reliability was excellent (intraclass correlations; all r values > .94). Although associations were weak to moderate, significant negative associations (r ≤ -.32) were found between Little's irregularity index, interincisal inclination, maxillary central incisor rotation, and various flexibility and articulation performance skills, whereas significant positive associations (r ≤ .49) were found between arch widths and various skills.   Specific malocclusions are associated with trumpet performance of experienced young musicians. (Angle Orthod. 0000;00:000-000.).

  6. Image analysis for dental bone quality assessment using CBCT imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Suprijanto; Epsilawati, L.; Hajarini, M. S.; Juliastuti, E.; Susanti, H.

    2016-03-01

    Cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) is one of X-ray imaging modalities that are applied in dentistry. Its modality can visualize the oral region in 3D and in a high resolution. CBCT jaw image has potential information for the assessment of bone quality that often used for pre-operative implant planning. We propose comparison method based on normalized histogram (NH) on the region of inter-dental septum and premolar teeth. Furthermore, the NH characteristic from normal and abnormal bone condition are compared and analyzed. Four test parameters are proposed, i.e. the difference between teeth and bone average intensity (s), the ratio between bone and teeth average intensity (n) of NH, the difference between teeth and bone peak value (Δp) of NH, and the ratio between teeth and bone of NH range (r). The results showed that n, s, and Δp have potential to be the classification parameters of dental calcium density.

  7. Age estimation from canine volumes.

    PubMed

    De Angelis, Danilo; Gaudio, Daniel; Guercini, Nicola; Cipriani, Filippo; Gibelli, Daniele; Caputi, Sergio; Cattaneo, Cristina

    2015-08-01

    Techniques for estimation of biological age are constantly evolving and are finding daily application in the forensic radiology field in cases concerning the estimation of the chronological age of a corpse in order to reconstruct the biological profile, or of a living subject, for example in cases of immigration of people without identity papers from a civil registry. The deposition of teeth secondary dentine and consequent decrease of pulp chamber in size are well known as aging phenomena, and they have been applied to the forensic context by the development of age estimation procedures, such as Kvaal-Solheim and Cameriere methods. The present study takes into consideration canines pulp chamber volume related to the entire teeth volume, with the aim of proposing new regression formulae for age estimation using 91 cone beam computerized scans and a freeware open-source software, in order to permit affordable reproducibility of volumes calculation.

  8. A reconstruction algorithm for helical CT imaging on PI-planes.

    PubMed

    Liang, Hongzhu; Zhang, Cishen; Yan, Ming

    2006-01-01

    In this paper, a Feldkamp type approximate reconstruction algorithm is presented for helical cone-beam Computed Tomography. To effectively suppress artifacts due to large cone angle scanning, it is proposed to reconstruct the object point-wisely on unique customized tilted PI-planes which are close to the data collecting helices of the corresponding points. Such a reconstruction scheme can considerably suppress the artifacts in the cone-angle scanning. Computer simulations show that the proposed algorithm can provide improved imaging performance compared with the existing approximate cone-beam reconstruction algorithms.

  9. Development of a Computerized Penetrometer System for Hazardous Waste Site Soils Investigations

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-08-30

    soil to prevent contaminant movement . o To preserve the standard electric cone geometry, i.e., 600 point, 1.4-in. (3.56-cm) OD, 1.54-in. 2 (9.9-cm2...considerable soil movements without cracking or rupturing. The second objective was to preserve the ASTM standard electric cone exterior geometry so as to...electrokinesis, and telluric current phenomena. Of these, the electrochemical and electrokinesis phenomena typically produce the largest voltage magnitude (on

  10. C-arm Cone Beam Computed Tomography: A New Tool in the Interventional Suite.

    PubMed

    Raj, Santhosh; Irani, Farah Gillan; Tay, Kiang Hiong; Tan, Bien Soo

    2013-11-01

    C-arm Cone Beam CT (CBCT) is a technology that is being integrated into many of the newer angiography systems in the interventional suite. Due to its ability to provide cross sectional imaging, it has opened a myriad of opportunities for creating new clinical applications. We review the technical aspects, current reported clinical applications and potential benefits of this technology. Searches were made via PubMed using the string "CBCT", "Cone Beam CT", "Cone Beam Computed Tomography" and "C-arm Cone Beam Computed Tomography". All relevant articles in the results were reviewed. CBCT clinical applications have been reported in both vascular and non-vascular interventions. They encompass many aspects of a procedure including preprocedural planning, intraprocedural guidance and postprocedural assessment. As a result, they have allowed the interventionalist to be safer and more accurate in performing image guided procedures. There are however several technical limitations. The quality of images produced is not comparable to conventional computed tomography (CT). Radiation doses are also difficult to quantify when compared to CT and fluoroscopy. CBCT technology in the interventional suite has contributed significant benefits to the patient despite its current limitations. It is a tool that will evolve and potentially become an integral part of imaging guidance for intervention.

  11. Point spread function modeling and image restoration for cone-beam CT

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Hua; Huang, Kui-Dong; Shi, Yi-Kai; Xu, Zhe

    2015-03-01

    X-ray cone-beam computed tomography (CT) has such notable features as high efficiency and precision, and is widely used in the fields of medical imaging and industrial non-destructive testing, but the inherent imaging degradation reduces the quality of CT images. Aimed at the problems of projection image degradation and restoration in cone-beam CT, a point spread function (PSF) modeling method is proposed first. The general PSF model of cone-beam CT is established, and based on it, the PSF under arbitrary scanning conditions can be calculated directly for projection image restoration without the additional measurement, which greatly improved the application convenience of cone-beam CT. Secondly, a projection image restoration algorithm based on pre-filtering and pre-segmentation is proposed, which can make the edge contours in projection images and slice images clearer after restoration, and control the noise in the equivalent level to the original images. Finally, the experiments verified the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed methods. Supported by National Science and Technology Major Project of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China (2012ZX04007021), Young Scientists Fund of National Natural Science Foundation of China (51105315), Natural Science Basic Research Program of Shaanxi Province of China (2013JM7003) and Northwestern Polytechnical University Foundation for Fundamental Research (JC20120226, 3102014KYJD022)

  12. Prior image constrained scatter correction in cone-beam computed tomography image-guided radiation therapy.

    PubMed

    Brunner, Stephen; Nett, Brian E; Tolakanahalli, Ranjini; Chen, Guang-Hong

    2011-02-21

    X-ray scatter is a significant problem in cone-beam computed tomography when thicker objects and larger cone angles are used, as scattered radiation can lead to reduced contrast and CT number inaccuracy. Advances have been made in x-ray computed tomography (CT) by incorporating a high quality prior image into the image reconstruction process. In this paper, we extend this idea to correct scatter-induced shading artifacts in cone-beam CT image-guided radiation therapy. Specifically, this paper presents a new scatter correction algorithm which uses a prior image with low scatter artifacts to reduce shading artifacts in cone-beam CT images acquired under conditions of high scatter. The proposed correction algorithm begins with an empirical hypothesis that the target image can be written as a weighted summation of a series of basis images that are generated by raising the raw cone-beam projection data to different powers, and then, reconstructing using the standard filtered backprojection algorithm. The weight for each basis image is calculated by minimizing the difference between the target image and the prior image. The performance of the scatter correction algorithm is qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated through phantom studies using a Varian 2100 EX System with an on-board imager. Results show that the proposed scatter correction algorithm using a prior image with low scatter artifacts can substantially mitigate scatter-induced shading artifacts in both full-fan and half-fan modes.

  13. The development and role of megavoltage cone beam computerized tomography in radiation oncology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Morin, Olivier

    External beam radiation therapy has now the ability to deliver doses that conform tightly to a tumor volume. The steep dose gradients planned in these treatments make it increasingly important to reproduce the patient position and anatomy at each treatment fraction. For this reason, considerable research now focuses on in-room three-dimensional imaging. This thesis describes the first clinical megavoltage cone beam computed tomography (MVCBCT) system, which utilizes a conventional linear accelerator equipped with an amorphous silicon flat panel detector. The document covers the system development and investigation of its clinical applications over the last 4-5 years. The physical performance of the system was evaluated and optimized for soft-tissue contrast resolution leading to recommendations of imaging protocols to use for specific clinical applications and body sites. MVCBCT images can resolve differences of 5% in electron density for a mean dose of 9 cGy. Hence, the image quality of this system is sufficient to differentiate some soft-tissue structures. The absolute positioning accuracy with MVCBCT is better than 1 mm. The accuracy of isodose lines calculated using MVCBCT images of head and neck patients is within 3% and 3 mm. The system shows excellent stability in image quality, CT# calibration, radiation exposure and absolute positioning over a period of 8 months. A procedure for MVCBCT quality assurance was developed. In our clinic, MVCBCT has been used to detect non rigid spinal cord distortions, to position a patient with a paraspinous tumor close to metallic hardware, to position prostate cancer patients using gold markers or soft-tissue landmarks, to monitor head and neck anatomical changes and their dosimetric consequences, and to complement the convention CT for treatment planning in presence of metallic implants. MVCBCT imaging is changing the clinical practice of our department by increasingly revealing patient-specific errors. New verification protocols are being developed to minimize those errors thus moving the practice of radiation therapy one step closer to personalized medicine.

  14. Region-of-interest image reconstruction in circular cone-beam microCT

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cho, Seungryong; Bian, Junguo; Pelizzari, Charles A.

    2007-12-15

    Cone-beam microcomputed tomography (microCT) is one of the most popular choices for small animal imaging which is becoming an important tool for studying animal models with transplanted diseases. Region-of-interest (ROI) imaging techniques in CT, which can reconstruct an ROI image from the projection data set of the ROI, can be used not only for reducing imaging-radiation exposure to the subject and scatters to the detector but also for potentially increasing spatial resolution of the reconstructed images. Increasing spatial resolution in microCT images can facilitate improved accuracy in many assessment tasks. A method proposed previously for increasing CT image spatial resolutionmore » entails the exploitation of the geometric magnification in cone-beam CT. Due to finite detector size, however, this method can lead to data truncation for a large geometric magnification. The Feldkamp-Davis-Kress (FDK) algorithm yields images with artifacts when truncated data are used, whereas the recently developed backprojection filtration (BPF) algorithm is capable of reconstructing ROI images without truncation artifacts from truncated cone-beam data. We apply the BPF algorithm to reconstructing ROI images from truncated data of three different objects acquired by our circular cone-beam microCT system. Reconstructed images by use of the FDK and BPF algorithms from both truncated and nontruncated cone-beam data are compared. The results of the experimental studies demonstrate that, from certain truncated data, the BPF algorithm can reconstruct ROI images with quality comparable to that reconstructed from nontruncated data. In contrast, the FDK algorithm yields ROI images with truncation artifacts. Therefore, an implication of the studies is that, when truncated data are acquired with a configuration of a large geometric magnification, the BPF algorithm can be used for effective enhancement of the spatial resolution of a ROI image.« less

  15. Bright and durable field emission source derived from refractory taylor cones

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hirsch, Gregory

    A method of producing field emitters having improved brightness and durability relying on the creation of a liquid Taylor cone from electrically conductive materials having high melting points. The method calls for melting the end of a wire substrate with a focused laser beam, while imposing a high positive potential on the material. The resulting molten Taylor cone is subsequently rapidly quenched by cessation of the laser power. Rapid quenching is facilitated in large part by radiative cooling, resulting in structures having characteristics closely matching that of the original liquid Taylor cone. Frozen Taylor cones thus obtained yield desirable tipmore » end forms for field emission sources in electron beam applications. Regeneration of the frozen Taylor cones in-situ is readily accomplished by repeating the initial formation procedures. The high temperature liquid Taylor cones can also be employed as bright ion sources with chemical elements previously considered impractical to implement.« less

  16. Image reconstruction in cone-beam CT with a spherical detector using the BPF algorithm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zuo, Nianming; Zou, Yu; Jiang, Tianzi; Pan, Xiaochuan

    2006-03-01

    Both flat-panel detectors and cylindrical detectors have been used in CT systems for data acquisition. The cylindrical detector generally offers a sampling of a transverse image plane more uniformly than does a flat-panel detector. However, in the longitudinal dimension, the cylindrical and flat-panel detectors offer similar sampling of the image space. In this work, we investigate a detector of spherical shape, which can yield uniform sampling of the 3D image space because the solid angle subtended by each individual detector bin remains unchanged. We have extended the backprojection-filtration (BPF) algorithm, which we have developed previously for cone-beam CT, to reconstruct images in cone-beam CT with a spherical detector. We also conduct computer-simulation studies to validate the extended BPF algorithm. Quantitative results in these numerical studies indicate that accurate images can be obtained from data acquired with a spherical detector by use of our extended BPF cone-beam algorithms.

  17. State-of-the-art on cone beam CT imaging for preoperative planning of implant placement.

    PubMed

    Guerrero, Maria Eugenia; Jacobs, Reinhilde; Loubele, Miet; Schutyser, Filip; Suetens, Paul; van Steenberghe, Daniel

    2006-03-01

    Orofacial diagnostic imaging has grown dramatically in recent years. As the use of endosseous implants has revolutionized oral rehabilitation, a specialized technique has become available for the preoperative planning of oral implant placement: cone beam computed tomography (CT). This imaging technology provides 3D and cross-sectional views of the jaws. It is obvious that this hardware is not in the same class as CT machines in cost, size, weight, complexity, and radiation dose. It is thus considered to be the examination of choice when making a risk-benefit assessment. The present review deals with imaging modalities available for preoperative planning purposes with a specific focus on the use of the cone beam CT and software for planning of oral implant surgery. It is apparent that cone beam CT is the medium of the future, thus, many changes will be performed to improve these. Any adaptation of the future systems should go hand in hand with a further dose optimalization.

  18. Laser scattering induced holograms in lithium niobate. [observation of diffraction cones

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Magnusson, R.; Gaylord, T. K.

    1974-01-01

    A 3.0-mm thick poled single crystal of lithium niobate doped with 0.1 mole% iron was exposed to a single beam and then to two intersecting beams of an argon ion laser operating at 515-nm wavelength. Laser scattering induced holograms were thus written and analyzed. The presence of diffraction cones was observed and is shown to result from the internally recorded interference pattern resulting from the interference of the original incident laser beam with light scattered from material inhomogeneities. This phenomenon is analyzed using Ewald sphere construction techniques which reveal the geometrical relationships existing for the diffraction cones.

  19. Direct estimation of human trabecular bone stiffness using cone beam computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Klintström, Eva; Klintström, Benjamin; Pahr, Dieter; Brismar, Torkel B; Smedby, Örjan; Moreno, Rodrigo

    2018-04-10

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of estimating the biomechanical properties of trabecular bone through finite element simulations by using dental cone beam computed tomography data. Fourteen human radius specimens were scanned in 3 cone beam computed tomography devices: 3-D Accuitomo 80 (J. Morita MFG., Kyoto, Japan), NewTom 5 G (QR Verona, Verona, Italy), and Verity (Planmed, Helsinki, Finland). The imaging data were segmented by using 2 different methods. Stiffness (Young modulus), shear moduli, and the size and shape of the stiffness tensor were studied. Corresponding evaluations by using micro-CT were regarded as the reference standard. The 3-D Accuitomo 80 (J. Morita MFG., Kyoto, Japan) showed good performance in estimating stiffness and shear moduli but was sensitive to the choice of segmentation method. NewTom 5 G (QR Verona, Verona, Italy) and Verity (Planmed, Helsinki, Finland) yielded good correlations, but they were not as strong as Accuitomo 80 (J. Morita MFG., Kyoto, Japan). The cone beam computed tomography devices overestimated both stiffness and shear compared with the micro-CT estimations. Finite element-based calculations of biomechanics from cone beam computed tomography data are feasible, with strong correlations for the Accuitomo 80 scanner (J. Morita MFG., Kyoto, Japan) combined with an appropriate segmentation method. Such measurements might be useful for predicting implant survival by in vivo estimations of bone properties. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Micro-cone targets for producing high energy and low divergence particle beams

    DOEpatents

    Le Galloudec, Nathalie

    2013-09-10

    The present invention relates to micro-cone targets for producing high energy and low divergence particle beams. In one embodiment, the micro-cone target includes a substantially cone-shaped body including an outer surface, an inner surface, a generally flat and round, open-ended base, and a tip defining an apex. The cone-shaped body tapers along its length from the generally flat and round, open-ended base to the tip defining the apex. In addition, the outer surface and the inner surface connect the base to the tip, and the tip curves inwardly to define an outer surface that is concave, which is bounded by a rim formed at a juncture where the outer surface meets the tip.

  1. LASER APPLICATIONS AND OTHER TOPICS IN QUANTUM ELECTRONICS: Efficiency of passage of highly vibrationally excited CF3I molecules in a beam through a cooled converging hollow truncated cone

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Makarov, Grigorii N.; Petin, A. N.

    2006-09-01

    The passage of CF3I molecules excited by high-intensity IR laser radiation to high vibrational states (with energy Ev >= 0.3-1.5 eV) and unexcited molecules in a pulsed beam through a converging truncated hollow metal cone cooled to Ts approx 80-85 K and mounted at an angle to the beam axis is studied. It is found that the excited molecules pass much more readily through the cone than the unexcited (vibrationally cold) molecules. This opens the possibility for studying the processes of energy transfer and redistribution over a cold surface covered by molecular (cluster) layers, and for separating excited and unexcited molecules in a beam.

  2. Physical properties of new collimator cone system for stereotactic radiation therapy developed in samsung medical center.

    PubMed

    Kim, D Y; Ahn, Y C; Oh, D G; Choi, D R; Ju, S G; Yeo, I H; Huh, S J

    2000-09-01

    A new collimator cone system has been developed at the Samsung Medical Center that overcomes some of the limitations of present commercially supplied collimator cones. The physical properties of the newly developed cone system are described in this report. The new cones have relatively larger aperture sizes (3.0-7.0 cm in diameter) and are 16 cm in length. Each new cone is fabricated with cerrobend alloy melted and poured into a stainless steel housing that is permanently fixed to a mounting plate. The mounting plate of the new cone is designed to insert into the wedge mount slot of the gantry head. The mechanical accuracy of the central axis of the cone pointing to the isocenter was tested using film, a steel ball positioned at the isocenter by the mechanical isocenter device. For the evaluation of beam flatness and penumbra, off-axis ratios at 5 cm depth were measured by film dosimetry using polystyrene phantom. The average error of the mechanical isocenter was 0.27 mm (+/- 0.16 mm). The beam flatness was excellent in the central region of the beam, and the average penumbra width was 3.35 mm (+/- 0.25 mm). The new cone design has more clearance between the patient's head and the gantry, and can more easily be removed from the gantry head because it slides in and out of the wedge slot. This facilitates changing cone sizes during one treatment session, and makes the process of double exposure port films easier. A new collimator cone system for stereotactic radiation therapy has been developed. The mechanical accuracy and physical properties are satisfactory for clinical use, and the new design permits a wider range of clinical applications for stereotactic radiation therapy.

  3. Retroperitoneal tumour radiotherapy: clinical improvements using kilovoltage cone beam computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Juan-Senabre, Xavier J; Ferrer-Albiach, Carlos; Rodríguez-Cordón, Marta; Santos-Serra, Agustín; López-Tarjuelo, Juan; Calzada-Feliu, Salvador

    2009-04-01

    We present a clinical case of a patient diagnosed with a retroperitoneal sarcoma, which received preoperative treatment with daily verification via computed tomography obtained with kilovoltage cone beam. We compare the benefit of this treatment compared to other conventional treatment without image guiding, reporting quantitative results.

  4. Study on beam geometry and image reconstruction algorithm in fast neutron computerized tomography at NECTAR facility

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guo, J.; Bücherl, T.; Zou, Y.; Guo, Z.

    2011-09-01

    Investigations on the fast neutron beam geometry for the NECTAR facility are presented. The results of MCNP simulations and experimental measurements of the beam distributions at NECTAR are compared. Boltzmann functions are used to describe the beam profile in the detection plane assuming the area source to be set up of large number of single neutron point sources. An iterative algebraic reconstruction algorithm is developed, realized and verified by both simulated and measured projection data. The feasibility for improved reconstruction in fast neutron computerized tomography at the NECTAR facility is demonstrated.

  5. Contours identification of elements in a cone beam computed tomography for investigating maxillary cysts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chioran, Doina; Nicoarǎ, Adrian; Roşu, Şerban; Cǎrligeriu, Virgil; Ianeş, Emilia

    2013-10-01

    Digital processing of two-dimensional cone beam computer tomography slicesstarts by identification of the contour of elements within. This paper deals with the collective work of specialists in medicine and applied mathematics in computer science on elaborating and implementation of algorithms in dental 2D imagery.

  6. C-arm based cone-beam CT using a two-concentric-arc source trajectory: system evaluation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zambelli, Joseph; Zhuang, Tingliang; Nett, Brian E.; Riddell, Cyril; Belanger, Barry; Chen, Guang-Hong

    2008-03-01

    The current x-ray source trajectory for C-arm based cone-beam CT is a single arc. Reconstruction from data acquired with this trajectory yields cone-beam artifacts for regions other than the central slice. In this work we present the preliminary evaluation of reconstruction from a source trajectory of two concentric arcs using a flat-panel detector equipped C-arm gantry (GE Healthcare Innova 4100 system, Waukesha, Wisconsin). The reconstruction method employed is a summation of FDK-type reconstructions from the two individual arcs. For the angle between arcs studied here, 30°, this method offers a significant reduction in the visibility of cone-beam artifacts, with the additional advantages of simplicity and ease of implementation due to the fact that it is a direct extension of the reconstruction method currently implemented on commercial systems. Reconstructed images from data acquired from the two arc trajectory are compared to those reconstructed from a single arc trajectory and evaluated in terms of spatial resolution, low contrast resolution, noise, and artifact level.

  7. C-arm based cone-beam CT using a two-concentric-arc source trajectory: system evaluation.

    PubMed

    Zambelli, Joseph; Zhuang, Tingliang; Nett, Brian E; Riddell, Cyril; Belanger, Barry; Chen, Guang-Hong

    2008-01-01

    The current x-ray source trajectory for C-arm based cone-beam CT is a single arc. Reconstruction from data acquired with this trajectory yields cone-beam artifacts for regions other than the central slice. In this work we present the preliminary evaluation of reconstruction from a source trajectory of two concentric arcs using a flat-panel detector equipped C-arm gantry (GE Healthcare Innova 4100 system, Waukesha, Wisconsin). The reconstruction method employed is a summation of FDK-type reconstructions from the two individual arcs. For the angle between arcs studied here, 30°, this method offers a significant reduction in the visibility of cone-beam artifacts, with the additional advantages of simplicity and ease of implementation due to the fact that it is a direct extension of the reconstruction method currently implemented on commercial systems. Reconstructed images from data acquired from the two arc trajectory are compared to those reconstructed from a single arc trajectory and evaluated in terms of spatial resolution, low contrast resolution, noise, and artifact level.

  8. Development of an irradiation method with lateral modulation of SOBP width using a cone-type filter for carbon ion beams.

    PubMed

    Ishizaki, Azusa; Ishii, Keizo; Kanematsu, Nobuyuki; Kanai, Tatsuaki; Yonai, Shunsuke; Kase, Yuki; Takei, Yuka; Komori, Masataka

    2009-06-01

    Passive irradiation methods deliver an extra dose to normal tissues upstream of the target tumor, while in dynamic irradiation methods, interplay effects between dynamic beam delivery and target motion induced by breathing or respiration distort the dose distributions. To solve the problems of those two irradiation methods, the authors have developed a new method that laterally modulates the spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) width. By reducing scanning in the depth direction, they expect to reduce the interplay effects. They have examined this new irradiation method experimentally. In this system, they used a cone-type filter that consisted of 400 cones in a grid of 20 cones by 20 cones. There were five kinds of cones with different SOBP widths arranged on the frame two dimensionally to realize lateral SOBP modulation. To reduce the number of steps of cones, they used a wheel-type filter to make minipeaks. The scanning intensity was modulated for each SOBP width with a pair of scanning magnets. In this experiment, a stepwise dose distribution and spherical dose distribution of 60 mm in diameter were formed. The nonflatness of the stepwise dose distribution was 5.7% and that of the spherical dose distribution was 3.8%. A 2 mm misalignment of the cone-type filter resulted in a nonflatness of more than 5%. Lateral SOBP modulation with a cone-type filter and a scanned carbon ion beam successfully formed conformal dose distribution with nonflatness of 3.8% for the spherical case. The cone-type filter had to be set to within 1 mm accuracy to maintain nonflatness within 5%. This method will be useful to treat targets moving during breathing and targets in proximity to important organs.

  9. Optimized Orthovoltage Stereotactic Radiosurgery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fagerstrom, Jessica M.

    Because of its ability to treat intracranial targets effectively and noninvasively, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a prevalent treatment modality in modern radiation therapy. This work focused on SRS delivering rectangular function dose distributions, which are desirable for some targets such as those with functional tissue included within the target volume. In order to achieve such distributions, this work used fluence modulation and energies lower than those utilized in conventional SRS. In this work, the relationship between prescription isodose and dose gradients was examined for standard, unmodulated orthovoltage SRS dose distributions. Monte Carlo-generated energy deposition kernels were used to calculate 4pi, isocentric dose distributions for a polyenergetic orthovoltage spectrum, as well as monoenergetic orthovoltage beams. The relationship between dose gradients and prescription isodose was found to be field size and energy dependent, and values were found for prescription isodose that optimize dose gradients. Next, a pencil-beam model was used with a Genetic Algorithm search heuristic to optimize the spatial distribution of added tungsten filtration within apertures of cone collimators in a moderately filtered 250 kVp beam. Four cone sizes at three depths were examined with a Monte Carlo model to determine the effects of the optimized modulation compared to open cones, and the simulations found that the optimized cones were able to achieve both improved penumbra and flatness statistics at depth compared to the open cones. Prototypes of the filter designs calculated using mathematical optimization techniques and Monte Carlo simulations were then manufactured and inserted into custom built orthovoltage SRS cone collimators. A positioning system built in-house was used to place the collimator and filter assemblies temporarily in the 250 kVp beam line. Measurements were performed in water using radiochromic film scanned with both a standard white light flatbed scanner as well as a prototype laser densitometry system. Measured beam profiles showed that the modulated beams could more closely approach rectangular function dose profiles compared to the open cones. A methodology has been described and implemented to achieve optimized SRS delivery, including the development of working prototypes. Future work may include the construction of a full treatment platform.

  10. Filtered-backprojection reconstruction for a cone-beam computed tomography scanner with independent source and detector rotations

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Rit, Simon, E-mail: simon.rit@creatis.insa-lyon.fr; Clackdoyle, Rolf; Keuschnigg, Peter

    Purpose: A new cone-beam CT scanner for image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) can independently rotate the source and the detector along circular trajectories. Existing reconstruction algorithms are not suitable for this scanning geometry. The authors propose and evaluate a three-dimensional (3D) filtered-backprojection reconstruction for this situation. Methods: The source and the detector trajectories are tuned to image a field-of-view (FOV) that is offset with respect to the center-of-rotation. The new reconstruction formula is derived from the Feldkamp algorithm and results in a similar three-step algorithm: projection weighting, ramp filtering, and weighted backprojection. Simulations of a Shepp Logan digital phantom were used tomore » evaluate the new algorithm with a 10 cm-offset FOV. A real cone-beam CT image with an 8.5 cm-offset FOV was also obtained from projections of an anthropomorphic head phantom. Results: The quality of the cone-beam CT images reconstructed using the new algorithm was similar to those using the Feldkamp algorithm which is used in conventional cone-beam CT. The real image of the head phantom exhibited comparable image quality to that of existing systems. Conclusions: The authors have proposed a 3D filtered-backprojection reconstruction for scanners with independent source and detector rotations that is practical and effective. This algorithm forms the basis for exploiting the scanner’s unique capabilities in IGRT protocols.« less

  11. The application of cone-beam CT in the aging of bone calluses: a new perspective?

    PubMed

    Cappella, A; Amadasi, A; Gaudio, D; Gibelli, D; Borgonovo, S; Di Giancamillo, M; Cattaneo, C

    2013-11-01

    In the forensic and anthropological fields, the assessment of the age of a bone callus can be crucial for a correct analysis of injuries in the skeleton. To our knowledge, the studies which have focused on this topic are mainly clinical and still leave much to be desired for forensic purposes, particularly in looking for better methods for aging calluses in view of criminalistic applications. This study aims at evaluating the aid cone-beam CT can give in the investigation of the inner structure of fractures and calluses, thus acquiring a better knowledge of the process of bone remodeling. A total of 13 fractures (three without callus formation and ten with visible callus) of known age from cadavers were subjected to radiological investigations with digital radiography (DR) (conventional radiography) and cone-beam CT with the major aim of investigating the differences between DR and tomographic images when studying the inner and outer structures of bone healing. Results showed how with cone-beam CT the structure of the callus is clearly visible with higher specificity and definition and much more information on mineralization in different sections and planes. These results could lay the foundation for new perspectives on bone callus evaluation and aging with cone-beam CT, a user-friendly and skillful technique which in some instances can also be used extensively on the living (e.g., in cases of child abuse) with reduced exposition to radiation.

  12. Peri-implant assessment via cone beam computed tomography and digital periapical radiography: an ex vivo study.

    PubMed

    Silveira-Neto, Nicolau; Flores, Mateus Ericson; De Carli, João Paulo; Costa, Max Dória; Matos, Felipe de Souza; Paranhos, Luiz Renato; Linden, Maria Salete Sandini

    2017-11-01

    This research evaluated detail registration in peri-implant bone using two different cone beam computer tomography systems and a digital periapical radiograph. Three different image acquisition protocols were established for each cone beam computer tomography apparatus, and three clinical situations were simulated in an ex vivo fresh pig mandible: buccal bone defect, peri-implant bone defect, and bone contact. Data were subjected to two analyses: quantitative and qualitative. The quantitative analyses involved a comparison of real specimen measures using a digital caliper in three regions of the preserved buccal bone - A, B and E (control group) - to cone beam computer tomography images obtained with different protocols (kp1, kp2, kp3, ip1, ip2, and ip3). In the qualitative analyses, the ability to register peri-implant details via tomography and digital periapical radiography was verified, as indicated by twelve evaluators. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). The quantitative assessment showed means statistically equal to those of the control group under the following conditions: buccal bone defect B and E with kp1 and ip1, peri-implant bone defect E with kp2 and kp3, and bone contact A with kp1, kp2, kp3, and ip2. Qualitatively, only bone contacts were significantly different among the assessments, and the p3 results differed from the p1 and p2 results. The other results were statistically equivalent. The registration of peri-implant details was influenced by the image acquisition protocol, although metal artifacts were produced in all situations. The evaluators preferred the Kodak 9000 3D cone beam computer tomography in most cases. The evaluators identified buccal bone defects better with cone beam computer tomography and identified peri-implant bone defects better with digital periapical radiography.

  13. Evaluation of the OSC-TV iterative reconstruction algorithm for cone-beam optical CT

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Matenine, Dmitri, E-mail: dmitri.matenine.1@ulaval.ca; Mascolo-Fortin, Julia, E-mail: julia.mascolo-fortin.1@ulaval.ca; Goussard, Yves, E-mail: yves.goussard@polymtl.ca

    Purpose: The present work evaluates an iterative reconstruction approach, namely, the ordered subsets convex (OSC) algorithm with regularization via total variation (TV) minimization in the field of cone-beam optical computed tomography (optical CT). One of the uses of optical CT is gel-based 3D dosimetry for radiation therapy, where it is employed to map dose distributions in radiosensitive gels. Model-based iterative reconstruction may improve optical CT image quality and contribute to a wider use of optical CT in clinical gel dosimetry. Methods: This algorithm was evaluated using experimental data acquired by a cone-beam optical CT system, as well as complementary numericalmore » simulations. A fast GPU implementation of OSC-TV was used to achieve reconstruction times comparable to those of conventional filtered backprojection. Images obtained via OSC-TV were compared with the corresponding filtered backprojections. Spatial resolution and uniformity phantoms were scanned and respective reconstructions were subject to evaluation of the modulation transfer function, image uniformity, and accuracy. The artifacts due to refraction and total signal loss from opaque objects were also studied. Results: The cone-beam optical CT data reconstructions showed that OSC-TV outperforms filtered backprojection in terms of image quality, thanks to a model-based simulation of the photon attenuation process. It was shown to significantly improve the image spatial resolution and reduce image noise. The accuracy of the estimation of linear attenuation coefficients remained similar to that obtained via filtered backprojection. Certain image artifacts due to opaque objects were reduced. Nevertheless, the common artifact due to the gel container walls could not be eliminated. Conclusions: The use of iterative reconstruction improves cone-beam optical CT image quality in many ways. The comparisons between OSC-TV and filtered backprojection presented in this paper demonstrate that OSC-TV can potentially improve the rendering of spatial features and reduce cone-beam optical CT artifacts.« less

  14. Evaluation of the OSC-TV iterative reconstruction algorithm for cone-beam optical CT.

    PubMed

    Matenine, Dmitri; Mascolo-Fortin, Julia; Goussard, Yves; Després, Philippe

    2015-11-01

    The present work evaluates an iterative reconstruction approach, namely, the ordered subsets convex (OSC) algorithm with regularization via total variation (TV) minimization in the field of cone-beam optical computed tomography (optical CT). One of the uses of optical CT is gel-based 3D dosimetry for radiation therapy, where it is employed to map dose distributions in radiosensitive gels. Model-based iterative reconstruction may improve optical CT image quality and contribute to a wider use of optical CT in clinical gel dosimetry. This algorithm was evaluated using experimental data acquired by a cone-beam optical CT system, as well as complementary numerical simulations. A fast GPU implementation of OSC-TV was used to achieve reconstruction times comparable to those of conventional filtered backprojection. Images obtained via OSC-TV were compared with the corresponding filtered backprojections. Spatial resolution and uniformity phantoms were scanned and respective reconstructions were subject to evaluation of the modulation transfer function, image uniformity, and accuracy. The artifacts due to refraction and total signal loss from opaque objects were also studied. The cone-beam optical CT data reconstructions showed that OSC-TV outperforms filtered backprojection in terms of image quality, thanks to a model-based simulation of the photon attenuation process. It was shown to significantly improve the image spatial resolution and reduce image noise. The accuracy of the estimation of linear attenuation coefficients remained similar to that obtained via filtered backprojection. Certain image artifacts due to opaque objects were reduced. Nevertheless, the common artifact due to the gel container walls could not be eliminated. The use of iterative reconstruction improves cone-beam optical CT image quality in many ways. The comparisons between OSC-TV and filtered backprojection presented in this paper demonstrate that OSC-TV can potentially improve the rendering of spatial features and reduce cone-beam optical CT artifacts.

  15. Estimating the effective radiation dose imparted to patients by intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography in thoracolumbar spinal surgery.

    PubMed

    Lange, Jeffrey; Karellas, Andrew; Street, John; Eck, Jason C; Lapinsky, Anthony; Connolly, Patrick J; Dipaola, Christian P

    2013-03-01

    Observational. To estimate the radiation dose imparted to patients during typical thoracolumbar spinal surgical scenarios. Minimally invasive techniques continue to become more common in spine surgery. Computer-assisted navigation systems coupled with intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CT) represent one such method used to aid in instrumented spinal procedures. Some studies indicate that cone-beam CT technology delivers a relatively low dose of radiation to patients compared with other x-ray-based imaging modalities. The goal of this study was to estimate the radiation exposure to the patient imparted during typical posterior thoracolumbar instrumented spinal procedures, using intraoperative cone-beam CT and to place these values in the context of standard CT doses. Cone-beam CT scans were obtained using Medtronic O-arm (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN). Thermoluminescence dosimeters were placed in a linear array on a foam-plastic thoracolumbar spine model centered above the radiation source for O-arm presets of lumbar scans for small or large patients. In-air dosimeter measurements were converted to skin surface measurements, using published conversion factors. Dose-length product was calculated from these values. Effective dose was estimated using published effective dose to dose-length product conversion factors. Calculated dosages for many full-length procedures using the small-patient setting fell within the range of published effective doses of abdominal CT scans (1-31 mSv). Calculated dosages for many full-length procedures using the large-patient setting fell within the range of published effective doses of abdominal CT scans when the number of scans did not exceed 3. We have demonstrated that single cone-beam CT scans and most full-length posterior instrumented spinal procedures using O-arm in standard mode would likely impart a radiation dose within the range of those imparted by a single standard CT scan of the abdomen. Radiation dose increases with patient size, and the radiation dose received by larger patients as a result of more than 3 O-arm scans in standard mode may exceed the dose received during standard CT of the abdomen. Understanding radiation imparted to patients by cone-beam CT is important for assessing risks and benefits of this technology, especially when spinal surgical procedures require multiple intraoperative scans.

  16. A Projection Quality-Driven Tube Current Modulation Method in Cone-Beam CT for IGRT: Proof of Concept.

    PubMed

    Men, Kuo; Dai, Jianrong

    2017-12-01

    To develop a projection quality-driven tube current modulation method in cone-beam computed tomography for image-guided radiotherapy based on the prior attenuation information obtained by the planning computed tomography and then evaluate its effect on a reduction in the imaging dose. The QCKV-1 phantom with different thicknesses (0-400 mm) of solid water upon it was used to simulate different attenuation (μ). Projections were acquired with a series of tube current-exposure time product (mAs) settings, and a 2-dimensional contrast to noise ratio was analyzed for each projection to create a lookup table of mAs versus 2-dimensional contrast to noise ratio, μ. Before a patient underwent computed tomography, the maximum attenuation [Formula: see text] within the 95% range of each projection angle (θ) was estimated according to the planning computed tomography images. Then, a desired 2-dimensional contrast to noise ratio value was selected, and the mAs setting at θ was calculated with the lookup table of mAs versus 2-dimensional contrast to noise ratio,[Formula: see text]. Three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography images were reconstructed using the projections acquired with the selected mAs. The imaging dose was evaluated with a polymethyl methacrylate dosimetry phantom in terms of volume computed tomography dose index. Image quality was analyzed using a Catphan 503 phantom with an oval body annulus and a pelvis phantom. For the Catphan 503 phantom, the cone-beam computed tomography image obtained by the projection quality-driven tube current modulation method had a similar quality to that of conventional cone-beam computed tomography . However, the proposed method could reduce the imaging dose by 16% to 33% to achieve an equivalent contrast to noise ratio value. For the pelvis phantom, the structural similarity index was 0.992 with a dose reduction of 39.7% for the projection quality-driven tube current modulation method. The proposed method could reduce the additional dose to the patient while not degrading the image quality for cone-beam computed tomography. The projection quality-driven tube current modulation method could be especially beneficial to patients who undergo cone-beam computed tomography frequently during a treatment course.

  17. The effect of tail stretching on the ionospheric accessibility of relativistic electron beam experiments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Willard, J.; Johnson, J.; Sanchez, E. R.; Kaganovich, I.; Greklek-McKeon, M.; Powis, T.

    2017-12-01

    New accelerator technologies have made it possible to install a lightweight electron beam accelerator onto small to medium satellites. Electron beams fired along the geomagnetic field would be able to carry energy flux into the ionosphere if they were fired into the loss cone, making these particles observable from the ground. Such an experiment would provide a way to accurately map field lines. One of the important challenges to utilizing this concept is understanding accessibility of these electrons to the ionosphere. While relativistic electron beams are generally more stable than lower energy beams, they are more sensitive to the effects of field-line curvature, which can significantly modify the loss cone [Porazik et al., 2014] making accessibility to the ionosphere sensitive to the launch angle with respect to the magnetic field. We examine the loss cone for 1 MeV electrons in a realistic magnetospheric geometry considering, in particular, the role of field-line stretching. To map the loss cone, we consider conservation of the first adiabatic invariant to second order in ρ/L using the asymptotic series derived by Gardner [Phys Fluids, 1966], which is valid on the midnight meridian. We investigate the loss cones for different magnetic field models controlled by a stretching parameter over the entire midnight meridian. We found that, because tail stretching increases field line curvature near the midplane but decreases curvature elsewhere, accessibility to the ionosphere is increased by tail stretching in regions above and below the midplane, although accessibility of particles passing through the midplane is reduced. This result implies that satellites armed with electron beam accelerators may be able to visibly affect the atmosphere from distances greater than previously anticipated.

  18. Dedicated Cone-Beam CT System for Extremity Imaging

    PubMed Central

    Al Muhit, Abdullah; Zbijewski, Wojciech; Thawait, Gaurav K.; Stayman, J. Webster; Packard, Nathan; Senn, Robert; Yang, Dong; Foos, David H.; Yorkston, John; Siewerdsen, Jeffrey H.

    2014-01-01

    Purpose To provide initial assessment of image quality and dose for a cone-beam computed tomographic (CT) scanner dedicated to extremity imaging. Materials and Methods A prototype cone-beam CT scanner has been developed for imaging the extremities, including the weight-bearing lower extremities. Initial technical assessment included evaluation of radiation dose measured as a function of kilovolt peak and tube output (in milliampere seconds), contrast resolution assessed in terms of the signal difference–to-noise ratio (SDNR), spatial resolution semiquantitatively assessed by using a line-pair module from a phantom, and qualitative evaluation of cadaver images for potential diagnostic value and image artifacts by an expert CT observer (musculoskeletal radiologist). Results The dose for a nominal scan protocol (80 kVp, 108 mAs) was 9 mGy (absolute dose measured at the center of a CT dose index phantom). SDNR was maximized with the 80-kVp scan technique, and contrast resolution was sufficient for visualization of muscle, fat, ligaments and/or tendons, cartilage joint space, and bone. Spatial resolution in the axial plane exceeded 15 line pairs per centimeter. Streaks associated with x-ray scatter (in thicker regions of the patient—eg, the knee), beam hardening (about cortical bone—eg, the femoral shaft), and cone-beam artifacts (at joint space surfaces oriented along the scanning plane—eg, the interphalangeal joints) presented a slight impediment to visualization. Cadaver images (elbow, hand, knee, and foot) demonstrated excellent visibility of bone detail and good soft-tissue visibility suitable to a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal indications. Conclusion A dedicated extremity cone-beam CT scanner capable of imaging upper and lower extremities (including weight-bearing examinations) provides sufficient image quality and favorable dose characteristics to warrant further evaluation for clinical use. © RSNA, 2013 Online supplemental material is available for this article. PMID:24475803

  19. Optical cone beam tomography of Cherenkov-mediated signals for fast 3D dosimetry of x-ray photon beams in water.

    PubMed

    Glaser, Adam K; Andreozzi, Jacqueline M; Zhang, Rongxiao; Pogue, Brian W; Gladstone, David J

    2015-07-01

    To test the use of a three-dimensional (3D) optical cone beam computed tomography reconstruction algorithm, for estimation of the imparted 3D dose distribution from megavoltage photon beams in a water tank for quality assurance, by imaging the induced Cherenkov-excited fluorescence (CEF). An intensified charge-coupled device coupled to a standard nontelecentric camera lens was used to tomographically acquire two-dimensional (2D) projection images of CEF from a complex multileaf collimator (MLC) shaped 6 MV linear accelerator x-ray photon beam operating at a dose rate of 600 MU/min. The resulting projections were used to reconstruct the 3D CEF light distribution, a potential surrogate of imparted dose, using a Feldkamp-Davis-Kress cone beam back reconstruction algorithm. Finally, the reconstructed light distributions were compared to the expected dose values from one-dimensional diode scans, 2D film measurements, and the 3D distribution generated from the clinical Varian ECLIPSE treatment planning system using a gamma index analysis. A Monte Carlo derived correction was applied to the Cherenkov reconstructions to account for beam hardening artifacts. 3D light volumes were successfully reconstructed over a 400 × 400 × 350 mm(3) volume at a resolution of 1 mm. The Cherenkov reconstructions showed agreement with all comparative methods and were also able to recover both inter- and intra-MLC leaf leakage. Based upon a 3%/3 mm criterion, the experimental Cherenkov light measurements showed an 83%-99% pass fraction depending on the chosen threshold dose. The results from this study demonstrate the use of optical cone beam computed tomography using CEF for the profiling of the imparted dose distribution from large area megavoltage photon beams in water.

  20. Three-dimensional visualization of the craniofacial patient: volume segmentation, data integration and animation.

    PubMed

    Enciso, R; Memon, A; Mah, J

    2003-01-01

    The research goal at the Craniofacial Virtual Reality Laboratory of the School of Dentistry in conjunction with the Integrated Media Systems Center, School of Engineering, University of Southern California, is to develop computer methods to accurately visualize patients in three dimensions using advanced imaging and data acquisition devices such as cone-beam computerized tomography (CT) and mandibular motion capture. Data from these devices were integrated for three-dimensional (3D) patient-specific visualization, modeling and animation. Generic methods are in development that can be used with common CT image format (DICOM), mesh format (STL) and motion data (3D position over time). This paper presents preliminary descriptive studies on: 1) segmentation of the lower and upper jaws with two types of CT data--(a) traditional whole head CT data and (b) the new dental Newtom CT; 2) manual integration of accurate 3D tooth crowns with the segmented lower jaw 3D model; 3) realistic patient-specific 3D animation of the lower jaw.

  1. Evaluation of cavity size, kind, and filling technique of composite shrinkage by finite element.

    PubMed

    Jafari, Toloo; Alaghehmad, Homayoon; Moodi, Ehsan

    2018-01-01

    Cavity preparation reduces the rigidity of tooth and its resistance to deformation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dimensional changes of the repaired teeth using two types of light cure composite and two methods of incremental and bulk filling by the use of finite element method. In this computerized in vitro experimental study, an intact maxillary premolar was scanned using cone beam computed tomography instrument (SCANORA, Switzerland), then each section of tooth image was transmitted to Ansys software using AUTOCAD. Then, eight sizes of cavity preparations and two methods of restoration (bulk and incremental) using two different types of composite resin materials (Heliomolar, Brilliant) were proposed on software and analysis was completed with Ansys software. Dimensional change increased by widening and deepening of the cavities. It was also increased using Brilliant composite resin and incremental filling technique. Increase in depth and type of filling technique has the greatest role of dimensional change after curing, but the type of composite resin does not have a significant role.

  2. Test of 3D CT reconstructions by EM + TV algorithm from undersampled data

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Evseev, Ivan; Ahmann, Francielle; Silva, Hamilton P. da

    2013-05-06

    Computerized tomography (CT) plays an important role in medical imaging for diagnosis and therapy. However, CT imaging is connected with ionization radiation exposure of patients. Therefore, the dose reduction is an essential issue in CT. In 2011, the Expectation Maximization and Total Variation Based Model for CT Reconstruction (EM+TV) was proposed. This method can reconstruct a better image using less CT projections in comparison with the usual filtered back projection (FBP) technique. Thus, it could significantly reduce the overall dose of radiation in CT. This work reports the results of an independent numerical simulation for cone beam CT geometry withmore » alternative virtual phantoms. As in the original report, the 3D CT images of 128 Multiplication-Sign 128 Multiplication-Sign 128 virtual phantoms were reconstructed. It was not possible to implement phantoms with lager dimensions because of the slowness of code execution even by the CORE i7 CPU.« less

  3. Severe Loss of Tritan Color Discrimination in RPE65 Associated Leber Congenital Amaurosis

    PubMed Central

    Kumaran, Neruban; Ripamonti, Caterina; Kalitzeos, Angelos; Rubin, Gary S.; Bainbridge, James W. B.

    2018-01-01

    Purpose RPE65-associated Leber congenital amaurosis (RPE65-LCA) is a progressive severe retinal dystrophy with early profound dysfunction of rod photoreceptors followed by progressive cone photoreceptor degeneration. We aim to provide detailed information about how cone dysfunction affects color discrimination. Methods Seven adults (aged 16–21) with RPE65-LCA underwent monocular color discrimination assessment using the Trivector and Ellipse versions of three computerized tests: Cambridge Colour Test (CCT), low vision version of the Cambridge Colour Test (lvvCCT), and the Universal Colour Discrimination Test (UCDT). For comparison, subjects were also tested using the American Optical Hardy Rand Rittler (AO-HRR) plates. Each assessment was repeated three times. Results The Trivector version of the tests demonstrated that color discrimination along the tritan axis was undetectable in four subjects, and severely reduced in three subjects. These findings were confirmed by the Ellipse version of the tests. Color discrimination along the protan and deutan axes was evident but reduced in six of seven subjects. Four of seven subjects were unable to read any of the HRR plates. Conclusions The computerized color vision tests adopted in this study provide detailed information about color discrimination in adult RPE65-LCA patients. The condition is associated with severe impairment of color discrimination, particularly along the tritan axis indicating possible early involvement of S-cones, with additional protan and deutan loss to a lesser extent. This psychophysical assessment strategy is likely to be valuable in measuring the impact of therapeutic intervention on cone function. PMID:29332120

  4. X-ray luminescence computed tomography imaging based on X-ray distribution model and adaptively split Bregman method

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Dongmei; Zhu, Shouping; Cao, Xu; Zhao, Fengjun; Liang, Jimin

    2015-01-01

    X-ray luminescence computed tomography (XLCT) has become a promising imaging technology for biological application based on phosphor nanoparticles. There are mainly three kinds of XLCT imaging systems: pencil beam XLCT, narrow beam XLCT and cone beam XLCT. Narrow beam XLCT can be regarded as a balance between the pencil beam mode and the cone-beam mode in terms of imaging efficiency and image quality. The collimated X-ray beams are assumed to be parallel ones in the traditional narrow beam XLCT. However, we observe that the cone beam X-rays are collimated into X-ray beams with fan-shaped broadening instead of parallel ones in our prototype narrow beam XLCT. Hence we incorporate the distribution of the X-ray beams in the physical model and collected the optical data from only two perpendicular directions to further speed up the scanning time. Meanwhile we propose a depth related adaptive regularized split Bregman (DARSB) method in reconstruction. The simulation experiments show that the proposed physical model and method can achieve better results in the location error, dice coefficient, mean square error and the intensity error than the traditional split Bregman method and validate the feasibility of method. The phantom experiment can obtain the location error less than 1.1 mm and validate that the incorporation of fan-shaped X-ray beams in our model can achieve better results than the parallel X-rays. PMID:26203388

  5. Reduced exposure using asymmetric cone beam processing for wide area detector cardiac CT

    PubMed Central

    Bedayat, Arash; Kumamaru, Kanako; Powers, Sara L.; Signorelli, Jason; Steigner, Michael L.; Steveson, Chloe; Soga, Shigeyoshi; Adams, Kimberly; Mitsouras, Dimitrios; Clouse, Melvin; Mather, Richard T.

    2011-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to estimate dose reduction after implementation of asymmetrical cone beam processing using exposure differences measured in a water phantom and a small cohort of clinical coronary CTA patients. Two separate 320 × 0.5 mm detector row scans of a water phantom used identical cardiac acquisition parameters before and after software modifications from symmetric to asymmetric cone beam acquisition and processing. Exposure was measured at the phantom surface with Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dosimeters at 12 equally spaced angular locations. Mean HU and standard deviation (SD) for both approaches were compared using ROI measurements obtained at the center plus four peripheral locations in the water phantom. To assess image quality, mean HU and standard deviation (SD) for both approaches were compared using ROI measurements obtained at five points within the water phantom. Retrospective evaluation of 64 patients (37 symmetric; 27 asymmetric acquisition) included clinical data, scanning parameters, quantitative plus qualitative image assessment, and estimated radiation dose. In the water phantom, the asymmetric cone beam processing reduces exposure by approximately 20% with no change in image quality. The clinical coronary CTA patient groups had comparable demographics. The estimated dose reduction after implementation of the asymmetric approach was roughly 24% with no significant difference between the symmetric and asymmetric approach with respect to objective measures of image quality or subjective assessment using a four point scale. When compared to a symmetric approach, the decreased exposure, subsequent lower patient radiation dose, and similar image quality from asymmetric cone beam processing supports its routine clinical use. PMID:21336552

  6. Reduced exposure using asymmetric cone beam processing for wide area detector cardiac CT.

    PubMed

    Bedayat, Arash; Rybicki, Frank J; Kumamaru, Kanako; Powers, Sara L; Signorelli, Jason; Steigner, Michael L; Steveson, Chloe; Soga, Shigeyoshi; Adams, Kimberly; Mitsouras, Dimitrios; Clouse, Melvin; Mather, Richard T

    2012-02-01

    The purpose of this study was to estimate dose reduction after implementation of asymmetrical cone beam processing using exposure differences measured in a water phantom and a small cohort of clinical coronary CTA patients. Two separate 320 × 0.5 mm detector row scans of a water phantom used identical cardiac acquisition parameters before and after software modifications from symmetric to asymmetric cone beam acquisition and processing. Exposure was measured at the phantom surface with Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dosimeters at 12 equally spaced angular locations. Mean HU and standard deviation (SD) for both approaches were compared using ROI measurements obtained at the center plus four peripheral locations in the water phantom. To assess image quality, mean HU and standard deviation (SD) for both approaches were compared using ROI measurements obtained at five points within the water phantom. Retrospective evaluation of 64 patients (37 symmetric; 27 asymmetric acquisition) included clinical data, scanning parameters, quantitative plus qualitative image assessment, and estimated radiation dose. In the water phantom, the asymmetric cone beam processing reduces exposure by approximately 20% with no change in image quality. The clinical coronary CTA patient groups had comparable demographics. The estimated dose reduction after implementation of the asymmetric approach was roughly 24% with no significant difference between the symmetric and asymmetric approach with respect to objective measures of image quality or subjective assessment using a four point scale. When compared to a symmetric approach, the decreased exposure, subsequent lower patient radiation dose, and similar image quality from asymmetric cone beam processing supports its routine clinical use.

  7. Backscatter spectra measurements of the two beams on the same cone on Shenguang-III laser facility

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zha, Weiyi; Yang, Dong; Xu, Tao; Liu, Yonggang; Wang, Feng; Peng, Xiaoshi; Li, Yulong; Wei, Huiyue; Liu, Xiangming; Mei, Yu; Yan, Yadong; He, Junhua; Li, Zhichao; Li, Sanwei; Jiang, Xiaohua; Guo, Liang; Xie, Xufei; Pan, Kaiqiang; Liu, Shenye; Jiang, Shaoen; Zhang, Baohan; Ding, Yongkun

    2018-01-01

    In laser driven hohlraums, laser beams on the same incident cone may have different beam and plasma conditions, causing beam-to-beam backscatter difference and subsequent azimuthal variations in the x-ray drive on the capsule. To elucidate the large variation of backscatter proportion from beam to beam in some gas-filled hohlraum shots on Shenguang-III, two 28.5° beams have been measured with the Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) time-resolved spectra. A bifurcated fiber is used to sample two beams and then coupled to a spectrometer and streak camera combination to reduce the cost. The SRS spectra, characterized by a broad wavelength, were further corrected considering the temporal distortion and intensity modulation caused by components along the light path. This measurement will improve the understanding of the beam propagation inside the hohlraum and related laser plasma instabilities.

  8. [Diagnostic possibilities of digital volume tomography].

    PubMed

    Lemkamp, Michael; Filippi, Andreas; Berndt, Dorothea; Lambrecht, J Thomas

    2006-01-01

    Cone beam computed tomography allows high quality 3D images of cranio-facial structures. Although detail resolution is increased, x-ray exposition is reduced compared to classic computer tomography. The volume is analysed in three orthogonal plains, which can be rotated independently without quality loss. Cone beam computed tomography seems to be a less expensive and less x-ray exposing alternative to classic computer tomography.

  9. Role of Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Evaluation of Radicular Cyst mimicking Dentigerous Cyst in a 7-year-old Child: A Case Report and Literature Review.

    PubMed

    Mahesh, B S; P Shastry, Shilpa; S Murthy, Padmashree; Jyotsna, T R

    2017-01-01

    To report a rare case of large radicular cyst-associated deciduous tooth and to discuss the importance of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in diagnosing the condition. Radicular cyst is the most common cyst affecting the permanent teeth, but its occurrence in deciduous teeth is rare. Most of the radicular cysts are asymptomatic and are discovered accidentally when radiographs are taken. Conventional radiographs show two-dimensional images of three-dimensional objects. Cone beam computed tomography provides undistorted three-dimensional information of hard tissues and gives adequate spatial resolution. A 7-year-old child, with a complaint of swelling in the maxillary anterior region, was diagnosed with radicular cyst in relation to primary maxillary right central incisor based on CBCT and histopathological features. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of radicular cyst in primary dentition is important to prevent damage to permanent tooth. Mahesh BS, Shastry SP, Murthy PS, Jyotsna TR. Role of Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Evaluation of Radicular Cyst mimicking Dentigerous Cyst in a 7-year-old Child: A Case Report and Literature Review. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2017;10(2):213-216.

  10. Multi-mounted X-ray cone-beam computed tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fu, Jian; Wang, Jingzheng; Guo, Wei; Peng, Peng

    2018-04-01

    As a powerful nondestructive inspection technique, X-ray computed tomography (X-CT) has been widely applied to clinical diagnosis, industrial production and cutting-edge research. Imaging efficiency is currently one of the major obstacles for the applications of X-CT. In this paper, a multi-mounted three dimensional cone-beam X-CT (MM-CBCT) method is reported. It consists of a novel multi-mounted cone-beam scanning geometry and the corresponding three dimensional statistical iterative reconstruction algorithm. The scanning geometry is the most iconic design and significantly different from the current CBCT systems. Permitting the cone-beam scanning of multiple objects simultaneously, the proposed approach has the potential to achieve an imaging efficiency orders of magnitude greater than the conventional methods. Although multiple objects can be also bundled together and scanned simultaneously by the conventional CBCT methods, it will lead to the increased penetration thickness and signal crosstalk. In contrast, MM-CBCT avoids substantially these problems. This work comprises a numerical study of the method and its experimental verification using a dataset measured with a developed MM-CBCT prototype system. This technique will provide a possible solution for the CT inspection in a large scale.

  11. Enhanced proton acceleration by intense laser interaction with an inverse cone target

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bake, Muhammad Ali; Aimidula, Aimierding; Xiaerding, Fuerkaiti; Rashidin, Reyima

    2016-08-01

    The generation and control of high-quality proton bunches using focused intense laser pulse on an inverse cone target is investigated with a set of particle-in-cell simulations. The inverse cone is a high atomic number conical frustum with a thin solid top and open base, where the laser impinges onto the top surface directly, not down the open end of the cone. Results are compared with a simple planar target, where the proton angular distribution is very broad because of transverse divergence of the electromagnetic fields behind the target. For a conical target, hot electrons along the cone wall surface induce a transverse focusing sheath field. This field can effectively suppress the spatial spreading of the protons, resulting in a high-quality small-emittance, low-divergence proton beam. A slightly lower proton beam peak energy than that of a conventional planar target was also found.

  12. Enhanced proton acceleration by intense laser interaction with an inverse cone target

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bake, Muhammad Ali; Aimidula, Aimierding, E-mail: amir@mail.bnu.edu.cn; Xiaerding, Fuerkaiti

    The generation and control of high-quality proton bunches using focused intense laser pulse on an inverse cone target is investigated with a set of particle-in-cell simulations. The inverse cone is a high atomic number conical frustum with a thin solid top and open base, where the laser impinges onto the top surface directly, not down the open end of the cone. Results are compared with a simple planar target, where the proton angular distribution is very broad because of transverse divergence of the electromagnetic fields behind the target. For a conical target, hot electrons along the cone wall surface inducemore » a transverse focusing sheath field. This field can effectively suppress the spatial spreading of the protons, resulting in a high-quality small-emittance, low-divergence proton beam. A slightly lower proton beam peak energy than that of a conventional planar target was also found.« less

  13. Cone beam x-ray luminescence computed tomography: a feasibility study.

    PubMed

    Chen, Dongmei; Zhu, Shouping; Yi, Huangjian; Zhang, Xianghan; Chen, Duofang; Liang, Jimin; Tian, Jie

    2013-03-01

    The appearance of x-ray luminescence computed tomography (XLCT) opens new possibilities to perform molecular imaging by x ray. In the previous XLCT system, the sample was irradiated by a sequence of narrow x-ray beams and the x-ray luminescence was measured by a highly sensitive charge coupled device (CCD) camera. This resulted in a relatively long sampling time and relatively low utilization of the x-ray beam. In this paper, a novel cone beam x-ray luminescence computed tomography strategy is proposed, which can fully utilize the x-ray dose and shorten the scanning time. The imaging model and reconstruction method are described. The validity of the imaging strategy has been studied in this paper. In the cone beam XLCT system, the cone beam x ray was adopted to illuminate the sample and a highly sensitive CCD camera was utilized to acquire luminescent photons emitted from the sample. Photons scattering in biological tissues makes it an ill-posed problem to reconstruct the 3D distribution of the x-ray luminescent sample in the cone beam XLCT. In order to overcome this issue, the authors used the diffusion approximation model to describe the photon propagation in tissues, and employed the sparse regularization method for reconstruction. An incomplete variables truncated conjugate gradient method and permissible region strategy were used for reconstruction. Meanwhile, traditional x-ray CT imaging could also be performed in this system. The x-ray attenuation effect has been considered in their imaging model, which is helpful in improving the reconstruction accuracy. First, simulation experiments with cylinder phantoms were carried out to illustrate the validity of the proposed compensated method. The experimental results showed that the location error of the compensated algorithm was smaller than that of the uncompensated method. The permissible region strategy was applied and reduced the reconstruction error to less than 2 mm. The robustness and stability were then evaluated from different view numbers, different regularization parameters, different measurement noise levels, and optical parameters mismatch. The reconstruction results showed that the settings had a small effect on the reconstruction. The nonhomogeneous phantom simulation was also carried out to simulate a more complex experimental situation and evaluated their proposed method. Second, the physical cylinder phantom experiments further showed similar results in their prototype XLCT system. With the discussion of the above experiments, it was shown that the proposed method is feasible to the general case and actual experiments. Utilizing numerical simulation and physical experiments, the authors demonstrated the validity of the new cone beam XLCT method. Furthermore, compared with the previous narrow beam XLCT, the cone beam XLCT could more fully utilize the x-ray dose and the scanning time would be shortened greatly. The study of both simulation experiments and physical phantom experiments indicated that the proposed method was feasible to the general case and actual experiments.

  14. Control of target-normal-sheath-accelerated protons from a guiding cone

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zou, D. B.; Institut für Theoretische Physik I, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225; Zhuo, H. B., E-mail: hongbin.zhuo@gmail.com

    2015-06-15

    It is demonstrated through particle-in-cell simulations that target-normal-sheath-accelerated protons can be well controlled by using a guiding cone. Compared to a conventional planar target, both the collimation and number density of proton beams are substantially improved, giving a high-quality proton beam which maintained for a longer distance without degradation. The effect is attributed to the radial electric field resulting from the charge due to the hot target electrons propagating along the cone surface. This electric field can effectively suppress the spatial spread of the protons after the expansion of the hot electrons.

  15. SU-G-JeP4-05: Effects of Irregular Respiratory Motion On the Positioning Accuracy of Moving Target with Free Breathing Cone-Beam Computerized Tomography

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Li, X; Xiong, W; Gewanter, R

    Purpose: Average or maximum intensity projection (AIP or MIP) images derived from 4DCT images are often used as a reference image for target alignment when free breathing Cone-beam CT (FBCBCT) is used for positioning a moving target at treatment. This method can be highly accurate if the patient has stable respiratory motion. However, a patient’s breathing pattern often varies irregularly. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of irregular respiration on the positioning accuracy of a moving target with FBCBCT. Methods: Eight patients’ respiratory motion curves were selected to drive a Quasar phantom with embedded cubic andmore » spherical targets. A 4DCT of the moving phantom was acquired on a CT scanner (Philips Brilliance 16) equipped with a Varian RPM system. The phase binned 4DCT images and the corresponding MIP and AIP images were transferred into Eclipse for analysis. CBCTs of the phantom driven by the same breathing curves were acquired on a Varian TrueBeam and fused such that the zero positions of moving targets are the same on both CBCT and AIP images. The sphere and cube volumes and centrioid differences (alignment error) determined by MIP, AIP and FBCBCT images were compared. Results: Compared to the volume determined by FBCBCT, the volumes of cube and sphere in MIP images were 22.4%±8.8% and 34.2%±6.2% larger while the volumes in AIP images were 7.1%±6.2% and 2.7%±15.3% larger, respectively. The alignment errors for the cube and sphere with center-center matches between MIP and FBCBCT were 3.5±3.1mm and 3.2±2.3mm, and the alignment errors between AIP and FBCBCT were 2.1±2.6mm and 2.1±1.7mm, respectively. Conclusion: AIP images appear to be superior reference images than MIP images. However, irregular respiratory motions could compromise the positioning accuracy of a moving target if the target center-center match is used to align FBCBCT and AIP images.« less

  16. Cone Beam X-ray Luminescence Computed Tomography Based on Bayesian Method.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Guanglei; Liu, Fei; Liu, Jie; Luo, Jianwen; Xie, Yaoqin; Bai, Jing; Xing, Lei

    2017-01-01

    X-ray luminescence computed tomography (XLCT), which aims to achieve molecular and functional imaging by X-rays, has recently been proposed as a new imaging modality. Combining the principles of X-ray excitation of luminescence-based probes and optical signal detection, XLCT naturally fuses functional and anatomical images and provides complementary information for a wide range of applications in biomedical research. In order to improve the data acquisition efficiency of previously developed narrow-beam XLCT, a cone beam XLCT (CB-XLCT) mode is adopted here to take advantage of the useful geometric features of cone beam excitation. Practically, a major hurdle in using cone beam X-ray for XLCT is that the inverse problem here is seriously ill-conditioned, hindering us to achieve good image quality. In this paper, we propose a novel Bayesian method to tackle the bottleneck in CB-XLCT reconstruction. The method utilizes a local regularization strategy based on Gaussian Markov random field to mitigate the ill-conditioness of CB-XLCT. An alternating optimization scheme is then used to automatically calculate all the unknown hyperparameters while an iterative coordinate descent algorithm is adopted to reconstruct the image with a voxel-based closed-form solution. Results of numerical simulations and mouse experiments show that the self-adaptive Bayesian method significantly improves the CB-XLCT image quality as compared with conventional methods.

  17. Cone Beam X-ray Luminescence Computed Tomography Based on Bayesian Method

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Fei; Luo, Jianwen; Xie, Yaoqin; Bai, Jing

    2017-01-01

    X-ray luminescence computed tomography (XLCT), which aims to achieve molecular and functional imaging by X-rays, has recently been proposed as a new imaging modality. Combining the principles of X-ray excitation of luminescence-based probes and optical signal detection, XLCT naturally fuses functional and anatomical images and provides complementary information for a wide range of applications in biomedical research. In order to improve the data acquisition efficiency of previously developed narrow-beam XLCT, a cone beam XLCT (CB-XLCT) mode is adopted here to take advantage of the useful geometric features of cone beam excitation. Practically, a major hurdle in using cone beam X-ray for XLCT is that the inverse problem here is seriously ill-conditioned, hindering us to achieve good image quality. In this paper, we propose a novel Bayesian method to tackle the bottleneck in CB-XLCT reconstruction. The method utilizes a local regularization strategy based on Gaussian Markov random field to mitigate the ill-conditioness of CB-XLCT. An alternating optimization scheme is then used to automatically calculate all the unknown hyperparameters while an iterative coordinate descent algorithm is adopted to reconstruct the image with a voxel-based closed-form solution. Results of numerical simulations and mouse experiments show that the self-adaptive Bayesian method significantly improves the CB-XLCT image quality as compared with conventional methods. PMID:27576245

  18. Cone Beam Computed Tomography-Dawn of A New Imaging Modality in Orthodontics

    PubMed Central

    Mamatha, J; Chaitra, K R; Paul, Renji K; George, Merin; Anitha, J; Khanna, Bharti

    2015-01-01

    Today, we are in a world of innovations, and there are various diagnostics aids that help to take a decision regarding treatment in a well-planned way. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been a vital tool for imaging diagnostic tool in orthodontics. This article reviews case reports during orthodontic treatment and importance of CBCT during the treatment evaluation. PMID:26225116

  19. A Clinical Evaluation of Cone Beam Computed Tomography

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-06-01

    the extent of dental caries . The radiographic image is essential to successfully diagnose pathosis of odontogenic and non-odontogenic origin. The...A CLINICAL EVALUATION OF CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY by Thomas Patrick Cairnll, D.D.S. Commander, Dental Corps United States Navy A thesis...submitted to the Faculty of the Endodontics Graduate Program Naval Postgraduate Dental School Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in

  20. SU-F-I-06: Evaluation of Imaging Dose for Modulation Layer Based Dual Energy Cone-Beam CT

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ju, Eunbin; Ahn, SoHyun; Cho, Samju

    Purpose: Dual energy cone beam CT system is finding a variety of promising applications in diagnostic CT, both in imaging of endogenous materials and exogenous materials across a range of body sites. Dual energy cone beam CT system to suggest in this study acquire image by rotating 360 degree with half of the X-ray window covered using copper modulation layer. In the region that covered by modulation layer absorb the low energy X-ray by modulation layer. Relative high energy X-ray passes through the layer and contributes to image reconstruction. Dose evaluation should be carried out in order to utilize suchmore » an imaging acquirement technology for clinical use. Methods: For evaluating imaging dose of modulation layer based dual energy cone beam CT system, Prototype cone beam CT that configured X-ray tube (D054SB, Toshiba, Japan) and detector (PaxScan 2520V, Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) is used. A range of 0.5–2.0 mm thickness of modulation layer is implemented in Monte Carlo simulation (MCNPX, ver. 2.6.0, Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA) with half of X-ray window covered. In-house phantom using in this study that has 3 cylindrical phantoms configured water, Teflon air with PMMA covered for verifying the comparability the various material in human body and is implemented in Monte Carlo simulation. The actual dose with 2.0 mm copper covered half of X-ray window is measured using Gafchromic EBT3 film with 5.0 mm bolus for compared with simulative dose. Results: Dose in phantom reduced 33% by copper modulation layer of 2.0 mm. Scattering dose occurred in modulation layer by Compton scattering effect is 0.04% of overall dose. Conclusion: Modulation layer of that based dual energy cone beam CT has not influence on unnecessary scatter dose. This study was supported by the Radiation Safety Research Programs (1305033) through the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission.« less

  1. TU-CD-207-10: Dedicated Cone-Beam Breast CT: Design of a 3-D Beam-Shaping Filter

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Vedantham, S; Shi, L; Karellas, A

    2015-06-15

    Purpose: To design a 3 -D beam-shaping filter for cone-beam breast CT for equalizing x-ray photon fluence incident on the detector along both fan and cone angle directions. Methods: The 3-D beam-shaping filter was designed as the sum of two filters: a bow-tie filter assuming cylindrical breast and a 3D difference filter equivalent to the difference in projected thickness between the cylinder and the real breast. Both filters were designed with breast-equivalent material and converted to Al for the targeted x-ray spectrum. The bow-tie was designed for the largest diameter cylindrical breast by determining the fan-angle dependent path-length and themore » filter thickness needed to equalize the fluence. A total of 23,760 projections (180 projections of 132 binary breast CT volumes) were averaged, scaled for the largest breast, and subtracted from the projection of the largest diameter cylindrical breast to provide the 3D difference filter. The 3 -D beam shaping filter was obtained by summing the two filters. Numerical simulations with semi-ellipsoidal breasts of 10–18 cm diameter (chest-wall to nipple length=0.75 x diameter) were conducted to evaluate beam equalization. Results: The proposed 3-D beam-shaping filter showed a 140% -300% improvement in equalizing the photon fluence along the chest-wall to nipple (cone-angle) direction compared to a bow-tie filter. The improvement over bow-tie filter was larger for breasts with longer chest-wall to nipple length. Along the radial (fan-angle) direction, the performance of the 3-D beam shaping filter was marginally better than the bow-tie filter, with 4%-10% improvement in equalizing the photon fluence. For a ray traversing the chest-wall diameter of the breast, the filter transmission ratio was >0.95. Conclusion: The 3-D beam shaping filter provided substantial advantage over bow-tie filter in equalizing the photon fluence along the cone-angle direction. In conjunction with a 2-axis positioner, the filter can accommodate breasts of varying dimensions and chest-wall inclusion. Supported in part by NIH R01 CA128906 and R21 CA134128. The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not reflect the official views of the NIH or NCI.« less

  2. Patient-Specific Computational Modeling of Keratoconus Progression and Differential Responses to Collagen Cross-linking

    PubMed Central

    Sinha Roy, Abhijit

    2011-01-01

    Purpose. To model keratoconus (KC) progression and investigate the differential responses of central and eccentric cones to standard and alternative collagen cross-linking (CXL) patterns. Methods. Three-dimensional finite element models (FEMs) were generated with clinical tomography and IOP measurements. Graded reductions in regional corneal hyperelastic properties and thickness were imposed separately in the less affected eye of a KC patient. Topographic results, including maximum curvature and first-surface, higher-order aberrations (HOAs), were compared to those of the more affected contralateral eye. In two eyes with central and eccentric cones, a standard broad-beam CXL protocol was simulated with 200- and 300-μm treatment depths and compared to spatially graded broad-beam and cone-centered CXL simulations. Results. In a model of KC progression, maximum curvature and HOA increased as regional corneal hyperelastic properties were decreased. A topographic cone could be generated without a reduction in corneal thickness. Simulation of standard 9-mm-diameter CXL produced decreases in corneal curvature comparable to clinical reports and affected cone location. A 100-μm increase in CXL depth enhanced flattening by 24% to 34% and decreased HOA by 22% to 31%. Topographic effects were greatest with cone-centered CXL simulations. Conclusions. Progressive hyperelastic weakening of a cornea with subclinical KC produced topographic features of manifest KC. The clinical phenomenon of topographic flattening after CXL was replicated. The magnitude and higher-order optics of this response depended on IOP and the spatial distribution of stiffening relative to the cone location. Smaller diameter simulated treatments centered on the cone provided greater reductions in curvature and HOA than a standard broad-beam CXL pattern. PMID:22039252

  3. Study of Image Qualities From 6D Robot-Based CBCT Imaging System of Small Animal Irradiator.

    PubMed

    Sharma, Sunil; Narayanasamy, Ganesh; Clarkson, Richard; Chao, Ming; Moros, Eduardo G; Zhang, Xin; Yan, Yulong; Boerma, Marjan; Paudel, Nava; Morrill, Steven; Corry, Peter; Griffin, Robert J

    2017-01-01

    To assess the quality of cone beam computed tomography images obtained by a robotic arm-based and image-guided small animal conformal radiation therapy device. The small animal conformal radiation therapy device is equipped with a 40 to 225 kV X-ray tube mounted on a custom made gantry, a 1024 × 1024 pixels flat panel detector (200 μm resolution), a programmable 6 degrees of freedom robot for cone beam computed tomography imaging and conformal delivery of radiation doses. A series of 2-dimensional radiographic projection images were recorded in cone beam mode by placing and rotating microcomputed tomography phantoms on the "palm' of the robotic arm. Reconstructed images were studied for image quality (spatial resolution, image uniformity, computed tomography number linearity, voxel noise, and artifacts). Geometric accuracy was measured to be 2% corresponding to 0.7 mm accuracy on a Shelley microcomputed tomography QA phantom. Qualitative resolution of reconstructed axial computed tomography slices using the resolution coils was within 200 μm. Quantitative spatial resolution was found to be 3.16 lp/mm. Uniformity of the system was measured within 34 Hounsfield unit on a QRM microcomputed tomography water phantom. Computed tomography numbers measured using the linearity plate were linear with material density ( R 2 > 0.995). Cone beam computed tomography images of the QRM multidisk phantom had minimal artifacts. Results showed that the small animal conformal radiation therapy device is capable of producing high-quality cone beam computed tomography images for precise and conformal small animal dose delivery. With its high-caliber imaging capabilities, the small animal conformal radiation therapy device is a powerful tool for small animal research.

  4. SU-F-J-51: A Cone-Based Scintillator Detector for IGRT QA for Scattered and Scanning Proton Therapy

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Oesten, H; Clasie, B; Jee, K

    Purpose: IGRT commissioning and QA are critical components for precise delivery of proton treatment beams to patients. In order to ensure high quality IGRT, a new cone-based scintillator detector was evaluated for our QA activities for double-scattered and scanning proton modalities. This allows a routine evaluation of the gantry-angle dependent position offset between the radiation and imaging. Methods: The cone-based scintillator detector (XRV-124, Logos Systems, Int’l CA, USA) features a unique configuration of measuring stereotactic paths of proton and x-ray beams in a single setup with arbitrary gantry angles. For the beams-eye-view (BEV) analysis of x-ray crosshair images, a cylindricalmore » representation of the cone image was newly developed. The calibration accuracy was evaluated using different CT resolutions for a range of 55 – 95mm in patient’s cranial direction and ±9mm in the lateral direction. Energy-dependent spot sizes (σ) of pencil beams were characterized and compared to measurements by the MatriXX detector (IBA, Germany). Iso-centric deviations between radiation and x-ray imaging were characterized as a function of gantry angle. Results: The position calibration of the detector was successfully verified with a reproducible positioning by x-ray imaging. The measurements were reproducible within clinical tolerances (±1mm). The spot size vs. energy at zero gantry angle measured with the scintillating cone detector agreed with the MatriXX detector measurements within 17%. Conclusion: The new approach to investigate the accuracy of IGRT and pencil beam properties could successfully be implemented into the QA program. The system will improve efficiency in our QA activities for proton treatments.« less

  5. Diagnostic and therapeutic aspects in the treatment of gunshot wounds of the viscerocranium.

    PubMed

    Gröbe, A; Klatt, J; Heiland, M; Schmelzle, R; Pohlenz, P

    2011-02-01

    Gunshot wounds of the viscerocranium are a rare occurrence during times of peace in Europe. The removal of projectiles is recommended; in some cases, however, this is controversial. The material properties of projectiles and destruction of anatomical landmarks make it difficult to determine their precise location. Therefore, navigation systems and cone-beam computed tomography (CT) provide the surgeon with continuous intraoperative orientation in real-time. The aim of this study was to report our experiences for image-guided removal of projectiles, the use of cone-beam computed tomography and the resulting intra- and postoperative complications. We investigated 50 patients with gunshot wounds of the facial skeleton retrospectively, 32 had image-guided surgical removal of projectiles in the oral and maxillofacial region, 18 had surgical removal of projectiles without navigation assistance and in 28 cases we used cone-beam CT in the case of dislocated projectiles and fractured bones. There was a significant correlation (p = 0.0136) between the navigated versus not navigated surgery and complication rate (8 vs. 32%, p = 0.0132) including major bleeding, soft tissue infections and nerve damage. Furthermore, we could reduce operating time while using a navigation system and cone-beam CT (p = 0.038). A high tendency between operating time and navigated surgery (p = 0.1103) was found. In conclusion, there is a significant correlation between reduced intra- and postoperative complications including wound infections, nerve damage and major bleeding and the appropriate use of a navigation system. In all these cases we were able to present reduced operating time. Cone-beam CT plays a key role as a useful diagnostic tool in detecting projectiles or metallic foreign bodies intraoperatively.

  6. SU-F-T-66: Characteristics of Electron Beams From Varian Trubeam

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Dimofte, A; Kennedy, C; Zhu, T

    2016-06-15

    Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the electron beam data between Truebeam and 2300ix Varian accelerators for percent depth dose for broad beam and small circular cutouts, cone factors, head scatter factor as a function of cone size and SSD, phantom scatter factor, blocking factor, distance factor and virtual source position. Methods: Measurements were performed for Truebeam and 2300ix Varian accelerators. The main energies used were: 6, 9, 12, 16 and 20 MeV. PDD was measured at SSD = 100 cm for open beam and small circular cutouts (r = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 andmore » 6.6cm) for different energies. Measurements to determine the head scatter factor (H) were done as a function of radius for six representative energies and five cone sizes (6, 10, 15, 20 and 25cm2). The phantom scatter factor (PSF) is defined as the ratio of blocking factor in water at reference depth and head scatter factor in air. PSF was measured as a function of radius and electron energy. Distance factor was measured for all energies and cones for three SSD’s (100, 110 and 120cm). Results: The percent depth dose (PDD) was measured for small cutouts of radius r = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 and 5.6cm. Blocking factor (BF) was measured for Truebeam and 2300ix accelerators, for different circular cutouts and energies for a 10×10 cone. Cone factors were compared between the two accelerators for different energies and applicator sizes. Conclusion: Cone factors measured for the two accelerator types differ by up to 5% for the largest applicator size. Blocking factors differs by up to 3%, with the largest variation for the smallest field size (0.5cm). Distance factor for different SSD’s differ by up to 4.5%.« less

  7. Cone beam computed tomography and intraoral radiography for diagnosis of dental abnormalities in dogs and cats

    PubMed Central

    Silva, Luiz Antonio F.; Barriviera, Mauricio; Januário, Alessandro L.; Bezerra, Ana Cristina B.; Fioravanti, Maria Clorinda S.

    2011-01-01

    The development of veterinary dentistry has substantially improved the ability to diagnose canine and feline dental abnormalities. Consequently, examinations previously performed only on humans are now available for small animals, thus improving the diagnostic quality. This has increased the need for technical qualification of veterinary professionals and increased technological investments. This study evaluated the use of cone beam computed tomography and intraoral radiography as complementary exams for diagnosing dental abnormalities in dogs and cats. Cone beam computed tomography was provided faster image acquisition with high image quality, was associated with low ionizing radiation levels, enabled image editing, and reduced the exam duration. Our results showed that radiography was an effective method for dental radiographic examination with low cost and fast execution times, and can be performed during surgical procedures. PMID:22122905

  8. Characteristics and performance of a micro-MOSFET: an "imageable" dosimeter for image-guided radiotherapy.

    PubMed

    Rowbottoma, Carl G; Jaffray, David A

    2004-03-01

    The performance and characteristics of a miniature metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (micro-MOSFET) detector was investigated for its potential application to integral system tests for image-guided radiotherapy. In particular, the position of peak response to a slit of radiation was determined for the three principal axes to define the co-ordinates for the center of the active volume of the detector. This was compared to the radiographically determined center of the micro-MOSFET visible using cone-beam CT. Additionally, the angular sensitivity of the micro-MOSFET was measured. The micro-MOSFETs are clearly visible on the cone-beam CT images, and produce no artifacts. The center of the active volume of the micro-MOSFET aligned with the center of the visible micro-MOSFET on the cone-beam CT images for the x and y axes to within 0.20 mm and 0.15 mm, respectively. In z, the long axis of the detector, the peak response was found to be 0.79 mm from the tip of the visible micro-MOSFET. Repeat experiments verified that the position of the peak response of the micro-MOSFET was reproducible. The micro-MOSFET response for 360 degrees of rotation in the axial plane to the micro-MOSFET was +/-2%, consistent with values quoted by the manufacturer. The location of the active volume of the micro-MOSFETs under investigation can be determined from the centroid of the visible micro-MOSFET on cone-beam CT images. The CT centroid position corresponds closely to the center of the detector response to radiation. The ability to use the cone-beam CT to locate the active volume to within 0.20 mm allows their use in an integral system test for the imaging of and dose delivery to a phantom containing an array of micro-MOSFETs. The small angular sensitivity allows the investigation of noncoplanar beams.

  9. A Clinical Evaluation Of Cone Beam Computed Tomography

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-06-01

    A CLINICAL EVALUATION OF CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY by Bryan James Behm, D.D.S. Lieutenant, Dental Corps United States Navy A thesis...submitted to the Faculty of the Endodontic Graduate Program Naval Postgraduate Dental School Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in...partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Oral Biology June 2016 Naval Postgraduate Dental School Unif01med

  10. An improved exact inversion formula for solenoidal fields in cone beam vector tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Katsevich, Alexander; Rothermel, Dimitri; Schuster, Thomas

    2017-06-01

    In this paper we present an improved inversion formula for the 3D cone beam transform of vector fields supported in the unit ball which is exact for solenoidal fields. It is well known that only the solenoidal part of a vector field can be determined from the longitudinal ray transform of a vector field in cone beam geometry. The inversion formula, as it was developed in Katsevich and Schuster (2013 An exact inversion formula for cone beam vector tomography Inverse Problems 29 065013), consists of two parts. The first part is of the filtered backprojection type, whereas the second part is a costly 4D integration and very inefficient. In this article we tackle this second term and obtain an improved formula, which is easy to implement and saves one order of integration. We also show that the first part contains all information about the curl of the field, whereas the second part has information about the boundary values. More precisely, the second part vanishes if the solenoidal part of the original field is tangential at the boundary. A number of numerical tests presented in the paper confirm the theoretical results and the exactness of the formula. Also, we obtain an inversion algorithm that works for general convex domains.

  11. Morphometric analysis - Cone beam computed tomography to predict bone quality and quantity.

    PubMed

    Hohlweg-Majert, B; Metzger, M C; Kummer, T; Schulze, D

    2011-07-01

    Modified quantitative computed tomography is a method used to predict bone quality and quantify the bone mass of the jaw. The aim of this study was to determine whether bone quantity or quality was detected by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) combined with image analysis. MATERIALS AND PROCEDURES: Different measurements recorded on two phantoms (Siemens phantom, Comac phantom) were evaluated on images taken with the Somatom VolumeZoom (Siemens Medical Solutions, Erlangen, Germany) and the NewTom 9000 (NIM s.r.l., Verona, Italy) in order to calculate a calibration curve. The spatial relationships of six sample cylinders and the repositioning from four pig skull halves relative to adjacent defined anatomical structures were assessed by means of three-dimensional visualization software. The calibration curves for computer tomography (CT) and cone beam computer tomography (CBCT) using the Siemens phantom showed linear correlation in both modalities between the Hounsfield Units (HU) and bone morphology. A correction factor for CBCT was calculated. Exact information about the micromorphology of the bone cylinders was only available using of micro computer tomography. Cone-beam computer tomography is a suitable choice for analysing bone mass, but, it does not give any information about bone quality. 2010 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Anatomic Customization of Root-Analog Dental Implants With Cone-Beam CT and CAD/CAM Fabrication: A Cadaver-Based Pilot Evaluation.

    PubMed

    Evans, Zachary P; Renne, Walter G; Bacro, Thierry R; Mennito, Anthony S; Ludlow, Mark E; Lecholop, Michael K

    2018-02-01

    Existing root-analog dental implant systems have no standardized protocols regarding retentive design, surface manipulation, or prosthetic attachment design relative to the site's unique anatomy. Historically, existing systems made those design choices arbitrarily. For this report, strategies were developed that deliberately reference the adjacent anatomy, implant and restorable path of draw, and bone density for implant and retentive design. For proof of concept, dentate arches from human cadavers were scanned using cone-beam computed tomography and then digitally modeled. Teeth of interest were virtually extracted and manipulated via computer-aided design to generate root-analog implants from zirconium. We created a stepwise protocol for analyzing and developing the implant sites, implant design and retention, and prosthetic emergence and connection all from the pre-op cone-beam data. Root-analog implants were placed at the time of extraction and examined radiographically and mechanically concerning ideal fit and stability. This study provides proof of concept that retentive root-analog implants can be produced from cone-beam data while improving fit, retention, safety, esthetics, and restorability when compared to the existing protocols. These advancements may provide the critical steps necessary for clinical relevance and success of immediately placed root-analog implants. Additional studies are necessary to validate the model prior to clinical trial.

  13. X-ray cone-beam computed tomography: principles, applications, challenges and solutions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Noo, Frederic

    2010-03-01

    In the nineties, x-ray computed tomography, commonly referred to as CT, seemed to be on the track to become old technology, bound to be replaced by more sophisticated techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging, due in particular to the harmful effects of x-ray radiation exposure. Yet, the new century brought with it new technology that allowed a complete change in trends and re-affirmed CT as an essential tool in radiology. For instance, the popularity of CT in 2007 was such that approximately 68.7 million CT examinations were performed in the United States, which was nearly 2.5 times the number of magnetic resonance (MRI) examinations. More than that, CT has expanded beyond its conventional diagnostic role; CT is now used routinely in interventional radiology and also in radiation therapy treatment. The technology advances that allowed the revival of CT are those that made fast, accurate cone-beam data acquisition possible. Nowadays, cone-beam data acquisition allows scanning large volumes with isotropic sub-millimeter spatial resolution in a very fast time, which can be as short as 500ms for cardiac imaging. The principles of cone-beam imaging will be first reviewed. Then a discussion of its applications will be given. Old and new challenges will be presented along the way with current solutions.

  14. Fundamentals of cone beam computed tomography for a prosthodontist

    PubMed Central

    John, George Puthenpurayil; Joy, Tatu Elenjickal; Mathew, Justin; Kumar, Vinod R. B.

    2015-01-01

    Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT, also referred to as C-arm computed tomography [CT], cone beam volume CT, or flat panel CT) is a medical imaging technique of X-ray CT where the X-rays are divergent, forming a cone.[1] CBCT systems have been designed for imaging hard tissues of the maxillofacial region. CBCT is capable of providing sub-millimeter resolution in images of high diagnostic quality, with short scanning times (10–70 s) and radiation dosages reportedly up to 15–100 times lower than those of conventional CT scans. Increasing availability of this technology provides the dental clinician with an imaging modality capable of providing a three-dimensional representation of the maxillofacial skeleton with minimal distortion. The aim of this article is to sensitize the Prosthodontist to CBCT technology, provide an overview of currently available maxillofacial CBCT systems and review the specific application of various CBCT display modes to clinical Prosthodontic practice. A MEDLINE search for relevant articles in this specific area of interest was conducted. The selected articles were critically reviewed and the data acquired were systematically compiled. PMID:26929479

  15. Enhanced long-distance transport of periodic electron beams in an advanced double layer cone-channel target

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ji, Yanling; Duan, Tao; Zhou, Weimin; Li, Boyuan; Wu, Fengjuan; Zhang, Zhimeng; Ye, Bin; Wang, Rong; Wu, Chunrong; Tang, Yongjian

    2018-02-01

    An enhanced long-distance transport of periodic electron beams in an advanced double layer cone-channel target is investigated using two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. The target consists of a cone attached to a double-layer hollow channel with a near-critical-density inner layer. The periodic electron beams are generated by the combination of ponderomotive force and longitudinal laser electric field. Then a stable electron propagation is achieved in the double-layer channel over a much longer distance without evident divergency, compared with a normal cone-channel target. Detailed simulations show that the much better long-distance collimation and guidance of energetic electrons is attributed to the much stronger electromagnetic fields at the inner wall surfaces. Furthermore, a continuous electron acceleration is obtained by the more intense laser electric fields and extended electron acceleration length in the channel. Our investigation shows that by employing this advanced target, both the forward-going electron energy flux in the channel and the energy coupling efficiency from laser to electrons are about threefold increased in comparison with the normal case.

  16. Ion beam texturing of surfaces

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kaufman, H. R.; Robinson, R. S.

    1979-01-01

    Textured surfaces, typically with conical structures, have been produced previously by simultaneously etching a surface and seeding that surface with another material. A theory based on surface diffusion predicts a variation in cone spacing with surface temperature, as well as a critical temperature below which cones will not form. Substantial agreement with theory has been found for several combinations of seed and surface materials, including one with a high sputter yield seed on a low sputter yield surface (gold on aluminum). Coning with this last combination was predicted by the theory for a sufficiently mobile seed material. The existence of a minimum temperature for the formation of cones should also be important to those interested in ion-beam machining smooth surfaces. Elements contained in the environmental contaminants or in the sputtered alloys or compounds may serve as seed material.

  17. SU-G-TeP4-12: Individual Beam QA for a Robotic Radiosurgery System Using a Scintillator Cone

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    McGuinness, C; Descovich, M; Sudhyadhom, A

    2016-06-15

    Purpose: The targeting accuracy of the Cyberknife system is measured by end-to-end tests delivering multiple isocentric beams to a point in space. While the targeting accuracy of two representative beams can be determined by a Winston-Lutz-type test, no test is available today to determine the targeting accuracy of each clinical beam. We used a scintillator cone to measure the accuracy of each individual beam. Methods: The XRV-124 from Logos Systems Int’l is a scintillator cone with an imaging system that is able to measure individual beam vectors and a resulting error between planned and measured beam coordinates. We measured themore » targeting accuracy of isocentric and non-isocentric beams for a number of test cases using the Iris and the fixed collimator. The average difference between plan and measured beam position was 0.8–1.2mm across the collimator sizes and plans considered here. The max error for a single beam was 2.5mm for the isocentric plans, and 1.67mm for the non-isocentric plans. The standard deviation of the differences was 0.5mm or less. Conclusion: The CyberKnife System is specified to have an overall targeting accuracy for static targets of less than 0.95mm. In E2E tests using the XRV124 system we measure average beam accuracy between 0.8 to 1.23mm, with maximum of 2.5mm. We plan to investigate correlations between beam position error and robot position, and to quantify the effect of beam position errors on patient specific plans. Martina Descovich has received research support and speaker honoraria from Accuray.« less

  18. SU-E-I-15: Quantitative Evaluation of Dose Distributions From Axial, Helical and Cone-Beam CT Imaging by Measurement Using a Two-Dimensional Diode-Array Detector

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chacko, M; Aldoohan, S; Sonnad, J

    2015-06-15

    Purpose: To evaluate quantitatively dose distributions from helical, axial and cone-beam CT clinical imaging techniques by measurement using a two-dimensional (2D) diode-array detector. Methods: 2D-dose distributions from selected clinical protocols used for axial, helical and cone-beam CT imaging were measured using a diode-array detector (MapCheck2). The MapCheck2 is composed from solid state diode detectors that are arranged in horizontal and vertical lines with a spacing of 10 mm. A GE-Light-Speed CT-simulator was used to acquire axial and helical CT images and a kV on-board-imager integrated with a Varian TrueBeam-STx machine was used to acquire cone-beam CT (CBCT) images. Results: Themore » dose distributions from axial, helical and cone-beam CT were non-uniform over the region-of-interest with strong spatial and angular dependence. In axial CT, a large dose gradient was measured that decreased from lateral sides to the middle of the phantom due to large superficial dose at the side of the phantom in comparison with larger beam attenuation at the center. The dose decreased at the superior and inferior regions in comparison to the center of the phantom in axial CT. An asymmetry was found between the right-left or superior-inferior sides of the phantom which possibly to angular dependence in the dose distributions. The dose level and distribution varied from one imaging technique into another. For the pelvis technique, axial CT deposited a mean dose of 3.67 cGy, helical CT deposited a mean dose of 1.59 cGy, and CBCT deposited a mean dose of 1.62 cGy. Conclusions: MapCheck2 provides a robust tool to measure directly 2D-dose distributions for CT imaging with high spatial resolution detectors in comparison with ionization chamber that provides a single point measurement or an average dose to the phantom. The dose distributions measured with MapCheck2 consider medium heterogeneity and can represent specific patient dose.« less

  19. SU-E-I-09: The Impact of X-Ray Scattering On Image Noise for Dedicated Breast CT

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yang, K; Gazi, P; Boone, J

    2015-06-15

    Purpose: To quantify the impact of detected x-ray scatter on image noise in flat panel based dedicated breast CT systems and to determine the optimal scanning geometry given practical trade-offs between radiation dose and scatter reduction. Methods: Four different uniform polyethylene cylinders (104, 131, 156, and 184 mm in diameter) were scanned as the phantoms on a dedicated breast CT scanner developed in our laboratory. Both stationary projection imaging and rotational cone-beam CT imaging was performed. For each acquisition type, three different x-ray beam collimations were used (12, 24, and 109 mm measured at isocenter). The aim was to quantifymore » image noise properties (pixel variance, SNR, and image NPS) under different levels of x-ray scatter, in order to optimize the scanning geometry. For both projection images and reconstructed CT images, individual pixel variance and NPS were determined and compared. Noise measurement from the CT images were also performed with different detector binning modes and reconstruction matrix sizes. Noise propagation was also tracked throughout the intermediate steps of cone-beam CT reconstruction, including the inverse-logarithmic process, Fourier-filtering before backprojection. Results: Image noise was lower in the presence of higher scatter levels. For the 184 mm polyethylene phantom, the image noise (measured in pixel variance) was ∼30% lower with full cone-beam acquisition compared to a narrow (12 mm) fan-beam acquisition. This trend is consistent across all phantom sizes and throughout all steps of CT image reconstruction. Conclusion: From purely a noise perspective, the cone-beam geometry (i.e. the full cone-angle acquisition) produces lower image noise compared to the lower-scatter fan-beam acquisition for breast CT. While these results are relevant in homogeneous phantoms, the full impact of scatter on noise in bCT should involve contrast-to-noise-ratio measurements in heterogeneous phantoms if the goal is to optimize the scanning geometry for dedicated breast CT. This work was supported by a grant from the National Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (R01 EB002138)« less

  20. Use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Endodontics

    PubMed Central

    Scarfe, William C.; Levin, Martin D.; Gane, David; Farman, Allan G.

    2009-01-01

    Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a diagnostic imaging modality that provides high-quality, accurate three-dimensional (3D) representations of the osseous elements of the maxillofacial skeleton. CBCT systems are available that provide small field of view images at low dose with sufficient spatial resolution for applications in endodontic diagnosis, treatment guidance, and posttreatment evaluation. This article provides a literature review and pictorial demonstration of CBCT as an imaging adjunct for endodontics. PMID:20379362

  1. Management of geminated maxillary lateral incisor using cone beam computed tomography as a diagnostic tool.

    PubMed

    James, Elizabeth Prabha; Johns, Dexton Antony; Johnson, Ki; Maroli, Ramesh Kumar

    2014-05-01

    Geminated teeth are consequences of developmental anomalies leading to joined elements, due to incomplete attempt of one tooth germ to divide into two. This case report describes successful endodontic treatment of an unaesthetic geminated permanent maxillary lateral incisor tooth and its esthetic rehabilitation using all ceramic crowns. Newer imaging technique like cone beam computed tomography was taken for the better understanding of the complicated root canal morphology.

  2. Accuracy and Landmark Error Calculation Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography–Generated Cephalograms

    PubMed Central

    Grauer, Dan; Cevidanes, Lucia S. H.; Styner, Martin A.; Heulfe, Inam; Harmon, Eric T.; Zhu, Hongtu; Proffit, William R.

    2010-01-01

    Objective To evaluate systematic differences in landmark position between cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)–generated cephalograms and conventional digital cephalograms and to estimate how much variability should be taken into account when both modalities are used within the same longitudinal study. Materials and Methods Landmarks on homologous cone-beam computed tomographic–generated cephalograms and conventional digital cephalograms of 46 patients were digitized, registered, and compared via the Hotelling T2 test. Results There were no systematic differences between modalities in the position of most landmarks. Three landmarks showed statistically significant differences but did not reach clinical significance. A method for error calculation while combining both modalities in the same individual is presented. Conclusion In a longitudinal follow-up for assessment of treatment outcomes and growth of one individual, the error due to the combination of the two modalities might be larger than previously estimated. PMID:19905853

  3. Directional view interpolation for compensation of sparse angular sampling in cone-beam CT.

    PubMed

    Bertram, Matthias; Wiegert, Jens; Schafer, Dirk; Aach, Til; Rose, Georg

    2009-07-01

    In flat detector cone-beam computed tomography and related applications, sparse angular sampling frequently leads to characteristic streak artifacts. To overcome this problem, it has been suggested to generate additional views by means of interpolation. The practicality of this approach is investigated in combination with a dedicated method for angular interpolation of 3-D sinogram data. For this purpose, a novel dedicated shape-driven directional interpolation algorithm based on a structure tensor approach is developed. Quantitative evaluation shows that this method clearly outperforms conventional scene-based interpolation schemes. Furthermore, the image quality trade-offs associated with the use of interpolated intermediate views are systematically evaluated for simulated and clinical cone-beam computed tomography data sets of the human head. It is found that utilization of directionally interpolated views significantly reduces streak artifacts and noise, at the expense of small introduced image blur.

  4. Extended volume coverage in helical cone-beam CT by using PI-line based BPF algorithm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cho, Seungryong; Pan, Xiaochuan

    2007-03-01

    We compared data requirements of filtered-backprojection (FBP) and backprojection-filtration (BPF) algorithms based on PI-lines in helical cone-beam CT. Since the filtration process in FBP algorithm needs all the projection data of PI-lines for each view, the required detector size should be bigger than the size that can cover Tam-Danielsson (T-D) window to avoid data truncation. BPF algorithm, however, requires the projection data only within the T-D window, which means smaller detector size can be used to reconstruct the same image than that in FBP. In other words, a longer helical pitch can be obtained by using BPF algorithm without any truncation artifacts when a fixed detector size is given. The purpose of the work is to demonstrate numerically that extended volume coverage in helical cone-beam CT by using PI-line-based BPF algorithm can be achieved.

  5. Evaluation of dose from kV cone-beam computed tomography during radiotherapy: a comparison of methodologies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Buckley, J.; Wilkinson, D.; Malaroda, A.; Metcalfe, P.

    2017-01-01

    Three alternative methodologies to the Computed-Tomography Dose Index for the evaluation of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography dose are compared, the Cone-Beam Dose Index, IAEA Human Health Report No. 5 recommended methodology and the AAPM Task Group 111 recommended methodology. The protocols were evaluated for Pelvis and Thorax scan modes on Varian® On-Board Imager and Truebeam kV XI imaging systems. The weighted planar average dose was highest for the AAPM methodology across all scans, with the CBDI being the second highest overall. A 17.96% and 1.14% decrease from the TG-111 protocol to the IAEA and CBDI protocols for the Pelvis mode and 18.15% and 13.10% decrease for the Thorax mode were observed for the XI system. For the OBI system, the variation was 16.46% and 7.14% for Pelvis mode and 15.93% to the CBDI protocol in Thorax mode respectively.

  6. Symmetry control using beam phasing in ~0.2 NIF scale high temperature Hohlraum experiment on OMEGA

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Delamater, Norman D; Wilson, Goug C; Kyrala, George A

    2009-01-01

    Results are shown from recent experiments at the Omega laser facility, using 40 Omega beams driving the hohlraum with 3 cones from each side and up to 19.5 kJ of laser energy. Beam phasing is achieved by decreasing the energy separately in each of the three cones, by 3 kJ, for a total drive energy of 16.5kJ. This results in a more asymmetric drive, which will vary the shape of the imploded symmetry capsule core from round to oblate or prolate in a systematic and controlled manner. These results would be the first demonstration of beam phasing for implosions inmore » such 'high temperature' (275 eV) hohlraums at Omega. Dante measurements confirmed the predicted peak drive temperatures of 275 eV. Implosion core time dependent x-ray images were obtained from framing camera data which show the expected change in symmetry due to beam phasing and which also agree well with post processed hydro code calculations. Time resolved hard x-ray data has been obtained and it was found that the hard x-rays are correlated mainly with the low angle 21{sup o} degree cone.« less

  7. Full utilization of semi-Dirac cones in photonics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yasa, Utku G.; Turduev, Mirbek; Giden, Ibrahim H.; Kurt, Hamza

    2018-05-01

    In this study, realization and applications of anisotropic zero-refractive-index materials are proposed by exposing the unit cells of photonic crystals that exhibit Dirac-like cone dispersion to rotational symmetry reduction. Accidental degeneracy of two Bloch modes in the Brillouin zone center of two-dimensional C2-symmetric photonic crystals gives rise to the semi-Dirac cone dispersion. The proposed C2-symmetric photonic crystals behave as epsilon-and-mu-near-zero materials (ɛeff≈ 0 , μeff≈ 0 ) along one propagation direction, but behave as epsilon-near-zero material (ɛeff≈ 0 , μeff≠ 0 ) for the perpendicular direction at semi-Dirac frequency. By extracting the effective medium parameters of the proposed C4- and C2-symmetric periodic media that exhibit Dirac-like and semi-Dirac cone dispersions, intrinsic differences between isotropic and anisotropic materials are investigated. Furthermore, advantages of utilizing semi-Dirac cone materials instead of Dirac-like cone materials in photonic applications are demonstrated in both frequency and time domains. By using anisotropic transmission behavior of the semi-Dirac materials, photonic application concepts such as beam deflectors, beam splitters, and light focusing are proposed. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, semi-Dirac cone dispersion is also experimentally demonstrated for the first time by including negative, zero, and positive refraction states of the given material.

  8. An index of beam hardening artifact for two-dimensional cone-beam CT tomographic images: establishment and preliminary evaluation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yuan, Fusong; Lv, Peijun; Yang, Huifang; Wang, Yong; Sun, Yuchun

    2015-07-01

    Objectives: Based on the pixel gray value measurements, establish a beam-hardening artifacts index of the cone-beam CT tomographic image, and preliminarily evaluate its applicability. Methods: The 5mm-diameter metal ball and resin ball were fixed on the light-cured resin base plate respectively, while four vitro molars were fixed above and below the ball, on the left and right respectively, which have 10mm distance with the metal ball. Then, cone beam CT was used to scan the fixed base plate twice. The same layer tomographic images were selected from the two data and imported into the Photoshop software. The circle boundary was built through the determination of the center and radius of the circle, according to the artifact-free images section. Grayscale measurement tools were used to measure the internal boundary gray value G0, gray value G1 and G2 of 1mm and 20mm artifacts outside the circular boundary, the length L1 of the arc with artifacts in the circular boundary, the circumference L2. Hardening artifacts index was set A = (G1 / G0) * 0.5 + (G2 / G1) * 0.4 + (L2 / L1) * 0.1. Then, the A values of metal and resin materials were calculated respectively. Results: The A value of cobalt-chromium alloy material is 1, and resin material is 0. Conclusion: The A value reflects comprehensively the three factors of hardening artifacts influencing normal oral tissue image sharpness of cone beam CT. The three factors include relative gray value, the decay rate and range of artifacts.

  9. On the dual-cone nature of the conical refraction phenomenon.

    PubMed

    Turpin, A; Loiko, Yu; Kalkandjiev, T K; Tomizawa, H; Mompart, J

    2015-04-15

    In conical refraction (CR), a focused Gaussian input beam passing through a biaxial crystal and parallel to one of the optic axes is transformed into a pair of concentric bright rings split by a dark (Poggendorff) ring at the focal plane. Here, we show the generation of a CR transverse pattern that does not present the Poggendorff fine splitting at the focal plane, i.e., it forms a single light ring. This light ring is generated from a nonhomogeneously polarized input light beam obtained by using a spatially inhomogeneous polarizer that mimics the characteristic CR polarization distribution. This polarizer allows modulating the relative intensity between the two CR light cones in accordance with the recently proposed dual-cone model of the CR phenomenon. We show that the absence of interfering rings at the focal plane is caused by the selection of one of the two CR cones.

  10. The use of cone beam computed tomography in the diagnosis and management of internal root resorption associated with chronic apical periodontitis: a case report.

    PubMed

    Perlea, Paula; Nistor, Cristina Coralia; Iliescu, Mihaela Georgiana; Iliescu, Alexandru Andrei

    2015-01-01

    Internal root resorption is a consequence of chronic pulp inflammation. Later on, the pulp necrosis followed by a chronic apical periodontitis is installed. Hence, usually, in clinical practice, both lesions have to be simultaneously managed. Conventional periapical radiograph is mandatory in diagnosis. Improving the diagnosis and management of both lesions, cone beam computed tomography proves to be more reliable than conventional radiography.

  11. Maxillary first molar with three buccal roots evaluated with cone-beam computed tomography: a rare case report.

    PubMed

    Kottoor, Jojo; Nandini, Suresh; Velmurugan, Natanasabapathy

    2012-01-01

    This case report describes the nonsurgical endodontic management of a maxillary first molar with the unusual morphology of three separate buccal roots. An accurate assessment of this morphology was made with the help of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). This report also describes the varied root morphology associated with maxillary first molars and the role of CBCT as a diagnostic tool for managing these complex cases successfully.

  12. Use of cone-beam computed tomography in the diagnosis of sensory nerve paresthesia secondary to orthodontic tooth movement: a clinical report.

    PubMed

    Chana, Randeep S; Wiltshire, William A; Cholakis, Anastasia; Levine, Gary

    2013-08-01

    In this article, we report an incident of transient neuropathy secondary to tooth movement involving the inferior alveolar nerve. This clinical report reflects the need to thoroughly examine potentially high-risk patients for neuropathy using advanced diagnostic tools such as cone-beam computed tomography when diagnosing and planning treatment. Copyright © 2013 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. A post-reconstruction method to correct cupping artifacts in cone beam breast computed tomography

    PubMed Central

    Altunbas, M. C.; Shaw, C. C.; Chen, L.; Lai, C.; Liu, X.; Han, T.; Wang, T.

    2007-01-01

    In cone beam breast computed tomography (CT), scattered radiation leads to nonuniform biasing of CT numbers known as a cupping artifact. Besides being visual distractions, cupping artifacts appear as background nonuniformities, which impair efficient gray scale windowing and pose a problem in threshold based volume visualization/segmentation. To overcome this problem, we have developed a background nonuniformity correction method specifically designed for cone beam breast CT. With this technique, the cupping artifact is modeled as an additive background signal profile in the reconstructed breast images. Due to the largely circularly symmetric shape of a typical breast, the additive background signal profile was also assumed to be circularly symmetric. The radial variation of the background signals were estimated by measuring the spatial variation of adipose tissue signals in front view breast images. To extract adipose tissue signals in an automated manner, a signal sampling scheme in polar coordinates and a background trend fitting algorithm were implemented. The background fits compared with targeted adipose tissue signal value (constant throughout the breast volume) to get an additive correction value for each tissue voxel. To test the accuracy, we applied the technique to cone beam CT images of mastectomy specimens. After correction, the images demonstrated significantly improved signal uniformity in both front and side view slices. The reduction of both intra-slice and inter-slice variations in adipose tissue CT numbers supported our observations. PMID:17822018

  14. Evaluation of cavity size, kind, and filling technique of composite shrinkage by finite element

    PubMed Central

    Jafari, Toloo; Alaghehmad, Homayoon; Moodi, Ehsan

    2018-01-01

    Background: Cavity preparation reduces the rigidity of tooth and its resistance to deformation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dimensional changes of the repaired teeth using two types of light cure composite and two methods of incremental and bulk filling by the use of finite element method. Materials and Methods: In this computerized in vitro experimental study, an intact maxillary premolar was scanned using cone beam computed tomography instrument (SCANORA, Switzerland), then each section of tooth image was transmitted to Ansys software using AUTOCAD. Then, eight sizes of cavity preparations and two methods of restoration (bulk and incremental) using two different types of composite resin materials (Heliomolar, Brilliant) were proposed on software and analysis was completed with Ansys software. Results: Dimensional change increased by widening and deepening of the cavities. It was also increased using Brilliant composite resin and incremental filling technique. Conclusion: Increase in depth and type of filling technique has the greatest role of dimensional change after curing, but the type of composite resin does not have a significant role. PMID:29497445

  15. MRI and CBCT image registration of temporomandibular joint: a systematic review.

    PubMed

    Al-Saleh, Mohammed A Q; Alsufyani, Noura A; Saltaji, Humam; Jaremko, Jacob L; Major, Paul W

    2016-05-10

    The purpose of the present review is to systematically and critically analyze the available literature regarding the importance, applicability, and practicality of (MRI), computerized tomography (CT) or cone-beam CT (CBCT) image registration for TMJ anatomy and assessment. A systematic search of 4 databases; MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBM reviews and Scopus, was conducted by 2 reviewers. An additional manual search of the bibliography was performed. All articles discussing the magnetic resonance imaging MRI and CT or CBCT image registration for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) visualization or assessment were included. Only 3 articles satisfied the inclusion criteria. All included articles were published within the last 7 years. Two articles described MRI to CT multimodality image registration as a complementary tool to visualize TMJ. Both articles used images of one patient only to introduce the complementary concept of MRI-CT fused image. One article assessed the reliability of using MRI-CBCT registration to evaluate the TMJ disc position and osseous pathology for 10 temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients. There are very limited studies of MRI-CT/CBCT registration to reach a conclusion regarding its accuracy or clinical use in the temporomandibular joints.

  16. An X-Ray computed tomography/positron emission tomography system designed specifically for breast imaging.

    PubMed

    Boone, John M; Yang, Kai; Burkett, George W; Packard, Nathan J; Huang, Shih-ying; Bowen, Spencer; Badawi, Ramsey D; Lindfors, Karen K

    2010-02-01

    Mammography has served the population of women who are at-risk for breast cancer well over the past 30 years. While mammography has undergone a number of changes as digital detector technology has advanced, other modalities such as computed tomography have experienced technological sophistication over this same time frame as well. The advent of large field of view flat panel detector systems enable the development of breast CT and several other niche CT applications, which rely on cone beam geometry. The breast, it turns out, is well suited to cone beam CT imaging because the lack of bones reduces artifacts, and the natural tapering of the breast anteriorly reduces the x-ray path lengths through the breast at large cone angle, reducing cone beam artifacts as well. We are in the process of designing a third prototype system which will enable the use of breast CT for image guided interventional procedures. This system will have several copies fabricated so that several breast CT scanners can be used in a multi-institutional clinical trial to better understand the role that this technology can bring to breast imaging.

  17. Moving Beam-Blocker-Based Low-Dose Cone-Beam CT

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Taewon; Lee, Changwoo; Baek, Jongduk; Cho, Seungryong

    2016-10-01

    This paper experimentally demonstrates a feasibility of moving beam-blocker-based low-dose cone-beam CT (CBCT) and exploits the beam-blocking configurations to reach an optimal one that leads to the highest contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Sparse-view CT takes projections at sparse view angles and provides a viable option to reducing dose. We have earlier proposed a many-view under-sampling (MVUS) technique as an alternative to sparse-view CT. Instead of switching the x-ray tube power, one can place a reciprocating multi-slit beam-blocker between the x-ray tube and the patient to partially block the x-ray beam. We used a bench-top circular cone-beam CT system with a lab-made moving beam-blocker. For image reconstruction, we used a modified total-variation minimization (TV) algorithm that masks the blocked data in the back-projection step leaving only the measured data through the slits to be used in the computation. The number of slits and the reciprocation frequency have been varied and the effects of them on the image quality were investigated. For image quality assessment, we used CNR and the detectability. We also analyzed the sampling efficiency in the context of compressive sensing: the sampling density and data incoherence in each case. We tested three sets of slits with their number of 6, 12 and 18, each at reciprocation frequencies of 10, 30, 50 and 70 Hz/rot. The optimum condition out of the tested sets was found to be using 12 slits at 30 Hz/rot.

  18. A multiscale filter for noise reduction of low-dose cone beam projections.

    PubMed

    Yao, Weiguang; Farr, Jonathan B

    2015-08-21

    The Poisson or compound Poisson process governs the randomness of photon fluence in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging systems. The probability density function depends on the mean (noiseless) of the fluence at a certain detector. This dependence indicates the natural requirement of multiscale filters to smooth noise while preserving structures of the imaged object on the low-dose cone beam projection. In this work, we used a Gaussian filter, exp(-x2/2σ(2)(f)) as the multiscale filter to de-noise the low-dose cone beam projections. We analytically obtained the expression of σ(f), which represents the scale of the filter, by minimizing local noise-to-signal ratio. We analytically derived the variance of residual noise from the Poisson or compound Poisson processes after Gaussian filtering. From the derived analytical form of the variance of residual noise, optimal σ(2)(f)) is proved to be proportional to the noiseless fluence and modulated by local structure strength expressed as the linear fitting error of the structure. A strategy was used to obtain the reliable linear fitting error: smoothing the projection along the longitudinal direction to calculate the linear fitting error along the lateral direction and vice versa. The performance of our multiscale filter was examined on low-dose cone beam projections of a Catphan phantom and a head-and-neck patient. After performing the filter on the Catphan phantom projections scanned with pulse time 4 ms, the number of visible line pairs was similar to that scanned with 16 ms, and the contrast-to-noise ratio of the inserts was higher than that scanned with 16 ms about 64% in average. For the simulated head-and-neck patient projections with pulse time 4 ms, the visibility of soft tissue structures in the patient was comparable to that scanned with 20 ms. The image processing took less than 0.5 s per projection with 1024   ×   768 pixels.

  19. A prototype table-top inverse-geometry volumetric CT system.

    PubMed

    Schmidt, Taly Gilat; Star-Lack, Josh; Bennett, N Robert; Mazin, Samuel R; Solomon, Edward G; Fahrig, Rebecca; Pelc, Norbert J

    2006-06-01

    A table-top volumetric CT system has been implemented that is able to image a 5-cm-thick volume in one circular scan with no cone-beam artifacts. The prototype inverse-geometry CT (IGCT) scanner consists of a large-area, scanned x-ray source and a detector array that is smaller in the transverse direction. The IGCT geometry provides sufficient volumetric sampling because the source and detector have the same axial, or slice direction, extent. This paper describes the implementation of the table-top IGCT scanner, which is based on the NexRay Scanning-Beam Digital X-ray system (NexRay, Inc., Los Gatos, CA) and an investigation of the system performance. The alignment and flat-field calibration procedures are described, along with a summary of the reconstruction algorithm. The resolution and noise performance of the prototype IGCT system are studied through experiments and further supported by analytical predictions and simulations. To study the presence of cone-beam artifacts, a "Defrise" phantom was scanned on both the prototype IGCT scanner and a micro CT system with a +/-5 cone angle for a 4.5-cm volume thickness. Images of inner ear specimens are presented and compared to those from clinical CT systems. Results showed that the prototype IGCT system has a 0.25-mm isotropic resolution and that noise comparable to that from a clinical scanner with equivalent spatial resolution is achievable. The measured MTF and noise values agreed reasonably well with theoretical predictions and computer simulations. The IGCT system was able to faithfully reconstruct the laminated pattern of the Defrise phantom while the micro CT system suffered severe cone-beam artifacts for the same object. The inner ear acquisition verified that the IGCT system can image a complex anatomical object, and the resulting images exhibited more high-resolution details than the clinical CT acquisition. Overall, the successful implementation of the prototype system supports the IGCT concept for single-rotation volumetric scanning free from cone-beam artifacts.

  20. Three-Dimensional Cone Beam Computed Tomography Volumetric Outcomes of rhBMP-2/Demineralized Bone Matrix versus Iliac Crest Bone Graft for Alveolar Cleft Reconstruction.

    PubMed

    Liang, Fan; Yen, Stephen L-K; Imahiyerobo, Thomas; Sanborn, Luke; Yen, Leia; Yen, Daniel; Nazarian, Sheila; Jedrzejewski, Breanna; Urata, Mark; Hammoudeh, Jeffrey

    2017-10-01

    Recent studies indicate that recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in a demineralized bone matrix scaffold is a comparable alternative to iliac bone autograft in the setting of secondary alveolar cleft repair. Postreconstruction occlusal radiographs demonstrate improved bone stock when rhBMP-2/demineralized bone matrix (DBM) scaffold is used but lack the capacity to evaluate bone growth in three dimensions. This study uses cone beam computed tomography to provide the first clinical evaluation of volumetric and density comparisons between these two treatment modalities. A prospective study was conducted with 31 patients and 36 repairs of the alveolar cleft over a 2-year period. Twenty-one repairs used rhBMP-2/DBM scaffold and 14 repairs used iliac bone grafting. Postoperatively, occlusal radiographs were obtained at 3 months to evaluate bone fill; cone beam computed tomographic images were obtained at 6 to 9 months to compare volumetric and density data. At 3 months, postoperative occlusal radiographs demonstrated that 67 percent of patients receiving rhBMP-2/DBM scaffold had complete bone fill of the alveolus, versus 56 percent of patients in the autologous group. In contrast, cone beam computed tomographic data showed 31.6 percent (95 percent CI, 24.2 to 38.5 percent) fill in the rhBMP-2 group compared with 32.5 percent (95 percent CI, 22.1 to 42.9 percent) in the autologous population. Density analysis demonstrated identical average values between the groups (1.38 g/cc). These data demonstrate comparable bone regrowth and density values following secondary alveolar cleft repair using rhBMP-2/DBM scaffold versus autologous iliac bone graft. Cone beam computed tomography provides a more nuanced understanding of true bone regeneration within the alveolar cleft that may contribute to the information provided by occlusal radiographs alone. Therapeutic, II.

  1. Cone beam CT in orthodontics: the current picture.

    PubMed

    Makdissi, Jimmy

    2013-03-01

    The introduction of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology to dentistry and orthodontics revolutionized the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of orthodontic patients. This review article discusses the use of CBCT in diagnosis and treatment planning in orthodontics. The steps required to install and operate a CBCT facility within the orthodontic practice as well as the challenges are highlighted. The available guidelines in relation to the clinical applications of CBCT in orthodontics are explored. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

  2. History of imaging in orthodontics from Broadbent to cone-beam computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Hans, Mark G; Palomo, J Martin; Valiathan, Manish

    2015-12-01

    The history of imaging and orthodontics is a story of technology informing biology. Advances in imaging changed our thinking as our understanding of craniofacial growth and the impact of orthodontic treatment deepened. This article traces the history of imaging in orthodontics from the invention of the cephalometer by B. Holly Broadbent in 1930 to the introduction of low-cost, low-radiation-dose cone-beam computed tomography imaging in 2015. Copyright © 2015 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. The Applications of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Endodontics: A Review of Literature

    PubMed Central

    Kiarudi, Amir Hosein; Eghbal, Mohammad Jafar; Safi, Yaser; Aghdasi, Mohammad Mehdi; Fazlyab, Mahta

    2015-01-01

    By producing undistorted three-dimensional images of the area under examination, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) systems have met many of the limitations of conventional radiography. These systems produce images with small field of view at low radiation doses with adequate spatial resolution that are suitable for many applications in endodontics from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up. This review article comprehensively assembles all the data from literature regarding the potential applications of CBCT in endodontics. PMID:25598804

  4. Cone beam computed tomography in Endodontics - a review.

    PubMed

    Patel, S; Durack, C; Abella, F; Shemesh, H; Roig, M; Lemberg, K

    2015-01-01

    Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) produces undistorted three-dimensional information of the maxillofacial skeleton, including the teeth and their surrounding tissues with a lower effective radiation dose than computed tomography. The aim of this paper is to: (i) review the current literature on the applications and limitations of CBCT; (ii) make recommendations for the use of CBCT in Endodontics; (iii) highlight areas of further research of CBCT in Endodontics. © 2014 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  5. Cone-beam reconstruction for the two-circles-plus-one-line trajectory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lu, Yanbin; Yang, Jiansheng; Emerson, John W.; Mao, Heng; Zhou, Tie; Si, Yuanzheng; Jiang, Ming

    2012-05-01

    The Kodak Image Station In-Vivo FX has an x-ray module with cone-beam configuration for radiographic imaging but lacks the functionality of tomography. To introduce x-ray tomography into the system, we choose the two-circles-plus-one-line trajectory by mounting one translation motor and one rotation motor. We establish a reconstruction algorithm by applying the M-line reconstruction method. Numerical studies and preliminary physical phantom experiment demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed design and reconstruction algorithm.

  6. Homogeneous and inhomogeneous material effect in gamma index evaluation of IMRT technique based on fan beam and Cone Beam CT patient images

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wibowo, W. E.; Waliyyulhaq, M.; Pawiro, S. A.

    2017-05-01

    Patient-specific Quality Assurance (QA) technique in lung case Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is traditionally limited to homogeneous material, although the fact that the planning is carried out with inhomogeneous material present. Moreover, the chest area has many of inhomogeneous material, such as lung, soft tissue, and bone, which inhomogeneous material requires special attention to avoid inaccuracies in dose calculation in the Treatment Planning System (TPS). Recent preliminary studies shown that the role of Cone Beam CT (CBCT) can be used not only to position the patient at the time prior to irradiation but also to serve as planning modality. Our study presented the influence of a homogeneous and inhomogeneous materials using Fan Beam CT and Cone Beam CT modalities in IMRT technique on the Gamma Index (GI) value. We used a variation of the segment and Calculation Grid Resolution (CGR). The results showed the deviation of averaged GI value to be between CGR 0.2 cm and 0.4 cm with homogeneous material ranging from -0.44% to 1.46%. For inhomogeneous material, the value was range from -1.74% to 0.98%. In performing patient-specific IMRT QA techniques for lung cancer, homogeneous material can be implemented in evaluating the gamma index.

  7. AFB's Computerized Travel Aid: Two Years of Research and Development.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Uslan, Mark M.; And Others

    1983-01-01

    Progress on the computerized travel aid, an electronic device, using elements of the Polaroid Sonar Camera and a microprocessor, for visually handicapped persons is reviewed, and research on the effectiveness of various models noted. Recommended modifications touch on aspects of mounting, beam shape, and audible outputs. (CL)

  8. General rigid motion correction for computed tomography imaging based on locally linear embedding

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Mianyi; He, Peng; Feng, Peng; Liu, Baodong; Yang, Qingsong; Wei, Biao; Wang, Ge

    2018-02-01

    The patient motion can damage the quality of computed tomography images, which are typically acquired in cone-beam geometry. The rigid patient motion is characterized by six geometric parameters and are more challenging to correct than in fan-beam geometry. We extend our previous rigid patient motion correction method based on the principle of locally linear embedding (LLE) from fan-beam to cone-beam geometry and accelerate the computational procedure with the graphics processing unit (GPU)-based all scale tomographic reconstruction Antwerp toolbox. The major merit of our method is that we need neither fiducial markers nor motion-tracking devices. The numerical and experimental studies show that the LLE-based patient motion correction is capable of calibrating the six parameters of the patient motion simultaneously, reducing patient motion artifacts significantly.

  9. External cervical resorption: an analysis using cone beam and microfocus computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy.

    PubMed

    Gunst, V; Mavridou, A; Huybrechts, B; Van Gorp, G; Bergmans, L; Lambrechts, P

    2013-09-01

    To provide a three-dimensional representation of external cervical resorption (ECR) with microscopy, stereo microscopy, cone beam computed tomography (CT), microfocus CT and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). External cervical resorption is an aggressive form of root resorption, leading to a loss of dental hard tissues. This is due to clastic action, activated by a damage of the covering cementum and stimulated probably by infection. Clinically, it is a challenging situation as it is characterized by a late symptomatology. This is due to the pericanalar protection from a resorption-resistant sheet, composed of pre-dentine and surrounding dentine. The clastic activity is often associated with an attempt to repair, seen by the formation of osteoid tissue. Cone beam CT is extremely useful in the diagnoses and treatment planning of ECR. SEM analyses provide a better insight into the activity of osteoclasts. The root canal is surrounded by a layer of dentine that is resistant to resorption. © 2013 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  10. Dimensional Changes of Fresh Sockets With Reactive Soft Tissue Preservation: A Cone Beam CT Study.

    PubMed

    Crespi, Roberto; Capparé, Paolo; Crespi, Giovanni; Gastaldi, Giorgio; Gherlone, Enrico Felice

    2017-06-01

    The aim of this study was to assess dimensional changes of the fresh sockets grafted with collagen sheets and maintenance of reactive soft tissue, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Tooth extractions were performed with maximum preservation of the alveolar housing, reactive soft tissue was left into the sockets and collagen sheets filled bone defects. Cone beam computed tomography were performed before and 3 months after extractions. One hundred forty-five teeth, 60 monoradiculars and 85 molars, were extracted. In total, 269 alveoli were evaluated. In Group A, not statistically significant differences were found between monoradiculars, whereas statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were found between molars, both for mesial and distal alveoli. In Group B, not statistically significant differences were found between maxillary and mandibular bone changes values (P > 0.05) for all types of teeth. This study reported an atraumatic tooth extraction, reactive soft tissue left in situ, and grafted collagen sponge may be helpful to reduce fresh socket collapse after extraction procedures.

  11. NOTE: A BPF-type algorithm for CT with a curved PI detector

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tang, Jie; Zhang, Li; Chen, Zhiqiang; Xing, Yuxiang; Cheng, Jianping

    2006-08-01

    Helical cone-beam CT is used widely nowadays because of its rapid scan speed and efficient utilization of x-ray dose. Recently, an exact reconstruction algorithm for helical cone-beam CT was proposed (Zou and Pan 2004a Phys. Med. Biol. 49 941 59). The algorithm is referred to as a backprojection-filtering (BPF) algorithm. This BPF algorithm for a helical cone-beam CT with a flat-panel detector (FPD-HCBCT) requires minimum data within the Tam Danielsson window and can naturally address the problem of ROI reconstruction from data truncated in both longitudinal and transversal directions. In practical CT systems, detectors are expensive and always take a very important position in the total cost. Hence, we work on an exact reconstruction algorithm for a CT system with a detector of the smallest size, i.e., a curved PI detector fitting the Tam Danielsson window. The reconstruction algorithm is derived following the framework of the BPF algorithm. Numerical simulations are done to validate our algorithm in this study.

  12. A BPF-type algorithm for CT with a curved PI detector.

    PubMed

    Tang, Jie; Zhang, Li; Chen, Zhiqiang; Xing, Yuxiang; Cheng, Jianping

    2006-08-21

    Helical cone-beam CT is used widely nowadays because of its rapid scan speed and efficient utilization of x-ray dose. Recently, an exact reconstruction algorithm for helical cone-beam CT was proposed (Zou and Pan 2004a Phys. Med. Biol. 49 941-59). The algorithm is referred to as a backprojection-filtering (BPF) algorithm. This BPF algorithm for a helical cone-beam CT with a flat-panel detector (FPD-HCBCT) requires minimum data within the Tam-Danielsson window and can naturally address the problem of ROI reconstruction from data truncated in both longitudinal and transversal directions. In practical CT systems, detectors are expensive and always take a very important position in the total cost. Hence, we work on an exact reconstruction algorithm for a CT system with a detector of the smallest size, i.e., a curved PI detector fitting the Tam-Danielsson window. The reconstruction algorithm is derived following the framework of the BPF algorithm. Numerical simulations are done to validate our algorithm in this study.

  13. [Comparative study of cone-beam CT and spiral CT in measuring the length of styloid process].

    PubMed

    Song, Y S; Liu, L F

    2018-06-19

    Objective: To compare the difference of measuring the length of styloid process between spiral CT with high resolution and cone-beam CT(CBCT). Methods: Five specimens (including 5 pairs of styloid processes) were selected randomly from the Anatomy Laboratory of Otolaryngology Department, all the specimens underwent spiral CT with high resolution and cone-beam CT retrospectively.With the original DICOM data, the styloid processes were shown in one plate by multiple plate reconstruction technique, and later the length of styloid processes of each specimen were measured separately by software NNT Viewer (to CBCT) or Osrix (to spiral CT with high resolution). Results: The length of styloid processes measured by CBCT and spiral CT was (26.8±5.5) mm and (27.1±5.4) mm respectively, and there was no statistical difference between the two groups. Conclusion: In respect of measuring the length of styloid process, the CBCT has the same value in clinical practice comparing to spiral CT with high resolution.

  14. Automated laser guidance of neuronal growth cones using a spatial light modulator.

    PubMed

    Carnegie, David J; Cizmár, Tomás; Baumgartl, Jörg; Gunn-Moore, Frank J; Dholakia, Kishan

    2009-11-01

    The growth cone of a developing neuron can be guided using a focused infra-red (IR) laser beam [1]. In previous setups this process has required a significant amount of user intervention to adjust continuously the laser beam to guide the growing neuron. Previously, a system using an acousto-optical deflector (AOD) has been developed to steer the beam [2]. However, to enhance the controllability of this system, here we demonstrate the use of a computer controlled spatial light modulator (SLM) to steer and manipulate the shape of a laser beam for use in guided neuronal growth. This new experimental setup paves the way to enable a comprehensive investigation into beam shaping effects on neuronal growth and we show neuronal growth initiated by a Bessel light mode. This is a robust platform to explore the biochemistry of this novel phenomenon. (c) 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim

  15. Time-resolved C-arm cone beam CT angiography (TR-CBCTA) imaging from a single short-scan C-arm cone beam CT acquisition with intra-arterial contrast injection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Yinsheng; Garrett, John W.; Li, Ke; Wu, Yijing; Johnson, Kevin; Schafer, Sebastian; Strother, Charles; Chen, Guang-Hong

    2018-04-01

    Time-resolved C-arm cone-beam CT (CBCT) angiography (TR-CBCTA) images can be generated from a series of CBCT acquisitions that satisfy data sufficiency condition in analytical image reconstruction theory. In this work, a new technique was developed to generate TR-CBCTA images from a single short-scan CBCT data acquisition with contrast media injection. The reconstruction technique enabling this application is a previously developed image reconstruction technique, synchronized multi-artifact reduction with tomographic reconstruction (SMART-RECON). In this new application, the acquired short-scan CBCT projection data were sorted into a union of several sub-sectors of view angles and each sub-sector of view angles corresponds to an individual image volume to be reconstructed. The SMART-RECON method was then used to jointly reconstruct all of these individual image volumes under two constraints: (1) each individual image volume is maximally consistent with the measured cone-beam projection data within the corresponding view angle sector and (2) the nuclear norm of the image matrix is minimized. The difference between these reconstructed individual image volumes is used to generated the desired subtracted angiograms. To validate the technique, numerical simulation data generated from a fractal tree angiogram phantom were used to quantitatively study the accuracy of the proposed method and retrospective in vivo human subject studies were used to demonstrate the feasibility of generating TR-CBCTA in clinical practice.

  16. Assessment of the Airway Characteristics in Children with Cleft Lip and Palate using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

    PubMed Central

    Marwah, Nikhil

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of our study is to use cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to assess the dimensional changes in the nasopharyngeal soft-tissue characteristics in children of Indian origin with repaired cleft lip and palate (CLP) and to compare the results with patients with ideal occlusion. Materials and methods: A sample of 20 children (10 girls, 10 boys) with repaired CLP was selected. Cone beam computed tomography scans were taken to measure the nasopharyngeal airway changes in terms of linear measurements and sagittal cross-sectional areas. Error analysis was performed to prevent systematic or random errors. Independent means t-tests and Pearson correlation analysis were used to evaluate sex differences and the correlations among the variables. Results: Nasopharyngeal soft-tissue characteristics were different in the control and the study groups. Subjects with repaired CLP had lesser lower aerial width, lower adenoidal width and lower airway width. The upper airway width was also significantly lesser. The retropalatal and the total airway area were significantly greater in the control group. Conclusion: The narrow pharyngeal airway in patients with CLP might result in functional impairment of breathing in patients. Further investigations are necessary to clarify the relationship between pharyngeal structure and airway function in patients with CLP. How to cite this article: Agarwal A, Marwah N. Assessment of the Airway Characteristics in Children with Cleft Lip and Palate using Cone Beam Computed Tomography. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(1):5-9. PMID:27274147

  17. Reciprocating vs Rotary Instrumentation in Pediatric Endodontics: Cone Beam Computed Tomographic Analysis of Deciduous Root Canals using Two Single-file Systems.

    PubMed

    Prabhakar, Attiguppe R; Yavagal, Chandrashekar; Dixit, Kratika; Naik, Saraswathi V

    2016-01-01

    Primary root canals are considered to be most challenging due to their complex anatomy. "Wave one" and "one shape" are single-file systems with reciprocating and rotary motion respectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare dentin thickness, centering ability, canal transportation, and instrumentation time of wave one and one shape files in primary root canals using a cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) analysis. This is an experimental, in vitro study comparing the two groups. A total of 24 extracted human primary teeth with minimum 7 mm root length were included in the study. Cone beam computed tomographic images were taken before and after the instrumentation for each group. Dentin thickness, centering ability, canal transportation, and instrumentation times were evaluated for each group. A significant difference was found in instrumentation time and canal transportation measures between the two groups. Wave one showed less canal transportation as compared with one shape, and the mean instrumentation time of wave one was significantly less than one shape. Reciprocating single-file systems was found to be faster with much less procedural errors and can hence be recommended for shaping the root canals of primary teeth. How to cite this article: Prabhakar AR, Yavagal C, Dixit K, Naik SV. Reciprocating vs Rotary Instrumentation in Pediatric Endodontics: Cone Beam Computed Tomographic Analysis of Deciduous Root Canals using Two Single-File Systems. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(1):45-49.

  18. Three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography analysis of enlargement of the pharyngeal airway by the Herbst appliance.

    PubMed

    Iwasaki, Tomonori; Takemoto, Yoshihiko; Inada, Emi; Sato, Hideo; Saitoh, Issei; Kakuno, Eriko; Kanomi, Ryuzo; Yamasaki, Youichi

    2014-12-01

    Pharyngeal airway size is increasingly recognized as an important factor in obstructive sleep apnea. However, few studies have examined the changes of pharyngeal airway form after dental procedures for treating obstructive sleep apnea during growth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Herbst appliance on the 3-dimensional form of the pharyngeal airway using cone-beam computed tomography. Twenty-four Class II subjects (ANB, ≥5°; 11 boys; mean age, 11.6 years) who required Herbst therapy with edgewise treatment had cone-beam computed tomography images taken before and after Herbst treatment. Twenty Class I control subjects (9 boys; mean age, 11.5 years) received edgewise treatment only. The volume, depth, and width of the pharyngeal airway were compared between the groups using measurements from 3-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography images of the entire pharyngeal airway. The increase of the oropharyngeal airway volume in the Herbst group (5000.2 mm(3)) was significantly greater than that of the control group (2451.6 mm(3)). Similarly, the increase of the laryngopharyngeal airway volume in the Herbst group (1941.8 mm(3)) was significantly greater than that of the control group (1060.1 mm(3)). The Herbst appliance enlarges the oropharyngeal and laryngopharyngeal airways. These results may provide a useful assessment of obstructive sleep apnea treatment during growth. Copyright © 2014 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. An Investigation of the Morphology of the Petrotympanic Fissure Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

    PubMed Central

    Syriopoulos, Konstantinos; Sens, Rogier L.; Politis, Constantinus

    2018-01-01

    ABSTRACT Objectives The purpose of the present study was: a) to examine the visibility and morphology of the petrotympanic fissure on cone-beam computed tomography images, and b) to investigate whether the petrotympanic fissure morphology is significantly affected by gender and age, or not. Material and Methods Using Newtom VGi (QR Verona, Italy), 106 cone-beam computed tomography examinations (212 temporomandibular joint areas) of both genders were retrospectively and randomly selected. Two observers examined the images and subsequently classified by consensus the petrotympanic fissure morphology into the following three types: type 1 - widely open; type 2 - narrow middle; type 3 - very narrow/closed. Results The petrotympanic fissure morphology was assessed as type 1, type 2, and type 3 in 85 (40.1%), 72 (34.0%), and 55 (25.9%) cases, respectively. No significant difference was found between left and right petrotympanic fissure morphology (Kappa = 0.37; P < 0.001). Furthermore, no significant difference was found between genders, specifically P = 0.264 and P = 0.211 for the right and left petrotympanic fissure morphology, respectively. However, the ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that males tend to have narrower petrotympanic fissures, in particular OR = 1.58 for right and OR = 1.5 for left petrotympanic fissure. Conclusions The current study lends support to the conclusion that an enhanced multi-planar cone-beam computed tomography yields a clear depiction of the petrotympanic fissure's morphological characteristics. We have found that the morphology is neither gender nor age-related. PMID:29707183

  20. An Investigation of the Morphology of the Petrotympanic Fissure Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

    PubMed

    Damaskos, Spyros; Syriopoulos, Konstantinos; Sens, Rogier L; Politis, Constantinus

    2018-01-01

    The purpose of the present study was: a) to examine the visibility and morphology of the petrotympanic fissure on cone-beam computed tomography images, and b) to investigate whether the petrotympanic fissure morphology is significantly affected by gender and age, or not. Using Newtom VGi (QR Verona, Italy), 106 cone-beam computed tomography examinations (212 temporomandibular joint areas) of both genders were retrospectively and randomly selected. Two observers examined the images and subsequently classified by consensus the petrotympanic fissure morphology into the following three types: type 1 - widely open; type 2 - narrow middle; type 3 - very narrow/closed. The petrotympanic fissure morphology was assessed as type 1, type 2, and type 3 in 85 (40.1%), 72 (34.0%), and 55 (25.9%) cases, respectively. No significant difference was found between left and right petrotympanic fissure morphology (Kappa = 0.37; P < 0.001). Furthermore, no significant difference was found between genders, specifically P = 0.264 and P = 0.211 for the right and left petrotympanic fissure morphology, respectively. However, the ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that males tend to have narrower petrotympanic fissures, in particular OR = 1.58 for right and OR = 1.5 for left petrotympanic fissure. The current study lends support to the conclusion that an enhanced multi-planar cone-beam computed tomography yields a clear depiction of the petrotympanic fissure's morphological characteristics. We have found that the morphology is neither gender nor age-related.

  1. Cone-beam volume CT mammographic imaging: feasibility study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Biao; Ning, Ruola

    2001-06-01

    X-ray projection mammography, using a film/screen combination or digital techniques, has proven to be the most effective imaging modality for early detection of breast cancer currently available. However, the inherent superimposition of structures makes small carcinoma (a few millimeters in size) difficult to detect in the occultation case or in dense breasts, resulting in a high false positive biopsy rate. The cone-beam x-ray projection based volume imaging using flat panel detectors (FPDs) makes it possible to obtain three-dimensional breast images. This may benefit diagnosis of the structure and pattern of the lesion while eliminating hard compression of the breast. This paper presents a novel cone-beam volume CT mammographic imaging protocol based on the above techniques. Through computer simulation, the key issues of the system and imaging techniques, including the x-ray imaging geometry and corresponding reconstruction algorithms, x-ray characteristics of breast tissues, x-ray setting techniques, the absorbed dose estimation and the quantitative effect of x-ray scattering on image quality, are addressed. The preliminary simulation results support the proposed cone-beam volume CT mammographic imaging modality in respect to feasibility and practicability for mammography. The absorbed dose level is comparable to that of current two-view mammography and would not be a prominent problem for this imaging protocol. Compared to traditional mammography, the proposed imaging protocol with isotropic spatial resolution will potentially provide significantly better low contrast detectability of breast tumors and more accurate location of breast lesions.

  2. Proton emission from cone-in-shell fast-ignition experiments at Omega

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sinenian, N.; Theobald, W.; Frenje, J. A.; Stoeckl, C.; Séguin, F. H.; Li, C. K.; Petrasso, R. D.; Stephens, R. B.

    2012-11-01

    Measurements of energetic protons from cone-in-shell fast-igniton implosions at Omega have been conducted. In these experiments, charged-particle spectrometers were used to measure a significant population (>1013) of energetic protons (7.5 MeV max.), indicating the presence of strong electric fields. These energetic protons, observed in directions both transverse and forward relative to the direction of the short-pulse laser beam, have been used to study aspects of coupling efficiency of the petawatt fast-ignitior beam. Approximately 5% of the laser energy coupled to hot electrons was lost to fast ions. Forward going protons were less energetic and showed no dependence on laser intensity or whether the cone tip was intact when the short-pulse laser was fired. Maximum energies of protons emitted transverse to the cone-in-shell target scale with incident on-target laser intensity (2-6×1018W-cm-2), as described by the ponderomotive scaling (∝I1/2). It is shown that these protons are accelerated from the entire cone, rather than from the cone tip alone. These protons were used to estimate the lower limit on the hot-electron temperature, which was found to be hotter than the ponderomotive scaling by factors of 2-3.

  3. Helical cone beam CT with an asymmetrical detector.

    PubMed

    Zamyatin, Alexander A; Taguchi, Katsuyuki; Silver, Michael D

    2005-10-01

    If a multislice or other area detector is shifted to one side to cover a larger field of view, then the data are truncated on one side. We propose a method to restore the missing data in helical cone-beam acquisitions that uses measured data on the longer side of the asymmetric detector array. The method is based on the idea of complementary rays, which is well known in fan beam geometry; in this paper we extend this concept to the cone-beam case. Different cases of complementary data coverage and dependence on the helical pitch are considered. The proposed method is used in our prototype 16-row CT scanner with an asymmetric detector and a 700 mm field of view. For evaluation we used scanned body phantom data and computer-simulated data. To simulate asymmetric truncation, the full, symmetric datasets were truncated by dropping either 22.5% or 45% from one side of the detector. Reconstructed images from the prototype scanner with the asymmetrical detector show excellent image quality in the extended field of view. The proposed method allows flexible helical pitch selection and can be used with overscan, short-scan, and super-short-scan reconstructions.

  4. An Accurate Scatter Measurement and Correction Technique for Cone Beam Breast CT Imaging Using Scanning Sampled Measurement (SSM) Technique.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xinming; Shaw, Chris C; Wang, Tianpeng; Chen, Lingyun; Altunbas, Mustafa C; Kappadath, S Cheenu

    2006-02-28

    We developed and investigated a scanning sampled measurement (SSM) technique for scatter measurement and correction in cone beam breast CT imaging. A cylindrical polypropylene phantom (water equivalent) was mounted on a rotating table in a stationary gantry experimental cone beam breast CT imaging system. A 2-D array of lead beads, with the beads set apart about ~1 cm from each other and slightly tilted vertically, was placed between the object and x-ray source. A series of projection images were acquired as the phantom is rotated 1 degree per projection view and the lead beads array shifted vertically from one projection view to the next. A series of lead bars were also placed at the phantom edge to produce better scatter estimation across the phantom edges. Image signals in the lead beads/bars shadow were used to obtain sampled scatter measurements which were then interpolated to form an estimated scatter distribution across the projection images. The image data behind the lead bead/bar shadows were restored by interpolating image data from two adjacent projection views to form beam-block free projection images. The estimated scatter distribution was then subtracted from the corresponding restored projection image to obtain the scatter removed projection images.Our preliminary experiment has demonstrated that it is feasible to implement SSM technique for scatter estimation and correction for cone beam breast CT imaging. Scatter correction was successfully performed on all projection images using scatter distribution interpolated from SSM and restored projection image data. The resultant scatter corrected projection image data resulted in elevated CT number and largely reduced the cupping effects.

  5. Dose calculation for electron therapy using an improved LBR method.

    PubMed

    Gebreamlak, Wondesen T; Tedeschi, David J; Alkhatib, Hassaan A

    2013-07-01

    To calculate the percentage depth dose (PDD) of any irregularly shaped electron beam using a modified lateral build-up ratio (LBR) method. Percentage depth dose curves were measured using 6, 9, 12, and 15 MeV electron beam energies for applicator cone sizes of 6 × 6, 10 × 10, 14 × 14, and 20 × 20 cm(2). Circular cutouts for each cone were prepared from 2.0 cm diameter to the maximum possible size for each cone. In addition, three irregular cutouts were prepared. The LBR for each circular cutout was calculated from the measured PDD curve using the open field of the 14 × 14 cm(2) cone as the reference field. Using the LBR values and the radius of the circular cutouts, the corresponding lateral spread parameter [σR(z)] of the electron shower was calculated. Unlike the commonly accepted assumption that σR(z) is independent of cutout size, it is shown that its value increases linearly with circular cutout size (R). Using this characteristic of the lateral spread parameter, the PDD curves of irregularly shaped cutouts were calculated. Finally, the calculated PDD curves were compared with measured PDD curves. In this research, it is shown that the lateral spread parameter σR(z) increases with cutout size. For radii of circular cutout sizes up to the equilibrium range of the electron beam, the increase of σR(z) with the cutout size is linear. The percentage difference of the calculated PDD curve from the measured PDD data for irregularly shaped cutouts was under 1.0% in the region between the surface and therapeutic range of the electron beam. Similar results were obtained for four electron beam energies (6, 9, 12, and 15 MeV).

  6. Application of cone-beam CT in the office setting.

    PubMed

    Thomas, Steven L

    2008-10-01

    The decision to incorporate cone-beam CT (CBCT) into a dental practice is one that requires serious consideration and careful planning. In the early days of the technology, fewer sources of information existed and a community of users often shared ideas and prompted the advancement of the products. Office-based CBCT has advanced significantly since that time. It has often been described as the "gold standard" for imaging the oral and maxillofacial area and will become a part of the everyday life of most practices in the coming decades.

  7. Cone beam computed tomography: basics and applications in dentistry.

    PubMed

    Venkatesh, Elluru; Elluru, Snehal Venkatesh

    2017-01-01

    The introduction of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) devices, changed the way oral and maxillofacial radiology is practiced. CBCT was embraced into the dental settings very rapidly due to its compact size, low cost, low ionizing radiation exposure when compared to medical computed tomography. Alike medical CT, 3 dimensional evaluation of the maxillofacial region with minimal distortion is offered by the CBCT. This article provides an overview of basics of CBCT technology and reviews the specific application of CBCT technology to oral and maxillofacial region with few illustrations.

  8. The possible usability of three-dimensional cone beam computed dental tomography in dental research

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yavuz, I.; Rizal, M. F.; Kiswanjaya, B.

    2017-08-01

    The innovations and advantages of three-dimensional cone beam computed dental tomography (3D CBCT) are continually growing for its potential use in dental research. Imaging techniques are important for planning research in dentistry. Newly improved 3D CBCT imaging systems and accessory computer programs have recently been proven effective for use in dental research. The aim of this study is to introduce 3D CBCT and open a window for future research possibilities that should be given attention in dental research.

  9. AAE and AAOMR Joint Position Statement: Use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Endodontics 2015 Update.

    PubMed

    2015-10-01

    The following statement was prepared by the Special Committee to Revise the Joint American Association of Endodontists/American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Position on Cone Beam Computed Tomography, and approved by the AAE Board of Directors and AAOMR Executive Council in May 2015. AAE members may reprint this position statement for distribution to patients or referring dentists. Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Comparing Dimensional Accuracy Between a Polyvinyl Chloride Skull and Its Virtually Constructed Counterpart

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-06-01

    exposure settings…………………...26 Table 4. Kodak 9500 Cone Beam 3D System exposure settings…………..….27 Table 5. Average and statistical analysis results...42 Figure 6 Image of Mounted PVC Skull Model on the Kodak 9500……….…......43 Figure 7 Screen image of Reconstructed CBCT Digital...replica was taken with the Kodak 9500 Cone Beam 3D System. To create the digital dental models fifteen type IV maxillary dental casts were made on the

  11. Treatment of a Four-Rooted Maxillary Second Molar Detected with Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

    PubMed Central

    Mohammadzade Akhlaghi, Nahid

    2017-01-01

    The significance of clinician’s knowledge about root canal anatomy and its possible variations cannot be overlooked. In some cases, taking advantage of complementary imaging techniques can help achieve a perfect flawless endodontic treatment. This article reports endodontic management of a second maxillary molar that had an uncommon anatomy of the chamber floor. After obtaining a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) image, the presence of a second palatal root was confirmed. All four roots were treated and patient’s symptoms were resolved. PMID:29104601

  12. Automated method for structural segmentation of nasal airways based on cone beam computed tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tymkovych, Maksym Yu.; Avrunin, Oleg G.; Paliy, Victor G.; Filzow, Maksim; Gryshkov, Oleksandr; Glasmacher, Birgit; Omiotek, Zbigniew; DzierŻak, RóŻa; Smailova, Saule; Kozbekova, Ainur

    2017-08-01

    The work is dedicated to the segmentation problem of human nasal airways using Cone Beam Computed Tomography. During research, we propose a specialized approach of structured segmentation of nasal airways. That approach use spatial information, symmetrisation of the structures. The proposed stages can be used for construction a virtual three dimensional model of nasal airways and for production full-scale personalized atlases. During research we build the virtual model of nasal airways, which can be used for construction specialized medical atlases and aerodynamics researches.

  13. WE-G-18A-03: Cone Artifacts Correction in Iterative Cone Beam CT Reconstruction

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yan, H; Folkerts, M; Jiang, S

    Purpose: For iterative reconstruction (IR) in cone-beam CT (CBCT) imaging, data truncation along the superior-inferior (SI) direction causes severe cone artifacts in the reconstructed CBCT volume images. Not only does it reduce the effective SI coverage of the reconstructed volume, it also hinders the IR algorithm convergence. This is particular a problem for regularization based IR, where smoothing type regularization operations tend to propagate the artifacts to a large area. It is our purpose to develop a practical cone artifacts correction solution. Methods: We found it is the missing data residing in the truncated cone area that leads to inconsistencymore » between the calculated forward projections and measured projections. We overcome this problem by using FDK type reconstruction to estimate the missing data and design weighting factors to compensate the inconsistency caused by the missing data. We validate the proposed methods in our multi-GPU low-dose CBCT reconstruction system on multiple patients' datasets. Results: Compared to the FDK reconstruction with full datasets, while IR is able to reconstruct CBCT images using a subset of projection data, the severe cone artifacts degrade overall image quality. For head-neck case under a full-fan mode, 13 out of 80 slices are contaminated. It is even more severe in pelvis case under half-fan mode, where 36 out of 80 slices are affected, leading to inferior soft-tissue delineation. By applying the proposed method, the cone artifacts are effectively corrected, with a mean intensity difference decreased from ∼497 HU to ∼39HU for those contaminated slices. Conclusion: A practical and effective solution for cone artifacts correction is proposed and validated in CBCT IR algorithm. This study is supported in part by NIH (1R01CA154747-01)« less

  14. Cone beam computed tomography image guidance system for a dedicated intracranial radiosurgery treatment unit.

    PubMed

    Ruschin, Mark; Komljenovic, Philip T; Ansell, Steve; Ménard, Cynthia; Bootsma, Gregory; Cho, Young-Bin; Chung, Caroline; Jaffray, David

    2013-01-01

    Image guidance has improved the precision of fractionated radiation treatment delivery on linear accelerators. Precise radiation delivery is particularly critical when high doses are delivered to complex shapes with steep dose gradients near critical structures, as is the case for intracranial radiosurgery. To reduce potential geometric uncertainties, a cone beam computed tomography (CT) image guidance system was developed in-house to generate high-resolution images of the head at the time of treatment, using a dedicated radiosurgery unit. The performance and initial clinical use of this imaging system are described. A kilovoltage cone beam CT system was integrated with a Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion radiosurgery unit. The X-ray tube and flat-panel detector are mounted on a translational arm, which is parked above the treatment unit when not in use. Upon descent, a rotational axis provides 210° of rotation for cone beam CT scans. Mechanical integrity of the system was evaluated over a 6-month period. Subsequent clinical commissioning included end-to-end testing of targeting performance and subjective image quality performance in phantoms. The system has been used to image 2 patients, 1 of whom received single-fraction radiosurgery and 1 who received 3 fractions, using a relocatable head frame. Images of phantoms demonstrated soft tissue contrast visibility and submillimeter spatial resolution. A contrast difference of 35 HU was easily detected at a calibration dose of 1.2 cGy (center of head phantom). The shape of the mechanical flex vs scan angle was highly reproducible and exhibited <0.2 mm peak-to-peak variation. With a 0.5-mm voxel pitch, the maximum targeting error was 0.4 mm. Images of 2 patients were analyzed offline and submillimeter agreement was confirmed with conventional frame. A cone beam CT image guidance system was successfully adapted to a radiosurgery unit. The system is capable of producing high-resolution images of bone and soft tissue. The system is in clinical use and provides excellent image guidance without invasive frames. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. SU-C-209-02: 3D Fluoroscopic Image Generation From Patient-Specific 4DCBCT-Based Motion Models Derived From Clinical Patient Images

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Dhou, S; Cai, W; Hurwitz, M

    Purpose: We develop a method to generate time varying volumetric images (3D fluoroscopic images) using patient-specific motion models derived from four-dimensional cone-beam CT (4DCBCT). Methods: Motion models are derived by selecting one 4DCBCT phase as a reference image, and registering the remaining images to it. Principal component analysis (PCA) is performed on the resultant displacement vector fields (DVFs) to create a reduced set of PCA eigenvectors that capture the majority of respiratory motion. 3D fluoroscopic images are generated by optimizing the weights of the PCA eigenvectors iteratively through comparison of measured cone-beam projections and simulated projections generated from the motionmore » model. This method was applied to images from five lung-cancer patients. The spatial accuracy of this method is evaluated by comparing landmark positions in the 3D fluoroscopic images to manually defined ground truth positions in the patient cone-beam projections. Results: 4DCBCT motion models were shown to accurately generate 3D fluoroscopic images when the patient cone-beam projections contained clearly visible structures moving with respiration (e.g., the diaphragm). When no moving anatomical structure was clearly visible in the projections, the 3D fluoroscopic images generated did not capture breathing deformations, and reverted to the reference image. For the subset of 3D fluoroscopic images generated from projections with visibly moving anatomy, the average tumor localization error and the 95th percentile were 1.6 mm and 3.1 mm respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that 4DCBCT-based 3D fluoroscopic images can accurately capture respiratory deformations in a patient dataset, so long as the cone-beam projections used contain visible structures that move with respiration. For clinical implementation of 3D fluoroscopic imaging for treatment verification, an imaging field of view (FOV) that contains visible structures moving with respiration should be selected. If no other appropriate structures are visible, the images should include the diaphragm. This project was supported, in part, through a Master Research Agreement with Varian Medical Systems, Inc, Palo Alto, CA.« less

  16. A multiscale filter for noise reduction of low-dose cone beam projections

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yao, Weiguang; Farr, Jonathan B.

    2015-08-01

    The Poisson or compound Poisson process governs the randomness of photon fluence in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging systems. The probability density function depends on the mean (noiseless) of the fluence at a certain detector. This dependence indicates the natural requirement of multiscale filters to smooth noise while preserving structures of the imaged object on the low-dose cone beam projection. In this work, we used a Gaussian filter, \\text{exp}≤ft(-{{x}2}/2σ f2\\right) as the multiscale filter to de-noise the low-dose cone beam projections. We analytically obtained the expression of {σf} , which represents the scale of the filter, by minimizing local noise-to-signal ratio. We analytically derived the variance of residual noise from the Poisson or compound Poisson processes after Gaussian filtering. From the derived analytical form of the variance of residual noise, optimal σ f2 is proved to be proportional to the noiseless fluence and modulated by local structure strength expressed as the linear fitting error of the structure. A strategy was used to obtain the reliable linear fitting error: smoothing the projection along the longitudinal direction to calculate the linear fitting error along the lateral direction and vice versa. The performance of our multiscale filter was examined on low-dose cone beam projections of a Catphan phantom and a head-and-neck patient. After performing the filter on the Catphan phantom projections scanned with pulse time 4 ms, the number of visible line pairs was similar to that scanned with 16 ms, and the contrast-to-noise ratio of the inserts was higher than that scanned with 16 ms about 64% in average. For the simulated head-and-neck patient projections with pulse time 4 ms, the visibility of soft tissue structures in the patient was comparable to that scanned with 20 ms. The image processing took less than 0.5 s per projection with 1024   ×   768 pixels.

  17. Radiation dose reduction and new image modalities development for interventional C-arm imaging system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Niu, Kai

    Cardiovascular disease and stroke are the leading health problems and causes of death in the US. Due to the minimally invasive nature of the evolution of image guided techniques, interventional radiological procedures are becoming more common and are preferred in treating many cardiovascular diseases and strokes. In addition, with the recent advances in hardware and device technology, the speed and efficacy of interventional treatment has significantly improved. This implies that more image modalities can be developed based on the current C-arm system and patients treated in interventional suites can potentially experience better health outcomes. However, during the treatment patients are irradiated with substantial amounts of ionizing radiation with a high dose rate (digital subtraction angiography (DSA) with 3muGy/frame and 3D cone beam CT image with 0.36muGy/frame for a Siemens Artis Zee biplane system) and/or a long irradiation time (a roadmapping image sequence can be as long as one hour during aneurysm embolization). As a result, the patient entrance dose is extremely high. Despite the fact that the radiation dose is already substantial, image quality is not always satisfactory. By default a temporal average is used in roadmapping images to overcome poor image quality, but this technique can result in motion blurred images. Therefore, reducing radiation dose while maintaining or even improving the image quality is an important area for continued research. This thesis is focused on improving the clinical applications of C-arm cone beam CT systems in two ways: (1) Improve the performance of current image modalities on the C-arm system. (2) Develop new image modalities based on the current system. To be more specific, the objectives are to reduce radiation dose for current modalities (e.g., DSA, fluoroscopy, roadmapping, and cone beam CT) and enable cone beam CT perfusion and time resolved cone beam CT angiography that can be used to diagnose and triage acute ischemic stroke patients more efficiently compared with the current clinical work-flow. The animal and patient cases presented in this thesis are focused towards but not limited to neurointerventional applications.

  18. TH-EF-207A-04: A Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Cone Beam CT Technique for Evaluation of Renal Functions

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wang, Z; Shi, J; Yang, Y

    Purpose: To develop a simple but robust method for the early detection and evaluation of renal functions using dynamic contrast enhanced cone beam CT technique. Methods: Experiments were performed on an integrated imaging and radiation research platform developed by our lab. Animals (n=3) were anesthetized with 20uL Ketamine/Xylazine cocktail, and then received 200uL injection of iodinated contrast agent Iopamidol via tail vein. Cone beam CT was acquired following contrast injection once per minute and up to 25 minutes. The cone beam CT was reconstructed with a dimension of 300×300×800 voxels of 130×130×130um voxel resolution. The middle kidney slices in themore » transvers and coronal planes were selected for image analysis. A double exponential function was used to fit the contrast enhanced signal intensity versus the time after contrast injection. Both pixel-based and region of interest (ROI)-based curve fitting were performed. Four parameters obtained from the curve fitting, namely the amplitude and flow constant for both contrast wash in and wash out phases, were investigated for further analysis. Results: Robust curve fitting was demonstrated for both pixel based (with R{sup 2}>0.8 for >85% pixels within the kidney contour) and ROI based (R{sup 2}>0.9 for all regions) analysis. Three different functional regions: renal pelvis, medulla and cortex, were clearly differentiated in the functional parameter map in the pixel based analysis. ROI based analysis showed the half-life T1/2 for contrast wash in and wash out phases were 0.98±0.15 and 17.04±7.16, 0.63±0.07 and 17.88±4.51, and 1.48±0.40 and 10.79±3.88 minutes for the renal pelvis, medulla and cortex, respectively. Conclusion: A robust method based on dynamic contrast enhanced cone beam CT and double exponential curve fitting has been developed to analyze the renal functions for different functional regions. Future study will be performed to investigate the sensitivity of this technique in the detection of radiation induced kidney dysfunction.« less

  19. SU-E-T-252: Developing a Pencil Beam Dose Calculation Algorithm for CyberKnife System

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Liang, B; Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC; Liu, B

    2015-06-15

    Purpose: Currently there are two dose calculation algorithms available in the Cyberknife planning system: ray-tracing and Monte Carlo, which is either not accurate or time-consuming for irregular field shaped by the MLC that was recently introduced. The purpose of this study is to develop a fast and accurate pencil beam dose calculation algorithm which can handle irregular field. Methods: A pencil beam dose calculation algorithm widely used in Linac system is modified. The algorithm models both primary (short range) and scatter (long range) components with a single input parameter: TPR{sub 20}/{sub 10}. The TPR{sub 20}/{sub 20}/{sub 10} value was firstmore » estimated to derive an initial set of pencil beam model parameters (PBMP). The agreement between predicted and measured TPRs for all cones were evaluated using the root mean square of the difference (RMSTPR), which was then minimized by adjusting PBMPs. PBMPs are further tuned to minimize OCR RMS (RMSocr) by focusing at the outfield region. Finally, an arbitrary intensity profile is optimized by minimizing RMSocr difference at infield region. To test model validity, the PBMPs were obtained by fitting to only a subset of cones (4) and applied to all cones (12) for evaluation. Results: With RMS values normalized to the dmax and all cones combined, the average RMSTPR at build-up and descending region is 2.3% and 0.4%, respectively. The RMSocr at infield, penumbra and outfield region is 1.5%, 7.8% and 0.6%, respectively. Average DTA in penumbra region is 0.5mm. There is no trend found in TPR or OCR agreement among cones or depths. Conclusion: We have developed a pencil beam algorithm for Cyberknife system. The prediction agrees well with commissioning data. Only a subset of measurements is needed to derive the model. Further improvements are needed for TPR buildup region and OCR penumbra. Experimental validations on MLC shaped irregular field needs to be performed. This work was partially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (61171005) and the China Scholarship Council (CSC)« less

  20. Intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography and multi-slice computed tomography in temporal bone imaging for surgical treatment.

    PubMed

    Erovic, Boban M; Chan, Harley H L; Daly, Michael J; Pothier, David D; Yu, Eugene; Coulson, Chris; Lai, Philip; Irish, Jonathan C

    2014-01-01

    Conventional computed tomography (CT) imaging is the standard imaging technique for temporal bone diseases, whereas cone-beam CT (CBCT) imaging is a very fast imaging tool with a significant less radiation dose compared with conventional CT. We hypothesize that a system for intraoperative cone-beam CT provides comparable image quality to diagnostic CT for identifying temporal bone anatomical landmarks in cadaveric specimens. Cross-sectional study. University tertiary care facility. Twenty cadaveric temporal bones were affixed into a head phantom and scanned with both a prototype cone-beam CT C-arm and multislice helical CT. Imaging performance was evaluated by 3 otologic surgeons and 1 head and neck radiologist. Participants were presented images in a randomized order and completed landmark identification questionnaires covering 21 structures. CBCT and multislice CT have comparable performance in identifying temporal structures. Three otologic surgeons indicated that CBCT provided statistically equivalent performance for 19 of 21 landmarks, with CBCT superior to CT for the chorda tympani and inferior for the crura of the stapes. Subgroup analysis showed that CBCT performed superiorly for temporal bone structures compared with CT. The radiologist rated CBCT and CT as statistically equivalent for 18 of 21 landmarks, with CT superior to CBCT for the crura of stapes, chorda tympani, and sigmoid sinus. CBCT provides comparable image quality to conventional CT for temporal bone anatomical sites in cadaveric specimens. Clinical applications of low-dose CBCT imaging in surgical planning, intraoperative guidance, and postoperative assessment are promising but require further investigation.

  1. Cone-beam computed tomography fusion and navigation for real-time positron emission tomography-guided biopsies and ablations: a feasibility study.

    PubMed

    Abi-Jaoudeh, Nadine; Mielekamp, Peter; Noordhoek, Niels; Venkatesan, Aradhana M; Millo, Corina; Radaelli, Alessandro; Carelsen, Bart; Wood, Bradford J

    2012-06-01

    To describe a novel technique for multimodality positron emission tomography (PET) fusion-guided interventions that combines cone-beam computed tomography (CT) with PET/CT before the procedure. Subjects were selected among patients scheduled for a biopsy or ablation procedure. The lesions were not visible with conventional imaging methods or did not have uniform uptake on PET. Clinical success was defined by adequate histopathologic specimens for molecular profiling or diagnosis and by lack of enhancement on follow-up imaging for ablation procedures. Time to target (time elapsed between the completion of the initial cone-beam CT scan and first tissue sample or treatment), total procedure time (time from the moment the patient was on the table until the patient was off the table), and number of times the needle was repositioned were recorded. Seven patients underwent eight procedures (two ablations and six biopsies). Registration and procedures were completed successfully in all cases. Clinical success was achieved in all biopsy procedures and in one of the two ablation procedures. The needle was repositioned once in one biopsy procedure only. On average, the time to target was 38 minutes (range 13-54 min). Total procedure time was 95 minutes (range 51-240 min, which includes composite ablation). On average, fluoroscopy time was 2.5 minutes (range 1.3-6.2 min). An integrated cone-beam CT software platform can enable PET-guided biopsies and ablation procedures without the need for additional specialized hardware. Copyright © 2012 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Cone-beam computed tomography analysis of curved root canals after mechanical preparation with three nickel-titanium rotary instruments

    PubMed Central

    Elsherief, Samia M.; Zayet, Mohamed K.; Hamouda, Ibrahim M.

    2013-01-01

    Cone beam computed tomography is a 3-dimensional high resolution imaging method. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 3 different NiTi rotary instruments used to prepare curved root canals on the final shape of the curved canals and total amount of root canal transportation by using cone-beam computed tomography. A total of 81 mesial root canals from 42 extracted human mandibular molars, with a curvature ranging from 15 to 45 degrees, were selected. Canals were randomly divided into 3 groups of 27 each. After preparation with Protaper, Revo-S and Hero Shaper, the amount of transportation and centering ability that occurred were assessed by using cone beam computed tomography. Utilizing pre- and post-instrumentation radiographs, straightening of the canal curvatures was determined with a computer image analysis program. Canals were metrically assessed for changes (surface area, changes in curvature and transportation) during canal preparation by using software SimPlant; instrument failures were also recorded. Mean total widths and outer and inner width measurements were determined on each central canal path and differences were statistically analyzed. The results showed that all instruments maintained the original canal curvature well with no significant differences between the different files (P = 0.226). During preparation there was failure of only one file (the protaper group). In conclusion, under the conditions of this study, all instruments maintained the original canal curvature well and were safe to use. Areas of uninstrumented root canal wall were left in all regions using the various systems. PMID:23885273

  3. Reciprocating vs Rotary Instrumentation in Pediatric Endodontics: Cone Beam Computed Tomographic Analysis of Deciduous Root Canals using Two Single-file Systems

    PubMed Central

    Prabhakar, Attiguppe R; Yavagal, Chandrashekar; Naik, Saraswathi V

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Background: Primary root canals are considered to be most challenging due to their complex anatomy. "Wave one" and "one shape" are single-file systems with reciprocating and rotary motion respectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare dentin thickness, centering ability, canal transportation, and instrumentation time of wave one and one shape files in primary root canals using a cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) analysis. Study design: This is an experimental, in vitro study comparing the two groups. Materials and methods: A total of 24 extracted human primary teeth with minimum 7 mm root length were included in the study. Cone beam computed tomographic images were taken before and after the instrumentation for each group. Dentin thickness, centering ability, canal transportation, and instrumentation times were evaluated for each group. Results: A significant difference was found in instrumentation time and canal transportation measures between the two groups. Wave one showed less canal transportation as compared with one shape, and the mean instrumentation time of wave one was significantly less than one shape. Conclusion: Reciprocating single-file systems was found to be faster with much less procedural errors and can hence be recommended for shaping the root canals of primary teeth. How to cite this article: Prabhakar AR, Yavagal C, Dixit K, Naik SV. Reciprocating vs Rotary Instrumentation in Pediatric Endodontics: Cone Beam Computed Tomographic Analysis of Deciduous Root Canals using Two Single-File Systems. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(1):45-49. PMID:27274155

  4. GPU-accelerated regularized iterative reconstruction for few-view cone beam CT

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Matenine, Dmitri, E-mail: dmitri.matenine.1@ulaval.ca; Goussard, Yves, E-mail: yves.goussard@polymtl.ca; Després, Philippe, E-mail: philippe.despres@phy.ulaval.ca

    2015-04-15

    Purpose: The present work proposes an iterative reconstruction technique designed for x-ray transmission computed tomography (CT). The main objective is to provide a model-based solution to the cone-beam CT reconstruction problem, yielding accurate low-dose images via few-views acquisitions in clinically acceptable time frames. Methods: The proposed technique combines a modified ordered subsets convex (OSC) algorithm and the total variation minimization (TV) regularization technique and is called OSC-TV. The number of subsets of each OSC iteration follows a reduction pattern in order to ensure the best performance of the regularization method. Considering the high computational cost of the algorithm, it ismore » implemented on a graphics processing unit, using parallelization to accelerate computations. Results: The reconstructions were performed on computer-simulated as well as human pelvic cone-beam CT projection data and image quality was assessed. In terms of convergence and image quality, OSC-TV performs well in reconstruction of low-dose cone-beam CT data obtained via a few-view acquisition protocol. It compares favorably to the few-view TV-regularized projections onto convex sets (POCS-TV) algorithm. It also appears to be a viable alternative to full-dataset filtered backprojection. Execution times are of 1–2 min and are compatible with the typical clinical workflow for nonreal-time applications. Conclusions: Considering the image quality and execution times, this method may be useful for reconstruction of low-dose clinical acquisitions. It may be of particular benefit to patients who undergo multiple acquisitions by reducing the overall imaging radiation dose and associated risks.« less

  5. LOOKING ALONG A FUNNEL OF LIGHT FROM A HIDDEN BLACK HOLE

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    2002-01-01

    In a single Hubble Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) CCD observation, astronomers have measured the velocities of hundreds of gas blobs caught up in a twin-cone beam of radiation emanating from a supermassive black hole at the core of galaxy NGC 4151. Further observations using STIS's Multi-Anode Microchannel Plate Array (MAMA) detectors reveal hot gas from deep within the throat of the beam, near the vicinity of the black hole, as well as unique details of absorbing clouds along our line of sight to it. Besides revealing fast-moving knots of gas in unprecedented detail, down to a resolution of four light-years (0.05 arc seconds), STIS also simultaneously measured the motions of all of blobs through the shift in the color of their light (Doppler effect) due to their motion toward or away from us. In the standard model for such an active galactic nucleus, a black hole devours gas and dust, and some of the material is converted into energy and radiated into space. The rotation of the 'central engine' also focuses radiation along two powerful and oppositely directed beams. The velocities measured by STIS show for the first time the details of its geometry and motions in the twin beam of particles and radiation coming from an active galactic nucleus: they also reveal some unexpected new puzzles at odds with the model. The inner region of compact bright knots fits the twin-cone model for the behavior of material around supermassive black holes. STIS shows that the material in the knots is moving away from the nucleus. The material lies on the inner surface of the cones rather than filling them. This means the beams illuminate the inside of the cone which has been cleared of material, perhaps by the high speed jets seen in ground-based radio pictures. Using STIS, astronomers can trace the shape and orientation of the cones, and find that the illuminated material is moving at several hundred thousand miles per hour. However, the velocities are reversed for more distant faint knots (beyond 1,000 light-years from the nucleus). This means they may have a different history, representing orbital motions of the undisturbed galaxy population, a previous epoch of different nuclear beam orientation, or some kind of backflow into the central cone regions. NGC 4151 is the brightest member of a class of galaxies called Seyferts, characterized by extraordinary energy sources in their centers. They are generally agreed to be similar to quasars, though not as bright. Because quasars are much more rare, there are none as close and as easy to study as NGC 4151. The generally accepted model for this nuclear activity is accretion by a massive black hole, hundreds of millions of times the mass of the Sun. Models predict a disk of trapped material spiraling into the hole, and jets are created along the axis of the disk, where some of the material is blasted out at high velocity rather than being captured by the black hole. The appearance of active nuclei depends how they lie with respect to our line of sight to them. If the beam is aimed at Earth astronomers can see the central 'black hole engine' directly. If the beam is sideways to the line of sight astronomers only see material illuminated by the beam. In the case of NGC 4151, Hubble is viewing along the edge of the beam.

  6. Reliability of voxel gray values in cone beam computed tomography for preoperative implant planning assessment.

    PubMed

    Parsa, Azin; Ibrahim, Norliza; Hassan, Bassam; Motroni, Alessandro; van der Stelt, Paul; Wismeijer, Daniel

    2012-01-01

    To assess the reliability of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) voxel gray value measurements using Hounsfield units (HU) derived from multislice computed tomography (MSCT) as a clinical reference (gold standard). Ten partially edentulous human mandibular cadavers were scanned by two types of computed tomography (CT) modalities: multislice CT and cone beam CT. On MSCT scans, eight regions of interest (ROI) designating the site for preoperative implant placement were selected in each mandible. The datasets from both CT systems were matched using a three-dimensional (3D) registration algorithm. The mean voxel gray values of the region around the implant sites were compared between MSCT and CBCT. Significant differences between the mean gray values obtained by CBCT and HU by MSCT were found. In all the selected ROIs, CBCT showed higher mean values than MSCT. A strong correlation (R=0.968) between mean voxel gray values of CBCT and mean HU of MSCT was determined. Voxel gray values from CBCT deviate from actual HU units. However, a strong linear correlation exists, which may permit deriving actual HU units from CBCT using linear regression models.

  7. Embolization of an Internal Iliac Artery Aneurysm after Image-Guided Direct Puncture

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Heye, S., E-mail: sam.heye@uzleuven.be; Vaninbroukx, J.; Daenens, K.

    2012-08-15

    Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of embolization of internal iliac artery aneurysm (IIAA) after percutaneous direct puncture under (cone-beam) computed tomography (CT) guidance. Methods: A retrospective case series of three patients, in whom IIAA not accessible by way of the transarterial route, was reviewed. CT-guided puncture of the IIAA sac was performed in one patient. Two patients underwent puncture of the IIAA under cone-beam CT guidance. Results: Access to the IIAA sac was successful in all three patients. In two of the three patients, the posterior and/or anterior division was first embolized using platinum microcoils. The aneurysmmore » sac was embolized with thrombin in one patient and with a mixture of glue and Lipiodol in two patients. No complications were seen. On follow-up CT, no opacification of the aneurysm sac was seen. The volume of one IIAA remained stable at follow-up, and the remaining two IIAAs decreased in size. Conclusion: Embolization of IIAA after direct percutaneous puncture under cone-beam CT/CT-guidance is feasible and safe and results in good short-term outcome.« less

  8. SU-F-T-649: Dosimetric Evaluation of Non-Coplanar Arc Therapy Using a Novel Rotating Gamma Ray System

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Eldib, A; Chibani, O; Jin, L

    2016-06-15

    Purpose: Stereotactic intra and extra-cranial body radiation therapy has evolved with advances in treatment accuracy, effective radiation dose, and parameters necessary to maximize machine capabilities. Novel gamma systems with a ring type gantry were developed having the ability to perform oblique arcs. The aim of this study is to explore the dosimetric advantages of this new system. Methods: The rotating Gamma system is named CybeRay (Cyber Medical Corp., Xian, China). It has a treatment head of 16 cobalt-60 sources focused to the isocenter, which can rotate 360° on the ring gantry and swing 35° in the superior direction. Treatment plansmore » were generated utilizing our in-house Monte Carlo treatment planning system. A cylindrical phantom was modeled with 2mm voxel size. Dose inside the cylindrical phantom was calculated for coplanar and non-coplanar arcs. Dosimetric differences between CybeRay cobalt beams and CyberKnife 6MV beams were compared in a lung phantom and for previously treated SBRT patients. Results: The full width at half maxima of cross profiles in the S-I direction for the coplanar setup matched the cone sizes, while for the non-coplanar setup, FWHM was larger by 2mm for a 10mm cone and about 5mm for larger cones. In the coronal and sagittal view, coplanar beams showed elliptical shaped isodose lines, while non-coplanar beams showed circular isodose lines. Thus proper selection of the oblique angle and cone size can aid optimal dose matching to the target volume. Comparing a single 5mm cone from CybeRay to that from CyberKnife showed similar penumbra in a lung phantom but CybeRay had significant lower doses beyond lung tissues. Comparable treatment plans were obtained with CybeRay as that from CyberKnife.ConclusionThe noncoplanar multiple source arrangement of CybeRay will be of great clinical benefits for stereotactic intra and extra-cranial radiation therapy.« less

  9. Fabrication of meso- and nano-scale structures on surfaces of chalcogenide semiconductors by surface hydrodynamic interference patterning

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bilanych, V.; Komanicky, V.; Lacková, M.; Feher, A.; Kuzma, V.; Rizak, V.

    2015-10-01

    We observe the change of surface relief on amorphous Ge-As-Se thin films after irradiation with an electron beam. The beam softens the glass and induces various topological surface changes in the irradiated area. The film relief change depends on the film thickness, deposited charge, and film composition. Various structures are formed: Gausian-like cones, extremely sharp Taylor cones, deep craters, and craters with large spires grown on the side. Our investigation shows that these effects can be at least partially a result of electro-hydrodynamic material flow, but the observed phenomena are likely more complex. When we irradiated structural patterns formed by the electron beam with a red laser beam, we could not only fully relax the produced patterns, but also form very complex and intricate superstructures. These organized meso- and nano-scale structures are formed by a combination of photo-induced structural relaxation, light interference on structures fabricated by the e-beam, and photo-induced material flow.

  10. Computerized optimization of multiple isocentres in stereotactic convergent beam irradiation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Treuer, U.; Treuer, H.; Hoevels, M.; Müller, R. P.; Sturm, V.

    1998-01-01

    A method for the fully computerized determination and optimization of positions of target points and collimator sizes in convergent beam irradiation is presented. In conventional interactive trial and error methods, which are very time consuming, the treatment parameters are chosen according to the operator's experience and improved successively. This time is reduced significantly by the use of a computerized procedure. After the definition of target volume and organs at risk in the CT or MR scans, an initial configuration is created automatically. In the next step the target point positions and collimator diameters are optimized by the program. The aim of the optimization is to find a configuration for which a prescribed dose at the target surface is approximated as close as possible. At the same time dose peaks inside the target volume are minimized and organs at risk and tissue surrounding the target are spared. To enhance the speed of the optimization a fast method for approximate dose calculation in convergent beam irradiation is used. A possible application of the method for calculating the leaf positions when irradiating with a micromultileaf collimator is briefly discussed. The success of the procedure has been demonstrated for several clinical cases with up to six target points.

  11. Achromatic vector vortex beams from a glass cone

    PubMed Central

    Radwell, N.; Hawley, R. D.; Götte, J. B.; Franke-Arnold, S.

    2016-01-01

    The reflection of light is governed by the laws first described by Augustin-Jean Fresnel: on internal reflection, light acquires a phase shift, which depends on its polarization direction with respect to the plane of incidence. For a conical reflector, the cylindrical symmetry is echoed in an angular variation of this phase shift, allowing us to create light modes with phase and polarization singularities. Here we observe the phase and polarization profiles of light that is back reflected from a solid glass cone and, in the case of circular input light, discover that not only does the beam contain orbital angular momentum but can trivially be converted to a radially polarized beam. Importantly, the Fresnel coefficients are reasonably stable across the visible spectrum, which we demonstrate by measuring white light polarization profiles. This discovery provides a highly cost-effective technique for the generation of broadband orbital angular momentum and radially polarized beams. PMID:26861191

  12. Achromatic vector vortex beams from a glass cone

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Radwell, N.; Hawley, R. D.; Götte, J. B.; Franke-Arnold, S.

    2016-02-01

    The reflection of light is governed by the laws first described by Augustin-Jean Fresnel: on internal reflection, light acquires a phase shift, which depends on its polarization direction with respect to the plane of incidence. For a conical reflector, the cylindrical symmetry is echoed in an angular variation of this phase shift, allowing us to create light modes with phase and polarization singularities. Here we observe the phase and polarization profiles of light that is back reflected from a solid glass cone and, in the case of circular input light, discover that not only does the beam contain orbital angular momentum but can trivially be converted to a radially polarized beam. Importantly, the Fresnel coefficients are reasonably stable across the visible spectrum, which we demonstrate by measuring white light polarization profiles. This discovery provides a highly cost-effective technique for the generation of broadband orbital angular momentum and radially polarized beams.

  13. Automated classification of maxillofacial cysts in cone beam CT images using contourlet transformation and Spherical Harmonics.

    PubMed

    Abdolali, Fatemeh; Zoroofi, Reza Aghaeizadeh; Otake, Yoshito; Sato, Yoshinobu

    2017-02-01

    Accurate detection of maxillofacial cysts is an essential step for diagnosis, monitoring and planning therapeutic intervention. Cysts can be of various sizes and shapes and existing detection methods lead to poor results. Customizing automatic detection systems to gain sufficient accuracy in clinical practice is highly challenging. For this purpose, integrating the engineering knowledge in efficient feature extraction is essential. This paper presents a novel framework for maxillofacial cysts detection. A hybrid methodology based on surface and texture information is introduced. The proposed approach consists of three main steps as follows: At first, each cystic lesion is segmented with high accuracy. Then, in the second and third steps, feature extraction and classification are performed. Contourlet and SPHARM coefficients are utilized as texture and shape features which are fed into the classifier. Two different classifiers are used in this study, i.e. support vector machine and sparse discriminant analysis. Generally SPHARM coefficients are estimated by the iterative residual fitting (IRF) algorithm which is based on stepwise regression method. In order to improve the accuracy of IRF estimation, a method based on extra orthogonalization is employed to reduce linear dependency. We have utilized a ground-truth dataset consisting of cone beam CT images of 96 patients, belonging to three maxillofacial cyst categories: radicular cyst, dentigerous cyst and keratocystic odontogenic tumor. Using orthogonalized SPHARM, residual sum of squares is decreased which leads to a more accurate estimation. Analysis of the results based on statistical measures such as specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value is reported. The classification rate of 96.48% is achieved using sparse discriminant analysis and orthogonalized SPHARM features. Classification accuracy at least improved by 8.94% with respect to conventional features. This study demonstrated that our proposed methodology can improve the computer assisted diagnosis (CAD) performance by incorporating more discriminative features. Using orthogonalized SPHARM is promising in computerized cyst detection and may have a significant impact in future CAD systems. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. A study on the reproducibility of cephalometric landmarks when undertaking a three-dimensional (3D) cephalometric analysis

    PubMed Central

    Llamas, José M.; Cibrián, Rosa; Gandia, José L.; Paredes, Vanessa

    2012-01-01

    Objectives: Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) allows the possibility of modifying some of the diagnostic tools used in orthodontics, such as cephalometry. The first step must be to study the characteristics of these devices in terms of accuracy and reliability of the most commonly used landmarks. The aims were 1- To assess intra and inter-observer reliability in the location of anatomical landmarks belonging to hard tissues of the skull in images taken with a CBCT device, 2- To determine which of those landmarks are more vs. less reliable and 3- To introduce planes of reference so as to create cephalometric analyses appropriated to the 3D reality. Study design: Fifteen patients who had a CBCT (i-CAT®) as a diagnostic register were selected. To assess the reproducibility on landmark location and the differences in the measurements of two observers at different times, 41 landmarks were defined on the three spatial axes (X,Y,Z) and located. 3.690 measurements were taken and, as each determination has 3 coordinates, 11.070 data were processed with SPSS® statistical package. To discover the reproducibility of the method on landmark location, an ANOVA was undertaken using two variation factors: time (t1, t2 and t3) and observer (Ob1 and Ob2) for each axis (X, Y and Z) and landmark. The order of the CBCT scans submitted to the observers (Ob1, Ob2) at t1, t2, and t3, were different and randomly allocated. Multiple comparisons were undertaken using the Bonferroni test. The intra- and inter-examiner ICC´s were calculated. Results: Intra- and inter-examiner reliability was high, both being ICC ≥ 0.99, with the best frequency on axis Z. Conclusions: The most reliable landmarks were: Nasion, Sella, Basion, left Porion, point A, anterior nasal spine, Pogonion, Gnathion, Menton, frontozygomatic sutures, first lower molars and upper and lower incisors. Those with less reliability were the supraorbitals, right zygion and posterior nasal spine. Key words:Cone Beam Computed Tomography, cephalometry, landmark, orthodontics, reliability. PMID:22322503

  15. Rapidly converging multigrid reconstruction of cone-beam tomographic data

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Myers, Glenn R.; Kingston, Andrew M.; Latham, Shane J.; Recur, Benoit; Li, Thomas; Turner, Michael L.; Beeching, Levi; Sheppard, Adrian P.

    2016-10-01

    In the context of large-angle cone-beam tomography (CBCT), we present a practical iterative reconstruction (IR) scheme designed for rapid convergence as required for large datasets. The robustness of the reconstruction is provided by the "space-filling" source trajectory along which the experimental data is collected. The speed of convergence is achieved by leveraging the highly isotropic nature of this trajectory to design an approximate deconvolution filter that serves as a pre-conditioner in a multi-grid scheme. We demonstrate this IR scheme for CBCT and compare convergence to that of more traditional techniques.

  16. Clinical applications of cone beam computed tomography in endodontics: A comprehensive review.

    PubMed

    Cohenca, Nestor; Shemesh, Hagay

    2015-06-01

    Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a new technology that produces three-dimensional (3D) digital imaging at reduced cost and less radiation for the patient than traditional CT scans. It also delivers faster and easier image acquisition. By providing a 3D representation of the maxillofacial tissues in a cost- and dose-efficient manner, a better preoperative assessment can be obtained for diagnosis and treatment. This comprehensive review presents current applications of CBCT in endodontics. Specific case examples illustrate the difference in treatment planning with traditional periapical radiography versus CBCT technology.

  17. Clinical applications of cone beam computed tomography in endodontics: A comprehensive review.

    PubMed

    Cohenca, Nestor; Shemesh, Hagay

    2015-09-01

    The use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in endodontics has been extensively reported in the literature. Compared with the traditional spiral computed tomography, limited field of view (FOV) CBCT results in a fraction of the effective absorbed dose of radiation. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the application and advantages associated with advanced endodontic problems and complications, while reducing radiation exposure during complex endodontic procedures. The benefits of the added diagnostic information provided by intraoperative CBCT images in select cases justify the risk associated with the limited level of radiation exposure.

  18. Multibeam Stimulated Raman Scattering in Inertial Confinement Fusion Conditions.

    PubMed

    Michel, P; Divol, L; Dewald, E L; Milovich, J L; Hohenberger, M; Jones, O S; Hopkins, L Berzak; Berger, R L; Kruer, W L; Moody, J D

    2015-07-31

    Stimulated Raman scattering from multiple laser beams arranged in a cone sharing a common daughter wave is investigated for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) conditions in a inhomogeneous plasma. It is found that the shared electron plasma wave (EPW) process, where the lasers collectively drive the same EPW, can lead to an absolute instability when the electron density reaches a matching condition dependent on the cone angle of the laser beams. This mechanism could explain recent experimental observations of hot electrons at early times in ICF experiments, at densities well below quarter critical when two plasmon decay is not expected to occur.

  19. Imaging of Dentoalveolar and Jaw Trauma.

    PubMed

    Alimohammadi, Reyhaneh

    2018-01-01

    Prior to the invention of cone beam CT, use of 2-D plain film imaging for trauma involving the mandible was common practice, with CT imaging opted for in cases of more complex situations, especially in the maxilla and related structures. Cone beam CT has emerged as a reasonable and reliable alternative considering radiation dosage, image quality, and comfort for the patient. This article presents an overview of the patterns of dental and maxillofacial fractures using conventional and advanced imaging techniques illustrated with multiple clinical examples selected from the author's oral and maxillofacial radiology practice database. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  20. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Liang, Bin; Li, Yongbao; Liu, Bo

    Purpose: CyberKnife system is initially equipped with fixed circular cones for stereotactic radiosurgery. Two dose calculation algorithms, Ray-Tracing and Monte Carlo, are available in the supplied treatment planning system. A multileaf collimator system was recently introduced in the latest generation of system, capable of arbitrarily shaped treatment field. The purpose of this study is to develop a model based dose calculation algorithm to better handle the lateral scatter in an irregularly shaped small field for the CyberKnife system. Methods: A pencil beam dose calculation algorithm widely used in linac based treatment planning system was modified. The kernel parameters and intensitymore » profile were systematically determined by fitting to the commissioning data. The model was tuned using only a subset of measured data (4 out of 12 cones) and applied to all fixed circular cones for evaluation. The root mean square (RMS) of the difference between the measured and calculated tissue-phantom-ratios (TPRs) and off-center-ratio (OCR) was compared. Three cone size correction techniques were developed to better fit the OCRs at the penumbra region, which are further evaluated by the output factors (OFs). The pencil beam model was further validated against measurement data on the variable dodecagon-shaped Iris collimators and a half-beam blocked field. Comparison with Ray-Tracing and Monte Carlo methods was also performed on a lung SBRT case. Results: The RMS between the measured and calculated TPRs is 0.7% averaged for all cones, with the descending region at 0.5%. The RMSs of OCR at infield and outfield regions are both at 0.5%. The distance to agreement (DTA) at the OCR penumbra region is 0.2 mm. All three cone size correction models achieve the same improvement in OCR agreement, with the effective source shift model (SSM) preferred, due to their ability to predict more accurately the OF variations with the source to axis distance (SAD). In noncircular field validation, the pencil beam calculated results agreed well with the film measurement of both Iris collimators and the half-beam blocked field, fared much better than the Ray-Tracing calculation. Conclusions: The authors have developed a pencil beam dose calculation model for the CyberKnife system. The dose calculation accuracy is better than the standard linac based system because the model parameters were specifically tuned to the CyberKnife system and geometry correction factors. The model handles better the lateral scatter and has the potential to be used for the irregularly shaped fields. Comprehensive validations on MLC equipped system are necessary for its clinical implementation. It is reasonably fast enough to be used during plan optimization.« less

  1. Characterization and correction of cupping effect artefacts in cone beam CT

    PubMed Central

    Hunter, AK; McDavid, WD

    2012-01-01

    Objective The purpose of this study was to demonstrate and correct the cupping effect artefact that occurs owing to the presence of beam hardening and scatter radiation during image acquisition in cone beam CT (CBCT). Methods A uniform aluminium cylinder (6061) was used to demonstrate the cupping effect artefact on the Planmeca Promax 3D CBCT unit (Planmeca OY, Helsinki, Finland). The cupping effect was studied using a line profile plot of the grey level values using ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD). A hardware-based correction method using copper pre-filtration was used to address this artefact caused by beam hardening and a software-based subtraction algorithm was used to address scatter contamination. Results The hardware-based correction used to address the effects of beam hardening suppressed the cupping effect artefact but did not eliminate it. The software-based correction used to address the effects of scatter resulted in elimination of the cupping effect artefact. Conclusion Compensating for the presence of beam hardening and scatter radiation improves grey level uniformity in CBCT. PMID:22378754

  2. Dosimetric consequences of the parotid glands using CT-to-CBCT deformable registration during IMRT for late stage head and neck cancers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Conill, Annette L.

    Patients receiving Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for late stage head and neck (HN) cancer often experience anatomical changes due to weight loss, tumor regression, and positional changes of normal anatomy (1). As a result, the actual dose delivered may vary from the original treatment plan. The purpose of this study was (a) to evaluate the dosimetric consequences of the parotid glands during the course of treatment, and (b) to determine if there would be an optimal timeframe for replanning. Nineteen locally advanced HN cancer patients underwent definitive IMRT. Each patient received an initial computerized tomography simulation (CT-SIM) scan and weekly cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) scans. A Deformable Image Registration (DIR) was performed between the CT-SIM and CBCT of the parotid glands and Planning Target Volumes (PTVs) using the Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS) and the Velocity deformation software. A recalculation of the dose was performed on the weekly CBCTs using the original monitor units. The parameters for evaluation of our method were: the changes in volume of the PTVs and parotid glands, the dose coverage of the PTVs, the lateral displacement in the Center of Mass (COM), the mean dose, and Normal Tissue Complication Probability (NTCP) of the parotid glands. The studies showed a reduction of the volume in the PTVs and parotids, a medial displacement in COM, and alterations of the mean dose to the parotid glands as compared to the initial plans. Differences were observed for the dose volume coverage of the PTVs and NTCP of the parotid gland values between the initial plan and our proposed method utilizing deformable registration-based dose calculations.

  3. Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatomaxillary Expansion With or Without Pterygomaxillary Disjunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

    PubMed

    Hamedi Sangsari, Adrien; Sadr-Eshkevari, Pooyan; Al-Dam, Ahmed; Friedrich, Reinhard E; Freymiller, Earl; Rashad, Ashkan

    2016-02-01

    The purpose of this review was to evaluate the outcome measurements of anterior expansion, posterior expansion, and complications after surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) with or without pterygomaxillary disjunction (PMD). A computerized database search was performed using PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science. Then, a computerized search was conducted in Google Scholar and ProQuest to overcome publication bias. From the original 125 combined results, 3 met the inclusion criteria. The Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies of the Effective Public Health Practice Project assessed 2 articles as weak and 1 as moderate. The systematic review included a total of 48 patients (11 male and 37 female). For 25 patients, SARPE was performed with PMD and for 23 patients SARPE was performed without PMD. A tooth-borne fixed hyrax-type palatal expansion screw appliance was used for all cases, activated 1 to 2 mm intraoperatively, and, after a latency period of 3 to 7 days, activated 0.5 to 0.6 mm per day for 38 patients and 0.25 mm for the other 10 until adequate expansion. Postexpansion retention was performed using ligature wired hyrax in 18 patients for 4 months. Comparisons were based on cone-beam computed tomographic projections, study models only, or a combination of study models, anteroposterior cephalometric radiographs, and occlusal radiographs. The time to measure the changes ranged from before fixed orthodontic retention to 6 months after the completion of active expansion. A meta-analysis was possible only for anterior (intercanine) and posterior (inter-molar) dental expansions. The literature is inconclusive regarding the effect of PMD on the outcomes of SARPE. Further controlled trials are needed. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Shiraga, H.; Nagatomo, H.; Theobald, W.

    Here, integrated fast ignition experiments were performed at ILE, Osaka, and LLE, Rochester, in which a nanosecond driver laser implodes a deuterated plastic shell in front of the tip of a hollow metal cone and an intense ultrashort-pulse laser is injected through the cone to heat the compressed plasma. Based on the initial successful results of fast electron heating of cone-in-shell targets, large-energy short-pulse laser beam lines were constructed and became operational: OMEGA-EP at Rochester and LFEX at Osaka. Neutron enhancement due to heating with a ~kJ short-pulse laser has been demonstrated in the integrated experiments at Osaka and Rochester.more » The neutron yields are being analyzed by comparing the experimental results with simulations. Details of the fast electron beam transport and the electron energy deposition in the imploded fuel plasma are complicated and further studies are imperative. The hydrodynamics of the implosion was studied including the interaction of the imploded core plasma with the cone tip. Theory and simulation studies are presented on the hydrodynamics of a high-gain target for a fast ignition point design.« less

  5. A collimated detection system for assessing leakage dose from medical linear accelerators at the patient plane.

    PubMed

    Lonski, P; Taylor, M L; Franich, R D; Kron, T

    2014-03-01

    Leakage radiation from linear accelerators can make a significant contribution to healthy tissue dose in patients undergoing radiotherapy. In this work thermoluminescent dosimeters (LiF:Mg,Cu,P TLD chips) were used in a focused lead cone loaded with TLD chips for the purpose of evaluating leakage dose at the patient plane. By placing the TLDs at one end of a stereotactic cone, a focused measurement device is created; this was tested both in and out of the primary beam of a Varian 21-iX linac using 6 MV photons. Acrylic build up material of 1.2 cm thickness was used inside the cone and measurements made with either one or three TLD chips at a given distance from the target. Comparing the readings of three dosimeters in one plane inside the cone offered information regarding the orientation of the cone relative to a radiation source. Measurements in the patient plane with the linac gantry at various angles demonstrated that leakage dose was approximately 0.01% of the primary beam out of field when the cone was pointed directly towards the target and 0.0025% elsewhere (due to scatter within the gantry). No specific 'hot spots' (e.g., insufficient shielding or gaps at abutments) were observed. Focused cone measurements facilitate leakage dose measurements from the linac head directly at the patient plane and allow one to infer the fraction of leakage due to 'direct' photons (along the ray-path from the bremsstrahlung target) and that due to scattered photons.

  6. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Fu,; Chen, Y; Yu, Y

    Purpose: Orthogonal kV image pairs are used for target localization when fiducial markers are implanted. CBCT is used to verify cone SRS setup. Therefore it is necessary to evaluate the isocenter congruence between radiation fields and kV imaging center. This study used a simple method to evaluate the isocenter congruence, and compared the results for MLC and cone fields on two different Linacs. Methods: Varian OBI block was attached on the couch. It has a central 1mm BB with markers on three surfaces to align with laser. KV and MV images were taken at four cardinal angles. A 3x3cm2 MLCmore » field and a 20mm cone field were irradiated respectively. On each kV image, the distance from BB center to the kV graticule center were measured. On the MV image of MLC field, the center of radiation field was determined manually, while for cone field, the Varian AM maintenance software was used to analyze the distance between BB and radiation field. The subtraction of the two distances gives the discrepancy between kV and radiation centers. Each procedure was repeated on five days at Trilogy and TrueBeam respectively. Results: The maximum discrepancy was found in the longitudinal direction at 180° gantry angel. It was 1.5±0.1mm for Trilogy and 0.6±0.1mm for TrueBeam. For Trilogy, although radiation center wobbled only 0.7mm and image center wobbled 0.8mm, they wobbled to the opposite direction. KV Pair using gantry 180° should be avoided in this case. Cone vs. kV isocenter has less discrepancy than MLC for Trilogy. Conclusion: Radiation isocenter of MLC and cone field is different, so is between Trilogy and TrueBeam. The method is simple and reproducible to check kV and radiation isocenter congruence.« less

  7. SU-E-T-72: Commissioning of a Standardized SRS Cone Set: Determination of the Bolus Gap Factors in a Passively Scattered Proton Beam

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Simpson, R; Gordon, I; Ghebremedhin, A

    2014-06-01

    Purpose: To determine the proton output factors for an SRS cone set using standardized apertures and varied range compensators (bolus blanks); specifically, to determine the best method for modeling the bolus gap factor (BGF) and eliminate the need for patient specific calibrations. Methods: A Standard Imaging A-16 chamber was placed in a Plastic Water phantom to measure the change in dose/MU with different treatment combinations for a proton SRS cone, using standardized apertures and range compensators. Measurements were made with all apertures in the SRS cone set, with four different range compensator thicknesses and five different air gaps between themore » end of the SRS cone and the surface of the phantom. The chamber was located at iso-center and maintained at a constant depth at the center of modulation for all measurements. Each aperture was placed in the cone to measure the change in MU needed to maintain constant dose at the chamber, as the air gap was increased with different thicknesses of bolus. Results: The dose/MU varied significantly with decreasing aperture size, increasing bolus thickness, or increasing air gap. The measured data was fitted with the lowest order polynomials that accurately described the data, to create a model for determining the change in output for any potential combination of devices used to treat a patient. For a given standardized aperture, the BGF could be described by its constituent factors: the bolus thickness factor (BTF) and the nozzle extension factor (NEF). Conclusion: The methods used to model the dose at the calibration point could be used to accurately predict the change in output for SRS proton beams due to the BGF, eliminating the need for patient specific calibrations. This method for modeling SRS treatments could also be applied to model other treatments using passively scattered proton beams.« less

  8. SU-G-IeP3-10: Molecular Imaging with Clinical X-Ray Sources and Compton Cameras

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Vernekohl, D; Ahmad, M; Chinn, G

    2016-06-15

    Purpose: The application of Compton cameras (CC) is a novel approach translating XFCT to a practical modality realized with clinical CT systems without the restriction of pencil beams. The dual modality design offers additional information without extra patient dose. The purpose of this work is to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of using CCs for volumetric x-ray fluorescence (XF) imaging by Monte Carlo (MC) simulations and statistical image reconstruction. Methods: The feasibility of a CC for imaging x-ray fluorescence emitted from targeted lesions is examined by MC simulations. 3 mm diameter water spheres with various gold concentrations and detector distancesmore » are placed inside the lung of an adult human phantom (MIRD) and are irradiated with both fan and cone-beam geometries. A sandwich design CC composed of Silicon and CdTe is used to image the gold nanoparticle distribution. The detection system comprises four 16×26 cm{sup 2} detector panels placed on the chest of a MIRD phantom. Constraints of energy-, spatial-resolution, clinical geometries and Doppler broadening are taken into account. Image reconstruction is performed with a list-mode MLEM algorithm with cone-projector on a GPU. Results: The comparison of reconstruction of cone- and fan-beam excitation shows that the spatial resolution is improved by 23% for fan-beams with significantly decreased processing time. Cone-beam excitation increases scatter content disturbing quantification of lesions near the body surface. Spatial resolution and detectability limit in the center of the lung is 8.7 mm and 20 fM for 50 nm diameter gold nanoparticles at 20 mGy. Conclusion: The implementation of XFCT with a CC is a feasible method for molecular imaging with high atomic number probes. Given constrains of detector resolutions, Doppler broadening, and limited exposure dose, spatial resolutions comparable with PET and molecular sensitivities in the fM range are realizable with current detector technology.« less

  9. Accuracy of digital radiography and cone beam computed tomography on periapical radiolucency detection in endodontically treated teeth.

    PubMed

    Venskutonis, Tadas; Daugela, Povilas; Strazdas, Marijus; Juodzbalys, Gintaras

    2014-04-01

    The aim of the present study was to compare the accuracy of intraoral digital periapical radiography and cone beam computed tomography in the detection of periapical radiolucencies in endodontically treated teeth. Radiographic images (cone beam computed tomography [CBCT] scans and digital periapical radiography [PR] images) from 60 patients, achieved from September 2008 to July 2013, were retrieved from databases of the Department of Oral Diseases, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. Twenty patients met inclusion criteria and were selected for further evaluation. In 20 patients (42.4 [SD 12.1] years, 65% men and 35% women) a total of 35 endodontically treated teeth (1.75 [SD 0.91]; 27 in maxilla and 8 in mandible) were evaluated. Overall, it was observed a statistical significant difference between the number of periapical lesions observed in the CBCT (n = 42) and radiographic (n = 24) examinations (P < 0.05). In molar teeth, CBCT identify a significantly higher amount of periapical lesions than with the radiographic method (P < 0.05). There were significant differences between CBCT and PR in the mean number of lesions identified per tooth (1.2 vs 0.66, P = 0.03), number of teeth with lesions (0.71 vs 0.46, P = 0.03) and number of lesions identified per canal (0.57 vs 0.33, P = 0.005). Considering CBCT as "gold standard" in lesion detection with the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy considering as score 1, then the same parameters of PR were 0.57, 1 and 0.76 respectively. Within the limitations of the present study, it can be concluded that cone beam computed tomography scans were more accurate compared to digital periapical radiographs for detecting periapical radiolucencies in endodontically treated teeth. The difference was more pronounced in molar teeth.

  10. Evaluation of the Root and Canal Morphology of Maxillary Permanent Molars and the Incidence of the Second Mesiobuccal Root Canal in Greek Population Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography

    PubMed Central

    Nikoloudaki, Georgia E.; Kontogiannis, Taxiarchis G.; Kerezoudis, Nikolaos P.

    2015-01-01

    Objectives: Cone-Beam Computed Tomography is an alternative imaging technique which has been recently introduced in the field of Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology. It has rapidly gained great popularity among clinicians due to its ability to detect lesions and defects of the orofacial region and provide three-dimensional information about them. In the field of Endodontics, CBCT can be a useful tool to reveal tooth morphology irregularities, additional root canals and vertical root fractures. The objective of this study is to evaluate the root and root canal morphology of the maxillary permanent molars in Greek population using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography. Materials and Methods : 273 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were examined. The number of roots and root canals of the first and second maxillary molars were evaluated. Root canal configuration was classified according to Weine’s classification by two independent examiners and statistical analysis was performed. Results : A total of 812 molars (410 first and 402 second ones) were evaluated. The vast majority of both first and second molars had three roots (89.26% and 85.07%, respectively). Most first molars had four canals, while most second molars had three. In the mesiobuccal roots, one foramen was recorded in 80.91% of all teeth. Other rare morphologic variations were also found, such as fusion of a maxillary second molar with a supernumerary tooth. Conclusion : Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that more attention should be given to the detection of additional canals during root canal treatment in maxillary permanent molars. Towards this effort, CBCT can provide the clinician with supplemental information about the different root canal configurations for successful Root Canal Treatment. PMID:26464594

  11. High-resolution-cone beam tomography analysis of bone microarchitecture in patients with acromegaly and radiological vertebral fractures.

    PubMed

    Maffezzoni, Filippo; Maddalo, Michele; Frara, Stefano; Mezzone, Monica; Zorza, Ivan; Baruffaldi, Fabio; Doglietto, Francesco; Mazziotti, Gherardo; Maroldi, Roberto; Giustina, Andrea

    2016-11-01

    Vertebral fractures are an emerging complication of acromegaly but their prediction is still difficult occurring even in patients with normal bone mineral density. In this study we evaluated the ability of high-resolution cone-beam computed tomography to provide information on skeletal abnormalities associated with vertebral fractures in acromegaly. 40 patients (24 females, 16 males; median age 57 years, range 25-72) and 21 healthy volunteers (10 females, 11 males; median age 60 years, range: 25-68) were evaluated for trabecular (bone volume/trabecular volume ratio, mean trabecular separation, and mean trabecular thickness) and cortical (thickness and porosity) parameters at distal radius using a high-resolution cone-beam computed tomography system. All acromegaly patients were evaluated for morphometric vertebral fractures and for mineral bone density by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, and distal radius. Acromegaly patients with vertebral fractures (15 cases) had significantly (p < 0.05) lower bone volume/trabecular volume ratio, greater mean trabecular separation, and higher cortical porosity vs. nonfractured patients, without statistically significant differences in mean trabecular thickness and cortical thickness. Fractured and nonfractured acromegaly patients did not have significant differences in bone density at either skeletal site. Patients with acromegaly showed lower bone volume/trabecular volume ratio (p = 0.003) and mean trabecular thickness (p < 0.001) and greater mean trabecular separation (p = 0.02) as compared to control subjects, without significant differences in cortical thickness and porosity. This study shows for the first time that abnormalities of bone microstructure are associated with radiological vertebral fractures in acromegaly. High-resolution cone-beam computed tomography at the distal radius may be useful to evaluate and predict the effects of acromegaly on bone microstructure.

  12. Weight-Bearing Cone-Beam CT Scan Assessment of Stability of Supination External Rotation Ankle Fractures in a Cadaver Model.

    PubMed

    Lawlor, Mark C; Kluczynski, Melissa A; Marzo, John M

    2018-03-01

    The utility of computed tomography (CT) for measuring medial clear space (MCS) for determination of the stability of supination external rotation (SER) ankle fractures and in comparison to standard radiographs is unknown. We compared MCS on gravity stress (GS) radiographs to GS and weight bearing (WB) cone-beam CT (CBCT). An AO SER 44B3.1 ankle fracture was simulated in 10 human cadavers, also serving as controls. MCS was measured on GS radiographs, GS CBCT, and a simulated WB CBCT scan. Specimens were stable if MCS was <5 mm and unstable if MCS was ≥5 mm. Paired t tests were used to compare MCS from each imaging modality for controls versus SER injuries and stable versus unstable specimens. Compared with controls assessed by GS radiographs, MCS was greater for an SER injury when assessed by GS radiograph and GS CBCT scan within the stable group. Compared with controls assessed by GS radiographs, MCS was greater for SER injuries when assessed by GS radiograph, GS CBCT scan, and WB CBCT within the unstable group. MCS was reduced for stable versus unstable SER injuries assessed by WB CBCT. In a cadaveric model of SER ankle fracture, the medial clear space was statistically significantly greater for the experimental condition when assessed by gravity stress radiograph and gravity stress CBCT scan. Under weight-bearing conditions, the cone-beam CT scanner distinguished between stable and unstable ankles in the experimental condition. This study suggests that a WB cone-beam CT scan may be able to distinguish between stable and unstable SER ankle fractures and influence operative decision making.

  13. A cone-beam computed tomography study of maxillary first permanent molar root and canal morphology in a Chinese population.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Qing-hua; Wang, Yao; Zhou, Xue-dong; Wang, Qian; Zheng, Guang-ning; Huang, Ding-ming

    2010-09-01

    This study evaluated root and canal morphology of permanent maxillary first molars in a Chinese population using cone-beam computed tomography scanning. The sample included 775 cone-beam computed tomography images of maxillary first molars; 627 of the subjects had unilateral qualifying molars and 74 had bilateral qualifying molars. The following observations were made: (1) frequency of root and canal numbers, (2) frequency of additional canals in the mesiobuccal root by sex, age, and tooth position, and (3) unilateral and bilateral occurrence of additional canals in the mesiobuccal root. Fused roots were present in 2.71% of unilateral qualifying molars. Multiple canals were present in the following frequencies: two canals in 0.31%, three canals in 47.21%, four canals in 50.40%, five canals in 1.75%, and six canals in 0.31% of teeth. Additional canals were detected in 52.24% of mesiobuccal roots, 1.12% of distobuccal roots, and 1.76% of palatal roots. Patients aged 20 to 30 years showed a higher prevalence of additional mesiobuccal root canals. This prevalence did not differ with sex and tooth position. Most (71.11%) of the additional mesiobuccal root canals in subjects with bilateral qualifying molars were symmetric. Cone-beam computed tomography scanning is an effective method for studying external and internal dental morphology. The root and canal configurations of maxillary first molars in this Chinese population were consistent with previously reported data. More attention should be given to the detection of additional canals in patients between 20 and 30 years of age. These data may facilitate successful endodontic treatment. Copyright 2010 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Fast analytical scatter estimation using graphics processing units.

    PubMed

    Ingleby, Harry; Lippuner, Jonas; Rickey, Daniel W; Li, Yue; Elbakri, Idris

    2015-01-01

    To develop a fast patient-specific analytical estimator of first-order Compton and Rayleigh scatter in cone-beam computed tomography, implemented using graphics processing units. The authors developed an analytical estimator for first-order Compton and Rayleigh scatter in a cone-beam computed tomography geometry. The estimator was coded using NVIDIA's CUDA environment for execution on an NVIDIA graphics processing unit. Performance of the analytical estimator was validated by comparison with high-count Monte Carlo simulations for two different numerical phantoms. Monoenergetic analytical simulations were compared with monoenergetic and polyenergetic Monte Carlo simulations. Analytical and Monte Carlo scatter estimates were compared both qualitatively, from visual inspection of images and profiles, and quantitatively, using a scaled root-mean-square difference metric. Reconstruction of simulated cone-beam projection data of an anthropomorphic breast phantom illustrated the potential of this method as a component of a scatter correction algorithm. The monoenergetic analytical and Monte Carlo scatter estimates showed very good agreement. The monoenergetic analytical estimates showed good agreement for Compton single scatter and reasonable agreement for Rayleigh single scatter when compared with polyenergetic Monte Carlo estimates. For a voxelized phantom with dimensions 128 × 128 × 128 voxels and a detector with 256 × 256 pixels, the analytical estimator required 669 seconds for a single projection, using a single NVIDIA 9800 GX2 video card. Accounting for first order scatter in cone-beam image reconstruction improves the contrast to noise ratio of the reconstructed images. The analytical scatter estimator, implemented using graphics processing units, provides rapid and accurate estimates of single scatter and with further acceleration and a method to account for multiple scatter may be useful for practical scatter correction schemes.

  15. Multimode C-arm fluoroscopy, tomosynthesis, and cone-beam CT for image-guided interventions: from proof of principle to patient protocols

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Siewerdsen, J. H.; Daly, M. J.; Bachar, G.; Moseley, D. J.; Bootsma, G.; Brock, K. K.; Ansell, S.; Wilson, G. A.; Chhabra, S.; Jaffray, D. A.; Irish, J. C.

    2007-03-01

    High-performance intraoperative imaging is essential to an ever-expanding scope of therapeutic procedures ranging from tumor surgery to interventional radiology. The need for precise visualization of bony and soft-tissue structures with minimal obstruction to the therapy setup presents challenges and opportunities in the development of novel imaging technologies specifically for image-guided procedures. Over the past ~5 years, a mobile C-arm has been modified in collaboration with Siemens Medical Solutions for 3D imaging. Based upon a Siemens PowerMobil, the device includes: a flat-panel detector (Varian PaxScan 4030CB); a motorized orbit; a system for geometric calibration; integration with real-time tracking and navigation (NDI Polaris); and a computer control system for multi-mode fluoroscopy, tomosynthesis, and cone-beam CT. Investigation of 3D imaging performance (noise-equivalent quanta), image quality (human observer studies), and image artifacts (scatter, truncation, and cone-beam artifacts) has driven the development of imaging techniques appropriate to a host of image-guided interventions. Multi-mode functionality presents a valuable spectrum of acquisition techniques: i.) fluoroscopy for real-time 2D guidance; ii.) limited-angle tomosynthesis for fast 3D imaging (e.g., ~10 sec acquisition of coronal slices containing the surgical target); and iii.) fully 3D cone-beam CT (e.g., ~30-60 sec acquisition providing bony and soft-tissue visualization across the field of view). Phantom and cadaver studies clearly indicate the potential for improved surgical performance - up to a factor of 2 increase in challenging surgical target excisions. The C-arm system is currently being deployed in patient protocols ranging from brachytherapy to chest, breast, spine, and head and neck surgery.

  16. Direct determination of geometric alignment parameters for cone-beam scanners

    PubMed Central

    Mennessier, C; Clackdoyle, R; Noo, F

    2009-01-01

    This paper describes a comprehensive method for determining the geometric alignment parameters for cone-beam scanners (often called calibrating the scanners or performing geometric calibration). The method is applicable to x-ray scanners using area detectors, or to SPECT systems using pinholes or cone-beam converging collimators. Images of an alignment test object (calibration phantom) fixed in the field of view of the scanner are processed to determine the nine geometric parameters for each view. The parameter values are found directly using formulae applied to the projected positions of the test object marker points onto the detector. Each view is treated independently, and no restrictions are made on the position of the cone vertex, or on the position or orientation of the detector. The proposed test object consists of 14 small point-like objects arranged with four points on each of three orthogonal lines, and two points on a diagonal line. This test object is shown to provide unique solutions for all possible scanner geometries, even when partial measurement information is lost by points superimposing in the calibration scan. For the many situations where the cone vertex stays reasonably close to a central plane (for circular, planar, or near-planar trajectories), a simpler version of the test object is appropriate. The simpler object consists of six points, two per orthogonal line, but with some restrictions on the positioning of the test object. This paper focuses on the principles and mathematical justifications for the method. Numerical simulations of the calibration process and reconstructions using estimated parameters are also presented to validate the method and to provide evidence of the robustness of the technique. PMID:19242049

  17. Propagation and Loss-Cone Properties of Relativistic Electron Beams in the Magnetosphere

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sanchez, E. R.; Powis, A.; Greklek, M.; Porazik, P.; Kaganovich, I.

    2017-12-01

    One of the main obstacles for achieving closure of several key outstanding questions in magnetospheric physics has been the lack of accurate magnetic field mapping between processes or regions in the magnetosphere and their ionospheric foot-points. Accurate correspondence between magnetospheric processes or regions and their ionospheric foot-points can be achieved with beams of MeV electrons that propagate along magnetic-field lines in fractions of a second, emitted by compact linear accelerators under controlled conditions at specified points in the magnetosphere, while the atmospheric imprint created by their precipitation is detected by an array of ground-based optical imagers, radars, riometers or X-ray detectors. To prove that successful magnetic field mapping is possible, we must ensure that the beam can be injected into the loss cone, that the spacecraft potentials induced by the beam emission are manageable, that the beam propagates all the way into the topside ionosphere, and that the beam produces a signature detectable from the ground or from low altitude. In this work, we present the latest results of calculations of beam injection and propagation for a wide range of injection distances in the magnetotail equator and geomagnetic conditions to determine under what conditions beams emitted from the magnetosphere would be able to propagate to the topside ionosphere with enough intensity to be detected by ground-based or low-altitude instrumentation. Using ballistic simulations of charged particle motion, we demonstrate that relativistic electron beams can be successfully injected into the loss cone under both ideal (analytic dipole) and realistic (MHD modeled) magnetosphere conditions from a wide range of injection positions. For identical injection coordinates, the impact location on the top of the atmosphere is dependent on the current magnetosphere conditions, demonstrating that this technique can distinguish between the phases of a geomagnetic storm event. Furthermore, taking into account beam emittance and the motion of the spacecraft, the footprint of the beam at impact has enough intensity and is sufficiently narrow to produce a measurable signature with optical imagers, radars or riometers.

  18. The ratio of profile peak separations as a probe of pulsar radio-beam structure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dyks, J.; Pierbattista, M.

    2015-12-01

    The known population of pulsars contains objects with four- and five-component profiles, for which the peak-to-peak separations between the inner and outer components can be measured. These Q- and M-type profiles can be interpreted as a result of sightline cut through a nested-cone beam, or through a set of azimuthal fan beams. We show that the ratio RW of the components' separations provides a useful measure of the beam shape, which is mostly independent of parameters that determine the beam scale and complicate interpretation of simpler profiles. In particular, the method does not depend on the emission altitude and the dipole tilt distribution. The different structures of the radio beam imply manifestly different statistical distributions of RW, with the conal model being several orders of magnitude less consistent with data than the fan-beam model. To bring the conal model into consistency with data, strong effects of observational selection need to be called for, with 80 per cent of Q and M profiles assumed to be undetected because of intrinsic blending effects. It is concluded that the statistical properties of Q and M profiles are more consistent with the fan-shaped beams, than with the traditional nested-cone geometry.

  19. Sinogram restoration in computed tomography with an edge-preserving penalty

    PubMed Central

    Little, Kevin J.; La Rivière, Patrick J.

    2015-01-01

    Purpose: With the goal of producing a less computationally intensive alternative to fully iterative penalized-likelihood image reconstruction, our group has explored the use of penalized-likelihood sinogram restoration for transmission tomography. Previously, we have exclusively used a quadratic penalty in our restoration objective function. However, a quadratic penalty does not excel at preserving edges while reducing noise. Here, we derive a restoration update equation for nonquadratic penalties. Additionally, we perform a feasibility study to extend our sinogram restoration method to a helical cone-beam geometry and clinical data. Methods: A restoration update equation for nonquadratic penalties is derived using separable parabolic surrogates (SPS). A method for calculating sinogram degradation coefficients for a helical cone-beam geometry is proposed. Using simulated data, sinogram restorations are performed using both a quadratic penalty and the edge-preserving Huber penalty. After sinogram restoration, Fourier-based analytical methods are used to obtain reconstructions, and resolution-noise trade-offs are investigated. For the fan-beam geometry, a comparison is made to image-domain SPS reconstruction using the Huber penalty. The effects of varying object size and contrast are also investigated. For the helical cone-beam geometry, we investigate the effect of helical pitch (axial movement/rotation). Huber-penalty sinogram restoration is performed on 3D clinical data, and the reconstructed images are compared to those generated with no restoration. Results: We find that by applying the edge-preserving Huber penalty to our sinogram restoration methods, the reconstructed image has a better resolution-noise relationship than an image produced using a quadratic penalty in the sinogram restoration. However, we find that this relatively straightforward approach to edge preservation in the sinogram domain is affected by the physical size of imaged objects in addition to the contrast across the edge. This presents some disadvantages of this method relative to image-domain edge-preserving methods, although the computational burden of the sinogram-domain approach is much lower. For a helical cone-beam geometry, we found applying sinogram restoration in 3D was reasonable and that pitch did not make a significant difference in the general effect of sinogram restoration. The application of Huber-penalty sinogram restoration to clinical data resulted in a reconstruction with less noise while retaining resolution. Conclusions: Sinogram restoration with the Huber penalty is able to provide better resolution-noise performance than restoration with a quadratic penalty. Additionally, sinogram restoration with the Huber penalty is feasible for helical cone-beam CT and can be applied to clinical data. PMID:25735286

  20. Sinogram restoration in computed tomography with an edge-preserving penalty

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Little, Kevin J., E-mail: little@uchicago.edu; La Rivière, Patrick J.

    2015-03-15

    Purpose: With the goal of producing a less computationally intensive alternative to fully iterative penalized-likelihood image reconstruction, our group has explored the use of penalized-likelihood sinogram restoration for transmission tomography. Previously, we have exclusively used a quadratic penalty in our restoration objective function. However, a quadratic penalty does not excel at preserving edges while reducing noise. Here, we derive a restoration update equation for nonquadratic penalties. Additionally, we perform a feasibility study to extend our sinogram restoration method to a helical cone-beam geometry and clinical data. Methods: A restoration update equation for nonquadratic penalties is derived using separable parabolic surrogatesmore » (SPS). A method for calculating sinogram degradation coefficients for a helical cone-beam geometry is proposed. Using simulated data, sinogram restorations are performed using both a quadratic penalty and the edge-preserving Huber penalty. After sinogram restoration, Fourier-based analytical methods are used to obtain reconstructions, and resolution-noise trade-offs are investigated. For the fan-beam geometry, a comparison is made to image-domain SPS reconstruction using the Huber penalty. The effects of varying object size and contrast are also investigated. For the helical cone-beam geometry, we investigate the effect of helical pitch (axial movement/rotation). Huber-penalty sinogram restoration is performed on 3D clinical data, and the reconstructed images are compared to those generated with no restoration. Results: We find that by applying the edge-preserving Huber penalty to our sinogram restoration methods, the reconstructed image has a better resolution-noise relationship than an image produced using a quadratic penalty in the sinogram restoration. However, we find that this relatively straightforward approach to edge preservation in the sinogram domain is affected by the physical size of imaged objects in addition to the contrast across the edge. This presents some disadvantages of this method relative to image-domain edge-preserving methods, although the computational burden of the sinogram-domain approach is much lower. For a helical cone-beam geometry, we found applying sinogram restoration in 3D was reasonable and that pitch did not make a significant difference in the general effect of sinogram restoration. The application of Huber-penalty sinogram restoration to clinical data resulted in a reconstruction with less noise while retaining resolution. Conclusions: Sinogram restoration with the Huber penalty is able to provide better resolution-noise performance than restoration with a quadratic penalty. Additionally, sinogram restoration with the Huber penalty is feasible for helical cone-beam CT and can be applied to clinical data.« less

  1. Basic principles of cone beam computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Abramovitch, Kenneth; Rice, Dwight D

    2014-07-01

    At the end of the millennium, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) heralded a new dental technology for the next century. Owing to the dramatic and positive impact of CBCT on implant dentistry and orthognathic/orthodontic patient care, additional applications for this technology soon evolved. New software programs were developed to improve the applicability of, and access to, CBCT for dental patients. Improved, rapid, and cost-effective computer technology, combined with the ability of software engineers to develop multiple dental imaging applications for CBCT with broad diagnostic capability, have played a large part in the rapid incorporation of CBCT technology into dentistry. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Excitation-resolved cone-beam x-ray luminescence tomography.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xin; Liao, Qimei; Wang, Hongkai; Yan, Zhuangzhi

    2015-07-01

    Cone-beam x-ray luminescence computed tomography (CB-XLCT), as an emerging imaging technique, plays an important role in in vivo small animal imaging studies. However, CB-XLCT suffers from low-spatial resolution due to the ill-posed nature of reconstruction. We improve the imaging performance of CB-XLCT by using a multiband excitation-resolved imaging scheme combined with principal component analysis. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, the physical phantom experiment is performed with a custom-made XLCT/XCT imaging system. The experimental results validate the feasibility of the method, where two adjacent nanophosphors (with an edge-to-edge distance of 2.4 mm) can be located.

  3. Cone beam tomographic imaging anatomy of the maxillofacial region.

    PubMed

    Angelopoulos, Christos

    2008-10-01

    Multiplanar imaging is a fairly new concept in diagnostic imaging available with a number of contemporary imaging modalities such as CT, MR imaging, diagnostic ultrasound, and others. This modality allows reconstruction of images in different planes (flat or curved) from a volume of data that was acquired previously. This concept makes the diagnostic process more interactive, and proper use may increase diagnostic potential. At the same time, the complexity of the anatomical structures on the maxillofacial region may make it harder for these images to be interpreted. This article reviews the anatomy of maxillofacial structures in planar imaging, and more specifically cone-beam CT images.

  4. The importance of cone beam CT in the radiological detection of osteomalacia.

    PubMed

    Cakur, B; Sümbüllü, M A; Dagistan, S; Durna, D

    2012-01-01

    Although osteomalacia is one of the most common osteometabolic diseases among the elderly, there is no case in the literature that presents the effects of osteomalacia in detail using cone beam CT (CBCT). While thin and porous bones are the most common radiographic sign of the disease, the radiological hallmarks are pseudofractures (Looser's zone). We coincidentally detected osteomalacia in a 23-year-old female and we showed the pseudofracture on CBCT images. In the present case, we aim to present the images of osteomalacia that were detected by CBCT in detail. CBCT has an important value in screening for osteomalacia.

  5. The importance of cone beam CT in the radiological detection of osteomalacia

    PubMed Central

    Çakur, B; Sümbüllü, M A; Dağistan, S; Durna, D

    2012-01-01

    Although osteomalacia is one of the most common osteometabolic diseases among the elderly, there is no case in the literature that presents the effects of osteomalacia in detail using cone beam CT (CBCT). While thin and porous bones are the most common radiographic sign of the disease, the radiological hallmarks are pseudofractures (Looser's zone). We coincidentally detected osteomalacia in a 23-year-old female and we showed the pseudofracture on CBCT images. In the present case, we aim to present the images of osteomalacia that were detected by CBCT in detail. CBCT has an important value in screening for osteomalacia. PMID:22074877

  6. Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia: A rare case report evaluated with cone-beam computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Yildirim, Eren; Bağlar, Serdar; Ciftci, Mehmet Ertugrul; Ozcan, Erdal

    2016-01-01

    A 29-year-old systemically healthy female patient presented to our department. Cone-beam computed tomographic images showed multiple well-defined sclerotic masses with radiolucent border in both right and left molar regions of the mandible. These sclerotic masses were surrounded by a thin radiolucent border. We diagnosed the present pathology as florid cemento-osseous dysplasia and decided to follow the patient without taking biopsy. For the patient, who did not have any clinical complaints, radiographic followupis recommended twice a year. The responsibility of the dentist is to ensure the follow-up of the diagnosed patients and take necessary measures for preventing the infections.

  7. The Reconstruction Toolkit (RTK), an open-source cone-beam CT reconstruction toolkit based on the Insight Toolkit (ITK)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rit, S.; Vila Oliva, M.; Brousmiche, S.; Labarbe, R.; Sarrut, D.; Sharp, G. C.

    2014-03-01

    We propose the Reconstruction Toolkit (RTK, http://www.openrtk.org), an open-source toolkit for fast cone-beam CT reconstruction, based on the Insight Toolkit (ITK) and using GPU code extracted from Plastimatch. RTK is developed by an open consortium (see affiliations) under the non-contaminating Apache 2.0 license. The quality of the platform is daily checked with regression tests in partnership with Kitware, the company supporting ITK. Several features are already available: Elekta, Varian and IBA inputs, multi-threaded Feldkamp-David-Kress reconstruction on CPU and GPU, Parker short scan weighting, multi-threaded CPU and GPU forward projectors, etc. Each feature is either accessible through command line tools or C++ classes that can be included in independent software. A MIDAS community has been opened to share CatPhan datasets of several vendors (Elekta, Varian and IBA). RTK will be used in the upcoming cone-beam CT scanner developed by IBA for proton therapy rooms. Many features are under development: new input format support, iterative reconstruction, hybrid Monte Carlo / deterministic CBCT simulation, etc. RTK has been built to freely share tomographic reconstruction developments between researchers and is open for new contributions.

  8. Stray light in cone beam optical computed tomography: I. Measurement and reduction strategies with planar diffuse source

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Granton, Patrick V.; Dekker, Kurtis H.; Battista, Jerry J.; Jordan, Kevin J.

    2016-04-01

    Optical cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) scanning of 3D radiochromic dosimeters may provide a practical method for 3D dose verification in radiation therapy. However, in cone-beam geometry stray light contaminates the projection images, degrading the accuracy of reconstructed linear attenuation coefficients. Stray light was measured using a beam pass aperture array (BPA) and structured illumination methods. The stray-to-primary ray ratio (SPR) along the central axis was found to be 0.24 for a 5% gelatin hydrogel, representative of radiochromic hydrogels. The scanner was modified by moving the spectral filter from the detector to the source, changing the light’s spatial fluence pattern and lowering the acceptance angle by extending distance between the source and object. These modifications reduced the SPR significantly from 0.24 to 0.06. The accuracy of the reconstructed linear attenuation coefficients for uniform carbon black liquids was compared to independent spectrometer measurements. Reducing the stray light increased the range of accurate transmission readings. In order to evaluate scanner performance for the more challenging application to small field dosimetry, a carbon black finger gel phantom was prepared. Reconstructions of the phantom from CBCT and fan-beam CT scans were compared. The modified source resulted in improved agreement. Subtraction of residual stray light, measured with BPA or structured illumination from each projection further improved agreement. Structured illumination was superior to BPA for measuring stray light for the smaller 1.2 and 0.5 cm diameter phantom fingers. At the costs of doubling the scanner size and tripling the number of scans, CBCT reconstructions of low-scattering hydrogel dosimeters agreed with those of fan-beam CT scans.

  9. Collimated Propagation of Fast Electron Beams Accelerated by High-Contrast Laser Pulses in Highly Resistive Shocked Carbon.

    PubMed

    Vaisseau, X; Morace, A; Touati, M; Nakatsutsumi, M; Baton, S D; Hulin, S; Nicolaï, Ph; Nuter, R; Batani, D; Beg, F N; Breil, J; Fedosejevs, R; Feugeas, J-L; Forestier-Colleoni, P; Fourment, C; Fujioka, S; Giuffrida, L; Kerr, S; McLean, H S; Sawada, H; Tikhonchuk, V T; Santos, J J

    2017-05-19

    Collimated transport of ultrahigh intensity electron current was observed in cold and in laser-shocked vitreous carbon, in agreement with simulation predictions. The fast electron beams were created by coupling high-intensity and high-contrast laser pulses onto copper-coated cones drilled into the carbon samples. The guiding mechanism-observed only for times before the shock breakout at the inner cone tip-is due to self-generated resistive magnetic fields of ∼0.5-1  kT arising from the intense currents of fast electrons in vitreous carbon, by virtue of its specific high resistivity over the range of explored background temperatures. The spatial distribution of the electron beams, injected through the samples at different stages of compression, was characterized by side-on imaging of hard x-ray fluorescence.

  10. Techniques for optimizing nanotips derived from frozen taylor cones

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hirsch, Gregory

    Optimization techniques are disclosed for producing sharp and stable tips/nanotips relying on liquid Taylor cones created from electrically conductive materials with high melting points. A wire substrate of such a material with a preform end in the shape of a regular or concave cone, is first melted with a focused laser beam. Under the influence of a high positive potential, a Taylor cone in a liquid/molten state is formed at that end. The cone is then quenched upon cessation of the laser power, thus freezing the Taylor cone. The tip of the frozen Taylor cone is reheated by the lasermore » to allow its precise localized melting and shaping. Tips thus obtained yield desirable end-forms suitable as electron field emission sources for a variety of applications. In-situ regeneration of the tip is readily accomplished. These tips can also be employed as regenerable bright ion sources using field ionization/desorption of introduced chemical species.« less

  11. "Characterization of ELEKTA SRS cone collimator using high spatial resolution monolithic silicon detector array".

    PubMed

    Shukaili, Khalsa Al; Corde, Stéphanie; Petasecca, Marco; Pereveratylo, Vladimir; Lerch, Michael; Jackson, Michael; Rosenfeld, Anatoly

    2018-05-22

    To investigate the accuracy of the dosimetry of radiation fields produced by small ELEKTA cone collimators used for stereotactic radiosurgery treatments (SRS) using commercially available detectors EBT3 Gafchromic TM film, IBA Stereotactic diode (SFD), and the recently developed detector DUO, which is a monolithic silicon orthogonal linear diode array detector. These three detectors were used for the measurement of beam profiles, output factors, and percentage depth dose for SRS cone collimators with cone sizes ranging from 5 to 50 mm diameter. The measurements were performed at 10 cm depth and 90 cm SSD. The SRS cone beam profiles measured with DUO, EBT3 film, and IBA SFD agreed well, results being in agreement within ±0.5 mm in the FWHM, and ±0.7 mm in the penumbra region. The output factor measured by DUO with 0.5 mm air gap above agrees within ±1% with EBT3. The OF measured by IBA SFD (corrected for the over-response) agreed with both EBT3 and DUO within ±2%. All three detectors agree within ±2% for PDD measurements for all SRS cones. The characteristics of the ELEKTA SRS cone collimator have been evaluated by using a monolithic silicon high spatial resolution detector DUO, EBT3, and IBA SFD diode. The DUO detector is suitable for fast real-time quality assurance dosimetry in small radiation fields typical for SRS/SRT. This has been demonstrated by its good agreement of measured doses with EBT 3 films. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

  12. Measurement and properties of the dose-area product ratio in external small-beam radiotherapy.

    PubMed

    Niemelä, Jarkko; Partanen, Mari; Ojala, Jarkko; Sipilä, Petri; Björkqvist, Mikko; Kapanen, Mika; Keyriläinen, Jani

    2017-06-21

    In small-beam radiation therapy (RT) the measurement of the beam quality parameter, i.e. the tissue-phantom ratio or TPR 20,10 , using a conventional point detector is a challenge. To obtain reliable results, one has to consider potential sources of error, including volume averaging and adjustment of the point detector into the narrow beam. To overcome these challenges, a different type of beam quality parameter in small beams was studied, namely the dose-area product ratio, or DAPR 20,10 . With this method, the measurement of a dose-area product (DAP) using a large-area plane-parallel chamber (LAC) eliminates the uncertainties in detector positioning and volume averaging that are present when using a point detector. In this study, the properties of the DAPR 20,10 of a cone-collimated 6 MV photon beam were investigated using Monte Carlo (MC) calculations and the obtained values were compared to measurements obtained using two LAC detectors, PTW Type 34073 and PTW Type 34070. In addition, the possibility of determining the DAP using EBT3 film and a Razor diode detector was studied. The determination of the DAPR 20,10 value was found to be feasible in external small-beam radiotherapy using cone-collimated beams with diameters from 4-40 mm, based on the results of the two LACs, the MC calculations and the Razor diode. The measurements indicated a constant DAPR 20,10 value for fields 20-40 mm in diameter, with a maximum relative change of 0.6%, but an increase of 7.0% for fields from 20-4 mm in diameter for the PTW Type 34070 chamber. Simulations and measurements showed an increase of DAPR 20,10 with increasing LAC size or dose integral area for the studied 4-40 mm cone-collimated 6 MV photon beams. This has the consequence that there should be a reference to the size of the used LAC active area or the DAP integration area with the reported DAPR 20,10 value.

  13. Radiation safety education reduces the incidence of adult fingers on neonatal chest radiographs.

    PubMed

    Sahota, N; Burbridge, B E; Duncan, M D

    2014-06-01

    A previous audit revealed a high frequency of adult fingers visualised on neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) chest radiographs-representing an example of inappropriate occupational radiation exposure. Radiation safety education was provided to staff and we hypothesised that the education would reduce the frequency of adult fingers visualised on NICU chest radiographs. Two cross-sectional samples taken before and after the administration of the education were compared. We examined fingers visualised directly in the beam, fingers in the direct beam but eliminated by technologists editing the image, and fingers under the cones of the portable x-ray machine. There was a 46.2% reduction in fingers directly in the beam, 50.0% reduction in fingers directly in the beam but cropped out, and 68.4% reduction in fingers in the coned area. There was a 57.1% overall reduction in adult fingers visualised, which was statistically significant (Z value - 7.48, P < 0.0001). This study supports radiation safety education in minimising inappropriate occupational radiation exposure.

  14. Dual Ion Species Plasma Expansion from Isotopically Layered Cryogenic Targets

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Scott, G. G.; Carroll, D. C.; Astbury, S.; Clarke, R. J.; Hernandez-Gomez, C.; King, M.; Alejo, A.; Arteaga, I. Y.; Dance, R. J.; Higginson, A.; Hook, S.; Liao, G.; Liu, H.; Mirfayzi, S. R.; Rusby, D. R.; Selwood, M. P.; Spindloe, C.; Tolley, M. K.; Wagner, F.; Zemaityte, E.; Borghesi, M.; Kar, S.; Li, Y.; Roth, M.; McKenna, P.; Neely, D.

    2018-05-01

    A dual ion species plasma expansion scheme from a novel target structure is introduced, in which a nanometer-thick layer of pure deuterium exists as a buffer species at the target-vacuum interface of a hydrogen plasma. Modeling shows that by controlling the deuterium layer thickness, a composite H+/D+ ion beam can be produced by target normal sheath acceleration (TNSA), with an adjustable ratio of ion densities, as high energy proton acceleration is suppressed by the acceleration of a spectrally peaked deuteron beam. Particle in cell modeling shows that a (4.3 ±0.7 ) MeV per nucleon deuteron beam is accelerated, in a directional cone of half angle 9°. Experimentally, this was investigated using state of the art cryogenic targetry and a spectrally peaked deuteron beam of (3.4 ±0.7 ) MeV per nucleon was measured in a cone of half angle 7°-9°, while maintaining a significant TNSA proton component.

  15. Synthetic Incoherence via Scanned Gaussian Beams

    PubMed Central

    Levine, Zachary H.

    2006-01-01

    Tomography, in most formulations, requires an incoherent signal. For a conventional transmission electron microscope, the coherence of the beam often results in diffraction effects that limit the ability to perform a 3D reconstruction from a tilt series with conventional tomographic reconstruction algorithms. In this paper, an analytic solution is given to a scanned Gaussian beam, which reduces the beam coherence to be effectively incoherent for medium-size (of order 100 voxels thick) tomographic applications. The scanned Gaussian beam leads to more incoherence than hollow-cone illumination. PMID:27274945

  16. TOWARD AN EMPIRICAL THEORY OF PULSAR EMISSION. IX. ON THE PECULIAR PROPERTIES AND GEOMETRIC REGULARITY OF LYNE AND MANCHESTER'S 'PARTIAL CONE' PULSARS

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Mitra, Dipanjan; Rankin, Joanna M., E-mail: dmitra@ncra.tifr.res.in, E-mail: Joanna.Rankin@uvm.edu

    2011-02-01

    Lyne and Manchester identified a group of some 50 pulsars they called 'partial cones' which they found difficult to classify and interpret. They were notable for their asymmetric average profiles and asymmetric polarization position angle (PPA) traverses, wherein the steepest gradient (SG) point fell toward one edge of the total intensity profile. Over the last two decades, this population of pulsars has raised cautions regarding the core/cone model of the radio pulsar emission beam which implies a high degree of order, symmetry, and geometric regularity. In this paper, we reinvestigate this population 'partial cone' pulsars on the basis of newmore » single pulse polarimetric observations of 39 of them, observed with the Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope in India and the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. These highly sensitive observations help us to establish that most of these 'partial cones' exhibit a core/cone structure just as did the 'normal' pulsars studied in the earlier papers of this series. In short, we find that many of these 'partial cones' are partial in the sense that the emission above different areas of their polar caps can be (highly) asymmetric. However, when studied closely we find that their emission geometries are overall identical to a core/double cone structure encountered earlier-that is, with specific conal dimensions scaling as the polar cap size. Further, the 'partial cone' population includes a number of stars with conal single profiles that are asymmetric at meter wavelengths for unknown reasons (e.g., like those of B0809+74 or B0943+10). We find that aberration-retardation appears to play a role in distorting the core/cone emission-beam structure in rapidly rotating pulsars. We also find several additional examples of highly polarized pre- and postcursor features that do not appear to be generated at low altitude but rather at high altitude, far from the usual polar flux tube emission sites of the core and conal radiation.« less

  17. The I-Raum: A new shaped hohlraum for improved inner beam propagation in indirectly-driven ICF implosions on the National Ignition Facility

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Robey, H. F.; Berzak Hopkins, L.; Milovich, J. L.; Meezan, N. B.

    2018-01-01

    Recent work in indirectly-driven inertial confinement fusion implosions on the National Ignition Facility has indicated that late-time propagation of the inner cones of laser beams (23° and 30°) is impeded by the growth of a "bubble" of hohlraum wall material (Au or depleted uranium), which is initiated by and is located at the location where the higher-intensity outer beams (44° and 50°) hit the hohlraum wall. The absorption of the inner cone beams by this "bubble" reduces the laser energy reaching the hohlraum equator at late time driving an oblate or pancaked implosion, which limits implosion performance. In this article, we present the design of a new shaped hohlraum designed specifically to reduce the impact of this bubble by adding a recessed pocket at the location where the outer cones hit the hohlraum wall. This recessed pocket displaces the bubble radially outward, reducing the inward penetration of the bubble at all times throughout the implosion and increasing the time for inner beam propagation by approximately 1 ns. This increased laser propagation time allows one to drive a larger capsule, which absorbs more energy and is predicted to improve implosion performance. The new design is based on a recent National Ignition Facility shot, N170601, which produced a record neutron yield. The expansion rate and absorption of laser energy by the bubble is quantified for both cylindrical and shaped hohlraums, and the predicted performance is compared.

  18. Two-beam-excited conical emission.

    PubMed

    Kauranen, M; Maki, J J; Gaeta, A L; Boyd, R W

    1991-06-15

    We describe a conical emission process that occurs when two beams of near-resonant light intersect as they pass through sodium vapor. The light is emitted on the surface of a circular cone that is centered on the bisector of the two applied beams and has an angular extent equal to the crossing angle of the two applied beams. We ascribe the origin of this effect to a perfectly phase-matched four-wave mixing process.

  19. Multimodal assessment of visual attention using the Bethesda Eye & Attention Measure (BEAM).

    PubMed

    Ettenhofer, Mark L; Hershaw, Jamie N; Barry, David M

    2016-01-01

    Computerized cognitive tests measuring manual response time (RT) and errors are often used in the assessment of visual attention. Evidence suggests that saccadic RT and errors may also provide valuable information about attention. This study was conducted to examine a novel approach to multimodal assessment of visual attention incorporating concurrent measurements of saccadic eye movements and manual responses. A computerized cognitive task, the Bethesda Eye & Attention Measure (BEAM) v.34, was designed to evaluate key attention networks through concurrent measurement of saccadic and manual RT and inhibition errors. Results from a community sample of n = 54 adults were analyzed to examine effects of BEAM attention cues on manual and saccadic RT and inhibition errors, internal reliability of BEAM metrics, relationships between parallel saccadic and manual metrics, and relationships of BEAM metrics to demographic characteristics. Effects of BEAM attention cues (alerting, orienting, interference, gap, and no-go signals) were consistent with previous literature examining key attention processes. However, corresponding saccadic and manual measurements were weakly related to each other, and only manual measurements were related to estimated verbal intelligence or years of education. This study provides preliminary support for the feasibility of multimodal assessment of visual attention using the BEAM. Results suggest that BEAM saccadic and manual metrics provide divergent measurements. Additional research will be needed to obtain comprehensive normative data, to cross-validate BEAM measurements with other indicators of neural and cognitive function, and to evaluate the utility of these metrics within clinical populations of interest.

  20. Auto calibration of a cone-beam-CT

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gross, Daniel; Heil, Ulrich; Schulze, Ralf

    2012-10-15

    Purpose: This paper introduces a novel autocalibration method for cone-beam-CTs (CBCT) or flat-panel CTs, assuming a perfect rotation. The method is based on ellipse-fitting. Autocalibration refers to accurate recovery of the geometric alignment of a CBCT device from projection images alone, without any manual measurements. Methods: The authors use test objects containing small arbitrarily positioned radio-opaque markers. No information regarding the relative positions of the markers is used. In practice, the authors use three to eight metal ball bearings (diameter of 1 mm), e.g., positioned roughly in a vertical line such that their projection image curves on the detector preferablymore » form large ellipses over the circular orbit. From this ellipse-to-curve mapping and also from its inversion the authors derive an explicit formula. Nonlinear optimization based on this mapping enables them to determine the six relevant parameters of the system up to the device rotation angle, which is sufficient to define the geometry of a CBCT-machine assuming a perfect rotational movement. These parameters also include out-of-plane rotations. The authors evaluate their method by simulation based on data used in two similar approaches [L. Smekal, M. Kachelriess, S. E, and K. Wa, 'Geometric misalignment and calibration in cone-beam tomography,' Med. Phys. 31(12), 3242-3266 (2004); K. Yang, A. L. C. Kwan, D. F. Miller, and J. M. Boone, 'A geometric calibration method for cone beam CT systems,' Med. Phys. 33(6), 1695-1706 (2006)]. This allows a direct comparison of accuracy. Furthermore, the authors present real-world 3D reconstructions of a dry human spine segment and an electronic device. The reconstructions were computed from projections taken with a commercial dental CBCT device having two different focus-to-detector distances that were both calibrated with their method. The authors compare their reconstruction with a reconstruction computed by the manufacturer of the CBCT device to demonstrate the achievable spatial resolution of their calibration procedure. Results: Compared to the results published in the most closely related work [K. Yang, A. L. C. Kwan, D. F. Miller, and J. M. Boone, 'A geometric calibration method for cone beam CT systems,' Med. Phys. 33(6), 1695-1706 (2006)], the simulation proved the greater accuracy of their method, as well as a lower standard deviation of roughly 1 order of magnitude. When compared to another similar approach [L. Smekal, M. Kachelriess, S. E, and K. Wa, 'Geometric misalignment and calibration in cone-beam tomography,' Med. Phys. 31(12), 3242-3266 (2004)], their results were roughly of the same order of accuracy. Their analysis revealed that the method is capable of sufficiently calibrating out-of-plane angles in cases of larger cone angles when neglecting these angles negatively affects the reconstruction. Fine details in the 3D reconstruction of the spine segment and an electronic device indicate a high geometric calibration accuracy and the capability to produce state-of-the-art reconstructions. Conclusions: The method introduced here makes no requirements on the accuracy of the test object. In contrast to many previous autocalibration methods their approach also includes out-of-plane rotations of the detector. Although assuming a perfect rotation, the method seems to be sufficiently accurate for a commercial CBCT scanner. For devices which require higher dimensional geometry models, the method could be used as a initial calibration procedure.« less

  1. Role of Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Diagnosis and Treatment Planning in Dentistry: An Update.

    PubMed

    Shukla, Sagrika; Chug, Ashi; Afrashtehfar, Kelvin I

    2017-11-01

    Accurate diagnosis and treatment planning are the backbone of any medical therapy; for this reason, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was introduced and has been widely used. CBCT technology provides a three-dimensional image viewing, enabling exact location and extent of lesions or any anatomical region. For the very same reason, CBCT can not only be used for surgical fields but also for fields such as endodontics, prosthodontics, and orthodontics for appropriate treatment planning and effective dental care. The aim and clinical significance of this review are to update dental clinicians on the CBCT applications in each dental specialty for an appropriate diagnosis and more predictable treatment.

  2. Numerical study of core formation of asymmetrically driven cone-guided targets

    DOE PAGES

    Sawada, Hiroshi; Sakagami, Hitoshi

    2017-09-22

    Compression of a directly driven fast ignition cone-sphere target with a finite number of laser beams is numerically studied using a three-dimensional hydrodynamics code IMPACT-3D. The formation of a dense plasma core is simulated for 12-, 9-, 6-, and 4-beam configurations of the GEKKO XII laser. The complex 3D shapes of the cores are analyzed by elucidating synthetic 2D x-ray radiographic images in two orthogonal directions. Finally, the simulated x-ray images show significant differences in the core shape between the two viewing directions and rotation of the stagnating core axis in the top view for the axisymmetric 9- and 6-beammore » configurations.« less

  3. Numerical study of core formation of asymmetrically driven cone-guided targets

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Sawada, Hiroshi; Sakagami, Hitoshi

    Compression of a directly driven fast ignition cone-sphere target with a finite number of laser beams is numerically studied using a three-dimensional hydrodynamics code IMPACT-3D. The formation of a dense plasma core is simulated for 12-, 9-, 6-, and 4-beam configurations of the GEKKO XII laser. The complex 3D shapes of the cores are analyzed by elucidating synthetic 2D x-ray radiographic images in two orthogonal directions. Finally, the simulated x-ray images show significant differences in the core shape between the two viewing directions and rotation of the stagnating core axis in the top view for the axisymmetric 9- and 6-beammore » configurations.« less

  4. Automated volume of interest delineation and rendering of cone beam CT images in interventional cardiology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lorenz, Cristian; Schäfer, Dirk; Eshuis, Peter; Carroll, John; Grass, Michael

    2012-02-01

    Interventional C-arm systems allow the efficient acquisition of 3D cone beam CT images. They can be used for intervention planning, navigation, and outcome assessment. We present a fast and completely automated volume of interest (VOI) delineation for cardiac interventions, covering the whole visceral cavity including mediastinum and lungs but leaving out rib-cage and spine. The problem is addressed in a model based approach. The procedure has been evaluated on 22 patient cases and achieves an average surface error below 2mm. The method is able to cope with varying image intensities, varying truncations due to the limited reconstruction volume, and partially with heavy metal and motion artifacts.

  5. Exact BPF and FBP algorithms for nonstandard saddle curves.

    PubMed

    Yu, Hengyong; Zhao, Shiying; Ye, Yangbo; Wang, Ge

    2005-11-01

    A hot topic in cone-beam CT research is exact cone-beam reconstruction from a general scanning trajectory. Particularly, a nonstandard saddle curve attracts attention, as this construct allows the continuous periodic scanning of a volume-of-interest (VOI). Here we evaluate two algorithms for reconstruction from data collected along a nonstandard saddle curve, which are in the filtered backprojection (FBP) and backprojection filtration (BPF) formats, respectively. Both the algorithms are implemented in a chord-based coordinate system. Then, a rebinning procedure is utilized to transform the reconstructed results into the natural coordinate system. The simulation results demonstrate that the FBP algorithm produces better image quality than the BPF algorithm, while both the algorithms exhibit similar noise characteristics.

  6. Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia: A rare case report evaluated with cone-beam computed tomography

    PubMed Central

    Yildirim, Eren; Bağlar, Serdar; Ciftci, Mehmet Ertugrul; Ozcan, Erdal

    2016-01-01

    A 29-year-old systemically healthy female patient presented to our department. Cone-beam computed tomographic images showed multiple well-defined sclerotic masses with radiolucent border in both right and left molar regions of the mandible. These sclerotic masses were surrounded by a thin radiolucent border. We diagnosed the present pathology as florid cemento-osseous dysplasia and decided to follow the patient without taking biopsy. For the patient, who did not have any clinical complaints, radiographic followupis recommended twice a year. The responsibility of the dentist is to ensure the follow-up of the diagnosed patients and take necessary measures for preventing the infections. PMID:27601835

  7. Observation of hohlraum-wall motion with spectrally selective x-ray imaging at the National Ignition Facility

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Izumi, N.; Meezan, N. B.; Divol, L.; Hall, G. N.; Barrios, M. A.; Jones, O.; Landen, O. L.; Kroll, J. J.; Vonhof, S. A.; Nikroo, A.; Jaquez, J.; Bailey, C. G.; Hardy, C. M.; Ehrlich, R. B.; Town, R. P. J.; Bradley, D. K.; Hinkel, D. E.; Moody, J. D.

    2016-11-01

    The high fuel capsule compression required for indirect drive inertial confinement fusion requires careful control of the X-ray drive symmetry throughout the laser pulse. When the outer cone beams strike the hohlraum wall, the plasma ablated off the hohlraum wall expands into the hohlraum and can alter both the outer and inner cone beam propagations and hence the X-ray drive symmetry especially at the final stage of the drive pulse. To quantitatively understand the wall motion, we developed a new experimental technique which visualizes the expansion and stagnation of the hohlraum wall plasma. Details of the experiment and the technique of spectrally selective x-ray imaging are discussed.

  8. Observation of hohlraum-wall motion with spectrally selective x-ray imaging at the National Ignition Facility.

    PubMed

    Izumi, N; Meezan, N B; Divol, L; Hall, G N; Barrios, M A; Jones, O; Landen, O L; Kroll, J J; Vonhof, S A; Nikroo, A; Jaquez, J; Bailey, C G; Hardy, C M; Ehrlich, R B; Town, R P J; Bradley, D K; Hinkel, D E; Moody, J D

    2016-11-01

    The high fuel capsule compression required for indirect drive inertial confinement fusion requires careful control of the X-ray drive symmetry throughout the laser pulse. When the outer cone beams strike the hohlraum wall, the plasma ablated off the hohlraum wall expands into the hohlraum and can alter both the outer and inner cone beam propagations and hence the X-ray drive symmetry especially at the final stage of the drive pulse. To quantitatively understand the wall motion, we developed a new experimental technique which visualizes the expansion and stagnation of the hohlraum wall plasma. Details of the experiment and the technique of spectrally selective x-ray imaging are discussed.

  9. Correction of scatter in megavoltage cone-beam CT

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Spies, L.; Ebert, M.; Groh, B. A.; Hesse, B. M.; Bortfeld, T.

    2001-03-01

    The role of scatter in a cone-beam computed tomography system using the therapeutic beam of a medical linear accelerator and a commercial electronic portal imaging device (EPID) is investigated. A scatter correction method is presented which is based on a superposition of Monte Carlo generated scatter kernels. The kernels are adapted to both the spectral response of the EPID and the dimensions of the phantom being scanned. The method is part of a calibration procedure which converts the measured transmission data acquired for each projection angle into water-equivalent thicknesses. Tomographic reconstruction of the projections then yields an estimate of the electron density distribution of the phantom. It is found that scatter produces cupping artefacts in the reconstructed tomograms. Furthermore, reconstructed electron densities deviate greatly (by about 30%) from their expected values. The scatter correction method removes the cupping artefacts and decreases the deviations from 30% down to about 8%.

  10. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jarrott, L. C.; McGuffey, C.; Beg, F. N.

    Fast electron transport and spatial energy deposition are investigated in integrated cone-guided Fast Ignition experiments by measuring fast electron induced copper K-shell emission using a copper tracer added to deuterated plastic shells with a geometrically reentrant gold cone. Experiments were carried out at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics on the OMEGA/OMEGA-EP Laser where the plastic shells were imploded using 54 of the 60 OMEGA60 beams (3ω, 20 kJ), while the high intensity OMEGA-EP (BL2) beam (1 ω, 10 ps, 500 J, I peak > 10 19 W/cm 2) was focused onto the inner cone tip. Here, a retrograde analysis usingmore » the hybrid-PIC electron transport code, ZUMA, is performed to examine the sensitivity of the copper Kα spatial profile on the laser-produced fast electrons, facilitating the optimization of new target point designs and laser configurations to improve the compressed core areal density by a factor of 4 and the fast electron energy coupling by a factor of 3.5.« less

  11. Towards the clinical implementation of iterative low-dose cone-beam CT reconstruction in image-guided radiation therapy: Cone/ring artifact correction and multiple GPU implementation

    PubMed Central

    Yan, Hao; Wang, Xiaoyu; Shi, Feng; Bai, Ti; Folkerts, Michael; Cervino, Laura; Jiang, Steve B.; Jia, Xun

    2014-01-01

    Purpose: Compressed sensing (CS)-based iterative reconstruction (IR) techniques are able to reconstruct cone-beam CT (CBCT) images from undersampled noisy data, allowing for imaging dose reduction. However, there are a few practical concerns preventing the clinical implementation of these techniques. On the image quality side, data truncation along the superior–inferior direction under the cone-beam geometry produces severe cone artifacts in the reconstructed images. Ring artifacts are also seen in the half-fan scan mode. On the reconstruction efficiency side, the long computation time hinders clinical use in image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). Methods: Image quality improvement methods are proposed to mitigate the cone and ring image artifacts in IR. The basic idea is to use weighting factors in the IR data fidelity term to improve projection data consistency with the reconstructed volume. In order to improve the computational efficiency, a multiple graphics processing units (GPUs)-based CS-IR system was developed. The parallelization scheme, detailed analyses of computation time at each step, their relationship with image resolution, and the acceleration factors were studied. The whole system was evaluated in various phantom and patient cases. Results: Ring artifacts can be mitigated by properly designing a weighting factor as a function of the spatial location on the detector. As for the cone artifact, without applying a correction method, it contaminated 13 out of 80 slices in a head-neck case (full-fan). Contamination was even more severe in a pelvis case under half-fan mode, where 36 out of 80 slices were affected, leading to poorer soft tissue delineation and reduced superior–inferior coverage. The proposed method effectively corrects those contaminated slices with mean intensity differences compared to FDK results decreasing from ∼497 and ∼293 HU to ∼39 and ∼27 HU for the full-fan and half-fan cases, respectively. In terms of efficiency boost, an overall 3.1 × speedup factor has been achieved with four GPU cards compared to a single GPU-based reconstruction. The total computation time is ∼30 s for typical clinical cases. Conclusions: The authors have developed a low-dose CBCT IR system for IGRT. By incorporating data consistency-based weighting factors in the IR model, cone/ring artifacts can be mitigated. A boost in computational efficiency is achieved by multi-GPU implementation. PMID:25370645

  12. Optimization of view weighting in tilted-plane-based reconstruction algorithms to minimize helical artifacts in multi-slice helical CT

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tang, Xiangyang

    2003-05-01

    In multi-slice helical CT, the single-tilted-plane-based reconstruction algorithm has been proposed to combat helical and cone beam artifacts by tilting a reconstruction plane to fit a helical source trajectory optimally. Furthermore, to improve the noise characteristics or dose efficiency of the single-tilted-plane-based reconstruction algorithm, the multi-tilted-plane-based reconstruction algorithm has been proposed, in which the reconstruction plane deviates from the pose globally optimized due to an extra rotation along the 3rd axis. As a result, the capability of suppressing helical and cone beam artifacts in the multi-tilted-plane-based reconstruction algorithm is compromised. An optomized tilted-plane-based reconstruction algorithm is proposed in this paper, in which a matched view weighting strategy is proposed to optimize the capability of suppressing helical and cone beam artifacts and noise characteristics. A helical body phantom is employed to quantitatively evaluate the imaging performance of the matched view weighting approach by tabulating artifact index and noise characteristics, showing that the matched view weighting improves both the helical artifact suppression and noise characteristics or dose efficiency significantly in comparison to the case in which non-matched view weighting is applied. Finally, it is believed that the matched view weighting approach is of practical importance in the development of multi-slive helical CT, because it maintains the computational structure of fan beam filtered backprojection and demands no extra computational services.

  13. Scattering rings in optically anisotropic porous silicon

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Oton, C. J.; Gaburro, Z.; Ghulinyan, M.; Pancheri, L.; Bettotti, P.; Negro, L. Dal; Pavesi, L.

    2002-12-01

    We report the observation of strongly anisotropic scattering of laser light at oblique incidence on a (100)-oriented porous silicon layer. The scattered light forms cones tangent to the incident and reflected beams. The conical pattern is caused by scattering on the vertical walls of pores, which are straight along the layer thickness. The light cone defines structured light rings onto a screen normal to the cone axis. We explain the various structures by optical anisotropy of porous silicon. For the sample under analysis, we directly measure from the ring patterns a value of Δn/nord=8% of positive birefringence.

  14. Reliability of implant placement after virtual planning of implant positions using cone beam CT data and surgical (guide) templates.

    PubMed

    Nickenig, Hans-Joachim; Eitner, Stephan

    2007-01-01

    We assessed the reliability of implant placement after virtual planning of implant positions using cone-beam CT data and surgical guide templates. A total of 102 patients (250 implants, 55.4% mandibular; mean patient age, 40.4 years) who had undergone implant treatment therapy in an armed forces dental clinic (Cologne, Germany) between July 1, 2005 and December 1, 2005. They were treated with a system that allows transfer of virtual planning to surgical guide templates. Only in eight cases the surgical guides were not used because a delayed implant placement was necessary. In four posterior mandibular cases, handling was limited because of reduced interocclusal distance, requiring 50% shortening of the drill guides. The predictability of implant size was high: only one implant was changed to a smaller diameter (because of insufficient bone). In all cases, critical anatomical structures were protected and no complications were detected in postoperative panoramic radiographs. In 58.1% (147) of the 250 implants, a flapless surgery plan was realized. Implant placement after virtual planning of implant positions using cone beam CT data and surgical templates can be reliable for preoperative assessment of implant size, position, and anatomical complications. It is also indicative of cases amenable to flapless surgery.

  15. Dedicated mobile volumetric cone-beam computed tomography for human brain imaging: A phantom study.

    PubMed

    Ryu, Jong-Hyun; Kim, Tae-Hoon; Jeong, Chang-Won; Jun, Hong-Young; Heo, Dong-Woon; Lee, Jinseok; Kim, Kyong-Woo; Yoon, Kwon-Ha

    2015-01-01

    Mobile computed tomography (CT) with a cone-beam source is increasingly used in the clinical field. Mobile cone-beam CT (CBCT) has great merits; however, its clinical utility for brain imaging has been limited due to problems including scan time and image quality. The aim of this study was to develop a dedicated mobile volumetric CBCT for obtaining brain images, and to optimize the imaging protocol using a brain phantom. The mobile volumetric CBCT system was evaluated with regards to scan time and image quality, measured as signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR), spatial resolution (10% MTF), and effective dose. Brain images were obtained using a CT phantom. The CT scan took 5.14 s at 360 projection views. SNR and CNR were 5.67 and 14.5 at 120 kV/10 mA. SNR and CNR values showed slight improvement as the x-ray voltage and current increased (p < 0.001). Effective dose and 10% MTF were 0.92 mSv and 360 μ m at 120 kV/10 mA. Various intracranial structures were clearly visible in the brain phantom images. Using this CBCT under optimal imaging acquisition conditions, it is possible to obtain human brain images with low radiation dose, reproducible image quality, and fast scan time.

  16. Superimposition of 3-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography models of growing patients

    PubMed Central

    Cevidanes, Lucia H. C.; Heymann, Gavin; Cornelis, Marie A.; DeClerck, Hugo J.; Tulloch, J. F. Camilla

    2009-01-01

    Introduction The objective of this study was to evaluate a new method for superimposition of 3-dimensional (3D) models of growing subjects. Methods Cone-beam computed tomography scans were taken before and after Class III malocclusion orthopedic treatment with miniplates. Three observers independently constructed 18 3D virtual surface models from cone-beam computed tomography scans of 3 patients. Separate 3D models were constructed for soft-tissue, cranial base, maxillary, and mandibular surfaces. The anterior cranial fossa was used to register the 3D models of before and after treatment (about 1 year of follow-up). Results Three-dimensional overlays of superimposed models and 3D color-coded displacement maps allowed visual and quantitative assessment of growth and treatment changes. The range of interobserver errors for each anatomic region was 0.4 mm for the zygomatic process of maxilla, chin, condyles, posterior border of the rami, and lower border of the mandible, and 0.5 mm for the anterior maxilla soft-tissue upper lip. Conclusions Our results suggest that this method is a valid and reproducible assessment of treatment outcomes for growing subjects. This technique can be used to identify maxillary and mandibular positional changes and bone remodeling relative to the anterior cranial fossa. PMID:19577154

  17. Cone beam computed tomography in dentistry: what dental educators and learners should know.

    PubMed

    Adibi, Shawn; Zhang, Wenjian; Servos, Tom; O'Neill, Paula N

    2012-11-01

    Recent advances in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in dentistry have identified the importance of providing outcomes related to the appropriate use of this innovative technology to practitioners, educators, and investigators. To assist in determining whether and what types of evidence exist, the authors conducted PubMed, Google, and Cochrane Library searches in the spring of 2011 using the key words "cone beam computed tomography and dentistry." This search resulted in over 26,900 entries in more than 700 articles including forty-one reviews recently published in national and international journals. This article is based on existing publications and studies and will provide readers with an overview of the advantages, disadvantages, and indications/contraindications of this emerging technology as well as some thoughts on the current educational status of CBCT in U.S. dental schools. It is the responsibility of dental educators to incorporate the most updated information on this technology into their curricula in a timely manner, so that the next generation of oral health providers and educators will be competent in utilizing this technology for the best interest of patients. To do so, there is a need to conduct studies meeting methodological standards to demonstrate the diagnostic efficacy of CBCT in the dental field.

  18. Implant Supported Distal Extension over Denture Retained by Two Types of Attachments. A Comparative Radiographic Study by Cone Beam Computed Tomography

    PubMed Central

    Mahrous, Ahmed I; Aldawash, Hussien A; Soliman, Tarek A; Banasr, Fahad H; Abdelwahed, Ahmed

    2015-01-01

    Background: This study was conducted to compare and evaluate the effect of two different attachments (locator attachment and ball and socket [B&S] attachment) on implants and natural abutments supporting structures, in cases of limited inter-arch spaces in mandibular Kennedy Class I implant supported removable partial over dentures by measuring the bone height changes through the cone beam radiographic technology. Materials and Methods: Two implants were positioned in the first or second molar area following the two-stage surgical protocol. Two equal groups were divided ten for each: Group I: Sides were the placed implants restored by the locator attachment. Group II: The other sides, implants were restored by B&S attachment. Evaluation of the implants and main abutments supporting structures of each group was done at the time of removable partial over denture insertion, 6, 12 and 18 months by measuring the bone height changes using cone beam computed tomography. Results: Implants with locator attachment showed marginal bone height better effects on implants and main abutments supporting structures. Conclusion: Implants restored by locator attachment shows better effects on bone of both main natural abutments and implant than those restored with ball and socket. PMID:26028894

  19. NOTE: A practical approach for electron monitor unit calculation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Choi, David; Patyal, Baldev; Cho, Jongmin; Cheng, Ing Y.; Nookala, Prashanth

    2009-08-01

    Electron monitor unit (MU) calculation requires measured beam data such as the relative output factor (ROF) of a cone, insert correction factor (ICF) and effective source-to-surface distance (ESD). Measuring the beam data to cover all possible clinical cases is not practical for a busy clinic because it takes tremendous time and labor. In this study, we propose a practical approach to reduce the number of data measurements without affecting accuracy. It is based on two findings of dosimetric properties of electron beams. One is that the output ratio of two inserts is independent of the cone used, and the other is that ESD is a function of field size but independent of cone and jaw opening. For the measurements to prove the findings, a parallel plate ion chamber (Markus, PTW 23343) with an electrometer (Cardinal Health 35040) was used. We measured the outputs to determine ROF, ICF and ESD of different energies (5-21 MeV). Measurements were made in a Plastic Water™ phantom or in water. Three linear accelerators were used: Siemens MD2 (S/N 2689), Siemens Primus (S/N 3305) and Varian Clinic 21-EX (S/N 1495). With these findings, the number of data set to be measured can be reduced to less than 20% of the data points.

  20. Differential diagnosis of endodontic-related inferior alveolar nerve paraesthesia with cone beam computed tomography: a case report.

    PubMed

    Gambarini, G; Plotino, G; Grande, N M; Testarelli, L; Prencipe, M; Messineo, D; Fratini, L; D'Ambrosio, F

    2011-02-01

    To discuss the use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the differential diagnosis of a case of labiomandibular paraesthesia caused by extrusion of endodontic sealer into the mandibular canal. A 59-year-old woman suffering from a paraesthesia on the left posterior mandible and numbness on the left side of the lower lip was referred to an endodontic specialist 1 month after multiple root canal treatments. A panoramic radiograph revealed the presence of extruded root filling material beyond the apex of the mesial root of the mandibular left second molar and also beyond the apex of the first premolar. A cone beam computed tomography examination was undertaken, which confirmed the presence of radiopaque root canal filling material in the periapical area of the second molar, and revealed that the material was inside the mandibular canal. No extruded filling material was found inside the mental foramen beyond the apex of the first premolar tooth. Small field of view CBCT (where possible) can be considered an effective radiographic diagnostic device when endodontic-related inferior alveolar nerve or mental foramen paraesthesia are suspected. CBCT is able to provide detailed three-dimensional images of the tooth, the root canal system and the surrounding tissue. © 2010 International Endodontic Journal.

  1. C-Arm Cone-Beam CT-Guided Transthoracic Lung Core Needle Biopsy as a Standard Diagnostic Tool

    PubMed Central

    Jaconi, Marta; Pagni, Fabio; Vacirca, Francesco; Leni, Davide; Corso, Rocco; Cortinovis, Diego; Bidoli, Paolo; Bono, Francesca; Cuttin, Maria S.; Valente, Maria G.; Pesci, Alberto; Bedini, Vittorio A.; Leone, Biagio E.

    2015-01-01

    Abstract C-arm cone-beam computed tomography (CT)-guided transthoracic lung core needle biopsy (CNB) is a safe and accurate procedure for the evaluation of patients with pulmonary nodules. This article will focus on the clinical features related to CNB in terms of diagnostic performance and complication rate. Moreover, the concept of categorizing pathological diagnosis into 4 categories, which could be used for clinical management, follow-up, and quality assurance is also introduced. We retrospectively collected data regarding 375 C-arm cone-beam CT-guided CNBs from January 2010 and June 2014. Clinical and radiological variables were evaluated in terms of success or failure rate. Pathological reports were inserted in 4 homogenous groups (nondiagnostic-L1, benign-L2, malignant not otherwise specified-L3, and malignant with specific histotype-L4), defining for each category a hierarchy of suggested actions. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value and accuracy for patients subjected to CNBs were of 96.8%, 100%, 100%, 100%, and 97.2%, respectively. Roughly 75% of our samples were diagnosed as malignant, with 60% lung adenocarcinoma diagnoses. Molecular analyses were performed on 85 malignant samples to verify applicability of targeted therapy. The rate of “nondiagnostic” samples was 12%. C-arm cone-beam CT-guided transthoracic lung CNB can represent the gold standard for the diagnostic evaluation of pulmonary nodules. A clinical and pathological multidisciplinary evaluation of CNBs was needed in terms of integration of radiological, histological, and oncological data. This approach provided exceptional performances in terms of specificity, positive and negative predictive values; sensitivity in our series was lower compared with other large studies, probably due to the application of strong criteria of adequacy for CNBs (L1 class rate). The satisfactory rate of collected material was evaluated not only in terms of merely diagnostic performances but also for predictive results by molecular analysis. PMID:25816042

  2. Phantom dosimetry and image quality of i-CAT FLX cone-beam computed tomography

    PubMed Central

    Ludlow, John B.; Walker, Cameron

    2013-01-01

    Introduction Increasing use of cone-beam computed tomography in orthodontics has been coupled with heightened concern with the long-term risks of x-ray exposure in orthodontic populations. An industry response to this has been to offer low-exposure alternative scanning options in newer cone-beam computed tomography models. Methods Effective doses resulting from various combinations of field size, and field location comparing child and adult anthropomorphic phantoms using the recently introduced i-CAT FLX cone-beam computed tomography unit were measured with Optical Stimulated Dosimetry using previously validated protocols. Scan protocols included High Resolution (360° rotation, 600 image frames, 120 kVp, 5 mA, 7.4 sec), Standard (360°, 300 frames, 120 kVp, 5 mA, 3.7 sec), QuickScan (180°, 160 frames, 120 kVp, 5 mA, 2 sec) and QuickScan+ (180°, 160 frames, 90 kVp, 3 mA, 2 sec). Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was calculated as a quantitative measure of image quality for the various exposure options using the QUART DVT phantom. Results Child phantom doses were on average 36% greater than Adult phantom doses. QuickScan+ protocols resulted in significantly lower doses than Standard protocols for child (p=0.0167) and adult (p=0.0055) phantoms. 13×16 cm cephalometric fields of view ranged from 11–85 μSv in the adult phantom and 18–120 μSv in the child for QuickScan+ and Standard protocols respectively. CNR was reduced by approximately 2/3rds comparing QuickScan+ to Standard exposure parameters. Conclusions QuickScan+ effective doses are comparable to conventional panoramic examinations. Significant dose reductions are accompanied by significant reductions in image quality. However, this trade-off may be acceptable for certain diagnostic tasks such as interim assessment of treatment results. PMID:24286904

  3. SU-F-BRCD-03: Dose Calculation of Electron Therapy Using Improved Lateral Buildup Ratio Method.

    PubMed

    Gebreamlak, W; Tedeschi, D; Alkhatib, H

    2012-06-01

    To calculate the percentage depth dose of any irregular shape electron beam using modified lateral build-up-ratio method. Percentage depth dose (PDD) curves were measured using 6, 9, 12, and 15MeV electron beam energies for applicator cone sizes of 6×6, 10×10, 14×14, and 14×14cm 2 . Circular cutouts for each cone were prepared from 2.0cm diameter to the maximum possible size for each cone. In addition, three irregular cutouts were prepared. The scanning was done using a water tank and two diodes - one for the signal and the other a stationary reference outside the tank. The water surface was determined by scanning the signal diode slowly from water to air and by noting the sharp change of the percentage depth dose curve at the water/air interface. The lateral build-up-ratio (LBR) for each circular cutout was calculated from the measured PDD curve using the open field of the 14×14 cm 2 cone as the reference field. Using the LBR values and the radius of the circular cutouts, the corresponding lateral spread parameter (sigma) of the electron shower was calculated. Unlike the commonly accepted assumption that sigma is independent of cutout size, it is shown that the sigma value increases linearly with circular cutout size. Using this characteristic of sigma, the PDD curves of irregularly shaped cutouts were calculated. Finally, the calculated PDD curves were compared with measured PDD curves. In this research, it is shown that sigma increases with cutout size. For radius of circular cutout sizes up to the equilibrium range of the electron beam, the increase of sigma with the cutout size is linear. The percentage difference of the calculated PDD from the measured PDD for irregularly shaped cutouts was under 1.0%. Similar Result was obtained for four electron beam energies (6, 9, 12, and 15MeV). © 2012 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

  4. The impact of manual threshold selection in medical additive manufacturing.

    PubMed

    van Eijnatten, Maureen; Koivisto, Juha; Karhu, Kalle; Forouzanfar, Tymour; Wolff, Jan

    2017-04-01

    Medical additive manufacturing requires standard tessellation language (STL) models. Such models are commonly derived from computed tomography (CT) images using thresholding. Threshold selection can be performed manually or automatically. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of manual and default threshold selection on the reliability and accuracy of skull STL models using different CT technologies. One female and one male human cadaver head were imaged using multi-detector row CT, dual-energy CT, and two cone-beam CT scanners. Four medical engineers manually thresholded the bony structures on all CT images. The lowest and highest selected mean threshold values and the default threshold value were used to generate skull STL models. Geometric variations between all manually thresholded STL models were calculated. Furthermore, in order to calculate the accuracy of the manually and default thresholded STL models, all STL models were superimposed on an optical scan of the dry female and male skulls ("gold standard"). The intra- and inter-observer variability of the manual threshold selection was good (intra-class correlation coefficients >0.9). All engineers selected grey values closer to soft tissue to compensate for bone voids. Geometric variations between the manually thresholded STL models were 0.13 mm (multi-detector row CT), 0.59 mm (dual-energy CT), and 0.55 mm (cone-beam CT). All STL models demonstrated inaccuracies ranging from -0.8 to +1.1 mm (multi-detector row CT), -0.7 to +2.0 mm (dual-energy CT), and -2.3 to +4.8 mm (cone-beam CT). This study demonstrates that manual threshold selection results in better STL models than default thresholding. The use of dual-energy CT and cone-beam CT technology in its present form does not deliver reliable or accurate STL models for medical additive manufacturing. New approaches are required that are based on pattern recognition and machine learning algorithms.

  5. The use of a Colapinto TIPS Needle under cone-beam computed tomography guidance for true lumen re-entry in subintimal recanalization of chronic iliac artery occlusion.

    PubMed

    Liang, Huei-Lung; Li, Ming-Feng; Chiang, Chia-Ling; Chen, Matt Chiung-Yu; Wu, Chieh-Jen; Pan, Huay-Ben

    2017-06-01

    To report the technique and clinical outcome of subintimal re-entry in chronic iliac artery occlusion by using a Colapinto transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) needle under rotational angiography (cone-beam computed tomography; CT) imaging guidance. Patients with chronic iliac artery occlusion with earlier failed attempts at conventional percutaneous recanalization during the past 5 years were enrolled in our study. In these patients, an ipsilateral femoral access route was routinely utilized in a retrograde fashion. A Colapinto TIPS Needle was used to aid the true lumen re-entry after failed conventional intraluminal or subintimal guidewire and catheter-based techniques. The puncture was directed under rotational angiography cone-beam CT guidance to re-enter the abdominal aorta. Bare metallic stents 8-10 mm in diameter were deployed in the common iliac artery, and followed by balloon dilation. Ten patients (9 male; median age, 75 years) were included in our investigation. The average occlusion length was 10.2 cm (range, 4-15 cm). According to the Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) II classification, there were five patients each with Class B and D lesions. Successful re-entry was achieved in all patients without procedure-related complications. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) values increased from 0.38-0.79 to 0.75-1.28 after the procedure. Imaging follow-up (> 6 months) was available in six patients with patency of all stented iliac artery. Thereafter, no complaints of recurrent clinical symptoms occurred during the follow-up period. The use of Colapinto TIPS needle, especially under cone-beam CT image guidance, appears to be safe and effective to re-enter the true lumen in a subintimal angioplasty for a difficult chronic total iliac occlusion. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC.

  6. SU-F-J-205: Effect of Cone Beam Factor On Cone Beam CT Number Accuracy

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yao, W; Hua, C; Farr, J

    Purpose: To examine the suitability of a Catphan™ 700 phantom for image quality QA of a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) system deployed for proton therapy. Methods: Catphan phantoms, particularly Catphan™ 504, are commonly used in image quality QA for CBCT. As a newer product, Catphan™ 700 offers more tissue equivalent inserts which may be useful for generating the electron density – CT number curve for CBCT based treatment planning. The sensitometry-and-geometry module used in Catphan™ 700 is located at the end of the phantom and after the resolution line pair module. In Catphan™ 504 the line pair module ismore » located at the end of the phantom and after the sensitometry-and-geometry module. To investigate the effect of difference in location on CT number accuracy due to the cone beam factor, we scanned the Catphan™ 700 with the central plane of CBCT at the center of the phantom, line pair and sensitometry-andgeometry modules of the phantom, respectively. The protocol head and thorax scan modes were used. For each position, scans were repeated 4 times. Results: For the head scan mode, the standard deviation (SD) of the CT numbers of each insert under 4 repeated scans was up to 20 HU, 11 HU, and 11 HU, respectively, for the central plane of CBCT located at the center of the phantom, line pair, and sensitometry-and-geometry modules of the phantom. The mean of the SD was 9.9 HU, 5.7 HU, and 5.9 HU, respectively. For the thorax mode, the mean of the SD was 4.5 HU, 4.4 HU, and 4.4 HU, respectively. The assessment of image quality based on resolution and spatial linearity was not affected by imaging location changes. Conclusion: When the Catphan™ 700 was aligned to the center of imaging region, the CT number accuracy test may not meet expectations. We recommend reconfiguration of the modules.« less

  7. C-arm cone-beam CT-guided transthoracic lung core needle biopsy as a standard diagnostic tool: an observational study.

    PubMed

    Jaconi, Marta; Pagni, Fabio; Vacirca, Francesco; Leni, Davide; Corso, Rocco; Cortinovis, Diego; Bidoli, Paolo; Bono, Francesca; Cuttin, Maria S; Valente, Maria G; Pesci, Alberto; Bedini, Vittorio A; Leone, Biagio E

    2015-03-01

    C-arm cone-beam computed tomography (CT)-guided transthoracic lung core needle biopsy (CNB) is a safe and accurate procedure for the evaluation of patients with pulmonary nodules. This article will focus on the clinical features related to CNB in terms of diagnostic performance and complication rate. Moreover, the concept of categorizing pathological diagnosis into 4 categories, which could be used for clinical management, follow-up, and quality assurance is also introduced. We retrospectively collected data regarding 375 C-arm cone-beam CT-guided CNBs from January 2010 and June 2014. Clinical and radiological variables were evaluated in terms of success or failure rate. Pathological reports were inserted in 4 homogenous groups (nondiagnostic--L1, benign--L2, malignant not otherwise specified--L3, and malignant with specific histotype--L4), defining for each category a hierarchy of suggested actions. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value and accuracy for patients subjected to CNBs were of 96.8%, 100%, 100%, 100%, and 97.2%, respectively. Roughly 75% of our samples were diagnosed as malignant, with 60% lung adenocarcinoma diagnoses. Molecular analyses were performed on 85 malignant samples to verify applicability of targeted therapy. The rate of "nondiagnostic" samples was 12%. C-arm cone-beam CT-guided transthoracic lung CNB can represent the gold standard for the diagnostic evaluation of pulmonary nodules. A clinical and pathological multidisciplinary evaluation of CNBs was needed in terms of integration of radiological, histological, and oncological data. This approach provided exceptional performances in terms of specificity, positive and negative predictive values; sensitivity in our series was lower compared with other large studies, probably due to the application of strong criteria of adequacy for CNBs (L1 class rate). The satisfactory rate of collected material was evaluated not only in terms of merely diagnostic performances but also for predictive results by molecular analysis.

  8. WE-G-18A-06: Sinogram Restoration in Helical Cone-Beam CT

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Little, K; Riviere, P La

    2014-06-15

    Purpose: To extend CT sinogram restoration, which has been shown in 2D to reduce noise and to correct for geometric effects and other degradations at a low computational cost, from 2D to a 3D helical cone-beam geometry. Methods: A method for calculating sinogram degradation coefficients for a helical cone-beam geometry was proposed. These values were used to perform penalized-likelihood sinogram restoration on simulated data that were generated from the FORBILD thorax phantom. Sinogram restorations were performed using both a quadratic penalty and the edge-preserving Huber penalty. After sinogram restoration, Fourier-based analytical methods were used to obtain reconstructions. Resolution-variance trade-offs weremore » investigated for several locations within the reconstructions for the purpose of comparing sinogram restoration to no restoration. In order to compare potential differences, reconstructions were performed using different groups of neighbors in the penalty, two analytical reconstruction methods (Katsevich and single-slice rebinning), and differing helical pitches. Results: The resolution-variance properties of reconstructions restored using sinogram restoration with a Huber penalty outperformed those of reconstructions with no restoration. However, the use of a quadratic sinogram restoration penalty did not lead to an improvement over performing no restoration at the outer regions of the phantom. Application of the Huber penalty to neighbors both within a view and across views did not perform as well as only applying the penalty to neighbors within a view. General improvements in resolution-variance properties using sinogram restoration with the Huber penalty were not dependent on the reconstruction method used or the magnitude of the helical pitch. Conclusion: Sinogram restoration for noise and degradation effects for helical cone-beam CT is feasible and should be able to be applied to clinical data. When applied with the edge-preserving Huber penalty, sinogram restoration leads to an improvement in resolution-variance tradeoffs.« less

  9. Monoenergetic source of kilodalton ions from Taylor cones of ionic liquids

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Larriba, C.; Castro, S.; Fernandez de la Mora, J.

    2007-04-15

    The ionic liquid ion sources (ILISs) recently introduced by Lozano and Martinez Sanchez [J. Colloid Interface Sci. 282, 415 (2005)], based on electrochemically etched tungsten tips as emitters for Taylor cones of ionic liquids (ILs), have been tested with ionic liquids [A{sup +}B{sup -}] of increasing molecular weight and viscosity. These ILs have electrical conductivities well below 1 S/m and were previously thought to be unsuitable to operate in the purely ionic regime because their Taylor cones produce mostly charged drops from conventional capillary tube sources. Strikingly, all the ILs tried on ILIS form charged beams composed exclusively of smallmore » ions and cluster ions A{sup +}(AB){sub n} or B{sup -}(AB){sub n}, with abundances generally peaking at n=1. Particularly interesting are the positive and negative ion beams produced from the room temperature molten salts 1-methyl-3-pentylimidazolium tris(pentafluoroethyl) trifluorophosphate (C{sub 5}MI-(C{sub 2}F{sub 5}){sub 3}PF{sub 3}) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(pentafluoroethyl) sulfonylimide (EMI-(C{sub 2}F{sub 5}SO{sub 3}){sub 2}N). We extend to these heavier species the previous conclusions from Lozano and Martinez Sanchez on the narrow energy distributions of the ion beams. In combination with suitable ILs, this source yields nanoamphere currents of positive and negative monoenergetic molecular ions with masses exceeding 2000 amu. Potential applications are in biological secondary ion mass spectrometry, chemically assisted high-resolution ion beam etching, and electrical propulsion. Advantages of the ILISs versus similar liquid metal ion sources include the possibility to form negative as well as positive ion beams and a much wider range of ion compositions and molecular masses.« less

  10. The feasibility of polychromatic cone-beam x-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) imaging of gold nanoparticle-loaded objects: a Monte Carlo study.

    PubMed

    Jones, Bernard L; Cho, Sang Hyun

    2011-06-21

    A recent study investigated the feasibility to develop a bench-top x-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) system capable of determining the spatial distribution and concentration of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in vivo using a diagnostic energy range polychromatic (i.e. 110 kVp) pencil-beam source. In this follow-up study, we examined the feasibility of a polychromatic cone-beam implementation of XFCT by Monte Carlo (MC) simulations using the MCNP5 code. In the current MC model, cylindrical columns with various sizes (5-10 mm in diameter) containing water loaded with GNPs (0.1-2% gold by weight) were inserted into a 5 cm diameter cylindrical polymethyl methacrylate phantom. The phantom was then irradiated by a lead-filtered 110 kVp x-ray source, and the resulting gold fluorescence and Compton-scattered photons were collected by a series of energy-sensitive tallies after passing through lead parallel-hole collimators. A maximum-likelihood iterative reconstruction algorithm was implemented to reconstruct the image of GNP-loaded objects within the phantom. The effects of attenuation of both the primary beam through the phantom and the gold fluorescence photons en route to the detector were corrected during the image reconstruction. Accurate images of the GNP-containing phantom were successfully reconstructed for three different phantom configurations, with both spatial distribution and relative concentration of GNPs well identified. The pixel intensity of regions containing GNPs was linearly proportional to the gold concentration. The current MC study strongly suggests the possibility of developing a bench-top, polychromatic, cone-beam XFCT system for in vivo imaging.

  11. Setup errors and effectiveness of Optical Laser 3D Surface imaging system (Sentinel) in postoperative radiotherapy of breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Wei, Xiaobo; Liu, Mengjiao; Ding, Yun; Li, Qilin; Cheng, Changhai; Zong, Xian; Yin, Wenming; Chen, Jie; Gu, Wendong

    2018-05-08

    Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) plus postoperative radiotherapy has become the standard treatment for early-stage breast cancer. The aim of this study was to compare the setup accuracy of optical surface imaging by the Sentinel system with cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) imaging currently used in our clinic for patients received BCS. Two optical surface scans were acquired before and immediately after couch movement correction. The correlation between the setup errors as determined by the initial optical surface scan and CBCT was analyzed. The deviation of the second optical surface scan from the reference planning CT was considered an estimate for the residual errors for the new method for patient setup correction. The consequences in terms for necessary planning target volume (PTV) margins for treatment sessions without setup correction applied. We analyzed 145 scans in 27 patients treated for early stage breast cancer. The setup errors of skin marker based patient alignment by optical surface scan and CBCT were correlated, and the residual setup errors as determined by the optical surface scan after couch movement correction were reduced. Optical surface imaging provides a convenient method for improving the setup accuracy for breast cancer patient without unnecessary imaging dose.

  12. Nerve damage assessment following implant placement in human cadaver jaws: an ex vivo comparative study.

    PubMed

    Murat, Sema; Kamburoğlu, Kıvanç; Kılıç, Cenk; Ozen, Tuncer; Gurbuz, Ayhan

    2014-02-01

    The present study compared the use of cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) images and intra-oral radiographs in the placement of final implant drills in terms of nerve damage to cadaver mandibles. Twelve cadaver hemimandibles obtained from 6 cadavers were used. Right hemimandibles were imaged using peri-apical radiography and left hemimandibles using CBCT, and the images obtained were used in treatment planning for the placement of implant drills (22 for each modality, for a total of 44 final drills). Specimens were dissected, and the distances between the apex of the final implant drill and the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle and incisive nerve were measured using a digital calliper. Nerves were assessed as damaged or not damaged, and the Chi-square test was used to compare nerve damage between modalities (P < 0.05). Nerve damage occurred with 7 final drills placed based on peri-apical radiography (31.8%) and 1 final drill placed using CBCT images (4.5%). The difference in nerve damage between imaging modalities was statistically significant (P = 0.023), with CBCT outperforming intraoral film in the placement of final implant drills ex vivo. In order to prevent nerve damage, CBCT is recommended as the principal imaging modality for pre-implant assessment.

  13. Airway growth and development: a computerized 3-dimensional analysis.

    PubMed

    Schendel, Stephen A; Jacobson, Richard; Khalessi, Sadri

    2012-09-01

    The present study was undertaken to investigate the changes in the normal upper airway during growth and development using 3-dimensional computer analysis from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data to provide a normative reference. The airway size and respiratory mode are known to have a relationship to facial morphology and the development of a malocclusion. The use of CBCT, 3-dimensional imaging, and automated computer analysis in treatment planning allows the upper airway to be precisely evaluated. In the present study, we evaluated the growth of the airway using 3-dimensional analysis and CBCT data from age 6 through old age, in 1300 normal individuals. The airway size and length increase until age 20 at which time a variable period of stability occurs. Next, the airway at first decreases slowly in size and then, after age 40, more rapidly. Normative data are provided in the present study for age groups from 6 to 60 years in relation to the airway total volume, smallest cross-sectional area and vertical length of the airway. This 3-dimensional data of the upper airway will provide a normative reference as an aid in the early understanding of respiration and dentofacial anatomy, which will help in early treatment planning. Copyright © 2012 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Localized ridge defect augmentation using human pericardium membrane and demineralized bone matrix.

    PubMed

    Vidyadharan, Arun Kumar; Ravindran, Anjana

    2014-01-01

    Patient wanted to restore her lost teeth with implants in the lower left first molar and second premolar region. Cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) revealed inadequate bone width and height around future implant sites. The extraction socket of second premolar area revealed inadequate socket healing with sparse bone fill after 4 months of extraction. To evaluate the clinical feasibility of using a collagen physical resorbable barrier made of human pericardium (HP) to augment localized alveolar ridge defects for the subsequent placement of dental implants. Ridge augmentation was done in the compromised area using Puros® demineralized bone matrix (DBM) Putty with chips and an HP allograft membrane. Horizontal (width) and vertical hard tissue measurements with CBCT were recorded on the day of ridge augmentation surgery, 4 month and 7 months follow-up. Intra oral periapical taken 1 year after implant installation showed minimal crestal bone loss. Bone volume achieved through guided bone regeneration was a gain of 4.8 mm horizontally (width) and 6.8 mm vertically in the deficient ridge within a period of 7 months following the procedure. The results suggested that HP Allograft membrane may be a suitable component for augmentation of localized alveolar ridge defects in conjunction with DBM with bone chips.

  15. Endoscopically assisted tunnel approach for minimally invasive corticotomies: a preliminary report.

    PubMed

    Hernández-Alfaro, Federico; Guijarro-Martínez, Raquel

    2012-05-01

    The dental community has expressed low acceptance of traditional corticotomy techniques for corticotomy-facilitated orthodontics. These procedures are time consuming, entail substantial postoperative morbidity and periodontal risks, and are often perceived as highly invasive. A total of 114 interdental sites were treated in nine consecutive patients. Under local anesthesia, a tunnel approach requiring one to three vertical incisions per arch (depending on the targeted teeth) was used. Piezosurgical corticotomies and elective bone augmentation procedures were performed under endoscopic assistance. Postoperative cone-beam computerized tomography evaluation was used to confirm adequate corticotomy depth. Procedures were completed in a mean time of 26 minutes. Follow-up evaluations revealed no loss of tooth vitality, no changes in periodontal probing depth, good preservation of the papillae, and no gingival recession. No evidence of crestal bone height reduction or apical root resorption was detected. The tunnel approach minimizes soft-tissue debridement and permits effective cortical cuts. The combination of piezosurgery technique with endoscopic assistance provides a quick, reliable means to design and perform these corticotomies while maximizing root integrity preservation. Moreover, the sites needing bone augmentation are selected under direct vision. Compared to traditional corticotomies, this procedure has manifest advantages in surgical time, technical complexity, patient morbidity, and periodontium preservation.

  16. Ridge expansion and immediate placement with piezosurgery and screw expanders in atrophic maxillary sites: two case reports.

    PubMed

    Kelly, Andrew; Flanagan, Dennis

    2013-02-01

    Endosseous dental implants may require bone augmentation before implant placement. Herein is described an approach to edentulous ridge expansion with the use of piezosurgery and immediate placement of implants. This may allow for a shortened treatment time and the elimination of donor-site morbidity. Two cases are reported. This technique uses a piezoelectric device to cut the crestal and proximal facial cortices. Space is then created with motorized osteotomes to widen the split ridge. This technique allows for expansion of narrow, anatomically limiting, atrophic ridges, creating space for immediate implant placement. The facial and lingual cortices provide support with vital osteocytes for osteogenesis. The 2 patients presented had adequate bone height for implant placement but narrow edentulous ridges. In patient 1 at site #11, the ridge crest was 3.12 mm thick and was expanded to accept a 4.3 mm × 13 mm implant. The resulting ridge width was 8.88 mm, which was verified using cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT). In patient 2 at site #8 and site #9, the narrow ridge was expanded using the same technique to accept 2 adjacent 3.5 mm × 14 mm implants. The implants were restored to a functional and esthetic outcome.

  17. SPS phase control system performance via analytical simulation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lindsey, W. C.; Kantak, A. V.; Chie, C. M.; Booth, R. W. D.

    1979-01-01

    A solar power satellite transmission system which incorporates automatic beam forming, steering, and phase control is discussed. The phase control concept centers around the notation of an active retrodirective phased array as a means of pointing the beam to the appropriate spot on Earth. The transmitting antenna (spacetenna) directs the high power beam so that it focuses on the ground-based receiving antenna (rectenna). A combination of analysis and computerized simulation was conducted to determine the far field performance of the reference distribution system, and the beam forming and microwave power generating systems.

  18. Three-Dimensional Weighting in Cone Beam FBP Reconstruction and Its Transformation Over Geometries.

    PubMed

    Tang, Shaojie; Huang, Kuidong; Cheng, Yunyong; Niu, Tianye; Tang, Xiangyang

    2018-06-01

    With substantially increased number of detector rows in multidetector CT (MDCT), axial scan with projection data acquired along a circular source trajectory has become the method-of-choice in increasing clinical applications. Recognizing the practical relevance of image reconstruction directly from the projection data acquired in the native cone beam (CB) geometry, especially in scenarios wherein the most achievable in-plane resolution is desirable, we present a three-dimensional (3-D) weighted CB-FBP algorithm in such geometry in this paper. We start the algorithm's derivation in the cone-parallel geometry. Via changing of variables, taking the Jacobian into account and making heuristic and empirical assumptions, we arrive at the formulas for 3-D weighted image reconstruction in the native CB geometry. Using the projection data simulated by computer and acquired by an MDCT scanner, we evaluate and verify performance of the proposed algorithm for image reconstruction directly from projection data acquired in the native CB geometry. The preliminary data show that the proposed algorithm performs as well as the 3-D weighted CB-FBP algorithm in the cone-parallel geometry. The proposed algorithm is anticipated to find its utility in extensive clinical and preclinical applications wherein the reconstruction of images in the native CB geometry, i.e., the geometry for data acquisition, is of relevance.

  19. The Multi-Messenger Approach to High Energy Gamma-Ray Sources

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Harding, Alice K.

    2006-01-01

    Recent studies of the shape and polarization of pulse profiles of young radio pulsars have provided evidence that their radio emission originates in wide cone beams at altitudes that are a significant fraction (1 -10%) of their light cylinder radius. Supporting evidence also comes from the relatively high rate of detection of radio pulsars in young supernova remnants. Such wide radio emission beams will be visible at a much larger range of observer angles than the narrow core components thought to originate at lower altitude and would make young, radio-quiet gamma-ray pulsars more of a rarity than previously thought. Radio emission at high altitudes will also have enhanced distortions due to aberration, retardation and caustics. Using 3D geometrical modeling that includes relativistic effects from pulsar rotation, we study the visibility of such radio cone beams as well as that of the gamma-ray beams predicted by polar cap, slot gap and outer gap models. From the results of this study one can obtain revised predictions for the fraction of Geminga-like, radio quiet pulsars present in the gamma-ray pulsar population.

  20. CT scan (image)

    MedlinePlus

    CT stands for computerized tomography. In this procedure, a thin X-ray beam is rotated around the ... D image of a section through the body. CT scans are very detailed and provide excellent information ...

  1. Head CT (image)

    MedlinePlus

    CT stands for computerized tomography. In this procedure, a thin X-ray beam is rotated around the ... D image of a section through the body. CT scans are very detailed and provide excellent information ...

  2. Endodontic management of maxillary third molar with MB2 (Vertucci type IV) canal configuration diagnosed with Cone Beam Computed Tomography - a case report.

    PubMed

    Jain, Pradeep; Patni, Pallav; Yogesh, Pant; Anup, Vyas

    2017-01-01

    The endodontic treatment of maxillary third molar often poses a challenge even to an experienced endodontist because of their most posterior location in the dental arch, aberrant occlusal anatomy, abnormal root canal configuration and eruption patterns. Owing to these anatomical limitations, their extraction remains the treatment of choice for many clinicians. As we know, retaining every functional component of the dental arch is of prime importance in contemporary dental practice. This clinical case report aims to discuss the endodontic treatment of maxillary third molar with MB2 root canal separated throughout the length and exit at two separate apical foramina (Vertucci type IV) diagnosed with Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)..

  3. Three-dimensional imaging modalities in endodontics

    PubMed Central

    Mao, Teresa

    2014-01-01

    Recent research in endodontics has highlighted the need for three-dimensional imaging in the clinical arena as well as in research. Three-dimensional imaging using computed tomography (CT) has been used in endodontics over the past decade. Three types of CT scans have been studied in endodontics, namely cone-beam CT, spiral CT, and peripheral quantitative CT. Contemporary endodontics places an emphasis on the use of cone-beam CT for an accurate diagnosis of parameters that cannot be visualized on a two-dimensional image. This review discusses the role of CT in endodontics, pertaining to its importance in the diagnosis of root canal anatomy, detection of peri-radicular lesions, diagnosis of trauma and resorption, presurgical assessment, and evaluation of the treatment outcome. PMID:25279337

  4. Observation of hohlraum-wall motion with spectrally selective x-ray imaging at the National Ignition Facility

    DOE PAGES

    Izumi, N.; Meezan, N. B.; Divol, L.; ...

    2016-08-12

    The high fuel capsule compression required for indirect drive inertial confinement fusion (ICF) requires careful control of the X-raydrive symmetry throughout the laser pulse. When the outer cone beams strike the hohlraum wall, the plasma ablated off the hohlraum wall expands into the hohlraum and can alter both the outer and inner cone beam propagation and hencethe X-raydrive symmetry especially at thefinal stage of the drive pulse. In order to quantitatively understand the wall motion, we developed a new experimental technique which visualizes the expansion and stagnation of the hohlraum wall plasma. Finally, we discuss details of the experiment andmore » the technique of spectrally selectivex-ray imaging.« less

  5. Exact BPF and FBP algorithms for nonstandard saddle curves

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yu Hengyong; Zhao Shiying; Ye Yangbo

    2005-11-15

    A hot topic in cone-beam CT research is exact cone-beam reconstruction from a general scanning trajectory. Particularly, a nonstandard saddle curve attracts attention, as this construct allows the continuous periodic scanning of a volume-of-interest (VOI). Here we evaluate two algorithms for reconstruction from data collected along a nonstandard saddle curve, which are in the filtered backprojection (FBP) and backprojection filtration (BPF) formats, respectively. Both the algorithms are implemented in a chord-based coordinate system. Then, a rebinning procedure is utilized to transform the reconstructed results into the natural coordinate system. The simulation results demonstrate that the FBP algorithm produces better imagemore » quality than the BPF algorithm, while both the algorithms exhibit similar noise characteristics.« less

  6. Observation of hohlraum-wall motion with spectrally selective x-ray imaging at the National Ignition Facility

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Izumi, N., E-mail: izumi2@llnl.gov; Meezan, N. B.; Divol, L.

    The high fuel capsule compression required for indirect drive inertial confinement fusion requires careful control of the X-ray drive symmetry throughout the laser pulse. When the outer cone beams strike the hohlraum wall, the plasma ablated off the hohlraum wall expands into the hohlraum and can alter both the outer and inner cone beam propagations and hence the X-ray drive symmetry especially at the final stage of the drive pulse. To quantitatively understand the wall motion, we developed a new experimental technique which visualizes the expansion and stagnation of the hohlraum wall plasma. Details of the experiment and the techniquemore » of spectrally selective x-ray imaging are discussed.« less

  7. Observation of hohlraum-wall motion with spectrally selective x-ray imaging at the National Ignition Facility

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Izumi, N.; Meezan, N. B.; Divol, L.

    The high fuel capsule compression required for indirect drive inertial confinement fusion (ICF) requires careful control of the X-raydrive symmetry throughout the laser pulse. When the outer cone beams strike the hohlraum wall, the plasma ablated off the hohlraum wall expands into the hohlraum and can alter both the outer and inner cone beam propagation and hencethe X-raydrive symmetry especially at thefinal stage of the drive pulse. In order to quantitatively understand the wall motion, we developed a new experimental technique which visualizes the expansion and stagnation of the hohlraum wall plasma. Finally, we discuss details of the experiment andmore » the technique of spectrally selectivex-ray imaging.« less

  8. Projection matrix acquisition for cone-beam computed tomography iterative reconstruction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Fuqiang; Zhang, Dinghua; Huang, Kuidong; Shi, Wenlong; Zhang, Caixin; Gao, Zongzhao

    2017-02-01

    Projection matrix is an essential and time-consuming part in computed tomography (CT) iterative reconstruction. In this article a novel calculation algorithm of three-dimensional (3D) projection matrix is proposed to quickly acquire the matrix for cone-beam CT (CBCT). The CT data needed to be reconstructed is considered as consisting of the three orthogonal sets of equally spaced and parallel planes, rather than the individual voxels. After getting the intersections the rays with the surfaces of the voxels, the coordinate points and vertex is compared to obtain the index value that the ray traversed. Without considering ray-slope to voxel, it just need comparing the position of two points. Finally, the computer simulation is used to verify the effectiveness of the algorithm.

  9. Long-term follow-up of two patients with oligocone trichromacy.

    PubMed

    Smirnov, Vasily; Drumare, Isabelle; Bouacha, Ikram; Puech, Bernard; Defoort-Dhellemmes, Sabine

    2015-10-01

    Oligocone trichromacy (OT) is an uncommon cone dysfunction disorder, the mechanism of which remains poorly understood. OT has been thought to be non-progressive, but its long-term visual outcome has been seldom reported in the literature. Our aim was to present two OT patients followed at our institution over 18 years. Complete ocular examination, color vision, visual fields, and full-field electroretinography (ERG) were performed at initial presentation and follow-up. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed during follow-up when available at our institution. Initial ocular examination showed satisfactory visual acuities with normal fundus examination and near-to-normal color vision. However, computerized perimetry demonstrated a ring-shaped scotoma around fixation, and ERG showed a profound cone dysfunction. The discrepancy between preserved color vision and profound cone dysfunction leads to the diagnosis of OT. Subsequent follow-ups over 18 years showed subtle degradation of visual acuities along with progression of the myopia in both patients and slight worsening of color vision in one patient. Initial OCT revealed a focal interruption of the ellipsoid line along with decreased thickness of the perifoveal macula. Subsequent OCT imaging performed 2 years later did not show any macular changes. Although OT is known to be a non-progressive cone dysfunction, our results suggest that subtle degradation of the visual function might happen over time.

  10. SU-F-J-183: Interior Region-Of-Interest Tomography by Using Inverse Geometry System

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kim, K; Kim, D; Kang, S

    2016-06-15

    Purpose: The inverse geometry computed tomography (IGCT) composed of multiple source and small size detector has several merits such as reduction of scatter effect and large volumetric imaging within one rotation without cone-beam artifact, compared to conventional cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). By using this multi-source characteristics, we intend to present a selective and multiple interior region-of-interest (ROI) imaging method by using a designed source on-off sequence of IGCT. Methods: All of the IGCT sources are operated one by one sequentially, and each projection in the shape of narrow cone-beam covers its own partial volume of full field of view (FOV)more » determined from system geometry. Thus, through controlling multi source operation, limited irradiation within ROI is possible and selective radon space data for ROI imaging can be acquired without additional X-ray filtration. With this feature, we designed a source on-off sequence for multi ROI-IGCT imaging, and projections of ROI-IGCT were generated by using the on-off sequence. Multi ROI-IGCT images were reconstructed by using filtered back-projection algorithm. All these imaging process of our study has been performed by utilizing digital phantom and patient CT data. ROI-IGCT images of the phantom were compared to CBCT image and the phantom data for the image quality evaluation. Results: Image quality of ROI-IGCT was comparable to that of CBCT. However, the distal axial-plane from the FOV center, large cone-angle region, ROI-IGCT showed uniform image quality without significant cone-beam artifact contrary to CBCT. Conclusion: ROI-IGCT showed comparable image quality and has the capability to provide multi ROI image within a rotation. Projection of ROI-IGCT is performed by selective irradiation, hence unnecessary imaging dose to non-interest region can be reduced. In this regard, it seems to be useful for diagnostic or image guidance purpose in radiotherapy such as low dose target localization and patient alignment. This research was supported by the Mid-career Researcher Program through NRF funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning of Korea (NRF-2014R1A2A1A10050270) and by the Radiation Technology R&D program through the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning (No. 2013M2A2A7038291)« less

  11. Data consistency-driven scatter kernel optimization for x-ray cone-beam CT

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Changhwan; Park, Miran; Sung, Younghun; Lee, Jaehak; Choi, Jiyoung; Cho, Seungryong

    2015-08-01

    Accurate and efficient scatter correction is essential for acquisition of high-quality x-ray cone-beam CT (CBCT) images for various applications. This study was conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of using the data consistency condition (DCC) as a criterion for scatter kernel optimization in scatter deconvolution methods in CBCT. As in CBCT, data consistency in the mid-plane is primarily challenged by scatter, we utilized data consistency to confirm the degree of scatter correction and to steer the update in iterative kernel optimization. By means of the parallel-beam DCC via fan-parallel rebinning, we iteratively optimized the scatter kernel parameters, using a particle swarm optimization algorithm for its computational efficiency and excellent convergence. The proposed method was validated by a simulation study using the XCAT numerical phantom and also by experimental studies using the ACS head phantom and the pelvic part of the Rando phantom. The results showed that the proposed method can effectively improve the accuracy of deconvolution-based scatter correction. Quantitative assessments of image quality parameters such as contrast and structure similarity (SSIM) revealed that the optimally selected scatter kernel improves the contrast of scatter-free images by up to 99.5%, 94.4%, and 84.4%, and of the SSIM in an XCAT study, an ACS head phantom study, and a pelvis phantom study by up to 96.7%, 90.5%, and 87.8%, respectively. The proposed method can achieve accurate and efficient scatter correction from a single cone-beam scan without need of any auxiliary hardware or additional experimentation.

  12. SU-F-T-372: Surface and Peripheral Dose in Compensator-Based FFF Beam IMRT

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhang, D; Feygelman, V; Moros, E

    2016-06-15

    Purpose: Flattening filter free (FFF) beams produce higher dose rates. Combined with compensator IMRT techniques, the dose delivery for each beam can be much shorter compared to the flattened beam MLC-based or compensator-based IMRT. This ‘snap shot’ IMRT delivery is beneficial to patients for tumor motion management. Due to softer energy, surface doses in FFF beam treatment are usually higher than those from flattened beams. Because of less scattering due to no flattening filter, peripheral doses are usually lower in FFF beam treatment. However, in compensator-based IMRT using FFF beams, the compensator is in the beam pathway. Does it introducemore » beam hardening effects and scattering such that the surface dose is lower and peripheral dose is higher compared to FFF beam MLC-based IMRT? Methods: This study applied Monte Carlo techniques to investigate the surface and peripheral doses in compensator-based IMRT using FFF beams and compared it to the MLC-based IMRT using FFF beams and flattened beams. Besides various thicknesses of copper slabs to simulate various thicknesses of compensators, a simple cone-shaped compensator was simulated to mimic a clinical application. The dose distribution in water phantom by the cone-shaped compensator was then simulated by multiple MLC defined FFF and flattened beams with various openings. After normalized to Dmax, the surface and peripheral dose was compared between the FFF beam compensator-based IMRT and FFF/flattened beam MLC-based IMRT. Results: The surface dose at the central 0.5mm depth was close between the compensator and 6FFF MLC dose distributions, and about 8% (of Dmax) higher than the flattened 6MV MLC dose. At 8cm off axis at dmax, the peripheral dose between the 6FFF and flattened 6MV MLC demonstrated similar doses, while the compensator dose was about 1% higher. Conclusion: Compensator does not reduce the surface doses but slightly increases the peripheral doses due to scatter inside compensator.« less

  13. Ion beam sputtering of fluoropolymers. [etching polymer films and target surfaces

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sovey, J. S.

    1978-01-01

    Ion beam sputter processing rates as well as pertinent characteristics of etched targets and films are described. An argon ion beam source was used to sputter etch and deposit the fluoropolymers PTFE, FEP, and CTFE. Ion beam energy, current density, and target temperature were varied to examine effects on etch and deposition rates. The ion etched fluoropolymers yield cone or spire-like surface structures which vary depending upon the type of polymer, ion beam power density, etch time, and target temperature. Sputter target and film characteristics documented by spectral transmittance measurements, X-ray diffraction, ESCA, and SEM photomicrographs are included.

  14. Transport and spatial energy deposition of relativistic electrons in copper-doped fast ignition plasmas

    DOE PAGES

    Jarrott, L. C.; McGuffey, C.; Beg, F. N.; ...

    2017-10-24

    Fast electron transport and spatial energy deposition are investigated in integrated cone-guided Fast Ignition experiments by measuring fast electron induced copper K-shell emission using a copper tracer added to deuterated plastic shells with a geometrically reentrant gold cone. Experiments were carried out at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics on the OMEGA/OMEGA-EP Laser where the plastic shells were imploded using 54 of the 60 OMEGA60 beams (3ω, 20 kJ), while the high intensity OMEGA-EP (BL2) beam (1 ω, 10 ps, 500 J, I peak > 10 19 W/cm 2) was focused onto the inner cone tip. Here, a retrograde analysis usingmore » the hybrid-PIC electron transport code, ZUMA, is performed to examine the sensitivity of the copper Kα spatial profile on the laser-produced fast electrons, facilitating the optimization of new target point designs and laser configurations to improve the compressed core areal density by a factor of 4 and the fast electron energy coupling by a factor of 3.5.« less

  15. Towards the clinical implementation of iterative low-dose cone-beam CT reconstruction in image-guided radiation therapy: Cone/ring artifact correction and multiple GPU implementation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yan, Hao, E-mail: steve.jiang@utsouthwestern.edu, E-mail: xun.jia@utsouthwestern.edu; Shi, Feng; Jiang, Steve B.

    Purpose: Compressed sensing (CS)-based iterative reconstruction (IR) techniques are able to reconstruct cone-beam CT (CBCT) images from undersampled noisy data, allowing for imaging dose reduction. However, there are a few practical concerns preventing the clinical implementation of these techniques. On the image quality side, data truncation along the superior–inferior direction under the cone-beam geometry produces severe cone artifacts in the reconstructed images. Ring artifacts are also seen in the half-fan scan mode. On the reconstruction efficiency side, the long computation time hinders clinical use in image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). Methods: Image quality improvement methods are proposed to mitigate the conemore » and ring image artifacts in IR. The basic idea is to use weighting factors in the IR data fidelity term to improve projection data consistency with the reconstructed volume. In order to improve the computational efficiency, a multiple graphics processing units (GPUs)-based CS-IR system was developed. The parallelization scheme, detailed analyses of computation time at each step, their relationship with image resolution, and the acceleration factors were studied. The whole system was evaluated in various phantom and patient cases. Results: Ring artifacts can be mitigated by properly designing a weighting factor as a function of the spatial location on the detector. As for the cone artifact, without applying a correction method, it contaminated 13 out of 80 slices in a head-neck case (full-fan). Contamination was even more severe in a pelvis case under half-fan mode, where 36 out of 80 slices were affected, leading to poorer soft tissue delineation and reduced superior–inferior coverage. The proposed method effectively corrects those contaminated slices with mean intensity differences compared to FDK results decreasing from ∼497 and ∼293 HU to ∼39 and ∼27 HU for the full-fan and half-fan cases, respectively. In terms of efficiency boost, an overall 3.1 × speedup factor has been achieved with four GPU cards compared to a single GPU-based reconstruction. The total computation time is ∼30 s for typical clinical cases. Conclusions: The authors have developed a low-dose CBCT IR system for IGRT. By incorporating data consistency-based weighting factors in the IR model, cone/ring artifacts can be mitigated. A boost in computational efficiency is achieved by multi-GPU implementation.« less

  16. Cone Beam Computed Tomographic Evaluation of Mandibular Asymmetry in Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate.

    PubMed

    Paknahad, Maryam; Shahidi, Shoaleh; Bahrampour, Ehsan; Beladi, Amir Saied; Khojastepour, Leila

    2018-01-01

    Objective The purpose of the present study was to compare mandibular vertical asymmetry in patients with unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate and subjects with normal occlusion. Materials and Methods Cone beam computed tomography scans of three groups consisting of 20 patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate, 20 patients affected by bilateral cleft lip and palate, and a control group of 20 subjects with normal occlusion were analyzed for this study. Condylar, ramal, and condylar plus ramal asymmetry indices were measured for all subjects using the method of Habets et al. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to determine any significant differences between the groups for all indices at the 95% level of confidence. Results There were no significant differences regarding sex for all mandibular asymmetry indices in all three groups. All Asymmetry indices (condylar, ramal, and condylar plus ramal asymmetry) were significantly higher in the unilateral cleft group compared with the other two groups. Conclusion Cone beam computed tomography images showed that patients with cleft lip and palate suffered from mandibular asymmetry. Subjects with unilateral cleft lip and palate had a more asymmetric mandible compared with the bilateral cleft lip and palate and control groups. Therefore, the mandible appears to be the leading factor in facial asymmetry in subjects with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

  17. Evaluation of the resolving potency of a novel reconstruction filter on periodontal ligament space with dental cone-beam CT: a quantitative phantom study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Houno, Yuuki; Hishikawa, Toshimitsu; Gotoh, Ken-ichi; Naitoh, Munetaka; Ariji, Eiichiro; Kodera, Yoshie

    2014-03-01

    Diagnosis of the alveolar bone condition is important for the treatment planning of periodontal disease. Especially the determination of periodontal ligament space is the most important remark because it represents the periodontal tissue support for tooth retention. However, owing to the image blur of the current cone-beam CT (CBCT) imaging technique, the periodontal ligament space is difficult to visualize. In this study, we developed an original periodontal ligament phantom (PLP) and evaluated the image quality of simulated periodontal ligament space using a novel reconstruction filter for CBCT that emphasized high frequency component. PLP was composed from two resin blocks of different materials, the bone equivalent block and the dentine equivalent block. They were assembled to make continuously changing space from 0.0 to 1.0 millimeter that mimics periodontal ligament space. PLP was placed in water and the image was obtained by using Alphard-3030 dental cone-beam CT (Asahi Roentgen Industry Co., Ltd.). Then we reconstructed the projection data with a novel reconstruction filter. The axial images were compared with conventional reconstructed images. In novel filter reconstruction images, 0.4 millimeter of the space width was steadily detected by calculation of pixel value, on the other hand 0.6 millimeter was in conventional images. With our method, the resolving potency of conebeam CT images was improved.

  18. Evaluation of the accuracy of linear measurements on multi-slice and cone beam computed tomography scans to detect the mandibular canal during bilateral sagittal split osteotomy of the mandible.

    PubMed

    Freire-Maia, B; Machado, V deC; Valerio, C S; Custódio, A L N; Manzi, F R; Junqueira, J L C

    2017-03-01

    The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of linear measurements of the distance between the mandibular cortical bone and the mandibular canal using 64-detector multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). It was sought to evaluate the reliability of these examinations in detecting the mandibular canal for use in bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) planning. Eight dry human mandibles were studied. Three sites, corresponding to the lingula, the angle, and the body of the mandible, were selected. After the CT scans had been obtained, the mandibles were sectioned and the bone segments measured to obtain the actual measurements. On analysis, no statistically significant difference was found between the measurements obtained through MSCT and CBCT, or when comparing the measurements from these scans with the actual measurements. It is concluded that the images obtained by CT scan, both 64-detector multi-slice and cone beam, can be used to obtain accurate linear measurements to locate the mandibular canal for preoperative planning of BSSO. The ability to correctly locate the mandibular canal during BSSO will reduce the occurrence of neurosensory disturbances in the postoperative period. Copyright © 2016 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Evaluating the Amount of Tooth Movement and Root Resorption during Canine Retraction with Friction versus Frictionless Mechanics Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

    PubMed Central

    Makhlouf, Mohamed; Aboul–Ezz, Amr; Fayed, Mona Salah; Hafez, Hend

    2018-01-01

    BACKGROUND: The current study was carried out to compare the amount of tooth movement during canine retraction comparing two different retraction mechanics; friction mechanics represented by a NiTi closed coil spring versus frictionless mechanics represented by T - loop, and their effect on root resorption using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). METHOD: Ten patients were selected in a split-mouth study design that had a malocclusion that necessitates the extraction of maxillary first premolars and retraction of maxillary canines. The right maxillary canines were retracted using T - loops fabricated from 0.017 X 0.025 TMA wires. The left maxillary canines received NiTi coil spring with 150 gm of retraction force. Pre retraction and post retraction Cone Beam Computed Tomography were taken to evaluate the amount of tooth movement and root resorption using three-dimensional planes. RESULTS: T - loop side showed statistically significant higher mean anteroposterior measurement than NiTi coil spring side, indicating a lower amount of canine movement pre and post a canine retraction. Concerning the root resorption, there was no statistically significant change in the mean measurements of canine root length post retraction. CONCLUSION: The NiTi coil spring side showed more distal movement more than the T-loop side. Both retraction mechanics with controlled retraction force, do not cause root resorption. PMID:29531610

  20. Evaluating the Amount of Tooth Movement and Root Resorption during Canine Retraction with Friction versus Frictionless Mechanics Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

    PubMed

    Makhlouf, Mohamed; Aboul-Ezz, Amr; Fayed, Mona Salah; Hafez, Hend

    2018-02-15

    The current study was carried out to compare the amount of tooth movement during canine retraction comparing two different retraction mechanics; friction mechanics represented by a NiTi closed coil spring versus frictionless mechanics represented by T - loop, and their effect on root resorption using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Ten patients were selected in a split-mouth study design that had a malocclusion that necessitates the extraction of maxillary first premolars and retraction of maxillary canines. The right maxillary canines were retracted using T - loops fabricated from 0.017 X 0.025 TMA wires. The left maxillary canines received NiTi coil spring with 150 gm of retraction force. Pre retraction and post retraction Cone Beam Computed Tomography were taken to evaluate the amount of tooth movement and root resorption using three-dimensional planes. T - loop side showed statistically significant higher mean anteroposterior measurement than NiTi coil spring side, indicating a lower amount of canine movement pre and post a canine retraction. Concerning the root resorption, there was no statistically significant change in the mean measurements of canine root length post retraction. The NiTi coil spring side showed more distal movement more than the T-loop side. Both retraction mechanics with controlled retraction force, do not cause root resorption.

  1. Antioxidant capacity of synovial fluid in the temporomandibular joint correlated with radiological morphology of temporomandibular disorders.

    PubMed

    Ishimaru, Kyoko; Ohba, Seigo; Yoshimura, Hitoshi; Matsuda, Shinpei; Ishimaru, Jun-Ichi; Sano, Kazuo

    2015-02-01

    We investigated the correlation between the antioxidant capacity of synovial fluid and radiological findings of intra-articular structures in patients with disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). We recruited 21 patients (9 men and 12 women, aged 18-84 years of age) with such disorders, excluding myofascial pain and dysfunction syndrome, or other muscular disorders. The clinical variables recorded included age, sex, interincisal distance, and visual analogue pain scores (VAS). Radiological findings were obtained from diagnostic arthrogram and cone-beam computed tomography (CT). The antioxidant capacity of the synovial fluid was measured by chemiluminescence. Eleven patients were radiologically diagnosed with closed lock, and the remaining 10 with no closed lock. An anchored intra-articular disc was most often seen on cone-beam CT (n=19) followed by perforated disc (n=7), osteoarthrosis (n=7), and anterior disc displacement without reduction (n=5). Although there were no significant differences between antioxidant capacity and age, sex, VAS, or any findings on cone-beam CT, antioxidant capacity was significantly decreased in the patients with closed lock compared with those who did not have closed lock (p=0.02). The results suggest an association between the oxidative stress of the synovial fluid and closed-lock in disorders of the TMJ. Copyright © 2014 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Does cone beam CT actually ameliorate stab wound analysis in bone?

    PubMed

    Gaudio, D; Di Giancamillo, M; Gibelli, D; Galassi, A; Cerutti, E; Cattaneo, C

    2014-01-01

    This study aims at verifying the potential of a recent radiological technology, cone beam CT (CBCT), for the reproduction of digital 3D models which may allow the user to verify the inner morphology of sharp force wounds within the bone tissue. Several sharp force wounds were produced by both single and double cutting edge weapons on cancellous and cortical bone, and then acquired by cone beam CT scan. The lesions were analysed by different software (a DICOM file viewer and reverse engineering software). Results verified the limited performances of such technology for lesions made on cortical bone, whereas on cancellous bone reliable models were obtained, and the precise morphology within the bone tissues was visible. On the basis of such results, a method for differential diagnosis between cutmarks by sharp tools with a single and two cutting edges can be proposed. On the other hand, the metrical computerised analysis of lesions highlights a clear increase of error range for measurements under 3 mm. Metric data taken by different operators shows a strong dispersion (% relative standard deviation). This pilot study shows that the use of CBCT technology can improve the investigation of morphological stab wounds on cancellous bone. Conversely metric analysis of the lesions as well as morphological analysis of wound dimension under 3 mm do not seem to be reliable.

  3. Measurement of the spatially distributed temperature and soot loadings in a laminar diffusion flame using a Cone-Beam Tomography technique

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Huayong; Williams, Ben; Stone, Richard

    2014-01-01

    A new low-cost optical diagnostic technique, called Cone Beam Tomographic Three Colour Spectrometry (CBT-TCS), has been developed to measure the planar distributions of temperature, soot particle size, and soot volume fraction in a co-flow axi-symmetric laminar diffusion flame. The image of a flame is recorded by a colour camera, and then by using colour interpolation and applying a cone beam tomography algorithm, a colour map can be reconstructed that corresponds to a diametral plane. Look-up tables calculated using Planck's law and different scattering models are then employed to deduce the temperature, approximate average soot particle size and soot volume fraction in each voxel (volumetric pixel). A sensitivity analysis of the look-up tables shows that the results have a high temperature resolution but a relatively low soot particle size resolution. The assumptions underlying the technique are discussed in detail. Sample data from an ethylene laminar diffusion flame are compared with data in the literature for similar flames. The comparison shows very consistent temperature and soot volume fraction profiles. Further analysis indicates that the difference seen in comparison with published results are within the measurement uncertainties. This methodology is ready to be applied to measure 3D data by capturing multiple flame images from different angles for non-axisymmetric flame.

  4. Cone beam tomographic study of facial structures characteristics at rest and wide smile, and their correlation with the facial types.

    PubMed

    Martins, Luciana Flaquer; Vigorito, Julio Wilson

    2013-01-01

    To determine the characteristics of facial soft tissues at rest and wide smile, and their possible relation to the facial type. We analyzed a sample of forty-eight young female adults, aged between 19.10 and 40 years old, with a mean age of 30.9 years, who had balanced profile and passive lip seal. Cone beam computed tomographies were performed at rest and wide smile postures on the entire sample which was divided into three groups according to individual facial types. Soft tissue features analysis of the lips, nose, zygoma and chin were done in sagittal, axial and frontal axis tomographic views. No differences were observed in any of the facial type variables for the static analysis of facial structures at both rest and wide smile postures. Dynamic analysis showed that brachifacial types are more sensitive to movement, presenting greater sagittal lip contraction. However, the lip movement produced by this type of face results in a narrow smile, with smaller tooth exposure area when compared with other facial types. Findings pointed out that the position of the upper lip should be ahead of the lower lip, and the latter, ahead of the pogonion. It was also found that the facial type does not impact the positioning of these structures. Additionally, the use of cone beam computed tomography may be a valuable method to study craniofacial features.

  5. Orthodontic soft-tissue parameters: a comparison of cone-beam computed tomography and the 3dMD imaging system.

    PubMed

    Metzger, Tasha E; Kula, Katherine S; Eckert, George J; Ghoneima, Ahmed A

    2013-11-01

    Orthodontists rely heavily on soft-tissue analysis to determine facial esthetics and treatment stability. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the equivalence of soft-tissue measurements between the 3dMD imaging system (3dMD, Atlanta, Ga) and the segmented skin surface images derived from cone-beam computed tomography. Seventy preexisting 3dMD facial photographs and cone-beam computed tomography scans taken within minutes of each other for the same subjects were registered in 3 dimensions and superimposed using Vultus (3dMD) software. After reliability studies, 28 soft-tissue measurements were recorded with both imaging modalities and compared to analyze their equivalence. Intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess interexaminer and intraexaminer repeatability and agreement. Summary statistics were calculated for all measurements. To demonstrate equivalence of the 2 methods, the difference needed a 95% confidence interval contained entirely within the equivalence limits defined by the repeatability results. Statistically significant differences were reported for the vermilion height, mouth width, total facial width, mouth symmetry, soft-tissue lip thickness, and eye symmetry. There are areas of nonequivalence between the 2 imaging methods; however, the differences are clinically acceptable from the orthodontic point of view. Copyright © 2013 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Forest representation of vessels in cone-beam computed tomographic angiography.

    PubMed

    Chen, Zikuan; Ning, Ruola

    2005-01-01

    Cone-beam computed tomographic angiography (CBCTA) provides a fast three-dimensional (3D) vascular imaging modality, aiming at digitally representing the spatial vascular structure in an angiographic volume. Due to the finite coverage of cone-beam scan, as well as the volume cropping in volumetric image processing, an angiographic volume may fail to contain a whole vascular tree, but rather consist of a multitude of vessel segments or subtrees. As such, it is convenient to represent multitudinal components by a forest. The vessel tracking issue then becomes component characterization/identification in the forest. The forest representation brings several conveniences for vessel tracking: (1) to sort and count the vessels in an angiographic volume, for example, according to spatial occupancy and skeleton pathlength; (2) to single out a vessel and perform in situ 3D measurement and 3D visualization in the support space; (3) to delineate individual vessels from the original angiographic volume; and (4) to cull the forest by getting rid of non-vessels and small vessels. A 3D skeletonization is used to generate component skeletons. For tree construction from skeletons, we suggest a pathlength-based procedure, which lifts the restrictions of unit-width skeleton and root determination. We experimentally demonstrate the forest representation of a dog's carotid arteries in a CBCTA system. In principle, the forest representation is useful for managing vessels in both 2D angiographic images and 3D angiographic volumes.

  7. Cone beam computed tomography in paediatric dentistry: overview of recent literature.

    PubMed

    Aps, J K M

    2013-06-01

    The use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in paediatric dentistry has been mentioned in numerous publications and case reports. The indications for the use of CBCT in paediatric dentistry, however, have not yet been properly addressed. On the other hand, the three basic principles of radiation protection (justification, limitation and optimisation) should suffice. A review of the current literature was used to assess the indications and contra-indications for the use of CBCT in paediatric dentistry. Paramount is the fact that CBCT generates a higher effective dose to the tissues than traditional dental radiographic exposures do. The effective radiation dose should not be underestimated, especially not in children, who are much more susceptible to stochastic biological effects. The thyroid gland in particular should be kept out of the primary beam as much as possible. As with any other radiographical technique, routine use of CBCT is not acceptable clinical practice. CBCT certainly has a place in paediatric dentistry, but its use must be justified on a patient case individual basis.

  8. Kilovoltage energy imaging with a radiotherapy linac with a continuously variable energy range.

    PubMed

    Roberts, D A; Hansen, V N; Thompson, M G; Poludniowski, G; Niven, A; Seco, J; Evans, P M

    2012-03-01

    In this paper, the effect on image quality of significantly reducing the primary electron energy of a radiotherapy accelerator is investigated using a novel waveguide test piece. The waveguide contains a novel variable coupling device (rotovane), allowing for a wide continuously variable energy range of between 1.4 and 9 MeV suitable for both imaging and therapy. Imaging at linac accelerating potentials close to 1 MV was investigated experimentally and via Monte Carlo simulations. An imaging beam line was designed, and planar and cone beam computed tomography images were obtained to enable qualitative and quantitative comparisons with kilovoltage and megavoltage imaging systems. The imaging beam had an electron energy of 1.4 MeV, which was incident on a water cooled electron window consisting of stainless steel, a 5 mm carbon electron absorber and 2.5 mm aluminium filtration. Images were acquired with an amorphous silicon detector sensitive to diagnostic x-ray energies. The x-ray beam had an average energy of 220 keV and half value layer of 5.9 mm of copper. Cone beam CT images with the same contrast to noise ratio as a gantry mounted kilovoltage imaging system were obtained with doses as low as 2 cGy. This dose is equivalent to a single 6 MV portal image. While 12 times higher than a 100 kVp CBCT system (Elekta XVI), this dose is 140 times lower than a 6 MV cone beam imaging system and 6 times lower than previously published LowZ imaging beams operating at higher (4-5 MeV) energies. The novel coupling device provides for a wide range of electron energies that are suitable for kilovoltage quality imaging and therapy. The imaging system provides high contrast images from the therapy portal at low dose, approaching that of gantry mounted kilovoltage x-ray systems. Additionally, the system provides low dose imaging directly from the therapy portal, potentially allowing for target tracking during radiotherapy treatment. There is the scope with such a tuneable system for further energy reduction and subsequent improvement in image quality.

  9. Evaluation of lens absorbed dose with Cone Beam IGRT procedures.

    PubMed

    Palomo, R; Pujades, M C; Gimeno-Olmos, J; Carmona, V; Lliso, F; Candela-Juan, C; Vijande, J; Ballester, F; Perez-Calatayud, J

    2015-12-01

    The purpose of this work is to evaluate the absorbed dose to the eye lenses due to the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) system used to accurately position the patient during head-and-neck image guided procedures. The on-board imaging (OBI) systems (v.1.5) of Clinac iX and TrueBeam (Varian) accelerators were used to evaluate the imparted dose to the eye lenses and some additional points of the head. All CBCT scans were acquired with the Standard-Dose Head protocol from Varian. Doses were measured using thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs) placed in an anthropomorphic phantom. TLDs were calibrated at the beam quality used to reduce their energy dependence. Average dose to the lens due to the OBI systems of the Clinac iX and the TrueBeam were 0.71  ±  0.07 mGy/CBCT and 0.70  ±  0.08 mGy/CBCT, respectively. The extra absorbed dose received by the eye lenses due to one CBCT acquisition with the studied protocol is far below the 500 mGy threshold established by ICRP for cataract formation (ICRP 2011 Statement on Tissue Reactions). However, the incremental effect of several CBCT acquisitions during the whole treatment should be taken into account.

  10. Symmetry control in subscale near-vacuum hohlraums

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Turnbull, D.; Berzak Hopkins, L. F.; Le Pape, S.; Divol, L.; Meezan, N.; Landen, O. L.; Ho, D. D.; Mackinnon, A.; Zylstra, A. B.; Rinderknecht, H. G.; Sio, H.; Petrasso, R. D.; Ross, J. S.; Khan, S.; Pak, A.; Dewald, E. L.; Callahan, D. A.; Hurricane, O.; Hsing, W. W.; Edwards, M. J.

    2016-05-01

    Controlling the symmetry of indirect-drive inertial confinement fusion implosions remains a key challenge. Increasing the ratio of the hohlraum diameter to the capsule diameter (case-to-capsule ratio, or CCR) facilitates symmetry tuning. By varying the balance of energy between the inner and outer cones as well as the incident laser pulse length, we demonstrate the ability to tune from oblate, through round, to prolate at a CCR of 3.2 in near-vacuum hohlraums at the National Ignition Facility, developing empirical playbooks along the way for cone fraction sensitivity of various laser pulse epochs. Radiation-hydrodynamic simulations with enhanced inner beam propagation reproduce most experimental observables, including hot spot shape, for a majority of implosions. Specular reflections are used to diagnose the limits of inner beam propagation as a function of pulse length.

  11. A preliminary study on the use of FX-Glycine gel and an in-house optical cone beam CT readout for IMRT and RapidArc verification

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ravindran, Paul B.; Ebenezer, Suman Babu S.; Winfred, Michael Raj; Amalan, S.

    2017-05-01

    The radiochromic FX gel with Optical CT readout has been investigated by several authors and has shown promising results for 3D dosimetry. One of the applications of the gel dosimeters is their use in 3D dose verification for IMRT and RapidArc quality assurance. Though polymer gel has been used successfully for clinical dose verification, the use of FX gel for clinical dose verification with optical cone beam CT needs further validation. In this work, we have used FX gel and an in- house optical readout system for gamma analysis between the dose matrices of measured dose distribution and a treatment planning system (TPS) calculated dose distribution for a few test cases.

  12. Region of Interest Imaging for a General Trajectory with the Rebinned BPF Algorithm*

    PubMed Central

    Bian, Junguo; Xia, Dan; Sidky, Emil Y; Pan, Xiaochuan

    2010-01-01

    The back-projection-filtration (BPF) algorithm has been applied to image reconstruction for cone-beam configurations with general source trajectories. The BPF algorithm can reconstruct 3-D region-of-interest (ROI) images from data containing truncations. However, like many other existing algorithms for cone-beam configurations, the BPF algorithm involves a back-projection with a spatially varying weighting factor, which can result in the non-uniform noise levels in reconstructed images and increased computation time. In this work, we propose a BPF algorithm to eliminate the spatially varying weighting factor by using a rebinned geometry for a general scanning trajectory. This proposed BPF algorithm has an improved noise property, while retaining the advantages of the original BPF algorithm such as minimum data requirement. PMID:20617122

  13. Region of Interest Imaging for a General Trajectory with the Rebinned BPF Algorithm.

    PubMed

    Bian, Junguo; Xia, Dan; Sidky, Emil Y; Pan, Xiaochuan

    2010-02-01

    The back-projection-filtration (BPF) algorithm has been applied to image reconstruction for cone-beam configurations with general source trajectories. The BPF algorithm can reconstruct 3-D region-of-interest (ROI) images from data containing truncations. However, like many other existing algorithms for cone-beam configurations, the BPF algorithm involves a back-projection with a spatially varying weighting factor, which can result in the non-uniform noise levels in reconstructed images and increased computation time. In this work, we propose a BPF algorithm to eliminate the spatially varying weighting factor by using a rebinned geometry for a general scanning trajectory. This proposed BPF algorithm has an improved noise property, while retaining the advantages of the original BPF algorithm such as minimum data requirement.

  14. Endodontic Management of Maxillary First Molar With Two Palatal Canals Aided With Cone Beam Computed Tomography: A Case Report.

    PubMed

    Pamboo, Jaya; Hans, Manoj Kumar; Chander, Subhas; Sharma, Kapil

    2017-04-01

    The success of endodontic therapy is based on having sufficient endodontic access, correct cleaning and shaping, and adequate root canal obturation. However, endodontic treatment is also dependent on having a sound knowledge of the internal anatomy of human teeth, especially when anatomic variations are present. Reporting these alterations is important for improving the understanding and expertise of endodontists. The aim of this case report is to describe a unique case of maxillary first molar with 2 palatal canals within a single root, as confirmed by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. This article also reviews recent case reports of extra palatal root canals in the maxillary first molars and the role of CBCT analysis in successfully diagnosing them.

  15. Optical tractor Bessel polarized beams

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mitri, F. G.; Li, R. X.; Guo, L. X.; Ding, C. Y.

    2017-01-01

    Axial and transverse radiation force cross-sections of optical tractor Bessel polarized beams are theoretically investigated for a dielectric sphere with particular emphasis on the beam topological charge (or order), half-cone angle and polarization. The angular spectrum decomposition method (ASDM) is used to derive the non-paraxial electromagnetic (EM) field components of the Bessel beams. The multipole expansion method using vector spherical harmonics is utilized and appropriate beam-shape coefficients are derived in order to compute the radiation force cross-sections. The analysis has no limitation to a particular range of frequencies such that the Rayleigh, Mie or geometrical optics regimes can all be considered effectively using the present rigorous formalism. The focus of this investigation is to identify some of the tractor beam conditions so as to achieve retrograde motion of a dielectric sphere located arbitrarily in space. Numerical computations for the axial and transverse radiation force cross-sections are presented for linear, right-circular, radial, azimuthal and mixed polarizations of the individual plane waves forming the Bessel beams of zeroth- and first-order (with positive or negative helicity), respectively. As the sphere shifts off the beam's axis, the axial pulling (tractor) force is weakened. Moreover, the transverse radiation force cross-section field changes with the sphere's size factor ka (where k is the wavenumber and a is the sphere radius). Both stable and unstable equilibrium regions around the beam's axis are found, depending on the choice of ka and the half-cone angle α0. These results are particularly important in the development of emergent technologies for the photophoretic assembly of optically-engineered (meta)materials with designed properties using optical tractor (vortex) beams, particle manipulation, levitation and positioning, and other applications.

  16. Simulation study of core heating properties for recent FIREX-I experiments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Johzaki, Tomoyuki; Kai, Yusuke; Endo, Takuma; Nagatomo, Hideo; Sunahara, Atsushi; Sentoku, Yasuhiko; Taguchi, Toshihiro; Fujioka, Shinsuke; Shiraga, Hiroyuki; Azechi, Hiroshi; Firex Project Team

    2016-10-01

    The demonstration of efficient core heating is the main purpose of FIREX-I project, where Au cone-attached solid ball CD target is used. For the guiding of fast electron beam generated by relativistic laser plasma interactions, the kilo-Tesla-class longitudinal magnetic field is applied by a capacitor-coil target and kJ-class ns-durration high power laser. In addition, to reduce the collisional effect (energy loss and scattering of fast electrons) during propagation in the Au cone tip, we introduced opened-tip cone (tipless cone). To evaluate the core heating properties, we carried out the integrated simulations, which shows the enhancement of core heating efficiency due to the magnetic guiding and opened-tip cone by a factor of three. These simulation results will be shown and be compared with the experimental results. JSPS KAKENHI (26400532, 15H03758, 16H02245, 15K21767), NIFS Collaboration Research program (NIFS12KUGK05, NIFS14KNSS054), and FIREX project.

  17. Dose distribution for dental cone beam CT and its implication for defining a dose index

    PubMed Central

    Pauwels, R; Theodorakou, C; Walker, A; Bosmans, H; Jacobs, R; Horner, K; Bogaerts, R

    2012-01-01

    Objectives To characterize the dose distribution for a range of cone beam CT (CBCT) units, investigating different field of view sizes, central and off-axis geometries, full or partial rotations of the X-ray tube and different clinically applied beam qualities. The implications of the dose distributions on the definition and practicality of a CBCT dose index were assessed. Methods Dose measurements on CBCT devices were performed by scanning cylindrical head-size water and polymethyl methacrylate phantoms, using thermoluminescent dosemeters, a small-volume ion chamber and radiochromic films. Results It was found that the dose distribution can be asymmetrical for dental CBCT exposures throughout a homogeneous phantom, owing to an asymmetrical positioning of the isocentre and/or partial rotation of the X-ray source. Furthermore, the scatter tail along the z-axis was found to have a distinct shape, generally resulting in a strong drop (90%) in absorbed dose outside the primary beam. Conclusions There is no optimal dose index available owing to the complicated exposure geometry of CBCT and the practical aspects of quality control measurements. Practical validation of different possible dose indices is needed, as well as the definition of conversion factors to patient dose. PMID:22752320

  18. Assessment of phantom dosimetry and image quality of i-CAT FLX cone-beam computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Ludlow, John B; Walker, Cameron

    2013-12-01

    The increasing use of cone-beam computed tomography in orthodontics has been coupled with heightened concern about the long-term risks of x-ray exposure in orthodontic populations. An industry response to this has been to offer low-exposure alternative scanning options in newer cone-beam computed tomography models. Effective doses resulting from various combinations of field of view size and field location comparing child and adult anthropomorphic phantoms with the recently introduced i-CAT FLX cone-beam computed tomography unit (Imaging Sciences, Hatfield, Pa) were measured with optical stimulated dosimetry using previously validated protocols. Scan protocols included high resolution (360° rotation, 600 image frames, 120 kV[p], 5 mA, 7.4 seconds), standard (360°, 300 frames, 120 kV[p], 5 mA, 3.7 seconds), QuickScan (180°, 160 frames, 120 kV[p], 5 mA, 2 seconds), and QuickScan+ (180°, 160 frames, 90 kV[p], 3 mA, 2 seconds). Contrast-to-noise ratio was calculated as a quantitative measure of image quality for the various exposure options using the QUART DVT phantom. Child phantom doses were on average 36% greater than adult phantom doses. QuickScan+ protocols resulted in significantly lower doses than standard protocols for the child (P = 0.0167) and adult (P = 0.0055) phantoms. The 13 × 16-cm cephalometric fields of view ranged from 11 to 85 μSv in the adult phantom and 18 to 120 μSv in the child phantom for the QuickScan+ and standard protocols, respectively. The contrast-to-noise ratio was reduced by approximately two thirds when comparing QuickScan+ with standard exposure parameters. QuickScan+ effective doses are comparable with conventional panoramic examinations. Significant dose reductions are accompanied by significant reductions in image quality. However, this trade-off might be acceptable for certain diagnostic tasks such as interim assessment of treatment results. Copyright © 2013 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Prior image constrained image reconstruction in emerging computed tomography applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brunner, Stephen T.

    Advances have been made in computed tomography (CT), especially in the past five years, by incorporating prior images into the image reconstruction process. In this dissertation, we investigate prior image constrained image reconstruction in three emerging CT applications: dual-energy CT, multi-energy photon-counting CT, and cone-beam CT in image-guided radiation therapy. First, we investigate the application of Prior Image Constrained Compressed Sensing (PICCS) in dual-energy CT, which has been called "one of the hottest research areas in CT." Phantom and animal studies are conducted using a state-of-the-art 64-slice GE Discovery 750 HD CT scanner to investigate the extent to which PICCS can enable radiation dose reduction in material density and virtual monochromatic imaging. Second, we extend the application of PICCS from dual-energy CT to multi-energy photon-counting CT, which has been called "one of the 12 topics in CT to be critical in the next decade." Numerical simulations are conducted to generate multiple energy bin images for a photon-counting CT acquisition and to investigate the extent to which PICCS can enable radiation dose efficiency improvement. Third, we investigate the performance of a newly proposed prior image constrained scatter correction technique to correct scatter-induced shading artifacts in cone-beam CT, which, when used in image-guided radiation therapy procedures, can assist in patient localization, and potentially, dose verification and adaptive radiation therapy. Phantom studies are conducted using a Varian 2100 EX system with an on-board imager to investigate the extent to which the prior image constrained scatter correction technique can mitigate scatter-induced shading artifacts in cone-beam CT. Results show that these prior image constrained image reconstruction techniques can reduce radiation dose in dual-energy CT by 50% in phantom and animal studies in material density and virtual monochromatic imaging, can lead to radiation dose efficiency improvement in multi-energy photon-counting CT, and can mitigate scatter-induced shading artifacts in cone-beam CT in full-fan and half-fan modes.

  20. SU-E-I-10: Investigation On Detectability of a Small Target for Different Slice Direction of a Volumetric Cone Beam CT Image

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lee, C; Han, M; Baek, J

    Purpose: To investigate the detectability of a small target for different slice direction of a volumetric cone beam CT image and its impact on dose reduction. Methods: Analytic projection data of a sphere object (1 mm diameter, 0.2/cm attenuation coefficient) were generated and reconstructed by FDK algorithm. In this work, we compared the detectability of the small target from four different backprojection Methods: hanning weighted ramp filter with linear interpolation (RECON 1), hanning weighted ramp filter with Fourier interpolation (RECON2), ramp filter with linear interpolation (RECON 3), and ramp filter with Fourier interpolation (RECON4), respectively. For noise simulation, 200 photonsmore » per measurement were used, and the noise only data were reconstructed using FDK algorithm. For each reconstructed volume, axial and coronal slice were extracted and detection-SNR was calculated using channelized Hotelling observer (CHO) with dense difference-of-Gaussian (D-DOG) channels. Results: Detection-SNR of coronal images varies for different backprojection methods, while axial images have a similar detection-SNR. Detection-SNR{sup 2} ratios of coronal and axial images in RECON1 and RECON2 are 1.33 and 1.15, implying that the coronal image has a better detectability than axial image. In other words, using coronal slices for the small target detection can reduce the patient dose about 33% and 15% compared to using axial slices in RECON 1 and RECON 2. Conclusion: In this work, we investigated slice direction dependent detectability of a volumetric cone beam CT image. RECON 1 and RECON 2 produced the highest detection-SNR, with better detectability in coronal slices. These results indicate that it is more beneficial to use coronal slice to improve detectability of a small target in a volumetric cone beam CT image. This research was supported by the MSIP (Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning), Korea, under the IT Consilience Creative Program (NIPA-2014-H0201-14-1002) supervised by the NIPA (National IT Industry Promotion Agency). Authors declares that s/he has no conflict of Interest in relation to the work in this abstract.« less

  1. Motion compensation for cone-beam CT using Fourier consistency conditions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Berger, M.; Xia, Y.; Aichinger, W.; Mentl, K.; Unberath, M.; Aichert, A.; Riess, C.; Hornegger, J.; Fahrig, R.; Maier, A.

    2017-09-01

    In cone-beam CT, involuntary patient motion and inaccurate or irreproducible scanner motion substantially degrades image quality. To avoid artifacts this motion needs to be estimated and compensated during image reconstruction. In previous work we showed that Fourier consistency conditions (FCC) can be used in fan-beam CT to estimate motion in the sinogram domain. This work extends the FCC to 3\\text{D} cone-beam CT. We derive an efficient cost function to compensate for 3\\text{D} motion using 2\\text{D} detector translations. The extended FCC method have been tested with five translational motion patterns, using a challenging numerical phantom. We evaluated the root-mean-square-error and the structural-similarity-index between motion corrected and motion-free reconstructions. Additionally, we computed the mean-absolute-difference (MAD) between the estimated and the ground-truth motion. The practical applicability of the method is demonstrated by application to respiratory motion estimation in rotational angiography, but also to motion correction for weight-bearing imaging of knees. Where the latter makes use of a specifically modified FCC version which is robust to axial truncation. The results show a great reduction of motion artifacts. Accurate estimation results were achieved with a maximum MAD value of 708 μm and 1184 μm for motion along the vertical and horizontal detector direction, respectively. The image quality of reconstructions obtained with the proposed method is close to that of motion corrected reconstructions based on the ground-truth motion. Simulations using noise-free and noisy data demonstrate that FCC are robust to noise. Even high-frequency motion was accurately estimated leading to a considerable reduction of streaking artifacts. The method is purely image-based and therefore independent of any auxiliary data.

  2. Cone-beam CT image contrast and attenuation-map linearity improvement (CALI) for brain stereotactic radiosurgery procedures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hashemi, Sayed Masoud; Lee, Young; Eriksson, Markus; Nordström, Hâkan; Mainprize, James; Grouza, Vladimir; Huynh, Christopher; Sahgal, Arjun; Song, William Y.; Ruschin, Mark

    2017-03-01

    A Contrast and Attenuation-map (CT-number) Linearity Improvement (CALI) framework is proposed for cone-beam CT (CBCT) images used for brain stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). The proposed framework is used together with our high spatial resolution iterative reconstruction algorithm and is tailored for the Leksell Gamma Knife ICON (Elekta, Stockholm, Sweden). The incorporated CBCT system in ICON facilitates frameless SRS planning and treatment delivery. The ICON employs a half-cone geometry to accommodate the existing treatment couch. This geometry increases the amount of artifacts and together with other physical imperfections causes image inhomogeneity and contrast reduction. Our proposed framework includes a preprocessing step, involving a shading and beam-hardening artifact correction, and a post-processing step to correct the dome/capping artifact caused by the spatial variations in x-ray energy generated by bowtie-filter. Our shading correction algorithm relies solely on the acquired projection images (i.e. no prior information required) and utilizes filtered-back-projection (FBP) reconstructed images to generate a segmented bone and soft-tissue map. Ideal projections are estimated from the segmented images and a smoothed version of the difference between the ideal and measured projections is used in correction. The proposed beam-hardening and dome artifact corrections are segmentation free. The CALI was tested on CatPhan, as well as patient images acquired on the ICON system. The resulting clinical brain images show substantial improvements in soft contrast visibility, revealing structures such as ventricles and lesions which were otherwise un-detectable in FBP-reconstructed images. The linearity of the reconstructed attenuation-map was also improved, resulting in more accurate CT#.

  3. Correlation of outer nuclear layer thickness with cone density values in patients with retinitis pigmentosa and healthy subjects.

    PubMed

    Menghini, Moreno; Lujan, Brandon J; Zayit-Soudry, Shiri; Syed, Reema; Porco, Travis C; Bayabo, Kristine; Carroll, Joseph; Roorda, Austin; Duncan, Jacque L

    2014-12-16

    We studied the correlation between outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness and cone density in normal eyes and eyes with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans were acquired using a displaced pupil entry position of the scanning beam to distinguish Henle's fiber layer from the ONL in 20 normal eyes (10 subjects) and 12 eyes with RP (7 patients). Cone photoreceptors were imaged using adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. The ONL thickness and cone density were measured at 0.5° intervals along the horizontal meridian through the fovea nasally and temporally. The ONL thickness and cone density were correlated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient r. Cone densities averaged over the central 6° were lower in eyes with RP than normal, but showed high variability in both groups. The ONL thickness and cone density were significantly correlated when all retinal eccentricities were combined (r = 0.74); the correlation for regions within 0.5° to 1.5° eccentricity was stronger (r = 0.67) than between 1.5° and 3.0° eccentricity (r = 0.23). Although cone densities were lower between 0.5° and 1.5° in eyes with RP, ONL thickness measures at identical retinal locations were similar in the two groups (P = 0.31), and interindividual variation was high for ONL and cone density measures. Although ONL thickness and retinal eccentricity were important predictors of cone density, eccentricity was over 3 times more important. The ONL thickness and cone density were correlated in normal eyes and eyes with RP, but both were strongly correlated with retinal eccentricity, precluding estimation of cone density from ONL thickness. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00254605.). Copyright 2015 The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Inc.

  4. Correlation of Outer Nuclear Layer Thickness With Cone Density Values in Patients With Retinitis Pigmentosa and Healthy Subjects

    PubMed Central

    Menghini, Moreno; Lujan, Brandon J.; Zayit-Soudry, Shiri; Syed, Reema; Porco, Travis C.; Bayabo, Kristine; Carroll, Joseph; Roorda, Austin; Duncan, Jacque L.

    2015-01-01

    Purpose. We studied the correlation between outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness and cone density in normal eyes and eyes with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Methods. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans were acquired using a displaced pupil entry position of the scanning beam to distinguish Henle's fiber layer from the ONL in 20 normal eyes (10 subjects) and 12 eyes with RP (7 patients). Cone photoreceptors were imaged using adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. The ONL thickness and cone density were measured at 0.5° intervals along the horizontal meridian through the fovea nasally and temporally. The ONL thickness and cone density were correlated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient r. Results. Cone densities averaged over the central 6° were lower in eyes with RP than normal, but showed high variability in both groups. The ONL thickness and cone density were significantly correlated when all retinal eccentricities were combined (r = 0.74); the correlation for regions within 0.5° to 1.5° eccentricity was stronger (r = 0.67) than between 1.5° and 3.0° eccentricity (r = 0.23). Although cone densities were lower between 0.5° and 1.5° in eyes with RP, ONL thickness measures at identical retinal locations were similar in the two groups (P = 0.31), and interindividual variation was high for ONL and cone density measures. Although ONL thickness and retinal eccentricity were important predictors of cone density, eccentricity was over 3 times more important. Conclusions. The ONL thickness and cone density were correlated in normal eyes and eyes with RP, but both were strongly correlated with retinal eccentricity, precluding estimation of cone density from ONL thickness. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00254605.) PMID:25515570

  5. Binary moving-blocker-based scatter correction in cone-beam computed tomography with width-truncated projections: proof of concept.

    PubMed

    Lee, Ho; Fahimian, Benjamin P; Xing, Lei

    2017-03-21

    This paper proposes a binary moving-blocker (BMB)-based technique for scatter correction in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). In concept, a beam blocker consisting of lead strips, mounted in front of the x-ray tube, moves rapidly in and out of the beam during a single gantry rotation. The projections are acquired in alternating phases of blocked and unblocked cone beams, where the blocked phase results in a stripe pattern in the width direction. To derive the scatter map from the blocked projections, 1D B-Spline interpolation/extrapolation is applied by using the detected information in the shaded regions. The scatter map of the unblocked projections is corrected by averaging two scatter maps that correspond to their adjacent blocked projections. The scatter-corrected projections are obtained by subtracting the corresponding scatter maps from the projection data and are utilized to generate the CBCT image by a compressed-sensing (CS)-based iterative reconstruction algorithm. Catphan504 and pelvis phantoms were used to evaluate the method's performance. The proposed BMB-based technique provided an effective method to enhance the image quality by suppressing scatter-induced artifacts, such as ring artifacts around the bowtie area. Compared to CBCT without a blocker, the spatial nonuniformity was reduced from 9.1% to 3.1%. The root-mean-square error of the CT numbers in the regions of interest (ROIs) was reduced from 30.2 HU to 3.8 HU. In addition to high resolution, comparable to that of the benchmark image, the CS-based reconstruction also led to a better contrast-to-noise ratio in seven ROIs. The proposed technique enables complete scatter-corrected CBCT imaging with width-truncated projections and allows reducing the acquisition time to approximately half. This work may have significant implications for image-guided or adaptive radiation therapy, where CBCT is often used.

  6. SimDoseCT: dose reporting software based on Monte Carlo simulation for a 320 detector-row cone-beam CT scanner and ICRP computational adult phantoms

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cros, Maria; Joemai, Raoul M. S.; Geleijns, Jacob; Molina, Diego; Salvadó, Marçal

    2017-08-01

    This study aims to develop and test software for assessing and reporting doses for standard patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) examinations in a 320 detector-row cone-beam scanner. The software, called SimDoseCT, is based on the Monte Carlo (MC) simulation code, which was developed to calculate organ doses and effective doses in ICRP anthropomorphic adult reference computational phantoms for acquisitions with the Aquilion ONE CT scanner (Toshiba). MC simulation was validated by comparing CTDI measurements within standard CT dose phantoms with results from simulation under the same conditions. SimDoseCT consists of a graphical user interface connected to a MySQL database, which contains the look-up-tables that were generated with MC simulations for volumetric acquisitions at different scan positions along the phantom using any tube voltage, bow tie filter, focal spot and nine different beam widths. Two different methods were developed to estimate organ doses and effective doses from acquisitions using other available beam widths in the scanner. A correction factor was used to estimate doses in helical acquisitions. Hence, the user can select any available protocol in the Aquilion ONE scanner for a standard adult male or female and obtain the dose results through the software interface. Agreement within 9% between CTDI measurements and simulations allowed the validation of the MC program. Additionally, the algorithm for dose reporting in SimDoseCT was validated by comparing dose results from this tool with those obtained from MC simulations for three volumetric acquisitions (head, thorax and abdomen). The comparison was repeated using eight different collimations and also for another collimation in a helical abdomen examination. The results showed differences of 0.1 mSv or less for absolute dose in most organs and also in the effective dose calculation. The software provides a suitable tool for dose assessment in standard adult patients undergoing CT examinations in a 320 detector-row cone-beam scanner.

  7. SimDoseCT: dose reporting software based on Monte Carlo simulation for a 320 detector-row cone-beam CT scanner and ICRP computational adult phantoms.

    PubMed

    Cros, Maria; Joemai, Raoul M S; Geleijns, Jacob; Molina, Diego; Salvadó, Marçal

    2017-07-17

    This study aims to develop and test software for assessing and reporting doses for standard patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) examinations in a 320 detector-row cone-beam scanner. The software, called SimDoseCT, is based on the Monte Carlo (MC) simulation code, which was developed to calculate organ doses and effective doses in ICRP anthropomorphic adult reference computational phantoms for acquisitions with the Aquilion ONE CT scanner (Toshiba). MC simulation was validated by comparing CTDI measurements within standard CT dose phantoms with results from simulation under the same conditions. SimDoseCT consists of a graphical user interface connected to a MySQL database, which contains the look-up-tables that were generated with MC simulations for volumetric acquisitions at different scan positions along the phantom using any tube voltage, bow tie filter, focal spot and nine different beam widths. Two different methods were developed to estimate organ doses and effective doses from acquisitions using other available beam widths in the scanner. A correction factor was used to estimate doses in helical acquisitions. Hence, the user can select any available protocol in the Aquilion ONE scanner for a standard adult male or female and obtain the dose results through the software interface. Agreement within 9% between CTDI measurements and simulations allowed the validation of the MC program. Additionally, the algorithm for dose reporting in SimDoseCT was validated by comparing dose results from this tool with those obtained from MC simulations for three volumetric acquisitions (head, thorax and abdomen). The comparison was repeated using eight different collimations and also for another collimation in a helical abdomen examination. The results showed differences of 0.1 mSv or less for absolute dose in most organs and also in the effective dose calculation. The software provides a suitable tool for dose assessment in standard adult patients undergoing CT examinations in a 320 detector-row cone-beam scanner.

  8. Binary moving-blocker-based scatter correction in cone-beam computed tomography with width-truncated projections: proof of concept

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Ho; Fahimian, Benjamin P.; Xing, Lei

    2017-03-01

    This paper proposes a binary moving-blocker (BMB)-based technique for scatter correction in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). In concept, a beam blocker consisting of lead strips, mounted in front of the x-ray tube, moves rapidly in and out of the beam during a single gantry rotation. The projections are acquired in alternating phases of blocked and unblocked cone beams, where the blocked phase results in a stripe pattern in the width direction. To derive the scatter map from the blocked projections, 1D B-Spline interpolation/extrapolation is applied by using the detected information in the shaded regions. The scatter map of the unblocked projections is corrected by averaging two scatter maps that correspond to their adjacent blocked projections. The scatter-corrected projections are obtained by subtracting the corresponding scatter maps from the projection data and are utilized to generate the CBCT image by a compressed-sensing (CS)-based iterative reconstruction algorithm. Catphan504 and pelvis phantoms were used to evaluate the method’s performance. The proposed BMB-based technique provided an effective method to enhance the image quality by suppressing scatter-induced artifacts, such as ring artifacts around the bowtie area. Compared to CBCT without a blocker, the spatial nonuniformity was reduced from 9.1% to 3.1%. The root-mean-square error of the CT numbers in the regions of interest (ROIs) was reduced from 30.2 HU to 3.8 HU. In addition to high resolution, comparable to that of the benchmark image, the CS-based reconstruction also led to a better contrast-to-noise ratio in seven ROIs. The proposed technique enables complete scatter-corrected CBCT imaging with width-truncated projections and allows reducing the acquisition time to approximately half. This work may have significant implications for image-guided or adaptive radiation therapy, where CBCT is often used.

  9. SU-G-JeP1-01: A Combination of Real Time Electromagnetic Localization and Tracking with Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain Tumors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Muralidhar, K Raja; Pangam, Suresh; Ponaganti, Srinivas

    2016-06-15

    Purpose: 1. online verification of patient position during treatment using calypso electromagnetic localization and tracking system. 2. Verification and comparison of positional accuracy between cone beam computed tomography and calypso system. 3. Presenting the advantage of continuation localization in Stereotactic radiosurgery treatments. Methods: Ten brain tumor cases were taken for this study. Patients with head mask were under gone Computed Tomography (CT). Before scanning, mask was cut on the fore head area to keep surface beacons on the skin. Slice thickness of 0.65 mm were taken for this study. x, y, z coordinates of these beacons in TPS were enteredmore » into tracking station. Varian True Beam accelerator, equipped with On Board Imager was used to take Cone beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to localize the patient. Simultaneously Surface beacons were used to localize and track the patient throughout the treatment. The localization values were compared in both systems. For localization CBCT considered as reference. Tracking was done throughout the treatment using Calypso tracking system using electromagnetic array. This array was in tracking position during imaging and treatment. Flattening Filter free beams of 6MV photons along with Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy was used for the treatment. The patient movement was observed throughout the treatment ranging from 2 min to 4 min. Results: The average variation observed between calypso system and CBCT localization was less than 0.5 mm. These variations were due to manual errors while keeping beacon on the patient. Less than 0.05 cm intra-fraction motion was observed throughout the treatment with the help of continuous tracking. Conclusion: Calypso target localization system is one of the finest tools to perform radiosurgery in combination with CBCT. This non radiographic method of tracking is a real beneficial method to treat patients confidently while observing real-time motion information of the patient.« less

  10. A New Quantitative 3D Imaging Method for Characterizing Spray in the Near-field of Nozzle Exits

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-01-13

    measurements were performed on a flat-panel tabletop cone - beam CT system in the Radiology Department at Stanford University. The X-ray generator (CPI...quantitative measurement technique to examine the dense near-field region of sprays using X-ray computed tomography (CT). An optimized “spray CT system” was...Office P.O. Box 12211 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2211 X-ray CT, Spray, Hollow Cone Spray, Near Field REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE 11. SPONSOR

  11. Evaluation of latent variances in Monte Carlo dose calculations with Varian TrueBeam photon phase-spaces used as a particle source

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Alhakeem, Eyad; Zavgorodni, Sergei

    2018-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to evaluate the latent variance (LV) of Varian TrueBeam photon phase-space files (PSF) for open 10  ×  10 cm2 and small stereotactic fields and estimate the number of phase spaces required to be summed up in order to maintain sub-percent LV in Monte Carlo (MC) dose calculations. BEAMnrc/DOSXYZnrc software was used to transport particles from Varian phase-space files (PSFA) through the secondary collimators. Transported particles were scored into another phase-space located under the jaws (PSFB), or transported further through the cone collimators and scored straight below, forming PSFC. Phase-space files (PSFB) were scored for 6 MV-FFF, 6 MV, 10 MV-FFF, 10 MV and 15 MV beams with 10  ×  10 cm2 field size, and PSFC were scored for 6 MV beam under circular cones of 0.13, 0.25, 0.35, and 1 cm diameter. Both PSFB and PSFC were transported into a water phantom with particle recycling number ranging from 10 to 1000. For 10  ×  10 cm2 fields 0.5  ×  0.5  ×  0.5 cm3 voxels were used to score the dose, whereas the dose was scored in 0.1  ×  0.1  ×  0.5 cm3 voxels for beams collimated with small cones. In addition, for small 0.25 cm diameter cone-collimated 6 MV beam, phantom voxel size varied as 0.02  ×  0.02  ×  0.5 cm3, 0.05  ×  0.05  ×  0.5 cm3 and 0.1  ×  0.1  ×  0.5 cm3. Dose variances were scored in all cases and LV evaluated as per Sempau et al. For the 10  ×  10 cm2 fields calculated LVs were greatest at the phantom surface and decreased with depth until they reached a plateau at 5 cm depth. LVs were found to be 0.54%, 0.96%, 0.35%, 0.69% and 0.57% for the 6 MV-FFF, 6 MV, 10 MV-FFF, 10 MV and 15 MV energies, respectively at the depth of 10 cm. For the 6 MV phase-space collimated with cones of 0.13, 0.25, 0.35, 1.0 cm diameter, the LVs calculated at 1.5 cm depth were 75.6%, 25.4%, 17.6% and 8.0% respectively. Calculated LV for the 0.25 cm cone-collimated 6 MV beam were 61.2%, 40.7%, 22.5% in 0.02  ×  0.02  ×  0.5 cm3, 0.05  ×  0.05  ×  0.5 cm3 and 0.1  ×  0.1  ×  0.5 cm3 voxels respectively. In order to achieve sub-percent LV in open 10  ×  10 cm2 field MC simulations a single PSF can be used, whereas for small SRS fields (0.13-1.0 cm) more PSFs (66-8 PSFs) would have to be summed.

  12. An alternative approach to extruding a vertically impacted lower third molar using an orthodontic miniscrew: A case report with cone-beam CT follow-up

    PubMed Central

    No-Cortes, Juliana; Cavalcanti, Marcelo Gusmão Paraíso; Arita, Emiko Saito

    2014-01-01

    One of the most common oral surgical procedures is the extraction of the lower third molar (LTM). Postoperative complications such as paresthesia due to inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury are commonly observed in cases of horizontal and vertical impaction. The present report discusses a case of a vertically impacted LTM associated with a dentigerous cyst. An intimate contact between the LTM roots and the mandibular canal was observed on a panoramic radiograph and confirmed with cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) cross-sectional cuts. An orthodontic miniscrew was then used to extrude the LTM prior to its surgical removal in order to avoid the risk of inferior alveolar nerve injury. CBCT imaging follow-up confirmed the success of the LTM orthodontic extrusion. PMID:24944969

  13. Cone beam volume tomography: an imaging option for diagnosis of complex mandibular third molar anatomical relationships.

    PubMed

    Danforth, Robert A; Peck, Jerry; Hall, Paul

    2003-11-01

    Complex impacted third molars present potential treatment complications and possible patient morbidity. Objectives of diagnostic imaging are to facilitate diagnosis, decision making, and enhance treatment outcomes. As cases become more complex, advanced multiplane imaging methods allowing for a 3-D view are more likely to meet these objectives than traditional 2-D radiography. Until recently, advanced imaging options were somewhat limited to standard film tomography or medical CT, but development of cone beam volume tomography (CBVT) multiplane 3-D imaging systems specifically for dental use now provides an alternative imaging option. Two cases were utilized to compare the role of CBVT to these other imaging options and to illustrate how multiplane visualization can assist the pretreatment evaluation and decision-making process for complex impacted mandibular third molar cases.

  14. Numerical Aspects of Cone Beam Contour Reconstruction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Louis, Alfred K.

    2017-12-01

    We describe a method for directly calculating the contours of a function from cone beam data. The algorithm is based on a new inversion formula for the gradient of a function presented in Louis (Inverse Probl 32(11):115005, 2016. http://stacks.iop.org/0266-5611/32/i=11/a=115005). The Radon transform of the gradient is found by using a Grangeat type of formula, reducing the inversion problem to the inversion of the Radon transform. In that way the influence of the scanning curve, vital for all exact inversion formulas for complete data, is avoided Numerical results are presented for the circular scanning geometry which neither fulfills the Tuy-Kirillov condition nor the much weaker condition given by the author in Louis (Inverse Probl 32(11):115005, 2016. http://stacks.iop.org/0266-5611/32/i=11/a=115005).

  15. Sodium hypochlorite accident with evaluation by cone beam computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Behrents, K T; Speer, M L; Noujeim, M

    2012-05-01

    To show the radiographic manifestation of sodium hypochlorite after accidental injection past the apical foramen and into the soft tissues. A female patient was seen for an emergency visit after suffering a sodium hypochlorite accident at her general dentist's office. The patient was seen within 1 h of the accident and was in pain associated with facial swelling. Radiographs, including a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), and photographs were taken. Endodontic emergency treatment was initiated. The patient was reassured and given pain medication and antibiotics. Follow-up visits were scheduled over 6 days when the swelling had resolved. • Importance of multiple radiographic images during preoperative endodontic evaluation when undertaking endodontic retreatment. • Knowledge of apical anatomy as related to surrounding structures. • Effect of sodium hypochlorite when injected in the soft tissues. © 2012 International Endodontic Journal.

  16. Endodontic management of supernumerary tooth fused with maxillary first molar by using cone-beam computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Song, Chang-Kyu; Chang, Hoon-Sang; Min, Kyung-San

    2010-11-01

    Fusion is a rare occurrence, and its definitive diagnosis is of prime importance for successful root canal treatment. This case report discusses the endodontic management of a supernumerary tooth fused with a right maxillary first molar by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Nonsurgical endodontic retreatment was performed on the supernumerary tooth. A communication between the maxillary first molar and the supernumerary tooth was repaired by using flowable resin. After 1 year of follow-up, there were no clinical symptoms, and the maxillary first molar remained vital. Recall radiographs and CBCT showed satisfactory healing of the periapical pathosis. Proper diagnosis and treatment planning for endodontic management of fused teeth by using CBCT can ensure predictable and successful results. Copyright © 2010 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. An alternative approach to extruding a vertically impacted lower third molar using an orthodontic miniscrew: A case report with cone-beam CT follow-up.

    PubMed

    Cortes, Arthur Rodriguez Gonzalez; No-Cortes, Juliana; Cavalcanti, Marcelo Gusmão Paraíso; Arita, Emiko Saito

    2014-06-01

    One of the most common oral surgical procedures is the extraction of the lower third molar (LTM). Postoperative complications such as paresthesia due to inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury are commonly observed in cases of horizontal and vertical impaction. The present report discusses a case of a vertically impacted LTM associated with a dentigerous cyst. An intimate contact between the LTM roots and the mandibular canal was observed on a panoramic radiograph and confirmed with cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) cross-sectional cuts. An orthodontic miniscrew was then used to extrude the LTM prior to its surgical removal in order to avoid the risk of inferior alveolar nerve injury. CBCT imaging follow-up confirmed the success of the LTM orthodontic extrusion.

  18. Symmetry control in subscale near-vacuum hohlraums

    DOE PAGES

    Turnbull, D.; Berzak Hopkins, L. F.; Le Pape, S.; ...

    2016-05-18

    Controlling the symmetry of indirect-drive inertial confinement fusion implosions remains a key challenge. Increasing the ratio of the hohlraum diameter to the capsule diameter (case-to-capsule ratio, or CCR) facilitates symmetry tuning. By varying the balance of energy between the inner and outer cones as well as the incident laser pulse length, we demonstrate the ability to tune from oblate, through round, to prolate at a CCR of 3.2 in near-vacuum hohlraums at the National Ignition Facility, developing empirical playbooks along the way for cone fraction sensitivity of various laser pulse epochs. Radiation-hydrodynamic simulations with enhanced inner beam propagation reproduce mostmore » experimental observables, including hot spot shape, for a majority of implosions. In conclusion, specular reflections are used to diagnose the limits of inner beam propagation as a function of pulse length.« less

  19. Dacryocystography using cone beam CT in patients with lacrimal drainage system obstruction.

    PubMed

    Tschopp, Markus; Bornstein, Michael M; Sendi, Pedram; Jacobs, Reinhilde; Goldblum, David

    2014-01-01

    To assess the usefulness of cone beam CT (CBCT) for dacryocystography (DCG) using either direct syringing or passive application of contrast medium. Ten consecutive patients with epiphora who had CBCT-DCG in a sitting position were retrospectively analyzed. CBCT-DCGs were performed using 2 techniques: direct syringing with contrast medium or using the passive technique, where patients received 3 drops of contrast medium into the conjunctival sac before CBCT-DCG. Clinical and radiologic diagnoses were compared for both groups. The 10 patients (men = 3) had a mean age of 63.2 years. Both techniques proved to be simple procedures with good delineation of the bone, soft tissue, and the contrast medium in the lacrimal system. No side effects were noted. CBCT-DCG is a useful alternative to determine the localization of stenosis in patients with chronic epiphora.

  20. Mandibular second molar exhibiting a unique "Y-" and "J-" "shaped" root canal anatomy diagnosed using cone-beam computed tomographic scanning: A case report.

    PubMed

    Parashar, Saumya-Rajesh; Kowsky, R Dinesh; Natanasabapathy, Velmurugan

    2017-01-01

    This article aims to report a unique case with aberrant root canal anatomy exhibiting "Y-" and "J"-shaped canal pattern in a mandibular second molar. Anatomic complexities may pose challenges for endodontic treatment. Before performing endodontic treatment, the clinician should be aware of the internal anatomy of the tooth being treated and should recognize anatomic aberrations if present. Presence of unusual anatomy may call for modifications in treatment planning. This report describes in detail about a mandibular second molar tooth associated with two paramolar tubercles having a peculiar "Y-" and "J-"shaped canal anatomy detected with the aid of cone beam computed tomography, which has never been reported in the dental literature. The proposed treatment protocol for the endodontic management of the same has also been discussed.

  1. Real-Time 3D Fluoroscopy-Guided Large Core Needle Biopsy of Renal Masses: A Critical Early Evaluation According to the IDEAL Recommendations

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kroeze, Stephanie G. C.; Huisman, Merel; Verkooijen, Helena M.

    2012-06-15

    Introduction: Three-dimensional (3D) real-time fluoroscopy cone beam CT is a promising new technique for image-guided biopsy of solid tumors. We evaluated the technical feasibility, diagnostic accuracy, and complications of this technique for guidance of large-core needle biopsy in patients with suspicious renal masses. Methods: Thirteen patients with 13 suspicious renal masses underwent large-core needle biopsy under 3D real-time fluoroscopy cone beam CT guidance. Imaging acquisition and subsequent 3D reconstruction was done by a mobile flat-panel detector (FD) C-arm system to plan the needle path. Large-core needle biopsies were taken by the interventional radiologist. Technical success, accuracy, and safety were evaluatedmore » according to the Innovation, Development, Exploration, Assessment, Long-term study (IDEAL) recommendations. Results: Median tumor size was 2.6 (range, 1.0-14.0) cm. In ten (77%) patients, the histological diagnosis corresponded to the imaging findings: five were malignancies, five benign lesions. Technical feasibility was 77% (10/13); in three patients biopsy results were inconclusive. The lesion size of these three patients was <2.5 cm. One patient developed a minor complication. Median follow-up was 16.0 (range, 6.4-19.8) months. Conclusions: 3D real-time fluoroscopy cone beam CT-guided biopsy of renal masses is feasible and safe. However, these first results suggest that diagnostic accuracy may be limited in patients with renal masses <2.5 cm.« less

  2. The importance of cone-beam computed tomography in the management of endodontic problems: a review of the literature.

    PubMed

    Venskutonis, Tadas; Plotino, Gianluca; Juodzbalys, Gintaras; Mickevičienė, Lina

    2014-12-01

    To obtain essential information in clinical endodontics, cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging can be used in all phases of treatment including diagnosis, treatment planning, during the treatment phase, and through post-treatment assessment and follow-up. The purpose of this article was to review the use of CBCT imaging in the diagnosis, treatment planning, and assessing the outcome of endodontic complications. Literature was selected through a search of PubMed electronic databases for the following keywords: tooth root injuries, tooth root radiography, tooth root perforation, tomography, cone-beam computed tomography, endodontic complications, tooth root internal/external resorption, root fractures, and broken instruments. The research was restricted to articles published in English. One hundred twelve articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Currently, intraoral radiography is the imaging technique of choice for the management of endodontic disease, but CBCT imaging appears to have a superior validity and reliability in the management of endodontic diagnosis and complications. Endodontic cases should be judged individually, and CBCT imaging should be considered in situations in which information from conventional imaging systems may not yield an adequate amount of information to allow the appropriate management of endodontic problems. CBCT imaging has the potential to become the first choice for endodontic treatment planning and outcome assessment, especially when new scanners with lower radiation doses will be available. Copyright © 2014 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Cervical vertebral bone mineral density changes in adolescents during orthodontic treatment.

    PubMed

    Crawford, Bethany; Kim, Do-Gyoon; Moon, Eun-Sang; Johnson, Elizabeth; Fields, Henry W; Palomo, J Martin; Johnston, William M

    2014-08-01

    The cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) stages have been used to estimate facial growth status. In this study, we examined whether cone-beam computed tomography images can be used to detect changes of CVM-related parameters and bone mineral density distribution in adolescents during orthodontic treatment. Eighty-two cone-beam computed tomography images were obtained from 41 patients before (14.47 ± 1.42 years) and after (16.15 ± 1.38 years) orthodontic treatment. Two cervical vertebral bodies (C2 and C3) were digitally isolated from each image, and their volumes, means, and standard deviations of gray-level histograms were measured. The CVM stages and mandibular lengths were also estimated after converting the cone-beam computed tomography images. Significant changes for the examined variables were detected during the observation period (P ≤0.018) except for C3 vertebral body volume (P = 0.210). The changes of CVM stage had significant positive correlations with those of vertebral body volume (P ≤0.021). The change of the standard deviation of bone mineral density (variability) showed significant correlations with those of vertebral body volume and mandibular length for C2 (P ≤0.029). The means and variability of the gray levels account for bone mineral density and active remodeling, respectively. Our results indicate that bone mineral density distribution and the volume of the cervical vertebral body changed because of active bone remodeling during maturation. Copyright © 2014 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Analysis of axial spatial resolution in a variable resolution x-ray cone beam CT (VRX-CBCT) system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dahi, Bahram; Keyes, Gary S.; Rendon, David A.; DiBianca, Frank A.

    2008-03-01

    The Variable Resolution X-ray (VRX) technique has been successfully used in a Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) system to increase the spatial resolution of CT images in the transverse plane. This was achieved by tilting the Flat Panel Detector (FPD) to smaller vrx y angles in a VRX Cone Beam CT (VRX-CBCT) system. In this paper, the effect on the axial spatial resolution of CT images created by the VRX-CBCT system is examined at different vrx x angles, where vrx x is the tilting angle of the FPD about its x-axis. An amorphous silicon FPD with a CsI scintillator is coupled with a micro-focus x-ray tube to form a CBCT. The FPD is installed on a rotating frame that allows rotation of up to 90° about x and y axes of the FPD. There is no rotation about the z-axis (i.e. normal to the imaging surface). Tilting the FPD about its x-axis (i.e. decreasing the vrx x angle) reduces both the width of the line-spread function and the sampling distance by a factor of sin vrx x, thereby increasing the theoretical detector pre-sampling spatial resolution proportionately. This results in thinner CT slices that in turn help increase the axial spatial resolution of the CT images. An in-house phantom is used to measure the MTF of the reconstructed CT images at different vrx x angles.

  5. Tongue posture improvement and pharyngeal airway enlargement as secondary effects of rapid maxillary expansion: a cone-beam computed tomography study.

    PubMed

    Iwasaki, Tomonori; Saitoh, Issei; Takemoto, Yoshihiko; Inada, Emi; Kakuno, Eriko; Kanomi, Ryuzo; Hayasaki, Haruaki; Yamasaki, Youichi

    2013-02-01

    Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is known to improve nasal airway ventilation. Recent evidence suggests that RME is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea in children with maxillary constriction. However, the effect of RME on tongue posture and pharyngeal airway volume in children with nasal airway obstruction is not clear. In this study, we evaluated these effects using cone-beam computed tomography. Twenty-eight treatment subjects (mean age 9.96 ± 1.21 years) who required RME treatment had cone-beam computed tomography images taken before and after RME. Twenty control subjects (mean age 9.68 ± 1.02 years) received regular orthodontic treatment. Nasal airway ventilation was analyzed by using computational fluid dynamics, and intraoral airway (the low tongue space between tongue and palate) and pharyngeal airway volumes were measured. Intraoral airway volume decreased significantly in the RME group from 1212.9 ± 1370.9 mm(3) before RME to 279.7 ± 472.0 mm(3) after RME. Nasal airway ventilation was significantly correlated with intraoral airway volume. The increase of pharyngeal airway volume in the control group (1226.3 ± 1782.5 mm(3)) was only 41% that of the RME group (3015.4 ± 1297.6 mm(3)). In children with nasal obstruction, RME not only reduces nasal obstruction but also raises tongue posture and enlarges the pharyngeal airway. Copyright © 2013 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Precision and accuracy of suggested maxillary and mandibular landmarks with cone-beam computed tomography for regional superimpositions: An in vitro study.

    PubMed

    Lemieux, Genevieve; Carey, Jason P; Flores-Mir, Carlos; Secanell, Marc; Hart, Adam; Lagravère, Manuel O

    2016-01-01

    Our objective was to identify and evaluate the accuracy and precision (intrarater and interrater reliabilities) of various anatomic landmarks for use in 3-dimensional maxillary and mandibular regional superimpositions. We used cone-beam computed tomography reconstructions of 10 human dried skulls to locate 10 landmarks in the maxilla and the mandible. Precision and accuracy were assessed with intrarater and interrater readings. Three examiners located these landmarks in the cone-beam computed tomography images 3 times with readings scheduled at 1-week intervals. Three-dimensional coordinates were determined (x, y, and z coordinates), and the intraclass correlation coefficient was computed to determine intrarater and interrater reliabilities, as well as the mean error difference and confidence intervals for each measurement. Bilateral mental foramina, bilateral infraorbital foramina, anterior nasal spine, incisive canal, and nasion showed the highest precision and accuracy in both intrarater and interrater reliabilities. Subspinale and bilateral lingulae had the lowest precision and accuracy in both intrarater and interrater reliabilities. When choosing the most accurate and precise landmarks for 3-dimensional cephalometric analysis or plane-derived maxillary and mandibular superimpositions, bilateral mental and infraorbital foramina, landmarks in the anterior region of the maxilla, and nasion appeared to be the best options of the analyzed landmarks. Caution is needed when using subspinale and bilateral lingulae because of their higher mean errors in location. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. The Relationship between Dental Follicle Width and Maxillary Impacted Canines' Descriptive and Resorptive Features Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

    PubMed

    Dağsuyu, İlhan Metin; Okşayan, Rıdvan; Kahraman, Fatih; Aydın, Mehmet; Bayrakdar, İbrahim Şevki; Uğurlu, Mehmet

    2017-01-01

    To assess the relationship between dental follicle width and maxillary impacted canines' descriptive and resorptive features with three-dimensional (3D) cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The study comprised 102 patients with cone-beam computed tomography 3D images and a total of 140 impacted canines. The association between maxillary impacted canine dental follicle width and the variables of gender, impaction side (right and left), localization of impacted canine (buccal, central, and palatal), and resorption of the adjacent laterals was compared. Measurements were analyzed with Student's t -test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney U statistical test. According to gender, no statistically significant differences were found in the follicle size of the maxillary impacted canine between males and females ( p > 0.05). Widths of the follicles were determined for the right and left impaction sides, and no statistically significant relation was found ( p > 0.05). There were statistically significant differences between root resorption degrees of lateral incisors and maxillary impacted canine follicle width ( p < 0.05). Statistically significant higher follicle width values were present in degree 2 (mild) resorption than in degree 1 (no) and degree 3 (moderate) resorption samples ( p < 0.05). No significant correlation was found between follicle width and the variables of gender, impaction side, and localization of maxillary impacted canines. Our study could not confirm that increased dental follicle width of the maxillary impacted canines exhibited more resorption risk for the adjacent lateral incisors.

  8. Orthodontic decompensation in skeletal Class III malocclusion: redefining the amount of movement assessed by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

    PubMed Central

    Cappellozza, José Antonio Zuega; Guedes, Fabio Pinto; Nary, Hugo; Capelozza, Leopoldino; Cardoso, Mauricio de Almeida

    2015-01-01

    Introduction: Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is essential for tridimensional planning of orthognathic surgery, as it allows visualization and evaluation of bone structures and mineralized tissues. Tomographic slices allow evaluation of tooth inclination and individualization of movement performed during preoperative decompensation. The aim of this paper was to assess maxillary and mandibular incisors inclination pre and post orthodontic decompensation in skeletal Class III malocclusion. Methods: The study was conducted on six individuals with skeletal Class III malocclusion, surgically treated, who had Cone-Beam Computed Tomographic scans obtained before and after orthodontic decompensation. On multiplanar reconstruction view, tomographic slices (axial, coronal and sagittal) were obtained on the long axis of each incisor. The sagittal slice was used for measurement taking, whereas the references used to assess tooth inclination were the long axis of maxillary teeth in relation to the palatal plane and the long axis of mandibular teeth in relation to the mandibular plane. Results: There was significant variation in the inclination of incisors before and after orthodontic decompensation. This change was of greater magnitude in the mandibular arch, evidencing that natural compensation is more effective in this arch, thereby requiring more intensive decompensation. Conclusion: When routinely performed, the protocols of decompensation treatment in surgical individuals often result in intensive movements, which should be reevaluated, since the extent of movement predisposes to reduction in bone attachment levels and root length. PMID:26560818

  9. Worldwide Prevalence of Mandibular Second Molar C-Shaped Morphologies Evaluated by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

    PubMed

    von Zuben, Murilo; Martins, Jorge N R; Berti, Luiza; Cassim, Imran; Flynn, Daniel; Gonzalez, Jose Antonio; Gu, Yongchun; Kottoor, Jojo; Monroe, Adam; Rosas Aguilar, Rubén; Marques, Miguel Seruca; Ginjeira, António

    2017-09-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the C-shaped mandibular second molar prevalence in different regions around the world with the aid of cone-beam computed tomography technology. Nine field observers from 9 different geographic regions were calibrated. A total of 400 samples were collected in each region. The prevalence of C-shaped anatomy was calculated. The number of roots and the configuration of the C-shaped canals at 3 different axial levels were also evaluated. The z-test was used to analyze the difference between the means of each independent group. Intrarater reliability was also tested. A total of 3600 teeth from 2735 patients were included in this research; 499 teeth presented C-shaped root canal configuration, representing a global prevalence of 13.9%. China had a prevalence of 44.0%, which was significantly higher than any other region. The C-shape prevalence in women was 16.5%, which was significantly higher than the 10.4% prevalence found in men. No difference between sides (37 or 47) was evident in the global sample. Cone-beam computed tomography is a valuable tool to evaluate the C-shaped root canal configuration in vivo. In the present study, China presented the highest prevalence of C-shaped mandibular second molars when compared with other regions. Women exhibited a higher prevalence than men. Copyright © 2017 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Use of cone beam computed tomography to assess significant imaging findings related to mandibular third molar impaction.

    PubMed

    Matzen, Louise Hauge; Schropp, Lars; Spin-Neto, Rubens; Wenzel, Ann

    2017-11-01

    The aim of the study was to identify risk factors for pathoses related to mandibular third molars observed in cone beam computed tomography. Cone beam computed tomography volumes of 410 mandibular third molars were assessed by 3 observers, according to the angulation and position of the third molar in relation to the second molar. In addition, pathoses (marginal bone loss, resorption of the second molar, increased follicular space and lingual bone perforation) were assessed. Logistic regression analyses were used to test whether the angulation and position of the third molar were risk factors for pathoses. On average, 41% of second molars had resorption; mesioangulated (odds ratio [OR] 11-107; P < .001) and horizontally positioned (OR 13-120; P < .001) third molars located cervically at the second molar (OR 2-3; P < .027) significantly increased the risk. On average, 49% of second molars had marginal bone loss; mesioangulated (OR 16-85; P < .001) and horizontally positioned (OR 61-573; P < .001) third molars increased the risk. For the third molar, an increased follicular space was seen in 25% of cases; distal (OR 5-9; P < .001) and vertical positions (OR 5; P < .002) increased the risk. Lingual bone perforation was not related to a specific angulation. Specific angulations of the mandibular third molar are risk factors for marginal bone loss and resorption of the second molar. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Frequency of Root Canal Isthmi in Human Permanent Teeth Determined by Cone-beam Computed Tomography.

    PubMed

    Estrela, Carlos; Rabelo, Luiz Eduardo G; de Souza, João Batista; Alencar, Ana Helena G; Estrela, Cyntia R A; Sousa Neto, Manoel Damião; Pécora, Jesus Djalma

    2015-09-01

    This study evaluated the frequency of root canal isthmi (RCIs) in human permanent teeth by using cone-beam computed tomography. A sample of 1400 teeth of 618 patients (394 women; mean age, 43.4 years) was selected. RCIs were detected longitudinally on 0.1-mm/0.1-mm axial slices of cone-beam computed tomography images of roots scanned from the pulp orifice to the apex, and findings were classified into 7 categories according to RCIs beginning and end: (1) both in the cervical third, (2) begin in the cervical third and end in the middle third, (3) begin in the cervical third and end in the apical third, (4) both in the middle third, (5) begin in the middle third and end in the apical third, (6) both in the apical third, or (7) no isthmus. A χ(2) test with Yates correction or the Fisher exact test was used to analyze categorical variables, described as frequencies (%). The Student t test was used to compare quantitative variables. RCI is a common anatomic structure in human permanent teeth, except in maxillary anterior teeth. The higher frequencies of RCIs (87.9%) were found in mandibular first molars. The frequencies of RCIs according to mean age and tooth group were not significantly different (P > .05), except in mandibular central incisors. RCIs were less frequent among older patients. Copyright © 2015 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. A Computer Program for Mapping Satellite-borne Narrow-Beam Antenna Footprints on Earth. Memorandum Number 72/3.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stagl, Thomas W.; Singh, Jai P.

    Written primarily to define the area of the earth covered by a narrow-beam antenna carried on a synchronous satellite in circular, near equatorial orbits, a computer program has been developed that computes the locus of intersection of a quadric cone and a sphere. The program, which outputs a list of the longitude and latitude coordinates of the…

  13. WE-AB-207A-08: BEST IN PHYSICS (IMAGING): Advanced Scatter Correction and Iterative Reconstruction for Improved Cone-Beam CT Imaging On the TrueBeam Radiotherapy Machine

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wang, A; Paysan, P; Brehm, M

    2016-06-15

    Purpose: To improve CBCT image quality for image-guided radiotherapy by applying advanced reconstruction algorithms to overcome scatter, noise, and artifact limitations Methods: CBCT is used extensively for patient setup in radiotherapy. However, image quality generally falls short of diagnostic CT, limiting soft-tissue based positioning and potential applications such as adaptive radiotherapy. The conventional TrueBeam CBCT reconstructor uses a basic scatter correction and FDK reconstruction, resulting in residual scatter artifacts, suboptimal image noise characteristics, and other artifacts like cone-beam artifacts. We have developed an advanced scatter correction that uses a finite-element solver (AcurosCTS) to model the behavior of photons as theymore » pass (and scatter) through the object. Furthermore, iterative reconstruction is applied to the scatter-corrected projections, enforcing data consistency with statistical weighting and applying an edge-preserving image regularizer to reduce image noise. The combined algorithms have been implemented on a GPU. CBCT projections from clinically operating TrueBeam systems have been used to compare image quality between the conventional and improved reconstruction methods. Planning CT images of the same patients have also been compared. Results: The advanced scatter correction removes shading and inhomogeneity artifacts, reducing the scatter artifact from 99.5 HU to 13.7 HU in a typical pelvis case. Iterative reconstruction provides further benefit by reducing image noise and eliminating streak artifacts, thereby improving soft-tissue visualization. In a clinical head and pelvis CBCT, the noise was reduced by 43% and 48%, respectively, with no change in spatial resolution (assessed visually). Additional benefits include reduction of cone-beam artifacts and reduction of metal artifacts due to intrinsic downweighting of corrupted rays. Conclusion: The combination of an advanced scatter correction with iterative reconstruction substantially improves CBCT image quality. It is anticipated that clinically acceptable reconstruction times will result from a multi-GPU implementation (the algorithms are under active development and not yet commercially available). All authors are employees of and (may) own stock of Varian Medical Systems.« less

  14. Effect of socket grafting with deproteinized bone mineral: An RCT on dimensional alterations after 6 months.

    PubMed

    Tomasi, Cristiano; Donati, Mauro; Cecchinato, Denis; Szathvary, Isacco; Corrà, Enrico; Lindhe, Jan

    2018-05-01

    To examine if (i) characteristics of the fresh extraction socket site influenced subsequent dimensional alterations and (ii) placement of deproteinized bovine mineral in the socket affected volumetric change during healing. Twenty seven subjects and 28 extraction sites were included. Immediately after the removal of the tooth and after 6 months of healing, stone and virtual models of the jaw were produced. A cone beam computerized tomography scan was obtained immediately after extraction and the thickness of the buccal bone wall at the extraction site was measured. Extraction sites were randomly assigned to test or control group. In the test group, extraction sockets were filled with deproteinized bone mineral and covered with a collagen membrane. In the control group, only a collagen membrane was placed. The thickness of the buccal bone wall at the extraction site influenced the amount of volume reduction that occurred. Socket grafting influenced the degree of ridge diminution only at sites where the buccal bone wall was thin (≤ 1 mm). A graft comprised of collagen-enriched deproteinized bovine bone mineral, placed to fill extraction sockets failed to influence the overall diminution of the ridge that occurred during healing. The thickness of the buccal bone wall apparently had a significant influence on volumetric alterations of the edentulous ridge following tooth extraction. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  15. The relationship between resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and lateral displacement of dental implants: an in vitro study.

    PubMed

    Pagliani, L; Sennerby, L; Petersson, A; Verrocchi, D; Volpe, S; Andersson, P

    2013-03-01

    This in vitro investigation was conducted to study the relationship between resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and lateral displacement measurements of dental implants. A total of 30 implant sites were prepared in nine fresh bovine bone specimens. The bone density around each preparation was determined by using cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) and imaging software. Dental implants were then inserted during continuous registration of insertion torque. RFA measurements were performed in perpendicular and parallel to the long axis of the specimens. The bone blocks were embedded in plaster and fixated in a specially designed rig for displacement measurements. A lateral force of 25 N was applied via an abutment perpendicular and parallel to each implant and the displacement measured in μm. In addition, a flex constant (μm N(-1) ) was calculated for each measurement. There was a significant inverse correlation between RFA and lateral implant displacement (μm) measurements and between RFA measurements and the flex constant in both perpendicular and parallel directions in bone (P ≤ 0·001). Moreover, both RFA and displacement measurements correlated with bone density (P ≤ 0·001). It is concluded that RFA measurements reflect the micromobility of dental implants, which in turn is determined by the bone density at the implant site. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  16. Biomechanical evaluation of oversized drilling technique on primary implant stability measured by insertion torque and resonance frequency analysis

    PubMed Central

    Santamaría-Arrieta, Gorka; Brizuela-Velasco, Aritza; Fernández-González, Felipe J.; Chávarri-Prado, David; Chento-Valiente, Yelko; Solaberrieta, Eneko; Diéguez-Pereira, Markel; Yurrebaso-Asúa, Jaime

    2016-01-01

    Background This study evaluated the influence of implant site preparation depth on primary stability measured by insertion torque and resonance frequency analysis (RFA). Material and Methods Thirty-two implant sites were prepared in eight veal rib blocks. Sixteen sites were prepared using the conventional drilling sequence recommended by the manufacturer to a working depth of 10mm. The remaining 16 sites were prepared using an oversize drilling technique (overpreparation) to a working depth of 12mm. Bone density was determined using cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT). The implants were placed and primary stability was measured by two methods: insertion torque (Ncm), and RFA (implant stability quotient [ISQ]). Results The highest torque values were achieved by the conventional drilling technique (10mm). The ANOVA test confirmed that there was a significant correlation between torque and drilling depth (p<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were obtained between ISQ values at 10 or 12 mm drilling depths (p>0.05) at either measurement direction (cortical and medullar). No statistical relation between torque and ISQ values was identified, or between bone density and primary stability (p >0.05). Conclusions Vertical overpreparation of the implant bed will obtain lower insertion torque values, but does not produce statistically significant differences in ISQ values. Key words:Implant stability quotient, overdrilling, primary stability, resonance frequency analysis, torque. PMID:27398182

  17. Semi-automatic forensic approach using mandibular midline lingual structures as fingerprint: a pilot study.

    PubMed

    Shaheen, E; Mowafy, B; Politis, C; Jacobs, R

    2017-12-01

    Previous research proposed the use of the mandibular midline neurovascular canal structures as a forensic finger print. In their observer study, an average correct identification of 95% was reached which triggered this study. To present a semi-automatic computer recognition approach to replace the observers and to validate the accuracy of this newly proposed method. Imaging data from Computer Tomography (CT) and Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) of mandibles scanned at two different moments were collected to simulate an AM and PM situation where the first scan presented AM and the second scan was used to simulate PM. Ten cases with 20 scans were used to build a classifier which relies on voxel based matching and results with classification into one of two groups: "Unmatched" and "Matched". This protocol was then tested using five other scans out of the database. Unpaired t-testing was applied and accuracy of the computerized approach was determined. A significant difference was found between the "Unmatched" and "Matched" classes with means of 0.41 and 0.86 respectively. Furthermore, the testing phase showed an accuracy of 100%. The validation of this method pushes this protocol further to a fully automatic identification procedure for victim identification based on the mandibular midline canals structures only in cases with available AM and PM CBCT/CT data.

  18. Improved Oxygen-Beam Texturing of Glucose-Monitoring Optics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Banks, Bruce A.

    2006-01-01

    An improved method has been devised for using directed, hyperthermal beams of oxygen atoms and ions to impart desired textures to the tips of polymethylmethacrylate [PMMA] optical fibers to be used in monitoring the glucose content of blood. The improved method incorporates, but goes beyond, the method described in Texturing Blood-Glucose- Monitoring Optics Using Oxygen Beams (LEW-17642-1), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 29, No. 4 (April 2005), page 11a. The basic principle of operation of such a glucose-monitoring sensor is as follows: The textured surface of the optical fiber is coated with chemicals that interact with glucose in such a manner as to change the reflectance of the surface. Light is sent down the optical fiber and is reflected from, the textured surface. The resulting change in reflectance of the light is measured as an indication of the concentration of glucose. The required texture on the ends of the optical fibers is a landscape of microscopic cones or pillars having high aspect ratios (microscopic structures being taller than they are wide). The average distance between hills must be no more than about 5 mso that blood cells (which are wider) cannot enter the valleys between the hills, where they would interfere with optical sensing of glucose in the blood plasma. On the other hand, the plasma is required to enter the valleys, and high aspect ratio structures are needed to maximize the surface area in contact with the plasma, thereby making it possible to obtain a given level of optical glucose-measurement sensitivity with a relatively small volume of blood. There is an additional requirement that the hills be wide enough that a sufficient amount of light can propagate into them and, after reflection, can propagate out of them. The method described in the cited prior article produces a texture comprising cones and pillars that conform to the average-distance and aspect-ratio requirements. However, a significant fraction of the cones and pillars are so narrow that not enough light can propagate along them. The improved method makes it possible to form wider cones and pillars while still satisfying the average-distance and aspect-ratio requirements. In the improved method, as in the previously reported method, multiple optical fibers are first bundled together for simultaneous texturing of their distal tips. However, prior to texturing by exposure to an oxygen beam, the tips are first coated by vapor deposition of a thin, sparse layer of aluminum: The exposure to the aluminum vapor must be short enough (typically of the order of seconds) so that the aluminum nucleates into islands separated by uncoated areas. The coated tips are textured by exposure to a directed beam of hyperthermal (kinetic energy >1 eV) oxygen atoms and/or ions in a vacuum chamber, as in the previously reported method. The aluminum islands partially shield the underlying PMMA from oxidation and erosion by the beam, so that the cones or pillars remaining after texturing are wider than they would otherwise be. To some extent, the dimensions of the hills and the distances between them can be tailored through choice of the thickness of the aluminum coat and/or the oxygen-beam fluence. The figure illustrates an example of texturing of the tip of a PMMA optical fiber without and with prior aluminum coating.

  19. Ring resonator optical modes in InGaN/GaN structures grown on micro-cone-patterned sapphire substrates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kazanov, D. R.; Pozina, G.; Jmerik, V. N.; Shubina, T. V.

    2018-03-01

    Molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) of III-nitride compounds on specially prepared cone-shaped patterned substrates is being actively developed nowadays, especially for nanophotonic applications. This type of substrates enables the successful growth of hexagonal nanorods (NRs). The insertion of an active quantum-sized region of InGaN inside a GaN NR allows us to enhance the rate of optical transitions by coupling them with resonant optical modes in the NR. However, we have observed the enhancement of emission not only from the NR but also around the circumference region of the cone-shaped base. We have studied this specific feature and demonstrated its impact on the output signal.

  20. Time-of-flight direct recoil ion scattering spectrometer

    DOEpatents

    Krauss, A.R.; Gruen, D.M.; Lamich, G.J.

    1994-09-13

    A time-of-flight direct recoil and ion scattering spectrometer beam line is disclosed. The beam line includes an ion source which injects ions into pulse deflection regions and separated by a drift space. A final optics stage includes an ion lens and deflection plate assembly. The ion pulse length and pulse interval are determined by computerized adjustment of the timing between the voltage pulses applied to the pulsed deflection regions. 23 figs.

  1. 42 CFR 486.108 - Condition for coverage: Safety standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ...—restriction of the useful beam. Diaphragms, cones, or adjustable collimators are used to restrict the useful... other individual regularly used for this service. Care is taken to assure that pregnant women do not...

  2. Gaps of free-space optics beams with the Beer-Lambert law.

    PubMed

    Lacaze, Bernard

    2009-05-10

    Lasers used in free-space optics propagate a beam within a truncated cone. Because of this shape, the intensity cannot follow the Beer-Lambert law. In the case of a homogeneous atmosphere, we calculate the gap from the cylinder case. We will see that the gap exists but is generally very weak and, therefore, that the use of the Beer-Lambert law is a justified approximation.

  3. Laser absorption, power transfer, and radiation symmetry during the first shock of inertial confinement fusion gas-filled hohlraum experiments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pak, A.; Dewald, E. L.; Landen, O. L.; Milovich, J.; Strozzi, D. J.; Berzak Hopkins, L. F.; Bradley, D. K.; Divol, L.; Ho, D. D.; MacKinnon, A. J.; Meezan, N. B.; Michel, P.; Moody, J. D.; Moore, A. S.; Schneider, M. B.; Town, R. P. J.; Hsing, W. W.; Edwards, M. J.

    2015-12-01

    Temporally resolved measurements of the hohlraum radiation flux asymmetry incident onto a bismuth coated surrogate capsule have been made over the first two nanoseconds of ignition relevant laser pulses. Specifically, we study the P2 asymmetry of the incoming flux as a function of cone fraction, defined as the inner-to-total laser beam power ratio, for a variety of hohlraums with different scales and gas fills. This work was performed to understand the relevance of recent experiments, conducted in new reduced-scale neopentane gas filled hohlraums, to full scale helium filled ignition targets. Experimental measurements, matched by 3D view factor calculations, are used to infer differences in symmetry, relative beam absorption, and cross beam energy transfer (CBET), employing an analytic model. Despite differences in hohlraum dimensions and gas fill, as well as in laser beam pointing and power, we find that laser absorption, CBET, and the cone fraction, at which a symmetric flux is achieved, are similar to within 25% between experiments conducted in the reduced and full scale hohlraums. This work demonstrates a close surrogacy in the dynamics during the first shock between reduced-scale and full scale implosion experiments and is an important step in enabling the increased rate of study for physics associated with inertial confinement fusion.

  4. Measuring uncertainty in dose delivered to the cochlea due to setup error during external beam treatment of patients with cancer of the head and neck.

    PubMed

    Yan, M; Lovelock, D; Hunt, M; Mechalakos, J; Hu, Y; Pham, H; Jackson, A

    2013-12-01

    To use Cone Beam CT scans obtained just prior to treatments of head and neck cancer patients to measure the setup error and cumulative dose uncertainty of the cochlea. Data from 10 head and neck patients with 10 planning CTs and 52 Cone Beam CTs taken at time of treatment were used in this study. Patients were treated with conventional fractionation using an IMRT dose painting technique, most with 33 fractions. Weekly radiographic imaging was used to correct the patient setup. The authors used rigid registration of the planning CT and Cone Beam CT scans to find the translational and rotational setup errors, and the spatial setup errors of the cochlea. The planning CT was rotated and translated such that the cochlea positions match those seen in the cone beam scans, cochlea doses were recalculated and fractional doses accumulated. Uncertainties in the positions and cumulative doses of the cochlea were calculated with and without setup adjustments from radiographic imaging. The mean setup error of the cochlea was 0.04 ± 0.33 or 0.06 ± 0.43 cm for RL, 0.09 ± 0.27 or 0.07 ± 0.48 cm for AP, and 0.00 ± 0.21 or -0.24 ± 0.45 cm for SI with and without radiographic imaging, respectively. Setup with radiographic imaging reduced the standard deviation of the setup error by roughly 1-2 mm. The uncertainty of the cochlea dose depends on the treatment plan and the relative positions of the cochlea and target volumes. Combining results for the left and right cochlea, the authors found the accumulated uncertainty of the cochlea dose per fraction was 4.82 (0.39-16.8) cGy, or 10.1 (0.8-32.4) cGy, with and without radiographic imaging, respectively; the percentage uncertainties relative to the planned doses were 4.32% (0.28%-9.06%) and 10.2% (0.7%-63.6%), respectively. Patient setup error introduces uncertainty in the position of the cochlea during radiation treatment. With the assistance of radiographic imaging during setup, the standard deviation of setup error reduced by 31%, 42%, and 54% in RL, AP, and SI direction, respectively, and consequently, the uncertainty of the mean dose to cochlea reduced more than 50%. The authors estimate that the effects of these uncertainties on the probability of hearing loss for an individual patient could be as large as 10%.

  5. Measuring uncertainty in dose delivered to the cochlea due to setup error during external beam treatment of patients with cancer of the head and neck

    PubMed Central

    Yan, M.; Lovelock, D.; Hunt, M.; Mechalakos, J.; Hu, Y.; Pham, H.; Jackson, A.

    2013-01-01

    Purpose: To use Cone Beam CT scans obtained just prior to treatments of head and neck cancer patients to measure the setup error and cumulative dose uncertainty of the cochlea. Methods: Data from 10 head and neck patients with 10 planning CTs and 52 Cone Beam CTs taken at time of treatment were used in this study. Patients were treated with conventional fractionation using an IMRT dose painting technique, most with 33 fractions. Weekly radiographic imaging was used to correct the patient setup. The authors used rigid registration of the planning CT and Cone Beam CT scans to find the translational and rotational setup errors, and the spatial setup errors of the cochlea. The planning CT was rotated and translated such that the cochlea positions match those seen in the cone beam scans, cochlea doses were recalculated and fractional doses accumulated. Uncertainties in the positions and cumulative doses of the cochlea were calculated with and without setup adjustments from radiographic imaging. Results: The mean setup error of the cochlea was 0.04 ± 0.33 or 0.06 ± 0.43 cm for RL, 0.09 ± 0.27 or 0.07 ± 0.48 cm for AP, and 0.00 ± 0.21 or −0.24 ± 0.45 cm for SI with and without radiographic imaging, respectively. Setup with radiographic imaging reduced the standard deviation of the setup error by roughly 1–2 mm. The uncertainty of the cochlea dose depends on the treatment plan and the relative positions of the cochlea and target volumes. Combining results for the left and right cochlea, the authors found the accumulated uncertainty of the cochlea dose per fraction was 4.82 (0.39–16.8) cGy, or 10.1 (0.8–32.4) cGy, with and without radiographic imaging, respectively; the percentage uncertainties relative to the planned doses were 4.32% (0.28%–9.06%) and 10.2% (0.7%–63.6%), respectively. Conclusions: Patient setup error introduces uncertainty in the position of the cochlea during radiation treatment. With the assistance of radiographic imaging during setup, the standard deviation of setup error reduced by 31%, 42%, and 54% in RL, AP, and SI direction, respectively, and consequently, the uncertainty of the mean dose to cochlea reduced more than 50%. The authors estimate that the effects of these uncertainties on the probability of hearing loss for an individual patient could be as large as 10%. PMID:24320510

  6. Endodontic treatment of a maxillary first molar with seven root canals confirmed with cone beam computer tomography - case report.

    PubMed

    Martins, Jorge N R

    2014-06-01

    The most common configuration of the maxillary first molar is the presence of three roots and four root canals, although the presence of several other configurations have already been reported. The objective of this work is to present a rare anatomic configuration with seven root canals diagnosed during an endodontic therapy. Endodontic treatment was performed using a dental operating microscope. Exploring the grooves surrounding the main canals with ultrasonic troughing was able expose unexpected root canals. Instrumentation with files of smaller sizes and tapers was performed to prevent root physical weakness. The anatomic configuration was confirmed with a Cone Beam Computer Tomography image analysis which was able to clearly show the presence of seven root canals. An electronic database search was conducted to identify all the published similar cases and the best techniques to approach them are discussed.

  7. Analysis of intensity variability in multislice and cone beam computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Nackaerts, Olivia; Maes, Frederik; Yan, Hua; Couto Souza, Paulo; Pauwels, Ruben; Jacobs, Reinhilde

    2011-08-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the variability of intensity values in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging compared with multislice computed tomography Hounsfield units (MSCT HU) in order to assess the reliability of density assessments using CBCT images. A quality control phantom was scanned with an MSCT scanner and five CBCT scanners. In one CBCT scanner, the phantom was scanned repeatedly in the same and in different positions. Images were analyzed using registration to a mathematical model. MSCT images were used as a reference. Density profiles of MSCT showed stable HU values, whereas in CBCT imaging the intensity values were variable over the profile. Repositioning of the phantom resulted in large fluctuations in intensity values. The use of intensity values in CBCT images is not reliable, because the values are influenced by device, imaging parameters and positioning. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

  8. Rare finding of Eustachian tube calcifications with cone-beam computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Syed, Ali Z; Hawkins, Anna; Alluri, Leela Subashini; Jadallah, Buthainah; Shahid, Kiran; Landers, Michael; Assaf, Hussein M

    2017-12-01

    Soft tissue calcification is a pathological condition in which calcium and phosphate salts are deposited in the soft tissue organic matrix. This study presents an unusual calcification noted in the cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tube. A 67-year-old woman presented for dental treatment, specifically for implant placement, and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed. The CBCT scan was reviewed by a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist and revealed incidental findings of 2 distinct calcifications in the cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tube. To the authors' knowledge, no previous study has reported the diagnosis of Eustachian tube calcification using CBCT. This report describes an uncommon variant of Eustachian tube calcification, which has a significant didactic value because such cases are seldom illustrated either in textbooks or in the literature. This case once again underscores the importance of having CBCT scans evaluated by a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist.

  9. Retrospective study of root canal configurations of maxillary third molars in Central India population using cone beam computed tomography Part- I.

    PubMed

    Rawtiya, Manjusha; Somasundaram, Pavithra; Wadhwani, Shefali; Munuga, Swapna; Agarwal, Manish; Sethi, Priyank

    2016-01-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the root and canal morphology of maxillary third molars in Central India population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) analysis. CBCT images of 116 maxillary third molars were observed, and data regarding the number of roots, the number of canals, and Vertucci's Classification in each root was statistically evaluated. Majority of Maxillary third molars had three roots (55.2%) and three canals (37.9%). Most MB root (43.8%), DB root (87.5%), and palatal root (100%) of maxillary third molars had Vertucci Type I. Mesiobuccal root of three-rooted maxillary third molars had Vertucci Type I (43.8%) and Type IV (40.6%) configuration. Overall prevalence of C-shaped canals in maxillary third molars was 3.4%. There was a high prevalence of three-rooted maxillary molars with three canals.

  10. Metal Artifact Suppression in Dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography Images Using Image Processing Techniques.

    PubMed

    Johari, Masoumeh; Abdollahzadeh, Milad; Esmaeili, Farzad; Sakhamanesh, Vahideh

    2018-01-01

    Dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images suffer from severe metal artifacts. These artifacts degrade the quality of acquired image and in some cases make it unsuitable to use. Streaking artifacts and cavities around teeth are the main reason of degradation. In this article, we have proposed a new artifact reduction algorithm which has three parallel components. The first component extracts teeth based on the modeling of image histogram with a Gaussian mixture model. Striking artifact reduction component reduces artifacts using converting image into the polar domain and applying morphological filtering. The third component fills cavities through a simple but effective morphological filtering operation. Finally, results of these three components are combined into a fusion step to create a visually good image which is more compatible to human visual system. Results show that the proposed algorithm reduces artifacts of dental CBCT images and produces clean images.

  11. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in the Field of Interventional Oncology of the Liver

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bapst, Blanche, E-mail: blanchebapst@hotmail.com; Lagadec, Matthieu, E-mail: matthieu.lagadec@bjn.aphp.fr; Breguet, Romain, E-mail: romain.breguet@hcuge.ch

    Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an imaging modality that provides computed tomographic images using a rotational C-arm equipped with a flat panel detector as part of the Angiography suite. The aim of this technique is to provide additional information to conventional 2D imaging to improve the performance of interventional liver oncology procedures (intraarterial treatments such as chemoembolization or selective internal radiation therapy, and percutaneous tumor ablation). CBCT provides accurate tumor detection and targeting, periprocedural guidance, and post-procedural evaluation of treatment success. This technique can be performed during intraarterial or intravenous contrast agent administration with various acquisition protocols to highlightmore » liver tumors, liver vessels, or the liver parenchyma. The purpose of this review is to present an extensive overview of published data on CBCT in interventional oncology of the liver, for both percutaneous ablation and intraarterial procedures.« less

  12. Endodontic treatment of a maxillary lateral incisor with a perforating internal resorption by using cone beam computed tomography as a diagnostic aid: a case report.

    PubMed

    Takita, Toshiya; Tsurumachi, Tamotsu; Ogiso, Bunnai

    2011-10-01

    This case report presents the endodontic treatment of a maxillary right lateral incisor with a perforating internal resorption in a 50-year-old woman. Radiographically, internal resorption appears as a fairly uniform, radiolucent enlargement of the pulp canal and distortion of the original root canal outline. The use of cone beam computed tomography can help the clinician in making a confirmatory diagnosis and determining the treatment plan before undertaking the actual treatment. After cleaning the root canal space and the resorptive defect by mechanic instrumentation, irrigation, and interim calcium hydroxide dressing, the apical third canal was filled with a gutta-percha point by lateral condensation. The resorptive defect was filled with mineral trioxide aggregate. Follow-up radiographs at 3 years showed adequate repair of the resorption, and the tooth remained asymptomatic.

  13. A technique for transferring a patient's smile line to a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) image.

    PubMed

    Bidra, Avinash S

    2014-08-01

    Fixed implant-supported prosthodontic treatment for patients requiring a gingival prosthesis often demands that bone and implant levels be apical to the patient's maximum smile line. This is to avoid the display of the prosthesis-tissue junction (the junction between the gingival prosthesis and natural soft tissues) and prevent esthetic failures. Recording a patient's lip position during maximum smile is invaluable for the treatment planning process. This article presents a simple technique for clinically recording and transferring the patient's maximum smile line to cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images for analysis. The technique can help clinicians accurately determine the need for and amount of bone reduction required with respect to the maximum smile line and place implants in optimal positions. Copyright © 2014 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Effects of four instruments on coronal pre-enlargement by using cone beam computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Sanfelice, Cintia Mussoline; da Costa, Fernanda Botega; Reis Só, Marcus Vinícius; Vier-Pelisser, Fabiana; Souza Bier, Carlos Alexandre; Grecca, Fabiana Soares

    2010-05-01

    This ex vivo study used cone beam computed tomography to evaluate the amount of dentin removal from the distal wall of the mesial canal of human mandibular first molars caused by 4 instruments used to flare the cervical third. Thirty-two mesial roots were divided into 4 groups prepared by using ProTaper, K3, Gates-Glidden, or LA Axxess. The dentin thickness of the distal cervical wall of mesial canals was measured before and after the preparation by using computed tomography and Adobe Photoshop software. There was no statistically significant difference between the study groups (P > 05). All the instruments used for cervical preparation seemed to be safe and did not damage the dentin structure of the distal wall of mesial root canals of mandibular molars. Copyright (c) 2010 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. [Application of elastic registration based on Demons algorithm in cone beam CT].

    PubMed

    Pang, Haowen; Sun, Xiaoyang

    2014-02-01

    We applied Demons and accelerated Demons elastic registration algorithm in radiotherapy cone beam CT (CBCT) images, We provided software support for real-time understanding of organ changes during radiotherapy. We wrote a 3D CBCT image elastic registration program using Matlab software, and we tested and verified the images of two patients with cervical cancer 3D CBCT images for elastic registration, based on the classic Demons algorithm, minimum mean square error (MSE) decreased 59.7%, correlation coefficient (CC) increased 11.0%. While for the accelerated Demons algorithm, MSE decreased 40.1%, CC increased 7.2%. The experimental verification with two methods of Demons algorithm obtained the desired results, but the small difference appeared to be lack of precision, and the total registration time was a little long. All these problems need to be further improved for accuracy and reducing of time.

  16. [Use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography in endodontics: rational case selection criteria].

    PubMed

    Rosen, E; Tsesis, I

    2016-01-01

    To present rational case selection criteria for the use of CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) in endodontics. This article reviews the literature concerning the benefits of CBCT in endodontics, alongside its radiation risks, and present case selection criteria for referral of endodontic patients to CBCT. Up to date, the expected ultimate benefit of CBCT to the endodontic patient is yet uncertain, and the current literature is mainly restricted to its technical efficacy. In addition, the potential radiation risks of CBCT scan are stochastic in nature and uncertain, and are worrying especially in pediatric patients. Both the efficacy of CBCT in supporting the endodontic practitioner decision making and in affecting treatment outcomes, and its long term potential radiation risks are yet uncertain. Therefore, a cautious rational decision making is essential when a CBCT scan is considered in endodontics. Risk-benefit considerations are presented.

  17. Scintillator performance considerations for dedicated breast computed tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vedantham, Srinivasan; Shi, Linxi; Karellas, Andrew

    2017-09-01

    Dedicated breast computed tomography (BCT) is an emerging clinical modality that can eliminate tissue superposition and has the potential for improved sensitivity and specificity for breast cancer detection and diagnosis. It is performed without physical compression of the breast. Most of the dedicated BCT systems use large-area detectors operating in cone-beam geometry and are referred to as cone-beam breast CT (CBBCT) systems. The large-area detectors in CBBCT systems are energy-integrating, indirect-type detectors employing a scintillator that converts x-ray photons to light, followed by detection of optical photons. A key consideration that determines the image quality achieved by such CBBCT systems is the choice of scintillator and its performance characteristics. In this work, a framework for analyzing the impact of the scintillator on CBBCT performance and its use for task-specific optimization of CBBCT imaging performance is described.

  18. [Cone-beam CT evaluation of nasomaxillary complex and upper airway following rapid maxillary expansion].

    PubMed

    Li, Lei; Qi, Suqing; Wang, Hongwei; Ren, Sufeng; Ban, Jiandong

    2015-07-01

    To evaluate the naso-maxillary complex width and pharyngeal airway volume changes after rapid maxillary expansion (RME). Thirty-five patients were selected (18 males, 17 females, mean age, 12.1 ± 1.1 years). All patients underwent orthodontic treatment with Hyrax palatal expanders. Cone-beam CT (CBCT) scan was taken before treatment (T0), 16 days (T1) and three months (T3) after RME. Naso-maxillary complex width and pharyngeal airway volume were measured. After treatment the width of piriform aperture and maxillary width were significantly increased compared with that before treatment (P < 0.05). Three months after RME, no statistical difference was found in maxillary width compared with that before treatment. The nasopharyngeal volume significantly increased by 29.9% compared with that before treatment (P < 0.05), and the volume remained relatively stable after three months. RME resulted in a significant increase in the naso-maxillary complex width and nasopharyngeal volume.

  19. [Comparison of root resorption between self-ligating and conventional brackets using cone-beam CT].

    PubMed

    Liu, Yun; Guo, Hong-ming

    2016-04-01

    To analyze the differences of root resorption between passive self-ligating and conventional brackets, and to determine the relationship between passive self-ligating brackets and root resorption. Fifty patients were randomly divided into 2 groups using passive self-ligating brackets or conventional straight wire brackets (0.022 system), respectively. Cone-beam CT was taken before and after treatment. The amount of external apical root resorption of maxillary incisors was measured on CBCT images. Student's t test was performed to analyze the differences of root apical resorption between the 2 groups with SPSS17.0 software package. No significant difference(P> 0.05) in root resorption of maxillary incisors was found between passive self-ligating brackets and conventional brackets. Passive self-ligating brackets and conventional brackets can cause root resorption, but the difference was not significant. Passive self-ligating brackets do not induce more root resorption.

  20. Facial soft-tissue asymmetry in three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography images of children with surgically corrected unilateral clefts.

    PubMed

    Starbuck, John Marlow; Ghoneima, Ahmed; Kula, Katherine

    2014-03-01

    Cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) is a relatively common craniofacial malformation involving bony and soft-tissue disruptions of the nasolabial and dentoalveolar regions. The combination of CL/P and subsequent craniofacial surgeries to close the cleft and improve appearance of the cutaneous upper lip and nose can cause scarring and muscle pull, possibly resulting in soft-tissue depth asymmetries across the face. We tested the hypothesis that tissue depths in children with unilateral CL/P exhibit differences in symmetry across the sides of the face. Twenty-eight tissue depths were measured on cone-beam computed tomography images of children with unilateral CL/P (n = 55), aged 7 to 17 years, using Dolphin software (version 11.5). Significant differences in tissue depth symmetry were found around the cutaneous upper lip and nose in patients with unilateral CL/P.

  1. Novel utilization of 3D technology and the hybrid operating theatre: Peri-operative assessment of posterior sterno-clavicular dislocation using cone beam CT

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Crowhurst, James A; Campbell, Douglas; Whitby, Mark

    A patient with a medial and posterior dislocation of the right sterno-clavicular (SC) joint and displacement of the trachea and brachiocephalic artery by the medial head of the clavicle underwent general anaesthetic in the operating theatre for an open reduction procedure. The surgeon initially attempted a closed reduction, but this required imaging to check SC alignment. The patient was transferred to an adjacent hybrid operating theatre for imaging. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed, which successfully demonstrated a significant reduction in the dislocation of the SC joint. The trachea and brachiocephalic artery were no longer compressed or displaced. Thismore » case study demonstrates an alternative to the patient being transferred to the medical imaging department for multi-slice CT. It also describes a novel use of the hybrid operating theatre and its CBCT capabilities.« less

  2. Parameter selection in limited data cone-beam CT reconstruction using edge-preserving total variation algorithms

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lohvithee, Manasavee; Biguri, Ander; Soleimani, Manuchehr

    2017-12-01

    There are a number of powerful total variation (TV) regularization methods that have great promise in limited data cone-beam CT reconstruction with an enhancement of image quality. These promising TV methods require careful selection of the image reconstruction parameters, for which there are no well-established criteria. This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of parameter selection in a number of major TV-based reconstruction algorithms. An appropriate way of selecting the values for each individual parameter has been suggested. Finally, a new adaptive-weighted projection-controlled steepest descent (AwPCSD) algorithm is presented, which implements the edge-preserving function for CBCT reconstruction with limited data. The proposed algorithm shows significant robustness compared to three other existing algorithms: ASD-POCS, AwASD-POCS and PCSD. The proposed AwPCSD algorithm is able to preserve the edges of the reconstructed images better with fewer sensitive parameters to tune.

  3. Evaluation of the relationship between mandibular third molar and mandibular canal by different algorithms of cone-beam computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Mehdizadeh, Mojdeh; Ahmadi, Navid; Jamshidi, Mahsa

    2014-11-01

    Exact location of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) bundle is very important. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the mandibular third molar and the mandibular canal by cone-beam computed tomography. This was a cross-sectional study with convenience sampling. 94 mandibular CBCTs performed with CSANEX 3D machine (Soredex, Finland) and 3D system chosen. Vertical and horizontal relationship between the mandibular canal and the third molar depicted by 3D, panoramic reformat view of CBCT and cross-sectional view. Cross-sectional view was our gold standard and other view evaluated by it. There were significant differences between the vertical and horizontal relation of nerve and tooth in all views (p < 0.001). The results showed differences in the position of the inferior alveolar nerve with different views of CBCT, so CBCT images are not quite reliable and have possibility of error.

  4. Metal Artifact Suppression in Dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography Images Using Image Processing Techniques

    PubMed Central

    Johari, Masoumeh; Abdollahzadeh, Milad; Esmaeili, Farzad; Sakhamanesh, Vahideh

    2018-01-01

    Background: Dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images suffer from severe metal artifacts. These artifacts degrade the quality of acquired image and in some cases make it unsuitable to use. Streaking artifacts and cavities around teeth are the main reason of degradation. Methods: In this article, we have proposed a new artifact reduction algorithm which has three parallel components. The first component extracts teeth based on the modeling of image histogram with a Gaussian mixture model. Striking artifact reduction component reduces artifacts using converting image into the polar domain and applying morphological filtering. The third component fills cavities through a simple but effective morphological filtering operation. Results: Finally, results of these three components are combined into a fusion step to create a visually good image which is more compatible to human visual system. Conclusions: Results show that the proposed algorithm reduces artifacts of dental CBCT images and produces clean images. PMID:29535920

  5. Report of a Rare Case: A Maxillary First Molar with Seven Canals Confirmed with Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

    PubMed Central

    Kumar, Rahul

    2014-01-01

    Introduction: Coronal anatomic variations in permanent maxillary molars are unusual; conversely variations involving the number of root canals or number of roots are more common. Methods and Materials: This case report presents a successful nonsurgical endodontic therapy of left maxillary first molar with three roots and seven root canals. This unusual morphology was diagnosed using a dental operating microscope (DOM) and confirmed with the help of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Results: CBCT axial images showed that both of the palatal and distobuccal roots had Vertucci type II canal pattern, whereas the mesiobuccal root canal showed a Sert and Bayirli’s type XV configuration. Conclusion: The use of a DOM and CBCT imaging in endodontically challenging cases can facilitate a better understanding of the complex root canal anatomy, which ultimately enables the clinician to explore the root canal system, and therefore treat it far more efficiently. PMID:24688587

  6. Estimation of absorbed doses from paediatric cone-beam CT scans: MOSFET measurements and Monte Carlo simulations.

    PubMed

    Kim, Sangroh; Yoshizumi, Terry T; Toncheva, Greta; Frush, Donald P; Yin, Fang-Fang

    2010-03-01

    The purpose of this study was to establish a dose estimation tool with Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. A 5-y-old paediatric anthropomorphic phantom was computed tomography (CT) scanned to create a voxelised phantom and used as an input for the abdominal cone-beam CT in a BEAMnrc/EGSnrc MC system. An X-ray tube model of the Varian On-Board Imager((R)) was built in the MC system. To validate the model, the absorbed doses at each organ location for standard-dose and low-dose modes were measured in the physical phantom with MOSFET detectors; effective doses were also calculated. In the results, the MC simulations were comparable to the MOSFET measurements. This voxelised phantom approach could produce a more accurate dose estimation than the stylised phantom method. This model can be easily applied to multi-detector CT dosimetry.

  7. Time-of-flight direct recoil ion scattering spectrometer

    DOEpatents

    Krauss, Alan R.; Gruen, Dieter M.; Lamich, George J.

    1994-01-01

    A time of flight direct recoil and ion scattering spectrometer beam line (10). The beam line (10) includes an ion source (12) which injects ions into pulse deflection regions (14) and (16) separated by a drift space (18). A final optics stage includes an ion lens and deflection plate assembly (22). The ion pulse length and pulse interval are determined by computerized adjustment of the timing between the voltage pulses applied to the pulsed deflection regions (14) and (16).

  8. Predictive value of ridge dimensions on autologous bone graft resorption in staged maxillary sinus augmentation surgery using Cone-Beam CT.

    PubMed

    Klijn, R J; van den Beucken, J J J P; Bronkhorst, E M; Berge, S J; Meijer, G J; Jansen, J A

    2012-04-01

    No studies are available that provide predictive parameters regarding the expected amount of resorption after maxillary sinus augmentation surgery using autologous bone grafts. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine parameters influencing the outcome of the bone graft resorption process. In 20 patients, three-dimensional analysis of alveolar ridge dimensions and bone graft volume change in the atrophic posterior maxilla was performed by Cone-Beam Computerized Tomography imaging. Ridge dimensions were assessed before maxillary sinus augmentation surgery. Bone graft volumes were compared after maxillary sinus floor augmentation surgery and a graft healing interval of several months. To analyze the relation between bone volume changes with the independent variables, patients' gender, age, alveolar crest height and width, and graft healing time interval, a multi-level extension of linear regression was applied. A residual bone height of 6.0 mm (SD = 3.6 mm) and 6.2 mm (SD = 3.6 mm) was found at the left and right sides, respectively. Moreover, alveolar bone widths of 6.5 mm (SD = 2.2 mm) and 7.0 mm (SD = 2.3 mm) at the premolars, and 8.8 mm (SD = 2.2 mm) and 8.9 mm (SD = 2.5 mm) at the molars regions were found at the left and right site, respectively. Bone graft volume decreased by 25.0% (SD = 21.0%) after 4.7 months (SD = 2.7, median = 4.0 months) of healing time. The variables "age" (P = 0.009) and mean alveolar crest "bone height" (P = 0.043), showed a significant influence on bone graft resorption. A decrease of 1.0% (SE = 0.3%) of bone graft resorption was found for each year the patient grew older, and an increase in bone graft resorption of 1.8% (SE = 0.8%) was found for each mm of original bone height before sinus floor augmentation. Graft resorption occurs when using autologous bone grafts for maxillary sinus augmentation. Alveolar crest bone height and patient age have a significant effect on graft resorption, with increased resorption for higher alveolar crest bone height and decreased resorption for older patients. Consequently, patient characteristics that affect the process of bone graft resorption should be given full consideration, when performing sinus augmentation surgery. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

  9. A Monte Carlo simulation framework for electron beam dose calculations using Varian phase space files for TrueBeam Linacs

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Rodrigues, Anna; Yin, Fang-Fang; Wu, Qiuwen, E-mail: Qiuwen.Wu@Duke.edu

    2015-05-15

    Purpose: To develop a framework for accurate electron Monte Carlo dose calculation. In this study, comprehensive validations of vendor provided electron beam phase space files for Varian TrueBeam Linacs against measurement data are presented. Methods: In this framework, the Monte Carlo generated phase space files were provided by the vendor and used as input to the downstream plan-specific simulations including jaws, electron applicators, and water phantom computed in the EGSnrc environment. The phase space files were generated based on open field commissioning data. A subset of electron energies of 6, 9, 12, 16, and 20 MeV and open and collimatedmore » field sizes 3 × 3, 4 × 4, 5 × 5, 6 × 6, 10 × 10, 15 × 15, 20 × 20, and 25 × 25 cm{sup 2} were evaluated. Measurements acquired with a CC13 cylindrical ionization chamber and electron diode detector and simulations from this framework were compared for a water phantom geometry. The evaluation metrics include percent depth dose, orthogonal and diagonal profiles at depths R{sub 100}, R{sub 50}, R{sub p}, and R{sub p+} for standard and extended source-to-surface distances (SSD), as well as cone and cut-out output factors. Results: Agreement for the percent depth dose and orthogonal profiles between measurement and Monte Carlo was generally within 2% or 1 mm. The largest discrepancies were observed within depths of 5 mm from phantom surface. Differences in field size, penumbra, and flatness for the orthogonal profiles at depths R{sub 100}, R{sub 50}, and R{sub p} were within 1 mm, 1 mm, and 2%, respectively. Orthogonal profiles at SSDs of 100 and 120 cm showed the same level of agreement. Cone and cut-out output factors agreed well with maximum differences within 2.5% for 6 MeV and 1% for all other energies. Cone output factors at extended SSDs of 105, 110, 115, and 120 cm exhibited similar levels of agreement. Conclusions: We have presented a Monte Carlo simulation framework for electron beam dose calculations for Varian TrueBeam Linacs. Electron beam energies of 6 to 20 MeV for open and collimated field sizes from 3 × 3 to 25 × 25 cm{sup 2} were studied and results were compared to the measurement data with excellent agreement. Application of this framework can thus be used as the platform for treatment planning of dynamic electron arc radiotherapy and other advanced dynamic techniques with electron beams.« less

  10. A Monte Carlo simulation framework for electron beam dose calculations using Varian phase space files for TrueBeam Linacs.

    PubMed

    Rodrigues, Anna; Sawkey, Daren; Yin, Fang-Fang; Wu, Qiuwen

    2015-05-01

    To develop a framework for accurate electron Monte Carlo dose calculation. In this study, comprehensive validations of vendor provided electron beam phase space files for Varian TrueBeam Linacs against measurement data are presented. In this framework, the Monte Carlo generated phase space files were provided by the vendor and used as input to the downstream plan-specific simulations including jaws, electron applicators, and water phantom computed in the EGSnrc environment. The phase space files were generated based on open field commissioning data. A subset of electron energies of 6, 9, 12, 16, and 20 MeV and open and collimated field sizes 3 × 3, 4 × 4, 5 × 5, 6 × 6, 10 × 10, 15 × 15, 20 × 20, and 25 × 25 cm(2) were evaluated. Measurements acquired with a CC13 cylindrical ionization chamber and electron diode detector and simulations from this framework were compared for a water phantom geometry. The evaluation metrics include percent depth dose, orthogonal and diagonal profiles at depths R100, R50, Rp, and Rp+ for standard and extended source-to-surface distances (SSD), as well as cone and cut-out output factors. Agreement for the percent depth dose and orthogonal profiles between measurement and Monte Carlo was generally within 2% or 1 mm. The largest discrepancies were observed within depths of 5 mm from phantom surface. Differences in field size, penumbra, and flatness for the orthogonal profiles at depths R100, R50, and Rp were within 1 mm, 1 mm, and 2%, respectively. Orthogonal profiles at SSDs of 100 and 120 cm showed the same level of agreement. Cone and cut-out output factors agreed well with maximum differences within 2.5% for 6 MeV and 1% for all other energies. Cone output factors at extended SSDs of 105, 110, 115, and 120 cm exhibited similar levels of agreement. We have presented a Monte Carlo simulation framework for electron beam dose calculations for Varian TrueBeam Linacs. Electron beam energies of 6 to 20 MeV for open and collimated field sizes from 3 × 3 to 25 × 25 cm(2) were studied and results were compared to the measurement data with excellent agreement. Application of this framework can thus be used as the platform for treatment planning of dynamic electron arc radiotherapy and other advanced dynamic techniques with electron beams.

  11. Iodine contrast cone beam CT imaging of breast cancer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Partain, Larry; Prionas, Stavros; Seppi, Edward; Virshup, Gary; Roos, Gerhard; Sutherland, Robert; Boone, John

    2007-03-01

    An iodine contrast agent, in conjunction with an X-ray cone beam CT imaging system, was used to clearly image three, biopsy verified, cancer lesions in two patients. The lesions were approximately in the 10 mm to 6 mm diameter range. Additional regions were also enhanced with approximate dimensions down to 1 mm or less in diameter. A flat panel detector, with 194 μm pixels in 2 x 2 binning mode, was used to obtain 500 projection images at 30 fps with an 80 kVp X-ray system operating at 112 mAs, for an 8-9 mGy dose - equivalent to two view mammography for these women. The patients were positioned prone, while the gantry rotated in the horizontal plane around the uncompressed, pendant breasts. This gantry rotated 360 degrees during the patient's 16.6 sec breath hold. A volume of 100 cc of 320 mg/ml iodine-contrast was power injected at 4 cc/sec, via catheter into the arm vein of the patient. The resulting 512 x 512 x 300 cone beam CT data set of Feldkamp reconstructed ~(0.3 mm) 3 voxels were analyzed. An interval of voxel contrast values, characteristic of the regions with iodine contrast enhancement, were used with surface rendering to clearly identify up to a total of 13 highlighted volumes. This included the three largest lesions, that were previously biopsied and confirmed to be malignant. The other ten highlighted regions, of smaller diameters, are likely areas of increased contrast trapping unrelated to cancer angiogenesis. However the technique itself is capable of resolving lesions that small.

  12. Measurement of eye lens dose for Varian On-Board Imaging with different cone-beam computed tomography acquisition techniques

    PubMed Central

    Deshpande, Sudesh; Dhote, Deepak; Thakur, Kalpna; Pawar, Amol; Kumar, Rajesh; Kumar, Munish; Kulkarni, M. S.; Sharma, S. D.; Kannan, V.

    2016-01-01

    The objective of this work was to measure patient eye lens dose for different cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) acquisition protocols of Varian's On-Board Imaging (OBI) system using optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter (OSLD) and to study the variation in eye lens dose with patient geometry and distance of isocenter to the eye lens. During the experimental measurements, OSLD was placed on the patient between the eyebrows of both eyes in line of nose during CBCT image acquisition to measure eye lens doses. The eye lens dose measurements were carried out for three different cone-beam acquisition protocols (standard dose head, low-dose head [LDH], and high-quality head [HQH]) of Varian OBI. Measured doses were correlated with patient geometry and distance between isocenter and eye lens. Measured eye lens doses for standard head and HQH protocols were in the range of 1.8–3.2 mGy and 4.5–9.9 mGy, respectively. However, the measured eye lens dose for the LDH protocol was in the range of 0.3–0.7 mGy. The measured data indicate that eye lens dose to patient depends on the selected imaging protocol. It was also observed that eye lens dose does not depend on patient geometry but strongly depends on distance between eye lens and treatment field isocenter. However, undoubted advantages of imaging system should not be counterbalanced by inappropriate selection of imaging protocol, especially for very intense imaging protocol. PMID:27651564

  13. Evaluation of Interdental Spaces of the Mandibular Posterior Area for Orthodontic Mini-Implants with Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

    PubMed Central

    Moslemzadeh, Seyed Hossein; Sohrabi, Aydin; Kananizadeh, Yusef; Nourizadeh, Amin

    2017-01-01

    Introduction The use of mini-implants has increased in recent years because of their role in absolute anchorage, but the placement sites may affect the success or failure of the procedure, so it is very important to determine the appropriate and safe location for orthodontic mini-implants. On the other hand, the Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), which offers clear 3-Dimentional (3D) images, has been widely used in orthodontics and implant dentistry for surgical guidance of mini-implant placement. Aim The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate inter-radicular spaces between mandibular canines to second molars using cone beam 3D images. Materials and Methods In this retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study, maxillofacial CBCT scan data were obtained from 40 adults. The 3D images were evaluated in five axial sections at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mm from the cementoenamel Junction (CEJ). To determine inter-radicular spaces, tangent lines were drawn buccolingually to the roots in axial section and the minimum distance between these two lines was measured. The data was analysed using Friedman test with SPSS(ver.13). Results Interradicular spaces of canine to second molar increased from cervical to apical direction. The maximum distance was recorded at 4 mm from the CEJ between first and second molars. Conclusion According to our findings there is a distinct pattern of inter-radicular space changes in mandible. Attention to this pattern during placement of mini-implants can ensure the safety of the procedure. PMID:28571251

  14. Use of cone-beam computed tomography to evaluate root and canal morphology of mandibular first and second molars in Turkish individuals

    PubMed Central

    Sekerci, Ahmet E.; Dinçer, Asiye N.; Cayabatmaz, Muhammed; Zorba, Yahya O.

    2013-01-01

    Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the root and canal morphology of mandibular first and second molars in a Turkish population by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Study design: CBCT images of mandibular first (n = 823) and second molar (n = 925) teeth from 605 Turkish patients were analyzed. The root canal configurations were classified according to the method of Vertucci. Results: The majority of mandibular molars (95.8% of first molars, 85.4% of second molars) had two separate roots; however, three roots were identified in 2.06% of first molars and 3.45% of second molars. C-shaped canals occurred 0.85% of first molars and 4.1% of second molars. Three canals were found in 79.9% of first molars and 72.8% of second molars. Most distal roots had a simple type I configuration, whereas mesial roots had more complex canal systems, with more than one canal. The most common root morphology of first and second molars is the two rooted morphology with three canals. Both the mesial and distal roots showed wide variations in canal anatomy with type IV and type I canal configuration predominating in the mesial and distal roots, respectively. Conclusion: Vertucci type I and IV canal configurations were the most prevalent in the distal and mesial roots, respectively, of both the mandibular first and second permanent molar teeth. Key words:Cone-beam CT, Turkish, mandibular molars, root and canal morphology. PMID:23524421

  15. The Evaluation of Root Fracture with Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT): An Epidemiological Study.

    PubMed

    Doğan, Mehmet-Sinan; Callea, Michele; Kusdhany, Lindawati S; Aras, Ahmet; Maharani, Diah-Ayu; Mandasari, Masita; Adiatman, Melissa; Yavuz, Izzet

    2018-01-01

    The aim of this study was evaluation of the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) image of 50 patients at the ages of 8-15 suspecting root fracture and root fracture occurred, exposed to dental traumatic. In additionally, this study was showed effect of crown fracture on root fracture healing. All of the individuals included in the study were obtained images with the cone-beam computed tomography range of 0,3 voxel and 8.9 seconds.(i-CAT®, Model 17-19, Imaging SciencesInternational, Hatfield, Pa USA).The information obtained from the history and CBCT images of patients were evaluated using chi-square test statistical method the mean and the distribution of the independent variables. 50 children, have been exposed to trauma, was detected root fracture injury in 97 teeth. Horizontal root fracture 63.9% of the 97 tooth, the oblique in 31.9%, both the horizontal and oblique in 1.03%, partial fracture in 2.06% ,and both horizontally and vertical in 1.03% was observed.The most affected teeth, respectively of, are the maxillary central incisor (41.23% left, right, 37.11%), maxillary left lateral incisor (9.27%), maxillary right lateral incisor (11.34%), and mandibular central incisor (1.03%). Crown fractures have negative effects on spontaneous healing of root fractures. CBCT are used selected as an alternative to with conventional radiography for diagnosis of root fractures. In particular, ıt's cross-sectional image is quite useful and has been provided more conveniences seeing the results of diagnosis and treatment for clinician. Key words: Root fracture, CBCT, Epidemiolog.

  16. Self-aligned placement and detection of quantum dots on the tips of individual conical plasmonic nanostructures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fulmes, Julia; Jäger, Regina; Bräuer, Annika; Schäfer, Christian; Jäger, Sebastian; Gollmer, Dominik A.; Horrer, Andreas; Nadler, Elke; Chassé, Thomas; Zhang, Dai; Meixner, Alfred J.; Kern, Dieter P.; Fleischer, Monika

    2015-08-01

    Hybrid structures of few or single quantum dots (QDs) coupled to single optical antennas are of prime interest for nano-optical research. The photoluminescence (PL) signal from single nanoemitters, such as QDs, can be enhanced, and their emission characteristics modified, by coupling them to plasmonic nanostructures. Here, a self-aligned technique for placing nanoscale QDs with about 10 nm lateral accuracy and well-defined molecular distances to the tips of individual nanocones is reported. This way the QDs are positioned exactly in the high near-field region that can be created near the cone apex. The cones are excited in the focus of a radially polarized laser beam and the PL signal of few or single QDs on the cone tips is spectrally detected.

  17. Light scattering of a Bessel beam by a nucleated biological cell: An eccentric sphere model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Jia Jie; Han, Yi Ping; Chang, Jiao Yong; Chen, Zhu Yang

    2018-02-01

    Within the framework of generalized Lorenz-Mie theory (GLMT), an eccentrically stratified dielectric sphere model illuminated by an arbitrarily incident Bessel beam is applied to investigate the scattering characteristics of a single nucleated biological cell. The Bessel beam propagating in an arbitrary direction is expanded in terms of vector spherical wave functions (VSWFs), where the beam shape coefficients (BSCs) are calculated rigorously in a closed analytical form. The effects of the half-cone angle of Bessel beam, the location of the particle in the beam, the size ratio of nucleus to cell, and the location of the nucleus inside the cell on the scattering properties of a nucleated cell are analyzed. The results provide useful references for optical diagnostic and imaging of particle having nucleated structure.

  18. Ion beam sputtering of fluoropolymers

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sovey, J. S.

    1978-01-01

    Etching and deposition of fluoropolymers are of considerable industrial interest for applications dealing with adhesion, chemical inertness, hydrophobicity, and dielectric properties. This paper describes ion beam sputter processing rates as well as pertinent characteristics of etched targets and films. An argon ion beam source was used to sputter etch and deposit the fluoropolymers PTFE, FEP, and CTFE. Ion beam energy, current density, and target temperature were varied to examine effects on etch and deposition rates. The ion etched fluoropolymers yield cone or spire-like surface structures which vary depending upon the type of polymer, ion beam power density, etch time, and target temperature. Also presented are sputter target and film characteristics which were documented by spectral transmittance measurements, X-ray diffraction, ESCA, and SEM photomicrographs.

  19. The role of computerized symbolic manipulation in rotorcraft dynamics analysis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Crespo Da Silva, Marcelo R. M.; Hodges, Dewey H.

    1986-01-01

    The potential role of symbolic manipulation programs in development and solution of the governing equations for rotorcraft dynamics problems is discussed and illustrated. Nonlinear equations of motion for a helicopter rotor blade represented by a rotating beam are developed making use of the computerized symbolic manipulation program MACSYMA. The use of computerized symbolic manipulation allows the analyst to concentrate on more meaningful tasks, such as establishment of physical assumptions, without being sidetracked by the tedious and trivial details of the algebraic manipulations. Furthermore, the resulting equations can be produced, if necessary, in a format suitable for numerical solution. A perturbation-type solution for the resulting dynamical equations is shown to be possible with a combination of symbolic manipulation and standard numerical techniques. This should ultimately lead to a greater physical understanding of the behavior of the solution than is possible with purely numerical techniques. The perturbation analysis of the flapping motion of a rigid rotor blade in forward flight is presented, for illustrative purposes, via computerized symbolic manipulation with a method that bypasses Floquet theory.

  20. Applications of cone beam computed tomography for a prosthodontist.

    PubMed

    John, George Puthenpurayil; Joy, Tatu Elenjickal; Mathew, Justin; Kumar, Vinod R B

    2016-01-01

    Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a medical imaging technique of X-ray computed tomography where the X-rays are divergent, forming a cone. CBCT systems have been designed for imaging hard tissues of the maxillofacial region. The increasing availability of this technology provides the dental clinician with an imaging modality capable of providing a three-dimensional representation of the maxillofacial skeleton with minimal distortion. This article is intended to elaborate and enunciate on the various applications and benefits of CBCT, in the realm of maxillofacial prosthodontics, over and beyond its obvious benefits in the rehabilitation of patients with implants. With the onus of meticulous reconstruction of near ideal occlusion resting on the prosthodontist, CBCT provides a unique imaging option, which can be a boon in various aspects of prosthodontic practice - from imaging of the temporomandibular joint for accurate movement simulation, to template assisted maxillofacial reconstruction or even over denture therapy. CBCT could play a crucial role in lessening the burden of a hectic prosthodontic routine for the clinician and critically contribute to accurate and effective treatment for the patient. Apart from the authors' clinical experiences shared here, a web-based search for relevant articles in this specific area of interest was also conducted. The selected articles were critically reviewed and the data acquired were systematically compiled.

  1. Physical processes in directed ion beam sputtering. Ph.D. Thesis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Robinson, R. S.

    1979-01-01

    The general operation of a discharge chamber for the production of ions is described. A model is presented for the magnetic containment of both primary and secondary or Maxwellian electrons in the discharge plasma. Cross sections were calculated for energy and momentum transfer in binary collisions between like pairs of Ar, Kr, and Xe atoms in the energy range from about 1 eV to 1000 eV. These calculations were made from available pair interaction potentials using a classical model. Experimental data from the literature were fit to a theoretical expression for the Ar resonance charge exchange cross section over the same energy range. A model was developed that describes the processes of conical texturing of a surface due to simultaneous directed ion beam etching and sputter deposition of an impurity material. This model accurately predicts both a minimum temperature for texturing to take place and the variation of cone density with temperature. It also provides the correct order of magnitude of cone separation. It was predicted from the model, and subsequently verified experimentally, that a high sputter yield material could serve as a seed for coning of a lower sputter yield substrate. Seeding geometries and seed deposition rates were studied to obtain an important input to the theoretical texturing model.

  2. Applications of cone beam computed tomography for a prosthodontist

    PubMed Central

    John, George Puthenpurayil; Joy, Tatu Elenjickal; Mathew, Justin; Kumar, Vinod R. B.

    2016-01-01

    Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a medical imaging technique of X-ray computed tomography where the X-rays are divergent, forming a cone. CBCT systems have been designed for imaging hard tissues of the maxillofacial region. The increasing availability of this technology provides the dental clinician with an imaging modality capable of providing a three-dimensional representation of the maxillofacial skeleton with minimal distortion. This article is intended to elaborate and enunciate on the various applications and benefits of CBCT, in the realm of maxillofacial prosthodontics, over and beyond its obvious benefits in the rehabilitation of patients with implants. With the onus of meticulous reconstruction of near ideal occlusion resting on the prosthodontist, CBCT provides a unique imaging option, which can be a boon in various aspects of prosthodontic practice – from imaging of the temporomandibular joint for accurate movement simulation, to template assisted maxillofacial reconstruction or even over denture therapy. CBCT could play a crucial role in lessening the burden of a hectic prosthodontic routine for the clinician and critically contribute to accurate and effective treatment for the patient. Apart from the authors’ clinical experiences shared here, a web-based search for relevant articles in this specific area of interest was also conducted. The selected articles were critically reviewed and the data acquired were systematically compiled. PMID:27134420

  3. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wang, P. F.; Han, J. L.; Wang, C., E-mail: pfwang@nao.cas.cn, E-mail: hjl@nao.cas.cn, E-mail: wangchen@nao.cas.cn

    Beam radii for cone-dominant pulsars follow a power-law relation with frequency, thetav = ({nu}/{nu}{sub 0}) {sup k} + thetav{sub 0}, which has not been well explained in previous works. We study this frequency dependence of beam radius (FDB) for cone-dominant pulsars by using the curvature radiation mechanism. Considering various density and energy distributions of particles in the pulsar open field-line region, we numerically simulate the emission intensity distribution across emission height and rotation phase, get integrated profiles at different frequencies, and obtain the FDB curves. For the density model of a conal-like distribution, the simulated profiles always shrink to onemore » component at high frequencies. In the density model with two separated density patches, the profiles generally have two distinct components, and the power-law indices k are found to be in the range from -0.1 to -2.5, consistent with observational results. Energy distributions of streaming particles have significant influence on the frequency-dependence behavior. Radial energy decay of particles is desired to get proper thetav{sub 0} in models. We conclude that by using the curvature radiation mechanism, the observed FDB for the cone-dominant pulsars can only be explained by the emission model of particles in two density patches with a Gaussian energy distribution and a radial energy loss.« less

  4. SU-F-J-198: A Cross-Platform Adaptation of An a Priori Scatter Correction Algorithm for Cone-Beam Projections to Enable Image- and Dose-Guided Proton Therapy

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Andersen, A; Casares-Magaz, O; Elstroem, U

    Purpose: Cone-beam CT (CBCT) imaging may enable image- and dose-guided proton therapy, but is challenged by image artefacts. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the general applicability of a previously developed a priori scatter correction algorithm to allow CBCT-based proton dose calculations. Methods: The a priori scatter correction algorithm used a plan CT (pCT) and raw cone-beam projections acquired with the Varian On-Board Imager. The projections were initially corrected for bow-tie filtering and beam hardening and subsequently reconstructed using the Feldkamp-Davis-Kress algorithm (rawCBCT). The rawCBCTs were intensity normalised before a rigid and deformable registration were applied on themore » pCTs to the rawCBCTs. The resulting images were forward projected onto the same angles as the raw CB projections. The two projections were subtracted from each other, Gaussian and median filtered, and then subtracted from the raw projections and finally reconstructed to the scatter-corrected CBCTs. For evaluation, water equivalent path length (WEPL) maps (from anterior to posterior) were calculated on different reconstructions of three data sets (CB projections and pCT) of three parts of an Alderson phantom. Finally, single beam spot scanning proton plans (0–360 deg gantry angle in steps of 5 deg; using PyTRiP) treating a 5 cm central spherical target in the pCT were re-calculated on scatter-corrected CBCTs with identical targets. Results: The scatter-corrected CBCTs resulted in sub-mm mean WEPL differences relative to the rigid registration of the pCT for all three data sets. These differences were considerably smaller than what was achieved with the regular Varian CBCT reconstruction algorithm (1–9 mm mean WEPL differences). Target coverage in the re-calculated plans was generally improved using the scatter-corrected CBCTs compared to the Varian CBCT reconstruction. Conclusion: We have demonstrated the general applicability of a priori CBCT scatter correction, potentially opening for CBCT-based image/dose-guided proton therapy, including adaptive strategies. Research agreement with Varian Medical Systems, not connected to the present project.« less

  5. Measurement of Total Scatter Factor for Stereotactic Cones with Plastic Scintillation Detector

    PubMed Central

    Chaudhari, Suresh H; Dobhal, Rishabh; Kinhikar, Rajesh A.; Kadam, Sudarshan S.; Deshpande, Deepak D.

    2017-01-01

    Advanced radiotherapy modalities such as stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and image-guided radiotherapy may employ very small beam apertures for accurate localized high dose to target. Accurate measurement of small radiation fields is a well-known challenge for many dosimeters. The purpose of this study was to measure total scatter factors for stereotactic cones with plastic scintillation detector and its comparison against diode detector and theoretical estimates. Measurements were performed on Novalis Tx™ linear accelerator for 6MV SRS beam with stereotactic cones of diameter 6 mm, 7.5 mm, 10 mm, 12.5 mm, and 15 mm. The advantage of plastic scintillator detector is in its energy dependence. The total scatter factor was measured in water at the depth of dose maximum. Total scatter factor with plastic scintillation detector was determined by normalizing the readings to field size of 10 cm × 10 cm. To overcome energy dependence of diode detector for the determination of scatter factor with diode detector, daisy chaining method was used. The plastic scintillator detector was calibrated against the ionization chamber, and the reproducibility in the measured doses was found to be within ± 1%. Total scatter factor measured with plastic scintillation detector was 0.728 ± 0.3, 0.783 ± 0.05, 0.866 ± 0.55, 0.885 ± 0.5, and 0.910 ± 0.06 for cone sizes of 6 mm, 7.5 mm, 10 mm, 12.5 mm, and 15 mm, respectively. Total scatter factor measured with diode detector was 0.733 ± 0.03, 0.782 ± 0.02, 0.834 ± 0.07, 0.854 ± 0.02, and 0.872 ± 0.02 for cone sizes of 6 mm, 7.5 mm, 10 mm, 12.5 mm, and 15 mm, respectively. The variation in the measurement of total scatter factor with published Monte Carlo data was found to be −1.3%, 1.9%, −0.4%, and 0.4% for cone sizes of 7.5 mm, 10 mm, 12.5 mm, and 15 mm, respectively. We conclude that total scatter factor measurements for stereotactic cones can be adequately carried out with a plastic scintillation detector. Our results show a high level of consistency within our data and compared well with published data. PMID:28405102

  6. Measurement of Total Scatter Factor for Stereotactic Cones with Plastic Scintillation Detector.

    PubMed

    Chaudhari, Suresh H; Dobhal, Rishabh; Kinhikar, Rajesh A; Kadam, Sudarshan S; Deshpande, Deepak D

    2017-01-01

    Advanced radiotherapy modalities such as stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and image-guided radiotherapy may employ very small beam apertures for accurate localized high dose to target. Accurate measurement of small radiation fields is a well-known challenge for many dosimeters. The purpose of this study was to measure total scatter factors for stereotactic cones with plastic scintillation detector and its comparison against diode detector and theoretical estimates. Measurements were performed on Novalis Tx ™ linear accelerator for 6MV SRS beam with stereotactic cones of diameter 6 mm, 7.5 mm, 10 mm, 12.5 mm, and 15 mm. The advantage of plastic scintillator detector is in its energy dependence. The total scatter factor was measured in water at the depth of dose maximum. Total scatter factor with plastic scintillation detector was determined by normalizing the readings to field size of 10 cm × 10 cm. To overcome energy dependence of diode detector for the determination of scatter factor with diode detector, daisy chaining method was used. The plastic scintillator detector was calibrated against the ionization chamber, and the reproducibility in the measured doses was found to be within ± 1%. Total scatter factor measured with plastic scintillation detector was 0.728 ± 0.3, 0.783 ± 0.05, 0.866 ± 0.55, 0.885 ± 0.5, and 0.910 ± 0.06 for cone sizes of 6 mm, 7.5 mm, 10 mm, 12.5 mm, and 15 mm, respectively. Total scatter factor measured with diode detector was 0.733 ± 0.03, 0.782 ± 0.02, 0.834 ± 0.07, 0.854 ± 0.02, and 0.872 ± 0.02 for cone sizes of 6 mm, 7.5 mm, 10 mm, 12.5 mm, and 15 mm, respectively. The variation in the measurement of total scatter factor with published Monte Carlo data was found to be -1.3%, 1.9%, -0.4%, and 0.4% for cone sizes of 7.5 mm, 10 mm, 12.5 mm, and 15 mm, respectively. We conclude that total scatter factor measurements for stereotactic cones can be adequately carried out with a plastic scintillation detector. Our results show a high level of consistency within our data and compared well with published data.

  7. Megavoltage planar and cone-beam imaging with low-Z targets: dependence of image quality improvement on beam energy and patient separation.

    PubMed

    Robar, James L; Connell, Tanner; Huang, Weihong; Kelly, Robin G

    2009-09-01

    The purpose of this study is to investigate the improvement of megavoltage planar and cone-beam CT (CBCT) image quality with the use of low atomic number (Z) external targets in the linear accelerator. In this investigation, two experimental megavoltage imaging beams were generated by using either 3.5 or 7.0 MeV electrons incident on aluminum targets installed above the level of the carousel in a linear accelerator (2100EX, Varian Medical, Inc., Palo Alto, CA). Images were acquired using an amorphous silicon detector panel. Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in planar and CBCT images was measured as a function of dose and a comparison was made between the imaging beams and the standard 6 MV therapy beam. Phantoms of variable diameter were used to examine the loss of contrast due to beam hardening. Porcine imaging was conducted to examine qualitatively the advantages of the low-Z target approach in CBCT. In CBCT imaging CNR increases by factors as high as 2.4 and 4.3 for the 7.0 and 3.5 MeV/Al beams, respectively, compared to images acquired with 6 MV. Similar factors of improvement are observed in planar imaging. For the imaging beams, beam hardening causes a significant loss of the contrast advantage with increasing phantom diameter; however, for the 3.5 MeV/Al beam and a phantom diameter of 25 cm, a contrast advantage remains, with increases of contrast by factors of 1.5 and 3.4 over 6 MV for bone and lung inhale regions, respectively. The spatial resolution is improved slightly in CBCT images for the imaging beams. CBCT images of a porcine cranium demonstrate qualitatively the advantages of the low-Z target approach, showing greater contrast between tissues and improved visibility of fine detail. The use of low-Z external targets in the linear accelerator improves megavoltage planar and CBCT image quality significantly. CNR may be increased by a factor of 4 or greater. Improvement of the spatial resolution is also apparent.

  8. Resistance of three implant-abutment interfaces to fatigue testing

    PubMed Central

    RIBEIRO, Cleide Gisele; MAIA, Maria Luiza Cabral; SCHERRER, Susanne S.; CARDOSO, Antonio Carlos; WISKOTT, H. W. Anselm

    2011-01-01

    The design and retentive properties of implant-abutment connectors affect the mechanical resistance of implants. A number of studies have been carried out to compare the efficacy of connecting mechanisms between abutment and fixture. Objectives The aims of this study were: 1) to compare 3 implant-abutment interfaces (external hexagon, internal hexagon and cone-in-cone) regarding the fatigue resistance of the prosthetic screw, 2) to evaluate the corresponding mode of failure, and 3) to compare the results of this study with data obtained in previous studies on Nobel Biocare and Straumann connectors. Materials and Methods In order to duplicate the alternating and multivectorial intraoral loading pattern, the specimens were submitted to the rotating cantilever beam test. The implants, abutments and restoration analogs were spun around their longitudinal axes while a perpendicular force was applied to the external end. The objective was to determine the force level at which 50% of the specimens survived 106 load cycles. The mean force levels at which 50% failed and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals were determined using the staircase procedure. Results The external hexagon interface presented better than the cone-in-cone and internal hexagon interfaces. There was no significant difference between the cone-in-cone and internal hex interfaces. Conclusion Although internal connections present a more favorable design, this study did not show any advantage in terms of strength. The external hexagon connector used in this study yielded similar results to those obtained in a previous study with Nobel Biocare and Straumann systems. However, the internal connections (cone-in-cone and internal hexagon) were mechanically inferior compared to previous results. PMID:21710094

  9. Assessment of three-dimensional setup errors in image-guided pelvic radiotherapy for uterine and cervical cancer using kilovoltage cone-beam computed tomography and its effect on planning target volume margins.

    PubMed

    Patni, Nidhi; Burela, Nagarjuna; Pasricha, Rajesh; Goyal, Jaishree; Soni, Tej Prakash; Kumar, T Senthil; Natarajan, T

    2017-01-01

    To achieve the best possible therapeutic ratio using high-precision techniques (image-guided radiation therapy/volumetric modulated arc therapy [IGRT/VMAT]) of external beam radiation therapy in cases of carcinoma cervix using kilovoltage cone-beam computed tomography (kV-CBCT). One hundred and five patients of gynecological malignancies who were treated with IGRT (IGRT/VMAT) were included in the study. CBCT was done once a week for intensity-modulated radiation therapy and daily in IGRT/VMAT. These images were registered with the planning CT scan images and translational errors were applied and recorded. In all, 2078 CBCT images were studied. The margins of planning target volume were calculated from the variations in the setup. The setup variation was 5.8, 10.3, and 5.6 mm in anteroposterior, superoinferior, and mediolateral direction. This allowed adequate dose delivery to the clinical target volume and the sparing of organ at risks. Daily kV-CBCT is a satisfactory method of accurate patient positioning in treating gynecological cancers with high-precision techniques. This resulted in avoiding geographic miss.

  10. Suprathermal electron loss cone distributions in the solar wind: Ulysses observations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Phillips, J. L.; Feldman, W. C.; Gosling, J. T.; Hammond, C. M.; Forsyth, R. J.

    1995-01-01

    Solar wind suprathermal electron distributions in the solar wind generally carry a field-aligned antisunward heat flux. Within coronal mass ejections and upstream of strong shocks driven by corotating interaction regions (CIRs), counterstreaming electron beams are observed. We present observations by the Ulysses solar wind plasma experiment of a new class of suprathermal electron signatures. At low solar latitudes and heliocentric distances beyond 3.5 AU Ulysses encountered several intervals, ranging in duration from 1 hour to 22 hours, in which the suprathermal distributions included an antisunward field-aligned beam and a return population with a flux dropout typically spanning +/- 60 deg from the sunward field-aligned direction. All events occurred within CIRs, downstream of the forward and reverse shocks or waves bounding the interaction regions. We evaluate the hypothesis that the sunward-moving electrons result from reflection of the antisunward beams at magnetic field compressions downstream from the observations, with wide loss cones caused by the relatively weak compression ratio. This hypothesis requires that field magnitude within the CIRs actually increase with increasing field-aligned distance from the Sun. Details of the electron distributions and ramifications for CIR and shock geometry will be presented.

  11. Panoramic cone beam computed tomography

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chang Jenghwa; Zhou Lili; Wang Song

    2012-05-15

    Purpose: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is the main imaging tool for image-guided radiotherapy but its functionality is limited by a small imaging volume and restricted image position (imaged at the central instead of the treatment position for peripheral lesions to avoid collisions). In this paper, the authors present the concept of ''panoramic CBCT,'' which can image patients at the treatment position with an imaging volume as large as practically needed. Methods: In this novel panoramic CBCT technique, the target is scanned sequentially from multiple view angles. For each view angle, a half scan (180 deg. + {theta}{sub cone} where {theta}{submore » cone} is the cone angle) is performed with the imaging panel positioned in any location along the beam path. The panoramic projection images of all views for the same gantry angle are then stitched together with the direct image stitching method (i.e., according to the reported imaging position) and full-fan, half-scan CBCT reconstruction is performed using the stitched projection images. To validate this imaging technique, the authors simulated cone-beam projection images of the Mathematical Cardiac Torso (MCAT) thorax phantom for three panoramic views. Gaps, repeated/missing columns, and different exposure levels were introduced between adjacent views to simulate imperfect image stitching due to uncertainties in imaging position or output fluctuation. A modified simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (modified SART) was developed to reconstruct CBCT images directly from the stitched projection images. As a gold standard, full-fan, full-scan (360 deg. gantry rotation) CBCT reconstructions were also performed using projection images of one imaging panel large enough to encompass the target. Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and geometric distortion were evaluated to quantify the quality of reconstructed images. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to evaluate the effect of scattering on the image quality and imaging dose for both standard and panoramic CBCT. Results: Truncated images with artifacts were observed for the CBCT reconstruction using projection images of the central view only. When the image stitching was perfect, complete reconstruction was obtained for the panoramic CBCT using the modified SART with the image quality similar to the gold standard (full-scan, full-fan CBCT using one large imaging panel). Imperfect image stitching, on the other hand, lead to (streak, line, or ring) reconstruction artifacts, reduced CNR, and/or distorted geometry. Results from Monte Carlo simulations showed that, for identical imaging quality, the imaging dose was lower for the panoramic CBCT than that acquired with one large imaging panel. For the same imaging dose, the CNR of the three-view panoramic CBCT was 50% higher than that of the regular CBCT using one big panel. Conclusions: The authors have developed a panoramic CBCT technique and demonstrated with simulation data that it can image tumors of any location for patients of any size at the treatment position with comparable or less imaging dose and time. However, the image quality of this CBCT technique is sensitive to the reconstruction artifacts caused by imperfect image stitching. Better algorithms are therefore needed to improve the accuracy of image stitching for panoramic CBCT.« less

  12. Parallel-hierarchical processing and classification of laser beam profile images based on the GPU-oriented architecture

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yarovyi, Andrii A.; Timchenko, Leonid I.; Kozhemiako, Volodymyr P.; Kokriatskaia, Nataliya I.; Hamdi, Rami R.; Savchuk, Tamara O.; Kulyk, Oleksandr O.; Surtel, Wojciech; Amirgaliyev, Yedilkhan; Kashaganova, Gulzhan

    2017-08-01

    The paper deals with a problem of insufficient productivity of existing computer means for large image processing, which do not meet modern requirements posed by resource-intensive computing tasks of laser beam profiling. The research concentrated on one of the profiling problems, namely, real-time processing of spot images of the laser beam profile. Development of a theory of parallel-hierarchic transformation allowed to produce models for high-performance parallel-hierarchical processes, as well as algorithms and software for their implementation based on the GPU-oriented architecture using GPGPU technologies. The analyzed performance of suggested computerized tools for processing and classification of laser beam profile images allows to perform real-time processing of dynamic images of various sizes.

  13. Laser absorption, power transfer, and radiation symmetry during the first shock of inertial confinement fusion gas-filled hohlraum experiments

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Pak, A.; Dewald, E. L.; Landen, O. L.

    2015-12-15

    Temporally resolved measurements of the hohlraum radiation flux asymmetry incident onto a bismuth coated surrogate capsule have been made over the first two nanoseconds of ignition relevant laser pulses. Specifically, we study the P2 asymmetry of the incoming flux as a function of cone fraction, defined as the inner-to-total laser beam power ratio, for a variety of hohlraums with different scales and gas fills. This work was performed to understand the relevance of recent experiments, conducted in new reduced-scale neopentane gas filled hohlraums, to full scale helium filled ignition targets. Experimental measurements, matched by 3D view factor calculations, are usedmore » to infer differences in symmetry, relative beam absorption, and cross beam energy transfer (CBET), employing an analytic model. Despite differences in hohlraum dimensions and gas fill, as well as in laser beam pointing and power, we find that laser absorption, CBET, and the cone fraction, at which a symmetric flux is achieved, are similar to within 25% between experiments conducted in the reduced and full scale hohlraums. This work demonstrates a close surrogacy in the dynamics during the first shock between reduced-scale and full scale implosion experiments and is an important step in enabling the increased rate of study for physics associated with inertial confinement fusion.« less

  14. Region-of-interest image reconstruction with intensity weighting in circular cone-beam CT for image-guided radiation therapy

    PubMed Central

    Cho, Seungryong; Pearson, Erik; Pelizzari, Charles A.; Pan, Xiaochuan

    2009-01-01

    Imaging plays a vital role in radiation therapy and with recent advances in technology considerable emphasis has been placed on cone-beam CT (CBCT). Attaching a kV x-ray source and a flat panel detector directly to the linear accelerator gantry has enabled progress in target localization techniques, which can include daily CBCT setup scans for some treatments. However, with an increasing number of CT scans there is also an increasing concern for patient exposure. An intensity-weighted region-of-interest (IWROI) technique, which has the potential to greatly reduce CBCT dose, in conjunction with the chord-based backprojection-filtration (BPF) reconstruction algorithm, has been developed and its feasibility in clinical use is demonstrated in this article. A nonuniform filter is placed in the x-ray beam to create regions of two different beam intensities. In this manner, regions outside the target area can be given a reduced dose but still visualized with a lower contrast to noise ratio. Image artifacts due to transverse data truncation, which would have occurred in conventional reconstruction algorithms, are avoided and image noise levels of the low- and high-intensity regions are well controlled by use of the chord-based BPF reconstruction algorithm. The proposed IWROI technique can play an important role in image-guided radiation therapy. PMID:19472624

  15. Uses of megavoltage digital tomosynthesis in radiotherapy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sarkar, Vikren

    With the advent of intensity modulated radiotherapy, radiation treatment plans are becoming more conformal to the tumor with the decreasing margins. It is therefore of prime importance that the patient be positioned correctly prior to treatment. Therefore, image guided treatment is necessary for intensity modulated radiotherapy plans to be implemented successfully. Current advanced imaging devices require costly hardware and software upgrade, and radiation imaging solutions, such as cone beam computed tomography, may introduce extra radiation dose to the patient in order to acquire better quality images. Thus, there is a need to extend current existing imaging device ability and functions while reducing cost and radiation dose. Existing electronic portal imaging devices can be used to generate computed tomography-like tomograms through projection images acquired over a small angle using the technique of cone-beam digital tomosynthesis. Since it uses a fraction of the images required for computed tomography reconstruction, use of this technique correspondingly delivers only a fraction of the imaging dose to the patient. Furthermore, cone-beam digital tomosynthesis can be offered as a software-only solution as long as a portal imaging device is available. In this study, the feasibility of performing digital tomosynthesis using individually-acquired megavoltage images from a charge coupled device-based electronic portal imaging device was investigated. Three digital tomosynthesis reconstruction algorithms, the shift-and-add, filtered back-projection, and simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique, were compared considering the final image quality and radiation dose during imaging. A software platform, DART, was created using a combination of the Matlab and C++ languages. The platform allows for the registration of a reference Cone Beam Digital Tomosynthesis (CBDT) image against a daily acquired set to determine how to shift the patient prior to treatment. Finally, the software was extended to investigate if the digital tomosynthesis dataset could be used in an adaptive radiotherapy regimen through the use of the Pinnacle treatment planning software to recalculate dose delivered. The feasibility study showed that the megavoltage CBDT visually agreed with corresponding megavoltage computed tomography images. The comparative study showed that the best compromise between imaging quality and imaging dose is obtained when 11 projection images, acquired over an imaging angle of 40°, are used with the filtered back-projection algorithm. DART was successfully used to register reference and daily image sets to within 1 mm in-plane and 2.5 mm out of plane. The DART platform was also effectively used to generate updated files that the Pinnacle treatment planning system used to calculate updated dose in a rigidly shifted patient. These doses were then used to calculate a cumulative dose distribution that could be used by a physician as reference to decide when the treatment plan should be updated. In conclusion, this study showed that a software solution is possible to extend existing electronic portal imaging devices to function as cone-beam digital tomosynthesis devices and achieve daily requirement for image guided intensity modulated radiotherapy treatments. The DART platform also has the potential to be used as a part of adaptive radiotherapy solution.

  16. Optimum hot electron production with low-density foams for laser fusion by fast ignition.

    PubMed

    Lei, A L; Tanaka, K A; Kodama, R; Kumar, G R; Nagai, K; Norimatsu, T; Yabuuchi, T; Mima, K

    2006-06-30

    We propose a foam cone-in-shell target design aiming at optimum hot electron production for the fast ignition. A thin low-density foam is proposed to cover the inner tip of a gold cone inserted in a fuel shell. An intense laser is then focused on the foam to generate hot electrons for the fast ignition. Element experiments demonstrate increased laser energy coupling efficiency into hot electrons without increasing the electron temperature and beam divergence with foam coated targets in comparison with solid targets. This may enhance the laser energy deposition in the compressed fuel plasma.

  17. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hajian, Hodjat, E-mail: hodjat.hajian@bilkent.edu.tr; Ozbay, Ekmel; Department of Physics, Bilkent University, 06800 Ankara

    Certain types of photonic crystals with Dirac cones at the Γ point of their band structure have a zero effective index of refraction at Dirac cone frequency. Here, by an appropriate design of the photonic structure, we obtain a strong coupling between modes around the Dirac cone frequency of an all-dielectric zero-index photonic crystal and the guided ones supported by a photonic crystal waveguide. Consequently, we experimentally demonstrate that the presence of the zero-index photonic crystal at the inner side of the photonic crystal waveguide leads to an enhancement in the transmission of some of the guided waves passing throughmore » this hybrid system. Moreover, those electromagnetic waves extracted from the structure with enhanced transmission exhibit high directional beaming due to the presence of the zero-index photonic crystal at the outer side of the photonic crystal waveguide.« less

  18. Simulating the influence of scatter and beam hardening in dimensional computed tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lifton, J. J.; Carmignato, S.

    2017-10-01

    Cone-beam x-ray computed tomography (XCT) is a radiographic scanning technique that allows the non-destructive dimensional measurement of an object’s internal and external features. XCT measurements are influenced by a number of different factors that are poorly understood. This work investigates how non-linear x-ray attenuation caused by beam hardening and scatter influences XCT-based dimensional measurements through the use of simulated data. For the measurement task considered, both scatter and beam hardening are found to influence dimensional measurements when evaluated using the ISO50 surface determination method. On the other hand, only beam hardening is found to influence dimensional measurements when evaluated using an advanced surface determination method. Based on the results presented, recommendations on the use of beam hardening and scatter correction for dimensional XCT are given.

  19. Radiation dose reduction in medical x-ray CT via Fourier-based iterative reconstruction

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Fahimian, Benjamin P.; Zhao Yunzhe; Huang Zhifeng

    Purpose: A Fourier-based iterative reconstruction technique, termed Equally Sloped Tomography (EST), is developed in conjunction with advanced mathematical regularization to investigate radiation dose reduction in x-ray CT. The method is experimentally implemented on fan-beam CT and evaluated as a function of imaging dose on a series of image quality phantoms and anonymous pediatric patient data sets. Numerical simulation experiments are also performed to explore the extension of EST to helical cone-beam geometry. Methods: EST is a Fourier based iterative algorithm, which iterates back and forth between real and Fourier space utilizing the algebraically exact pseudopolar fast Fourier transform (PPFFT). Inmore » each iteration, physical constraints and mathematical regularization are applied in real space, while the measured data are enforced in Fourier space. The algorithm is automatically terminated when a proposed termination criterion is met. Experimentally, fan-beam projections were acquired by the Siemens z-flying focal spot technology, and subsequently interleaved and rebinned to a pseudopolar grid. Image quality phantoms were scanned at systematically varied mAs settings, reconstructed by EST and conventional reconstruction methods such as filtered back projection (FBP), and quantified using metrics including resolution, signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs). Pediatric data sets were reconstructed at their original acquisition settings and additionally simulated to lower dose settings for comparison and evaluation of the potential for radiation dose reduction. Numerical experiments were conducted to quantify EST and other iterative methods in terms of image quality and computation time. The extension of EST to helical cone-beam CT was implemented by using the advanced single-slice rebinning (ASSR) method. Results: Based on the phantom and pediatric patient fan-beam CT data, it is demonstrated that EST reconstructions with the lowest scanner flux setting of 39 mAs produce comparable image quality, resolution, and contrast relative to FBP with the 140 mAs flux setting. Compared to the algebraic reconstruction technique and the expectation maximization statistical reconstruction algorithm, a significant reduction in computation time is achieved with EST. Finally, numerical experiments on helical cone-beam CT data suggest that the combination of EST and ASSR produces reconstructions with higher image quality and lower noise than the Feldkamp Davis and Kress (FDK) method and the conventional ASSR approach. Conclusions: A Fourier-based iterative method has been applied to the reconstruction of fan-bean CT data with reduced x-ray fluence. This method incorporates advantageous features in both real and Fourier space iterative schemes: using a fast and algebraically exact method to calculate forward projection, enforcing the measured data in Fourier space, and applying physical constraints and flexible regularization in real space. Our results suggest that EST can be utilized for radiation dose reduction in x-ray CT via the readily implementable technique of lowering mAs settings. Numerical experiments further indicate that EST requires less computation time than several other iterative algorithms and can, in principle, be extended to helical cone-beam geometry in combination with the ASSR method.« less

  20. Radiation dose reduction in medical x-ray CT via Fourier-based iterative reconstruction.

    PubMed

    Fahimian, Benjamin P; Zhao, Yunzhe; Huang, Zhifeng; Fung, Russell; Mao, Yu; Zhu, Chun; Khatonabadi, Maryam; DeMarco, John J; Osher, Stanley J; McNitt-Gray, Michael F; Miao, Jianwei

    2013-03-01

    A Fourier-based iterative reconstruction technique, termed Equally Sloped Tomography (EST), is developed in conjunction with advanced mathematical regularization to investigate radiation dose reduction in x-ray CT. The method is experimentally implemented on fan-beam CT and evaluated as a function of imaging dose on a series of image quality phantoms and anonymous pediatric patient data sets. Numerical simulation experiments are also performed to explore the extension of EST to helical cone-beam geometry. EST is a Fourier based iterative algorithm, which iterates back and forth between real and Fourier space utilizing the algebraically exact pseudopolar fast Fourier transform (PPFFT). In each iteration, physical constraints and mathematical regularization are applied in real space, while the measured data are enforced in Fourier space. The algorithm is automatically terminated when a proposed termination criterion is met. Experimentally, fan-beam projections were acquired by the Siemens z-flying focal spot technology, and subsequently interleaved and rebinned to a pseudopolar grid. Image quality phantoms were scanned at systematically varied mAs settings, reconstructed by EST and conventional reconstruction methods such as filtered back projection (FBP), and quantified using metrics including resolution, signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs). Pediatric data sets were reconstructed at their original acquisition settings and additionally simulated to lower dose settings for comparison and evaluation of the potential for radiation dose reduction. Numerical experiments were conducted to quantify EST and other iterative methods in terms of image quality and computation time. The extension of EST to helical cone-beam CT was implemented by using the advanced single-slice rebinning (ASSR) method. Based on the phantom and pediatric patient fan-beam CT data, it is demonstrated that EST reconstructions with the lowest scanner flux setting of 39 mAs produce comparable image quality, resolution, and contrast relative to FBP with the 140 mAs flux setting. Compared to the algebraic reconstruction technique and the expectation maximization statistical reconstruction algorithm, a significant reduction in computation time is achieved with EST. Finally, numerical experiments on helical cone-beam CT data suggest that the combination of EST and ASSR produces reconstructions with higher image quality and lower noise than the Feldkamp Davis and Kress (FDK) method and the conventional ASSR approach. A Fourier-based iterative method has been applied to the reconstruction of fan-bean CT data with reduced x-ray fluence. This method incorporates advantageous features in both real and Fourier space iterative schemes: using a fast and algebraically exact method to calculate forward projection, enforcing the measured data in Fourier space, and applying physical constraints and flexible regularization in real space. Our results suggest that EST can be utilized for radiation dose reduction in x-ray CT via the readily implementable technique of lowering mAs settings. Numerical experiments further indicate that EST requires less computation time than several other iterative algorithms and can, in principle, be extended to helical cone-beam geometry in combination with the ASSR method.

  1. Radiation dose reduction in medical x-ray CT via Fourier-based iterative reconstruction

    PubMed Central

    Fahimian, Benjamin P.; Zhao, Yunzhe; Huang, Zhifeng; Fung, Russell; Mao, Yu; Zhu, Chun; Khatonabadi, Maryam; DeMarco, John J.; Osher, Stanley J.; McNitt-Gray, Michael F.; Miao, Jianwei

    2013-01-01

    Purpose: A Fourier-based iterative reconstruction technique, termed Equally Sloped Tomography (EST), is developed in conjunction with advanced mathematical regularization to investigate radiation dose reduction in x-ray CT. The method is experimentally implemented on fan-beam CT and evaluated as a function of imaging dose on a series of image quality phantoms and anonymous pediatric patient data sets. Numerical simulation experiments are also performed to explore the extension of EST to helical cone-beam geometry. Methods: EST is a Fourier based iterative algorithm, which iterates back and forth between real and Fourier space utilizing the algebraically exact pseudopolar fast Fourier transform (PPFFT). In each iteration, physical constraints and mathematical regularization are applied in real space, while the measured data are enforced in Fourier space. The algorithm is automatically terminated when a proposed termination criterion is met. Experimentally, fan-beam projections were acquired by the Siemens z-flying focal spot technology, and subsequently interleaved and rebinned to a pseudopolar grid. Image quality phantoms were scanned at systematically varied mAs settings, reconstructed by EST and conventional reconstruction methods such as filtered back projection (FBP), and quantified using metrics including resolution, signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs). Pediatric data sets were reconstructed at their original acquisition settings and additionally simulated to lower dose settings for comparison and evaluation of the potential for radiation dose reduction. Numerical experiments were conducted to quantify EST and other iterative methods in terms of image quality and computation time. The extension of EST to helical cone-beam CT was implemented by using the advanced single-slice rebinning (ASSR) method. Results: Based on the phantom and pediatric patient fan-beam CT data, it is demonstrated that EST reconstructions with the lowest scanner flux setting of 39 mAs produce comparable image quality, resolution, and contrast relative to FBP with the 140 mAs flux setting. Compared to the algebraic reconstruction technique and the expectation maximization statistical reconstruction algorithm, a significant reduction in computation time is achieved with EST. Finally, numerical experiments on helical cone-beam CT data suggest that the combination of EST and ASSR produces reconstructions with higher image quality and lower noise than the Feldkamp Davis and Kress (FDK) method and the conventional ASSR approach. Conclusions: A Fourier-based iterative method has been applied to the reconstruction of fan-bean CT data with reduced x-ray fluence. This method incorporates advantageous features in both real and Fourier space iterative schemes: using a fast and algebraically exact method to calculate forward projection, enforcing the measured data in Fourier space, and applying physical constraints and flexible regularization in real space. Our results suggest that EST can be utilized for radiation dose reduction in x-ray CT via the readily implementable technique of lowering mAs settings. Numerical experiments further indicate that EST requires less computation time than several other iterative algorithms and can, in principle, be extended to helical cone-beam geometry in combination with the ASSR method. PMID:23464329

  2. The incidence of maxillary sinus membrane perforation during endoscopically assessed crestal sinus floor elevation: a pilot study.

    PubMed

    Garbacea, Antoanela; Lozada, Jaime L; Church, Christopher A; Al-Ardah, Aladdin J; Seiberling, Kristin A; Naylor, W Patrick; Chen, Jung-Wei

    2012-08-01

    Transcrestal sinus membrane elevation is a surgical procedure performed to increase the bone volume in the maxillary sinus cavity. Because of visual limitations, the potential for maxillary sinus membrane perforations may be greater than with the lateral approach technique. The aim of this study was to macroscopically investigate ex vivo the occurrence of sinus membrane perforation during surgery using 3 transcrestal sinus floor elevation methods. Twenty fresh human cadaver heads, with 40 intact sinuses, were used for simultaneous sinus membrane elevation, placement of graft material, and dental implants. Real-time sinus endoscopy, periapical digital radiographs, and cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) images were subsequently used to evaluate the outcome of each surgical procedure. Perforation rates for each of the 3 techniques were then compared using a significance level of P < .05. No statistically significant differences in the perforation rate (P = .79) were found among the 3 surgical techniques. Although the sinus endoscope noted a higher frequency of perforations at the time of implant placement as compared with instrumentation or graft insertion, the difference was not statistically significant (P = .04). The CBCT readings were judged to be more accurate for identifying evidence of sinus perforations than the periapical radiographs when compared with the direct visualization with the endoscope. This pilot study demonstrated that a sinus membrane perforation can occur at any time during the sinus lift procedure, independent of the surgical method used.

  3. Following Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion, Do Tooth-Borne or Bone-Borne Appliances Provide More Skeletal Expansion and Dental Expansion?

    PubMed

    Hamedi-Sangsari, Adrien; Chinipardaz, Zahra; Carrasco, Lee

    2017-10-01

    The aim of this study was to compare outcome measurements of skeletal and dental expansion with bone-borne (BB) versus tooth-borne (TB) appliances after surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE). This study was performed to provide quantitative measurements that will help the oral surgeon and orthodontist in selecting the appliance with, on average, the greatest amount of skeletal expansion and the least amount of dental expansion. A computerized database search was performed using PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar on publications in reputable oral surgery and orthodontic journals. A systematic review and meta-analysis was completed with the predictor variable of expansion appliance (TB vs BB) and outcome measurement of expansion (in millimeters). Of 487 articles retrieved from the 6 databases, 5 articles were included, 4 with cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) data and 1 with non-CBCT 3-dimensional cast data. There was a significant difference in skeletal expansion (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54-1.30; P < .001) in favor of BB rather than TB appliances. However, there was no significant difference in dental expansion (SMD, 0.05; 95% CI, -0.24 to 0.34; P = .03). According to the literature, to achieve more effective skeletal expansion and minimize dental expansion after SARPE, a BB appliance should be favored. Copyright © 2017 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Iterative image-domain ring artifact removal in cone-beam CT

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liang, Xiaokun; Zhang, Zhicheng; Niu, Tianye; Yu, Shaode; Wu, Shibin; Li, Zhicheng; Zhang, Huailing; Xie, Yaoqin

    2017-07-01

    Ring artifacts in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images are caused by pixel gain variations using flat-panel detectors, and may lead to structured non-uniformities and deterioration of image quality. The purpose of this study is to propose a method of general ring artifact removal in CBCT images. This method is based on the polar coordinate system, where the ring artifacts manifest as stripe artifacts. Using relative total variation, the CBCT images are first smoothed to generate template images with fewer image details and ring artifacts. By subtracting the template images from the CBCT images, residual images with image details and ring artifacts are generated. As the ring artifact manifests as a stripe artifact in a polar coordinate system, the artifact image can be extracted by mean value from the residual image; the image details are generated by subtracting the artifact image from the residual image. Finally, the image details are compensated to the template image to generate the corrected images. The proposed framework is iterated until the differences in the extracted ring artifacts are minimized. We use a 3D Shepp-Logan phantom, Catphan©504 phantom, uniform acrylic cylinder, and images from a head patient to evaluate the proposed method. In the experiments using simulated data, the spatial uniformity is increased by 1.68 times and the structural similarity index is increased from 87.12% to 95.50% using the proposed method. In the experiment using clinical data, our method shows high efficiency in ring artifact removal while preserving the image structure and detail. The iterative approach we propose for ring artifact removal in cone-beam CT is practical and attractive for CBCT guided radiation therapy.

  5. A comprehensive study on decreasing the kilovoltage cone-beam CT dose by reducing the projection number.

    PubMed

    Lu, Bo; Lu, Haibin; Palta, Jatinder

    2010-05-12

    The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of kilovoltage cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) on registration accuracy and image qualities with a reduced number of planar projections used in volumetric imaging reconstruction. The ultimate goal is to evaluate the possibility of reducing the patient dose while maintaining registration accuracy under different projection-number schemes for various clinical sites. An Elekta Synergy Linear accelerator with an onboard CBCT system was used in this study. The quality of the Elekta XVI cone-beam three-dimensional volumetric images reconstructed with a decreasing number of projections was quantitatively evaluated by a Catphan phantom. Subsequently, we tested the registration accuracy of imaging data sets on three rigid anthropomorphic phantoms and three real patient sites under the reduced projection-number (as low as 1/6th) reconstruction of CBCT data with different rectilinear shifts and rota-tions. CBCT scan results of the Catphan phantom indicated the CBCT images got noisier when the number of projections was reduced, but their spatial resolution and uniformity were hardly affected. The maximum registration errors under the small amount transformation of the reference CT images were found to be within 0.7 mm translation and 0.3 masculine rotation. However, when the projection number was lower than one-fourth of the full set with a large amount of transformation of reference CT images, the registration could easily be trapped into local minima solutions for a nonrigid anatomy. We concluded, by using projection-number reduction strategy under conscientious care, imaging-guided localization procedure could achieve a lower patient dose without losing the registration accuracy for various clinical sites and situations. A faster scanning time is the main advantage compared to the mA decrease-based, dose-reduction method.

  6. Utilization of cone-beam CT for offline evaluation of target volume coverage during prostate image-guided radiotherapy based on bony anatomy alignment.

    PubMed

    Paluska, Petr; Hanus, Josef; Sefrova, Jana; Rouskova, Lucie; Grepl, Jakub; Jansa, Jan; Kasaova, Linda; Hodek, Miroslav; Zouhar, Milan; Vosmik, Milan; Petera, Jiri

    2012-01-01

    To assess target volume coverage during prostate image-guided radiotherapy based on bony anatomy alignment and to assess possibility of safety margin reduction. Implementation of IGRT should influence safety margins. Utilization of cone-beam CT provides current 3D anatomic information directly in irradiation position. Such information enables reconstruction of the actual dose distribution. Seventeen prostate patients were treated with daily bony anatomy image-guidance. Cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans were acquired once a week immediately after bony anatomy alignment. After the prostate, seminal vesicles, rectum and bladder were contoured, the delivered dose distribution was reconstructed. Target dose coverage was evaluated by the proportion of the CTV encompassed by the 95% isodose. Original plans employed a 1 cm safety margin. Alternative plans assuming a smaller 7 mm margin between CTV and PTV were evaluated in the same way. Rectal and bladder volumes were compared with the initial ones. Rectal and bladder volumes irradiated with doses higher than 75 Gy, 70 Gy, 60 Gy, 50 Gy and 40 Gy were analyzed. In 12% of reconstructed plans the prostate coverage was not sufficient. The prostate underdosage was observed in 5 patients. Coverage of seminal vesicles was not satisfactory in 3% of plans. Most of the target underdosage corresponded to excessive rectal or bladder filling. Evaluation of alternative plans assuming a smaller 7 mm margin revealed 22% and 11% of plans where prostate and seminal vesicles coverage, respectively, was compromised. These were distributed over 8 and 7 patients, respectively. Sufficient dose coverage of target volumes was not achieved for all patients. Reducing of safety margin is not acceptable. Initial rectal and bladder volumes cannot be considered representative for subsequent treatment.

  7. Use of cone-beam imaging to correct for catheter displacement in high dose-rate prostate brachytherapy.

    PubMed

    Holly, Rick; Morton, Gerard C; Sankreacha, Raxa; Law, Niki; Cisecki, Thomas; Loblaw, D Andrew; Chung, Hans T

    2011-01-01

    To determine the magnitude of catheter displacement between time of planning and time of treatment delivery for patients undergoing high dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy, the dosimetric impact of catheter displacement, and the ability to improve dosimetry by catheter readjustment. Twenty consecutive patients receiving single fraction HDR brachytherapy underwent kilovoltage cone-beam CT in the treatment room before treatment. If catheter displacement was apparent, catheters were adjusted and imaging repeated. Both sets of kilovoltage cone-beam CT image sets were coregistered off-line with the CT data set used for planning with rigid fusion of anatomy based on implanted fiducials. Catheter displacement was measured on both sets of images and dosimetry calculated. Mean internal displacement of catheters was 11mm. This would have resulted in a decrease in mean volume receiving 100% of prescription dose (V(100)) from the planned 97.6% to 77.3% (p<0.001), a decrease of the mean dose to 90% of the prostate (D(90)) from 110.5% to 72.9% (p<0.001), and increase in dose to 10% of urethra (urethra D(10)) from 118% to 125% (p=0.0094). Each 1cm of catheter displacement resulted in a 20% decrease in V(100) and 36% decrease in D(90). Catheter readjustment resulted in a final treated mean V(100) of 90.2% and D(90) of 97.4%, both less than planned. Mean urethra D(10) remained higher at126% (p=0.0324). Significantly, internal displacement of HDR catheters commonly occurs between time of CT planning and treatment delivery, even when only a single fraction is used. The adverse effects on dosimetry can be partly corrected by readjustment of catheter position. Copyright © 2011 American Brachytherapy Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Theory of third-order spectroscopic methods to extract detailed molecular orientational dynamics for planar surfaces and other uniaxial systems

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Nishida, Jun; Fayer, Michael D., E-mail: fayer@stanford.edu

    Functionalized organic monolayers deposited on planar two-dimensional surfaces are important systems for studying ultrafast orientational motions and structures of interfacial molecules. Several studies have successfully observed the orientational relaxation of functionalized monolayers by fluorescence depolarization experiments and recently by polarization-resolved heterodyne detected vibrational transient grating (HDTG) experiments. In this article we provide a model-independent theory to extract orientational correlation functions unique to interfacial molecules and other uniaxial systems based on polarization-resolved resonant third-order spectroscopies, such as pump-probe spectroscopy, HDTG spectroscopy, and fluorescence depolarization experiment. It will be shown (in the small beam-crossing angle limit) that five measurements are necessary tomore » completely characterize the monolayer's motions: I{sub ∥}(t) and I{sub ⊥}(t) with the incident beams normal to the surface, I{sub ∥}(t) and I{sub ⊥}(t) with a non-zero incident angle, and a time averaged linear dichroism measurement. Once these measurements are performed, two orientational correlation functions corresponding to in-plane and out-of-plane motions are obtained. The procedure is applicable not only for monolayers on flat surfaces, but any samples with uniaxial symmetry such as uniaxial liquid crystals and aligned planar bilayers. The theory is valid regardless of the nature of the actual molecular motions on interface. We then apply the general results to wobbling-in-a-cone model, in which molecular motions are restricted to a limited range of angles. Within the context of the model, the cone angle, the tilt of the cone relative to the surface normal, and the orientational diffusion constant can be determined. The results are extended to describe analysis of experiments where the beams are not crossing in the small angle limit.« less

  9. Performance analysis of a CsI-based flat panel detector in a cone beam variable resolution x-ray system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dahi, Bahram; Keyes, Gary S.; Rendon, David A.; DiBianca, Frank A.

    2007-03-01

    A new Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) system is introduced that uses the concept of Variable Resolution X-ray (VRX) detection, which has previously been demonstrated to significantly increase spatial resolution for small objects. An amorphous silicon Flat Panel Detector (FPD) with a CsI scintillator (PaxScan 2020, Varian, Salt Lake City, UT) is coupled with a micro-focus x-ray tube (35 - 80 kVp, 10 - 250 μA) to form a CBCT. The FPD is installed on a rotating arm that can be adjusted to any angle θ, called the VRX angle, between 90° and 0° with respect to the x-ray direction. A VRX angle of 90° for the detector corresponds to a conventional CBCT whereas a VRX angle of 30° means that the detector is tilted 90° - 30° = 60° from its perpendicular position. Tilting the FPD in this manner reduces both the line-spread function width and the sampling distance by a factor of sin(θ), thereby increasing detector spatial resolution proportionately. An in-house phantom is used to measure the MTF of the reconstructed CT images using different VRX angles. An increase by a factor of 1.67 +/- 0.007 is observed in the MTF cutoff frequency at 30° compared to 90° in images acquired at 75 kVp. Expected theoretical value for this case is 2.0. The new Cone-Beam Variable Resolution X-ray (CB-VRX) CT system is expected to significantly improve the images acquired from small objects - such as small animals - while exploiting the opportunities offered by a conventional CBCT.

  10. Radiation exposure to operating staff during rotational flat-panel angiography and C-arm cone beam computed tomography (CT) applications.

    PubMed

    Schulz, Boris; Heidenreich, Ralf; Heidenreich, Monika; Eichler, Katrin; Thalhammer, Axel; Naeem, Naguib Nagy Naguib; Vogl, Thomas Josef; Zangos, Stefan

    2012-12-01

    To evaluate the radiation exposure for operating personnel associated with rotational flat-panel angiography and C-arm cone beam CT. Using a dedicated angiography-suite, 2D and 3D examinations of the liver were performed on a phantom to generate scattered radiation. Exposure was measured with a dosimeter at predefined heights (eye, thyroid, breast, gonads and knee) at the physician's location. Analysis included 3D procedures with a field of view (FOV) of 24 cm × 18 cm (8s/rotation, 20s/rotation and 5s/2 rotations), and 47 cm×18 cm (16s/2 rotations) and standard 2D angiography (10s, FOV 24 cm×18 cm). Measurements showed the highest radiation dose at the eye and thyroid level. In comparison to 2D-DSA (3.9 μSv eye-exposure), the 3D procedures caused an increased radiation exposure both in standard FOV (8s/rotation: 28.0 μSv, 20s/rotation: 79.3 μSv, 5s/2 rotations: 32.5 μSv) and large FOV (37.6 μSv). Proportional distributions were measured for the residual heights. With the use of lead glass, irradiation of the eye lens was reduced to 0.2 μSv (2D DSA) and 10.6 μSv (3D technique with 20s/rotation). Rotational flat-panel angiography and C-arm cone beam applications significantly increase radiation exposure to the attending operator in comparison to 2D angiography. Our study indicates that the physician should wear protective devices and leave the examination room when performing 3D examinations. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Benefit of cone-beam computed tomography angiography in acute management of angiographically undetectable ruptured arteriovenous malformations.

    PubMed

    Rahal, Jason P; Malek, Adel M

    2013-10-01

    Ruptured arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are a frequent cause of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). In some cases, compression from the associated hematoma in the acute setting can partially or completely occlude an AVM, making it invisible on conventional angiography techniques. The authors report on the successful use of cone-beam CT angiography (CBCT-A) to precisely identify the underlying angioarchitecture of ruptured AVMs that are not visible on conventional angiography. Three patients presented with ICH for which they underwent examination with CBCT-A in addition to digital subtraction angiography and other imaging modalities, including MR angiography and CT angiography. All patients underwent surgical evacuation due to mass effect from the hematoma. Clinical history, imaging studies, and surgical records were reviewed. Hematoma volumes were calculated. In all 3 cases, CBCT-A demonstrated detailed anatomy of an AVM where no lesion or just a suggestion of a draining vein had been seen with other imaging modalities. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated enhancement in 1 patient; CT angiography demonstrated a draining vein in 1 patient; 2D digital subtraction angiography and 3D rotational angiography demonstrated a suggestion of a draining vein in 2 cases and no finding in the third. In the 2 patients in whom CBCT-A was performed prior to surgery, the demonstrated AVM was successfully resected without evidence of a residual lesion. In the third patient, CBCT-A allowed precise targeting of the AVM nidus using Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Cone-beam CT angiography should be considered in the evaluation and subsequent treatment of ICH due to ruptured AVMs. In cases in which the associated hematoma compresses the AVM nidus, CBCT-A can have higher sensitivity and anatomical accuracy than traditional angiographic modalities, including digital subtraction angiography.

  12. CUDA-based high-performance computing of the S-BPF algorithm with no-waiting pipelining

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Deng, Lin; Yan, Bin; Chang, Qingmei; Han, Yu; Zhang, Xiang; Xi, Xiaoqi; Li, Lei

    2015-10-01

    The backprojection-filtration (BPF) algorithm has become a good solution for local reconstruction in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). However, the reconstruction speed of BPF is a severe limitation for clinical applications. The selective-backprojection filtration (S-BPF) algorithm is developed to improve the parallel performance of BPF by selective backprojection. Furthermore, the general-purpose graphics processing unit (GP-GPU) is a popular tool for accelerating the reconstruction. Much work has been performed aiming for the optimization of the cone-beam back-projection. As the cone-beam back-projection process becomes faster, the data transportation holds a much bigger time proportion in the reconstruction than before. This paper focuses on minimizing the total time in the reconstruction with the S-BPF algorithm by hiding the data transportation among hard disk, CPU and GPU. And based on the analysis of the S-BPF algorithm, some strategies are implemented: (1) the asynchronous calls are used to overlap the implemention of CPU and GPU, (2) an innovative strategy is applied to obtain the DBP image to hide the transport time effectively, (3) two streams for data transportation and calculation are synchronized by the cudaEvent in the inverse of finite Hilbert transform on GPU. Our main contribution is a smart reconstruction of the S-BPF algorithm with GPU's continuous calculation and no data transportation time cost. a 5123 volume is reconstructed in less than 0.7 second on a single Tesla-based K20 GPU from 182 views projection with 5122 pixel per projection. The time cost of our implementation is about a half of that without the overlap behavior.

  13. Region-of-interest cone beam computed tomography (ROI CBCT) with a high resolution CMOS detector.

    PubMed

    Jain, A; Takemoto, H; Silver, M D; Nagesh, S V S; Ionita, C N; Bednarek, D R; Rudin, S

    Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) systems with rotational gantries that have standard flat panel detectors (FPD) are widely used for the 3D rendering of vascular structures using Feldkamp cone beam reconstruction algorithms. One of the inherent limitations of these systems is limited resolution (<3 lp/mm). There are systems available with higher resolution but their small FOV limits them to small animal imaging only. In this work, we report on region-of-interest (ROI) CBCT with a high resolution CMOS detector (75 μm pixels, 600 μm HR-CsI) mounted with motorized detector changer on a commercial FPD-based C-arm angiography gantry (194 μm pixels, 600 μm HL-CsI). A cylindrical CT phantom and neuro stents were imaged with both detectors. For each detector a total of 209 images were acquired in a rotational protocol. The technique parameters chosen for the FPD by the imaging system were used for the CMOS detector. The anti-scatter grid was removed and the incident scatter was kept the same for both detectors with identical collimator settings. The FPD images were reconstructed for the 10 cm x10 cm FOV and the CMOS images were reconstructed for a 3.84 cm × 3.84 cm FOV. Although the reconstructed images from the CMOS detector demonstrated comparable contrast to the FPD images, the reconstructed 3D images of the neuro stent clearly showed that the CMOS detector improved delineation of smaller objects such as the stent struts (~70 μm) compared to the FPD. Further development and the potential for substantial clinical impact are suggested.

  14. SU-C-207-05: A Comparative Study of Noise-Reduction Algorithms for Low-Dose Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Mukherjee, S; Yao, W

    2015-06-15

    Purpose: To study different noise-reduction algorithms and to improve the image quality of low dose cone beam CT for patient positioning in radiation therapy. Methods: In low-dose cone-beam CT, the reconstructed image is contaminated with excessive quantum noise. In this study, three well-developed noise reduction algorithms namely, a) penalized weighted least square (PWLS) method, b) split-Bregman total variation (TV) method, and c) compressed sensing (CS) method were studied and applied to the images of a computer–simulated “Shepp-Logan” phantom and a physical CATPHAN phantom. Up to 20% additive Gaussian noise was added to the Shepp-Logan phantom. The CATPHAN phantom was scannedmore » by a Varian OBI system with 100 kVp, 4 ms and 20 mA. For comparing the performance of these algorithms, peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of the denoised images was computed. Results: The algorithms were shown to have the potential in reducing the noise level for low-dose CBCT images. For Shepp-Logan phantom, an improvement of PSNR of 2 dB, 3.1 dB and 4 dB was observed using PWLS, TV and CS respectively, while for CATPHAN, the improvement was 1.2 dB, 1.8 dB and 2.1 dB, respectively. Conclusion: Penalized weighted least square, total variation and compressed sensing methods were studied and compared for reducing the noise on a simulated phantom and a physical phantom scanned by low-dose CBCT. The techniques have shown promising results for noise reduction in terms of PSNR improvement. However, reducing the noise without compromising the smoothness and resolution of the image needs more extensive research.« less

  15. Radiation dose reduction in thoracic and lumbar spine instrumentation using navigation based on an intraoperative cone beam CT imaging system: a prospective randomized clinical trial.

    PubMed

    Pireau, Nathalie; Cordemans, Virginie; Banse, Xavier; Irda, Nadia; Lichtherte, Sébastien; Kaminski, Ludovic

    2017-11-01

    Spine surgery still remains a challenge for every spine surgeon, aware of the potential serious outcomes of misplaced instrumentation. Though many studies have highlighted that using intraoperative cone beam CT imaging and navigation systems provides higher accuracy than conventional freehand methods for placement of pedicle screws in spine surgery, few studies are concerned about how to reduce radiation exposure for patients with the use of such technology. One of the main focuses of this study is based on the ALARA principle (as low as reasonably achievable). A prospective randomized trial was conducted in the hybrid operating room between December 2015 and December 2016, including 50 patients operated on for posterior instrumented thoracic and/or lumbar spinal fusion. Patients were randomized to intraoperative 3D acquisition high-dose (standard dose) or low-dose protocol, and a total of 216 pedicle screws were analyzed in terms of screw position. Two different methods were used to measure ionizing radiation: the total skin dose (derived from the dose-area product) and the radiation dose evaluated by thermoluminescent dosimeters on the surgical field. According to Gertzbein and Heary classifications, low-dose protocol provided a significant higher accuracy of pedicle screw placement than the high-dose protocol (96.1 versus 92%, respectively). Seven screws (3.2%), all implanted with the high-dose protocol, needed to be revised intraoperatively. The use of low-dose acquisition protocols reduced patient exposure by a factor of five. This study emphasizes the paramount importance of using low-dose protocols for intraoperative cone beam CT imaging coupled with the navigation system, as it at least does not affect the accuracy of pedicle screw placement and irradiates drastically less.

  16. The Evaluation of Root Fracture with Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT): An Epidemiological Study

    PubMed Central

    Doğan, Mehmet-Sinan; Callea, Michele; Kusdhany, Lindawati S.; Aras, Ahmet; Maharani, Diah-Ayu; Mandasari, Masita; Adiatman, Melissa

    2018-01-01

    Background The aim of this study was evaluation of the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) image of 50 patients at the ages of 8-15 suspecting root fracture and root fracture occurred, exposed to dental traumatic. In additionally, this study was showed effect of crown fracture on root fracture healing. Material and Methods All of the individuals included in the study were obtained images with the cone-beam computed tomography range of 0,3 voxel and 8.9 seconds.(i-CAT®, Model 17-19, Imaging SciencesInternational, Hatfield, Pa USA).The information obtained from the history and CBCT images of patients were evaluated using chi-square test statistical method the mean and the distribution of the independent variables. Results 50 children, have been exposed to trauma, was detected root fracture injury in 97 teeth. Horizontal root fracture 63.9% of the 97 tooth, the oblique in 31.9%, both the horizontal and oblique in 1.03%, partial fracture in 2.06% ,and both horizontally and vertical in 1.03% was observed.The most affected teeth, respectively of, are the maxillary central incisor (41.23% left, right, 37.11%), maxillary left lateral incisor (9.27%), maxillary right lateral incisor (11.34%), and mandibular central incisor (1.03%). Conclusions Crown fractures have negative effects on spontaneous healing of root fractures. CBCT are used selected as an alternative to with conventional radiography for diagnosis of root fractures. In particular, ıt’s cross-sectional image is quite useful and has been provided more conveniences seeing the results of diagnosis and treatment for clinician. Key words:Root fracture, CBCT, Epidemiolog. PMID:29670714

  17. Low dose megavoltage cone beam computed tomography with an unflattened 4 MV beam from a carbon target

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Faddegon, Bruce A.; Wu, Vincent; Pouliot, Jean

    2008-12-15

    Megavoltage cone beam computed tomography (MVCBCT) is routinely used for visualizing anatomical structures and implanted fiducials for patient positioning in radiotherapy. MVCBCT using a 6 MV treatment beam with high atomic number (Z) target and flattening filter in the beamline, as done conventionally, has lower image quality than can be achieved with a MV beam due to heavy filtration of the low-energy bremsstrahlung. The unflattened beam of a low Z target has an abundance of diagnostic energy photons, detected with modern flat panel detectors with much higher efficiency given the same dose to the patient. This principle guided the developmentmore » of a new megavoltage imaging beamline (IBL) for a commercial radiotherapy linear accelerator. A carbon target was placed in one of the electron primary scattering foil slots on the target-foil slide. A PROM on a function controller board was programed to put the carbon target in place for MVCBCT. A low accelerating potential of 4.2 MV was used for the IBL to restrict leakage of primary electrons through the target such that dose from x rays dominated the signal in the monitor chamber and the patient surface dose. Results from phantom and cadaver images demonstrated that the IBL had much improved image quality over the treatment beam. For similar imaging dose, the IBL improved the contrast-to-noise ratio by as much as a factor of 3 in soft tissue over that of the treatment beam. The IBL increased the spatial resolution by about a factor of 2, allowing the visualization of finer anatomical details. Images of the cadaver contained useful information with doses as low as 1 cGy. The IBL may be installed on certain models of linear accelerators without mechanical modification and results in significant improvement in the image quality with the same dose, or images of the same quality with less than one-third of the dose.« less

  18. Excitation of multipolar surface plasmon resonance in plasmonic nanoparticles by complex accelerating beams

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Yang; Li, Jiafang; Li, Zhi-Yuan; Chen, Yue-Gang

    2015-07-01

    In this paper, through a vector-spherical harmonics approach, we investigate the optical spectra of plasmonic Au nanoparticles excited by two special accelerating beams: a non-paraxial Airy beam and a Bessel beam. We systematically analyze the impacts of the beam profile, phase, and helical wave front of the electromagnetic fields on the optical spectrum and the excitation of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR). We find that the high-order phase in the Airy beam would result in strong plasmonic oscillations in the optical spectra, while the cone angle and orbital angular momentum carried by the Bessel beam could be employed to engineer the plasmon modes excited in Au nanoparticles. Furthermore, the optical spectrum excited by a combined Airy-Bessel-Gauss beam is discussed. The study could help to deeply explore new ways to manipulate SPR in metal nanoparticles via the wave front engineering of optical beams for enhancing light-matter interaction and optical sensing performance.

  19. Dual-energy imaging method to improve the image quality and the accuracy of dose calculation for cone-beam computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Men, Kuo; Dai, Jianrong; Chen, Xinyuan; Li, Minghui; Zhang, Ke; Huang, Peng

    2017-04-01

    To improve the image quality and accuracy of dose calculation for cone-beam computed tomography (CT) images through implementation of a dual-energy cone-beam computed tomography method (DE-CBCT), and evaluate the improvement quantitatively. Two sets of CBCT projections were acquired using the X-ray volumetric imaging (XVI) system on a Synergy (Elekta, Stockholm, Sweden) system with 120kV (high) and 70kV (low) X-rays, respectively. Then, the electron density relative to water (relative electron density (RED)) of each voxel was calculated using a projection-based dual-energy decomposition method. As a comparison, single-energy cone-beam computed tomography (SE-CBCT) was used to calculate RED with the Hounsfield unit-RED calibration curve generated by a CIRS phantom scan with identical imaging parameters. The imaging dose was measured with a dosimetry phantom. The image quality was evaluated quantitatively using a Catphan 503 phantom with the evaluation indices of the reproducibility of the RED values, high-contrast resolution (MTF 50% ), uniformity, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Dose calculation of two simulated volumetric-modulated arc therapy plans using an Eclipse treatment-planning system (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA, USA) was performed on an Alderson Rando Head and Neck (H&N) phantom and a Pelvis phantom. Fan-beam planning CT images for the H&N and Pelvis phantom were set as the reference. A global three-dimensional gamma analysis was used to compare dose distributions with the reference. The average gamma values for targets and OAR were analyzed with paired t-tests between DE-CBCT and SE-CBCT. In two scans (H&N scan and body scan), the imaging dose of DE-CBCT increased by 1.0% and decreased by 1.3%. It had a better reproducibility of the RED values (mean bias: 0.03 and 0.07) compared with SE-CBCT (mean bias: 0.13 and 0.16). It also improved the image uniformity (57.5% and 30.1%) and SNR (9.7% and 2.3%), but did not affect the MTF 50% . Gamma analyses of the 3D dose distribution with criteria of 1%/1mm showed a pass rate of 99.0-100% and 85.3-97.6% for DE-CBCT and 73.5-99.1% and 80.4-92.7% for SE-CBCT. The average gamma values were reduced significantly by DE-CBCT (p< 0.05). Gamma index maps showed that matching of the dose distribution between CBCT-based and reference was improved by DE-CBCT. DE-CBCT can achieve both better image quality and higher accuracy of dose calculation, and could be applied to adaptive radiotherapy. Copyright © 2017 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Clemente, F; Perez, C

    Purpose: Redundant treatment verifications in conformal and intensity-modulated radiation therapy techniques are traditionally performed with single point calculations. New solutions can replace these checks with 3D treatment plan verifications. This work describes a software tool (Mobius3D, Mobius Medical Systems) that uses a GPU-accelerated collapsed cone algorithm to perform 3D independent verifications of TPS calculations. Methods: Mobius3D comes with reference beam models for common linear accelerators. The system uses an independently developed collapsed cone algorithm updated with recent enhancements. 144 isotropically-spaced cones are used for each voxel for calculations. These complex calculations can be sped up by using GPUs. Mobius3D calculatemore » dose using DICOM information coming from TPS (CT, RT Struct, RT Plan RT Dose). DVH-metrics and 3D gamma tests can be used to compare both TPS and secondary calculations. 170 patients treated with all common techniques as 3DCFRT (including wedged), static and dynamic IMRT and VMAT have been successfully verified with this solution. Results: Calculation times are between 3–5 minutes for 3DCFRT treatments and 15–20 for most complex dMLC and VMAT plans. For all PTVs mean dose and 90% coverage differences are (1.12±0.97)% and (0.68±1.19)%, respectively. Mean dose discrepancies for all OARs is (0.64±1.00)%. 3D gamma (global, 3%/3 mm) analysis shows a mean passing rate of (97.8 ± 3.0)% for PTVs and (99.0±3.0)% for OARs. 3D gamma pasing rate for all voxels in CT has a mean value of (98.5±1.6)%. Conclusion: Mobius3D is a powerful tool to verify all modalities of radiation therapy treatments. Dose discrepancies calculated by this system are in good agreement with TPS. The use of reference beam data results in time savings and can be used to avoid the propagation of errors in original beam data into our QA system. GPU calculations permit enhanced collapsed cone calculations with reasonable calculation times.« less

  1. Dental computed tomographic imaging as age estimation: morphological analysis of the third molar of a group of Turkish population.

    PubMed

    Cantekin, Kenan; Sekerci, Ahmet Ercan; Buyuk, Suleyman Kutalmis

    2013-12-01

    Computed tomography (CT) is capable of providing accurate and measurable 3-dimensional images of the third molar. The aims of this study were to analyze the development of the mandibular third molar and its relation to chronological age and to create new reference data for a group of Turkish participants aged 9 to 25 years on the basis of cone-beam CT images. All data were obtained from the patients' records including medical, social, and dental anamnesis and cone-beam CT images of 752 patients. Linear regression analysis was performed to obtain regression formulas for dental age calculation with chronological age and to determine the coefficient of determination (r) for each sex. Statistical analysis showed a strong correlation between age and third-molar development for the males (r2 = 0.80) and the females (r2 = 0.78). Computed tomographic images are clinically useful for accurate and reliable estimation of dental ages of children and youth.

  2. Accelerating an Ordered-Subset Low-Dose X-Ray Cone Beam Computed Tomography Image Reconstruction with a Power Factor and Total Variation Minimization.

    PubMed

    Huang, Hsuan-Ming; Hsiao, Ing-Tsung

    2016-01-01

    In recent years, there has been increased interest in low-dose X-ray cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in many fields, including dentistry, guided radiotherapy and small animal imaging. Despite reducing the radiation dose, low-dose CBCT has not gained widespread acceptance in routine clinical practice. In addition to performing more evaluation studies, developing a fast and high-quality reconstruction algorithm is required. In this work, we propose an iterative reconstruction method that accelerates ordered-subsets (OS) reconstruction using a power factor. Furthermore, we combine it with the total-variation (TV) minimization method. Both simulation and phantom studies were conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. Results show that the proposed method can accelerate conventional OS methods, greatly increase the convergence speed in early iterations. Moreover, applying the TV minimization to the power acceleration scheme can further improve the image quality while preserving the fast convergence rate.

  3. Three-dimensional evaluation of human jaw bone microarchitecture: correlation between the microarchitectural parameters of cone beam computed tomography and micro-computer tomography.

    PubMed

    Kim, Jo-Eun; Yi, Won-Jin; Heo, Min-Suk; Lee, Sam-Sun; Choi, Soon-Chul; Huh, Kyung-Hoe

    2015-12-01

    To evaluate the potential feasibility of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the assessment of trabecular bone microarchitecture. Sixty-eight specimens from four pairs of human jaw were scanned using both micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) of 19.37-μm voxel size and CBCT of 100-μm voxel size. The correlation of 3-dimensional parameters between CBCT and micro-CT was evaluated. All parameters, except bone-specific surface and trabecular thickness, showed linear correlations between the 2 imaging modalities (P < .05). Among the parameters, bone volume, percent bone volume, trabecular separation, and degree of anisotropy (DA) of CBCT images showed strong correlations with those of micro-CT images. DA showed the strongest correlation (r = 0.693). Most microarchitectural parameters from CBCT were correlated with those from micro-CT. Some microarchitectural parameters, especially DA, could be used as strong predictors of bone quality in the human jaw. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Retrospective study of root canal configurations of maxillary third molars in Central India population using cone beam computed tomography Part- I

    PubMed Central

    Rawtiya, Manjusha; Somasundaram, Pavithra; Wadhwani, Shefali; Munuga, Swapna; Agarwal, Manish; Sethi, Priyank

    2016-01-01

    Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the root and canal morphology of maxillary third molars in Central India population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) analysis. Materials and Methods: CBCT images of 116 maxillary third molars were observed, and data regarding the number of roots, the number of canals, and Vertucci's Classification in each root was statistically evaluated. Results: Majority of Maxillary third molars had three roots (55.2%) and three canals (37.9%). Most MB root (43.8%), DB root (87.5%), and palatal root (100%) of maxillary third molars had Vertucci Type I. Mesiobuccal root of three-rooted maxillary third molars had Vertucci Type I (43.8%) and Type IV (40.6%) configuration. Overall prevalence of C-shaped canals in maxillary third molars was 3.4%. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of three-rooted maxillary molars with three canals. PMID:27011747

  5. GPU-based streaming architectures for fast cone-beam CT image reconstruction and demons deformable registration.

    PubMed

    Sharp, G C; Kandasamy, N; Singh, H; Folkert, M

    2007-10-07

    This paper shows how to significantly accelerate cone-beam CT reconstruction and 3D deformable image registration using the stream-processing model. We describe data-parallel designs for the Feldkamp, Davis and Kress (FDK) reconstruction algorithm, and the demons deformable registration algorithm, suitable for use on a commodity graphics processing unit. The streaming versions of these algorithms are implemented using the Brook programming environment and executed on an NVidia 8800 GPU. Performance results using CT data of a preserved swine lung indicate that the GPU-based implementations of the FDK and demons algorithms achieve a substantial speedup--up to 80 times for FDK and 70 times for demons when compared to an optimized reference implementation on a 2.8 GHz Intel processor. In addition, the accuracy of the GPU-based implementations was found to be excellent. Compared with CPU-based implementations, the RMS differences were less than 0.1 Hounsfield unit for reconstruction and less than 0.1 mm for deformable registration.

  6. Electromagnetic navigated positioning of the maxilla after Le Fort I osteotomy in preclinical orthognathic surgery cases.

    PubMed

    Berger, Moritz; Nova, Igor; Kallus, Sebastian; Ristow, Oliver; Eisenmann, Urs; Freudlsperger, Christian; Seeberger, Robin; Hoffmann, Jürgen; Dickhaus, Hartmut

    2017-03-01

    Inaccuracies in orthognathic surgery can be caused during face-bow registration, model surgery on plaster models, and intermaxillary splint manufacturing. Electromagnetic (EM) navigation is a promising method for splintless digitized maxillary positioning. After performing Le Fort I osteotomy on 10 plastic skulls, the target position of the maxilla was guided by an EM navigation system. Specially implemented software illustrated the target position by real-time multistage colored three-dimensional imaging. Accuracy was determined by using pre- and postoperative cone beam computed tomography. The high accuracy of the EM system was underlined by the fact that it had a navigated maxilla position discrepancy of only 0.4 mm, which was verified by postoperative cone beam computed tomography. This preclinical study demonstrates a precise digitized approach for splintless maxillary repositioning after Le Fort I osteotomy. The accuracy and intuitive illustration of the introduced EM navigation system is promising for potential daily use in orthognathic surgery. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Apical root resorption due to orthodontic treatment detected by cone beam computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Castro, Iury O; Alencar, Ana H G; Valladares-Neto, José; Estrela, Carlos

    2013-03-01

    To determine the frequency of apical root resorption (ARR) due to orthodontic treatment using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a sample of 1256 roots from 30 patients. All patients had Class I malocclusion with crowding. Of the 30 patients evaluated, 11 were boys and 19 were girls; their mean age was 13 years (11 to 16 years). Orthodontic treatment followed the nonextraction treatment. CBCT images were obtained before and after orthodontic treatment, and ARR was determined using Axial Guided Navigation of CBCT images. All patients had ARR. No statistically significant association was found between resorption frequency, gender, and age. ARR was detected using CBCT in 46% of all roots that underwent orthodontic treatment. CBCT was effective for detecting in vivo even minimal degrees of ARR due to orthodontic treatment and allowed three-dimensional evaluation of dental roots and visualization of palatine roots of maxillary molars. The highest frequencies and the most significant ARR occurred in incisors and distal roots of first maxillary and mandibular molars.

  8. Endodontic management of maxillary first molar with seven root canals diagnosed using Cone Beam Computed Tomography scanning

    PubMed Central

    Raghavendra, Srinidhi Surya; Hindlekar, Ajit Narayan; Desai, Niranjan Nanasaheb; Vyavahare, Nishant Kishor; Napte, Bandu Devrao

    2014-01-01

    The main objective of root canal treatment is thorough cleaning and shaping of the entire pulp space and its complete filling with an inert filling material. A major cause of post-treatment disease is the inability to locate, debride or adequately fill all canals of the root canal system. The form, configuration, and number of root canals in the maxillary first molars have been discussed for more than half a century. Maxillary first molars commonly present with three roots and three canals, with a second mesiobuccal canal (MB2) also present. With the advent of improved magnification there are reports of multiple root canals in the maxillary first molars. Nonsurgical endodontic therapy of a left maxillary first molar with three roots and seven root canals was successfully performed under a dental operating microscope. The diagnosis of multiple root canals was confirmed with the help of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images. PMID:25565745

  9. A Comparative Evaluation of Mixed Dentition Analysis on Reliability of Cone Beam Computed Tomography Image Compared to Plaster Model.

    PubMed

    Gowd, Snigdha; Shankar, T; Dash, Samarendra; Sahoo, Nivedita; Chatterjee, Suravi; Mohanty, Pritam

    2017-01-01

    The aim of the study was to evaluate the reliability of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) obtained image over plaster model for the assessment of mixed dentition analysis. Thirty CBCT-derived images and thirty plaster models were derived from the dental archives, and Moyer's and Tanaka-Johnston analyses were performed. The data obtained were interpreted and analyzed statistically using SPSS 10.0/PC (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Descriptive and analytical analysis along with Student's t -test was performed to qualitatively evaluate the data and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Statistically, significant results were obtained on data comparison between CBCT-derived images and plaster model; the mean for Moyer's analysis in the left and right lower arch for CBCT and plaster model was 21.2 mm, 21.1 mm and 22.5 mm, 22.5 mm, respectively. CBCT-derived images were less reliable as compared to data obtained directly from plaster model for mixed dentition analysis.

  10. Multimodal airway evaluation in growing patients after rapid maxillary expansion.

    PubMed

    Fastuca, R; Meneghel, M; Zecca, P A; Mangano, F; Antonello, M; Nucera, R; Caprioglio, A

    2015-06-01

    The objective of this study was to evaluate the airway volume of growing patients combining a morphological approach using cone beam computed tomography associated with functional data obtained by polysomnography examination after rapid maxillary expansion treatment. 22 Caucasian patients (mean age 8.3±0.9 years) undergoing rapid maxillary expansion with Haas type expander banded on second deciduous upper molars were enrolled for this prospective study. Cone beam computed tomography scans and polysomnography exams were collected before placing the appliance (T0) and after 12 months (T1). Image processing with airway volume computing and analyses of oxygen saturation and apnoea/hypopnoea index were performed. Airway volume, oxygen saturation and apnea/hypopnea index underwent significant increase over time. However, no significant correlation was seen between their increases. The rapid maxillary expansion treatment induced significant increases in the total airway volume and respiratory performance. Functional respiratory parameters should be included in studies evaluating the RME treatment effects on the respiratory performance.

  11. Feasibility study of low-dose intra-operative cone-beam CT for image-guided surgery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Han, Xiao; Shi, Shuanghe; Bian, Junguo; Helm, Patrick; Sidky, Emil Y.; Pan, Xiaochuan

    2011-03-01

    Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been increasingly used during surgical procedures for providing accurate three-dimensional anatomical information for intra-operative navigation and verification. High-quality CBCT images are in general obtained through reconstruction from projection data acquired at hundreds of view angles, which is associated with a non-negligible amount of radiation exposure to the patient. In this work, we have applied a novel image-reconstruction algorithm, the adaptive-steepest-descent-POCS (ASD-POCS) algorithm, to reconstruct CBCT images from projection data at a significantly reduced number of view angles. Preliminary results from experimental studies involving both simulated data and real data show that images of comparable quality to those presently available in clinical image-guidance systems can be obtained by use of the ASD-POCS algorithm from a fraction of the projection data that are currently used. The result implies potential value of the proposed reconstruction technique for low-dose intra-operative CBCT imaging applications.

  12. Scatter correction for cone-beam computed tomography using self-adaptive scatter kernel superposition

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xie, Shi-Peng; Luo, Li-Min

    2012-06-01

    The authors propose a combined scatter reduction and correction method to improve image quality in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The scatter kernel superposition (SKS) method has been used occasionally in previous studies. However, this method differs in that a scatter detecting blocker (SDB) was used between the X-ray source and the tested object to model the self-adaptive scatter kernel. This study first evaluates the scatter kernel parameters using the SDB, and then isolates the scatter distribution based on the SKS. The quality of image can be improved by removing the scatter distribution. The results show that the method can effectively reduce the scatter artifacts, and increase the image quality. Our approach increases the image contrast and reduces the magnitude of cupping. The accuracy of the SKS technique can be significantly improved in our method by using a self-adaptive scatter kernel. This method is computationally efficient, easy to implement, and provides scatter correction using a single scan acquisition.

  13. Twin robotic x-ray system for 2D radiographic and 3D cone-beam CT imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fieselmann, Andreas; Steinbrener, Jan; Jerebko, Anna K.; Voigt, Johannes M.; Scholz, Rosemarie; Ritschl, Ludwig; Mertelmeier, Thomas

    2016-03-01

    In this work, we provide an initial characterization of a novel twin robotic X-ray system. This system is equipped with two motor-driven telescopic arms carrying X-ray tube and flat-panel detector, respectively. 2D radiographs and fluoroscopic image sequences can be obtained from different viewing angles. Projection data for 3D cone-beam CT reconstruction can be acquired during simultaneous movement of the arms along dedicated scanning trajectories. We provide an initial evaluation of the 3D image quality based on phantom scans and clinical images. Furthermore, initial evaluation of patient dose is conducted. The results show that the system delivers high image quality for a range of medical applications. In particular, high spatial resolution enables adequate visualization of bone structures. This system allows 3D X-ray scanning of patients in standing and weight-bearing position. It could enable new 2D/3D imaging workflows in musculoskeletal imaging and improve diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders.

  14. Extra projection data identification method for fast-continuous-rotation industrial cone-beam CT.

    PubMed

    Yang, Min; Duan, Shengling; Duan, Jinghui; Wang, Xiaolong; Li, Xingdong; Meng, Fanyong; Zhang, Jianhai

    2013-01-01

    Fast-continuous-rotation is an effective measure to improve the scanning speed and decrease the radiation dose for cone-beam CT. However, because of acceleration and deceleration of the motor, as well as the response lag of the scanning control terminals to the host PC, uneven-distributed and redundant projections are inevitably created, which seriously decrease the quality of the reconstruction images. In this paper, we first analyzed the aspects of the theoretical sequence chart of the fast-continuous-rotation mode. Then, an optimized sequence chart was proposed by extending the rotation angle span to ensure the effective 2π-span projections were situated in the stable rotation stage. In order to match the rotation angle with the projection image accurately, structure similarity (SSIM) index was used as a control parameter for extraction of the effective projection sequence which was exactly the complete projection data for image reconstruction. The experimental results showed that SSIM based method had a high accuracy of projection view locating and was easy to realize.

  15. Output factor determination based on Monte Carlo simulation for small cone field in 10-MV photon beam.

    PubMed

    Fukata, Kyohei; Sugimoto, Satoru; Kurokawa, Chie; Saito, Akito; Inoue, Tatsuya; Sasai, Keisuke

    2018-06-01

    The difficulty of measuring output factor (OPF) in a small field has been frequently discussed in recent publications. This study is aimed to determine the OPF in a small field using 10-MV photon beam and stereotactic conical collimator (cone). The OPF was measured by two diode detectors (SFD, EDGE detector) and one micro-ion chamber (PinPoint 3D chamber) in a water phantom. A Monte Carlo simulation using simplified detector model was performed to obtain the correction factor for the detector measurements. About 12% OPF difference was observed in the measurement at the smallest field (7.5 mm diameter) for EDGE detector and PinPoint 3D chamber. By applying the Monte Carlo-based correction factor to the measurement, the maximum discrepancy among the three detectors was reduced to within 3%. The results indicate that determination of OPF in a small field should be carefully performed. Especially, detector choice and appropriate correction factor application are very important in this regard.

  16. Long term three dimensional tracking of orthodontic patients using registered cone beam CT and photogrammetry.

    PubMed

    Boulanger, Pierre; Flores-Mir, Carlos; Ramirez, Juan F; Mesa, Elizabeth; Branch, John W

    2009-01-01

    The measurements from registered images obtained from Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and a photogrammetric sensor are used to track three-dimensional shape variations of orthodontic patients before and after their treatments. The methodology consists of five main steps: (1) the patient's bone and skin shapes are measured in 3D using the fusion of images from a CBCT and a photogrammetric sensor. (2) The bone shape is extracted from the CBCT data using a standard marching cube algorithm. (3) The bone and skin shape measurements are registered using titanium targets located on the head of the patient. (4) Using a manual segmentation technique the head and lower jaw geometry are extracted separately to deal with jaw motion at the different record visits. (5) Using natural features of the upper head the two datasets are then registered with each other and then compared to evaluate bone, teeth, and skin displacements before and after treatments. This procedure is now used at the University of Alberta orthodontic clinic.

  17. [A rare complication during the surgical removal of an impacted maxillary third molar].

    PubMed

    Hoekema, A; Apperloo, R C; de Lange, J

    2012-01-01

    A 12-year-old boy was referred by his orthodontist due to the dysmorphic condition of the impacted teeth 18 and 28. Because teeth 17 and 27 were close related to the third molars, the decision was made to remove the impacted teeth under general anaesthesia. During luxation of tooth 28, it was accidentally displaced deeper into the socket. The tooth could still not be localized after the use of radiographs, an antrostomy, and surgical exploration. It was decided to leave the 28 in its place and to perform cone beam computertomography. This showed that tooth 28 was displaced into the infratemporal fossa. Since the patient was free of symptoms, a period of watchful waiting was initiated. A control visit and cone beam computertomography 9 months postoperatively revealed no signs or symptoms or changes in the position of the displaced tooth. It was therefore decided to leave the third molar in its displaced position. Displacement of a maxillary third molar into the infratemporal fossa is considered a rare complication.

  18. The combination of digital surface scanners and cone beam computed tomography technology for guided implant surgery using 3Shape implant studio software: a case history report.

    PubMed

    Lanis, Alejandro; Álvarez Del Canto, Orlando

    2015-01-01

    The incorporation of virtual engineering into dentistry and the digitization of information are providing new perspectives and innovative alternatives for dental treatment modalities. The use of digital surface scanners with surgical planning software allows for the combination of the radiographic, prosthetic, surgical, and laboratory fields under a common virtual scenario, permitting complete digital treatment planning. In this article, the authors present a clinical case in which a guided implant surgery was performed based on a complete digital surgical plan combining the information from a cone beam computed tomography scan and the virtual simulation obtained from the 3Shape TRIOS intraoral surface scanner. The information was imported to and combined in the 3Shape Implant Studio software for guided implant surgery planning. A surgical guide was obtained by a 3D printer, and the surgical procedure was done using the Biohorizons Guided Surgery Kit and its protocol.

  19. Cone beam computed tomography evaluation and endodontic management of permanent mandibular second molar with four roots: A rare case report and literature review

    PubMed Central

    Rajasekhara, Subhashini; Sharath Chandra, SM; Parthasarathy, Late Bharath

    2014-01-01

    The morphological variation in the number of roots and root canals, especially in multi-rooted teeth is a constant challenge for diagnosis and successful endodontic therapy. Knowledge of the most common anatomic characteristics and their possible variations is fundamental. Although, endodontic management of four-rooted mandibular first molars have been observed on a few occasions in the literature, to the best of our knowledge four-rooted mandibular second molars having two mesial and two distal roots have not been reported. This paper highlights endodontic management of mandibular second molar with four roots (two mesial and two distal) with one canal in each root and its cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) evaluation which was primarily done for post treatment assessment for diagnosing post-endodontic complications, at the same time confirmed our radiographic diagnosis of this variation. This also helped us portraying the anatomy of this rare variation. PMID:25125856

  20. Image quality improvement in cone-beam CT using the super-resolution technique.

    PubMed

    Oyama, Asuka; Kumagai, Shinobu; Arai, Norikazu; Takata, Takeshi; Saikawa, Yusuke; Shiraishi, Kenshiro; Kobayashi, Takenori; Kotoku, Jun'ichi

    2018-04-05

    This study was conducted to improve cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) image quality using the super-resolution technique, a method of inferring a high-resolution image from a low-resolution image. This technique is used with two matrices, so-called dictionaries, constructed respectively from high-resolution and low-resolution image bases. For this study, a CBCT image, as a low-resolution image, is represented as a linear combination of atoms, the image bases in the low-resolution dictionary. The corresponding super-resolution image was inferred by multiplying the coefficients and the high-resolution dictionary atoms extracted from planning CT images. To evaluate the proposed method, we computed the root mean square error (RMSE) and structural similarity (SSIM). The resulting RMSE and SSIM between the super-resolution images and the planning CT images were, respectively, as much as 0.81 and 1.29 times better than those obtained without using the super-resolution technique. We used super-resolution technique to improve the CBCT image quality.

  1. Management of a maxillary first molar having atypical anatomy of two roots diagnosed using cone beam computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Sharma, Sarang; Mittal, Meenu; Passi, Deepak; Grover, Shibani

    2015-01-01

    Most often, a clinician working on maxillary first molar when anticipates an aberration thinks of an extra canal but rarely does he preempt fewer canals. Maxillary first molar is a tooth, which has been extensively reviewed with respect to its external and internal morphology. Abundant literature related to its anatomy is available, but reports on incidence of two roots and two root canals in maxillary first molar are very limited. Here, a case of maxillary first molar is presented that had two roots: one palatal root with Type I canal configuration and one bulbous fused buccal root with Type V canal configuration; a unique root and canal configuration not seen in any of the earlier reported cases. Diagnosis of root canal aberrancy and subsequently, accurate management of the tooth was greatly facilitated by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. The relevance of CBCT in improving treatment prognosis is greatly emphasized in this report.

  2. Influence of anatomical location on CT numbers in cone beam computed tomography.

    PubMed

    Oliveira, Matheus L; Tosoni, Guilherme M; Lindsey, David H; Mendoza, Kristopher; Tetradis, Sotirios; Mallya, Sanjay M

    2013-04-01

    To assess the influence of anatomical location on computed tomography (CT) numbers in mid- and full field of view (FOV) cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Polypropylene tubes with varying concentrations of dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (K₂HPO₄) solutions (50-1200 mg/mL) were imaged within the incisor, premolar, and molar dental sockets of a human skull phantom. CBCT scans were acquired using the NewTom 3G and NewTom 5G units. The CT numbers of the K₂HPO₄ phantoms were measured, and the relationship between CT numbers and K₂HPO₄ concentration was examined. The measured CT numbers of the K₂HPO₄ phantoms were compared between anatomical sites. At all six anatomical locations, there was a strong linear relationship between CT numbers and K₂HPO₄ concentration (R(2)>0.93). However, the absolute CT numbers varied considerably with the anatomical location. The relationship between CT numbers and object density is not uniform through the dental arch on CBCT scans. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Comparison between cone-beam and multislice computed tomography depicting mandibular neurovascular canal structures.

    PubMed

    Naitoh, Munetaka; Nakahara, Kino; Suenaga, Yutaka; Gotoh, Kenichi; Kondo, Shintaro; Ariji, Eiichiro

    2010-01-01

    The most common diagnostic imaging modalities for cross-sectional imaging in dental implant planning are currently cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and multislice CT (MSCT). However, clinical differences between CBCT and MSCT in this task have not been fully clarified. In this investigation, the detection of fine anatomical structures in the mandible was assessed and compared between CBCT and MSCT images. The sample consisted of 28 patients who had undergone CBCT and MSCT. The bifid mandibular canal in the mandibular ramus, accessory mental and buccal foramina, and median and lateral lingual bony canals were observed in 2-D images, and the findings were compared between CBCT and MSCT. Four of 19 canals observed in CBCT were not observed in MSCT images. Three accessory mental foramina in 2 patients and 28 lateral lingual bony canals in 18 patients were observed consistently using the two methods. Depiction of fine anatomic features in the mandible associated with neurovascular structures is consistent between CBCT and MSCT images. Copyright 2010 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Evaluation of ponticulus posticus on digital lateral cephalograms and cone beam computed tomography in patients with migraine and healthy individuals: a comparative study.

    PubMed

    Sabir, Husain; Kumbhare, Subhash; Rout, Purnendu

    2014-09-01

    The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of ponticulus posticus (PP) in patients with migraine. The presence and types of PP were investigated in 100 patients with migraine and 100 healthy controls on digital lateral cephalograms and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. PP was found in 42% of the patients with migraine and in 19% of the healthy controls on digital lateral cephalograms. CBCT scan found PP in 40 patients with migraine and in 18 healthy controls. The agreement between the occurrence of PP seen on digital lateral cephalograms and that seen on CBCT images was "very good" (κ = 0.92). Significant association was found between PP and migraine. PP is easily visible on lateral cephalograms. For a more accurate diagnosis, CBCT is required. Therefore, radiographic detection of PP must be considered an important task, because this anomaly may be a key indicator of an underlying disease process. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Accelerating an Ordered-Subset Low-Dose X-Ray Cone Beam Computed Tomography Image Reconstruction with a Power Factor and Total Variation Minimization

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Hsuan-Ming; Hsiao, Ing-Tsung

    2016-01-01

    In recent years, there has been increased interest in low-dose X-ray cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in many fields, including dentistry, guided radiotherapy and small animal imaging. Despite reducing the radiation dose, low-dose CBCT has not gained widespread acceptance in routine clinical practice. In addition to performing more evaluation studies, developing a fast and high-quality reconstruction algorithm is required. In this work, we propose an iterative reconstruction method that accelerates ordered-subsets (OS) reconstruction using a power factor. Furthermore, we combine it with the total-variation (TV) minimization method. Both simulation and phantom studies were conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. Results show that the proposed method can accelerate conventional OS methods, greatly increase the convergence speed in early iterations. Moreover, applying the TV minimization to the power acceleration scheme can further improve the image quality while preserving the fast convergence rate. PMID:27073853

  6. A system to track skin dose for neuro-interventional cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vijayan, Sarath; Xiong, Zhenyu; Rudin, Stephen; Bednarek, Daniel R.

    2016-03-01

    The skin-dose tracking system (DTS) provides a color-coded illustration of the cumulative skin-dose distribution on a closely-matching 3D graphic of the patient during fluoroscopic interventions in real-time for immediate feedback to the interventionist. The skin-dose tracking utility of DTS has been extended to include cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) of neurointerventions. While the DTS was developed to track the entrance skin dose including backscatter, a significant part of the dose in CBCT is contributed by exit primary radiation and scatter due to the many overlapping projections during the rotational scan. The variation of backscatter inside and outside the collimated beam was measured with radiochromic film and a curve was fit to obtain a scatter spread function that could be applied in the DTS. Likewise, the exit dose distribution was measured with radiochromic film for a single projection and a correction factor was determined as a function of path length through the head. Both of these sources of skin dose are added for every projection in the CBCT scan to obtain a total dose mapping over the patient graphic. Results show the backscatter to follow a sigmoidal falloff near the edge of the beam, extending outside the beam as far as 8 cm. The exit dose measured for a cylindrical CTDI phantom was nearly 10 % of the entrance peak skin dose for the central ray. The dose mapping performed by the DTS for a CBCT scan was compared to that measured with radiochromic film and a CTDI-head phantom with good agreement.

  7. Cone-Beam Computed Tomography for Image-Guided Radiation Therapy of Prostate Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-01-01

    ltered ba kproje tion (FBP) al-gorithm that does not depend upon the hords hastherefore been developed for volumetri image re- onstru tion in a...reproje tion of the rst re onstru ted volumetri image. The NCAT 6 phantom images re onstru ted by the tandem algorithm are shown in Fig. 3. The paper...algorithm has been applied to a ir ular one-beam mi ro-CT for volumetri images of the ROIwith a higher spatial resolution and at a redu edexposure to

  8. Compressional and Shear Wakes in a 2D Dusty Plasma Crystal

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nosenko, V.; Goree, J.; Ma, Z. W.; Dubin, D. H. E.

    2001-10-01

    A 2D crystalline lattice can vibrate with two kinds of sound waves, compressional and shear (transverse), where the latter has a much slower sound speed. When these waves are excited by a moving supersonic disturbance, the superposition of the waves creates a Mach cone, i.e., a V-shaped wake. In our experiments, the supersonic disturbance was a moving spot of argon laser light, and this laser light applied a force, due to radiation pressure, on the particles. The beam was swept across the lattice in a controlled and repeatable manner. The particles were levitated in an argon rf discharge. By moving the laser spot faster than the shear sound speed c_t, but slower than the compressional sound speed c_l, we excited a shear wave Mach cone. Alternatively, by moving the laser spot faster than c_l, we excited both cones. In addition to Mach cones, we also observed a wake structure that arises from the compressional wave’s dispersion. We compare our results to Dubin’s theory (Phys. Plasmas 2000) and to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.

  9. Emission of energetic protons from relativistic intensity laser interaction with a cone-wire target.

    PubMed

    Paradkar, B S; Yabuuchi, T; Sawada, H; Higginson, D P; Link, A; Wei, M S; Stephens, R B; Krasheninnikov, S I; Beg, F N

    2012-11-01

    Emission of energetic protons (maximum energy ∼18 MeV) from the interaction of relativistic intensity laser with a cone-wire target is experimentally measured and numerically simulated with hybrid particle-in-cell code, lsp [D. R. Welch et al., Phys. Plasmas 13, 063105 (2006)]. The protons originate from the wire attached to the cone after the OMEGA EP laser (670 J, 10 ps, 5 × 10^{18} W/cm^{2}) deposits its energy inside the cone. These protons are accelerated from the contaminant layer on the wire surface, and are measured in the radial direction, i.e., in a direction transverse to the wire length. Simulations show that the radial electric field, responsible for the proton acceleration, is excited by three factors, viz., (i) transverse momentum of the relativistic fast electrons beam entering into the wire, (ii) scattering of electrons inside the wire, and (iii) refluxing of escaped electrons by "fountain effect" at the end of the wire. The underlying physics of radial electric field and acceleration of protons is discussed.

  10. Online geometric calibration of cone-beam computed tomography for arbitrary imaging objects.

    PubMed

    Meng, Yuanzheng; Gong, Hui; Yang, Xiaoquan

    2013-02-01

    A novel online method based on the symmetry property of the sum of projections (SOP) is proposed to obtain the geometric parameters in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). This method requires no calibration phantom and can be used in circular trajectory CBCT with arbitrary cone angles. An objective function is deduced to illustrate the dependence of the symmetry of SOP on geometric parameters, which will converge to its minimum when the geometric parameters achieve their true values. Thus, by minimizing the objective function, we can obtain the geometric parameters for image reconstruction. To validate this method, numerical phantom studies with different noise levels are simulated. The results show that our method is insensitive to the noise and can determine the skew (in-plane rotation angle of the detector), the roll (rotation angle around the projection of the rotation axis on the detector), and the rotation axis with high accuracy, while the mid-plane and source-to-detector distance will be obtained with slightly lower accuracy. However, our simulation studies validate that the errors of the latter two parameters brought by our method will hardly degrade the quality of reconstructed images. The small animal studies show that our method is able to deal with arbitrary imaging objects. In addition, the results of the reconstructed images in different slices demonstrate that we have achieved comparable image quality in the reconstructions as some offline methods.

  11. Monochromatic x-ray radiography of laser-driven spherical targets using high-energy, picoseconds LFEX laser

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sawada, Hiroshi; Fujioka, S.; Lee, S.; Arikawa, Y.; Shigemori, K.; Nagatomo, H.; Nishimura, H.; Sunahara, A.; Theobald, W.; Perez, F.; Patel, P. K.; Beg, F. N.

    2015-11-01

    Formation of a high density fusion fuel is essential in both conventional and advanced Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) schemes for the self-sustaining fusion process. In cone-guided Fast Ignition (FI), a metal cone is attached to a spherical target to maintain the path for the injection of an intense short-pulse ignition laser from blow-off plasma created when nanoseconds compression lasers drive the target. We have measured a temporal evolution of a compressed deuterated carbon (CD) sphere using 4.5 keV K-alpha radiography with the Kilo-Joule, picosecond LFEX laser at the Institute of Laser Engineering. A 200 μm CD sphere attached to the tip of a Au cone was directly driven by 9 Gekko XII beams with 300 J/beam in a 1.3 ns Gaussian pulse. The LFEX laser irradiated on a Ti foil to generate 4.51 Ti K-alpha x-ray. By varying the delay between the compression and backlighter lasers, the measured radiograph images show an increase of the areal density of the imploded target. The detail of the quantitative analyses to infer the areal density and comparisons to hydrodynamics simulations will be presented. This work was performed with the support and under the auspices of the NIFS Collaboration Research program (NIFS13KUGK072). H.S. was supported by the UNR's International Activities Grant program.

  12. Evaluation of artifacts generated by zirconium implants in cone-beam computed tomography images.

    PubMed

    Vasconcelos, Taruska Ventorini; Bechara, Boulos B; McMahan, Clyde Alex; Freitas, Deborah Queiroz; Noujeim, Marcel

    2017-02-01

    To evaluate zirconium implant artifact production in cone beam computed tomography images obtained with different protocols. One zirconium implant was inserted in an edentulous mandible. Twenty scans were acquired with a ProMax 3D unit (Planmeca Oy, Helsinki, Finland), with acquisition settings ranging from 70 to 90 peak kilovoltage (kVp) and voxel sizes of 0.32 and 0.16 mm. A metal artifact reduction (MAR) tool was activated in half of the scans. An axial slice through the middle region of the implant was selected for each dataset. Gray values (mean ± standard deviation) were measured in two regions of interest, one close to and the other distant from the implant (control area). The contrast-to-noise ratio was also calculated. Standard deviation decreased with greater kVp and when the MAR tool was used. The contrast-to-noise ratio was significantly higher when the MAR tool was turned off, except for low resolution with kVp values above 80. Selection of the MAR tool and greater kVp resulted in an overall reduction of artifacts in images acquired with low resolution. Although zirconium implants do produce image artifacts in cone-bean computed tomography scans, the setting that best controlled artifact generation by zirconium implants was 90 kVp at low resolution and with the MAR tool turned on. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. X-ray tomographic image magnification process, system and apparatus therefor

    DOEpatents

    Kinney, J.H.; Bonse, U.K.; Johnson, Q.C.; Nichols, M.C.; Saroyan, R.A.; Massey, W.N.; Nusshardt, R.

    1993-09-14

    A computerized three-dimensional x-ray tomographic microscopy system is disclosed, comprising: (a) source means for providing a source of parallel x-ray beams, (b) staging means for staging and sequentially rotating a sample to be positioned in the path of the (c) x-ray image magnifier means positioned in the path of the beams downstream from the sample, (d) detecting means for detecting the beams after being passed through and magnified by the image magnifier means, and (e) computing means for analyzing values received from the detecting means, and converting the values into three-dimensional representations. Also disclosed is a process for magnifying an x-ray image, and apparatus therefor. 25 figures.

  14. X-ray tomographic image magnification process, system and apparatus therefor

    DOEpatents

    Kinney, John H.; Bonse, Ulrich K.; Johnson, Quintin C.; Nichols, Monte C.; Saroyan, Ralph A.; Massey, Warren N.; Nusshardt, Rudolph

    1993-01-01

    A computerized three-dimensional x-ray tomographic microscopy system is disclosed, comprising: a) source means for providing a source of parallel x-ray beams, b) staging means for staging and sequentially rotating a sample to be positioned in the path of the c) x-ray image magnifier means positioned in the path of the beams downstream from the sample, d) detecting means for detecting the beams after being passed through and magnified by the image magnifier means, and e) computing means for analyzing values received from the detecting means, and converting the values into three-dimensional representations. Also disclosed is a process for magnifying an x-ray image, and apparatus therefor.

  15. Quality Assurance Results for a Commercial Radiosurgery System: A Communication.

    PubMed

    Ruschin, Mark; Lightstone, Alexander; Beachey, David; Wronski, Matt; Babic, Steven; Yeboah, Collins; Lee, Young; Soliman, Hany; Sahgal, Arjun

    2015-10-01

    The purpose of this communication is to inform the radiosurgery community of quality assurance (QA) results requiring attention in a commercial FDA-approved linac-based cone stereo-tactic radiosurgery (SRS) system. Standard published QA guidelines as per the American Association of Physics in Medicine (AAPM) were followed during the SRS system's commissioning process including end-to-end testing, cone concentricity testing, image transfer verification, and documentation. Several software and hardware deficiencies that were deemed risky were uncovered during the process and QA processes were put in place to mitigate these risks during clinical practice. In particular, the present work focuses on daily cone concentricity testing and commissioning-related findings associated with the software. Cone concentricity/alignment is measured daily using both optical light field inspection, as well as quantitative radiation field tests with the electronic portal imager. In 10 out of 36 clini-cal treatments, adjustments to the cone position had to be made to align the cone with the collimator axis to less than 0.5 mm and on two occasions the pre-adjustment measured offset was 1.0 mm. Software-related errors discovered during commissioning included incorrect transfer of the isocentre in DICOM coordinates, improper handling of non-axial image sets, and complex handling of beam data, especially for multi-target treatments. QA processes were established to mitigate the occurrence of the software errors. With proper QA processes, the reported SRS system complies with tolerances set out in established guidelines. Discussions with the vendor are ongoing to address some of the hardware issues related to cone alignment. © The Author(s) 2014.

  16. Coherent backscattering of light by an inhomogeneous cloud of cold atoms

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Labeyrie, Guillaume; Delande, Dominique; Müller, Cord A.; Miniatura, Christian; Kaiser, Robin

    2003-03-01

    When a quasiresonant laser beam illuminates an optically thick cloud of laser-cooled rubidium atoms, the average diffuse intensity reflected off the sample is enhanced in a narrow angular range around the direction of exact backscattering. This phenomenon is known as coherent backscattering (CBS). By detuning the laser from resonance, we are able to modify the light scattering mean-free path inside the sample and we record accordingly the variations of the CBS cone shape. We then compare the experimental data with theoretical calculations and Monte Carlo simulations including the effect of the light polarization and of the internal structure of the atoms. We confirm that the internal structure strongly affects the enhancement factor of the cone and we show that the unusual shape of the atomic medium—approximately a spherically-symmetric, Gaussian density profile—strongly affects the width and shape of the cone.

  17. Simulations of Fuel Assembly and Fast-Electron Transport in Integrated Fast-Ignition Experiments on OMEGA

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Solodov, A. A.; Theobald, W.; Anderson, K. S.; Shvydky, A.; Epstein, R.; Betti, R.; Myatt, J. F.; Stoeckl, C.; Jarrott, L. C.; McGuffey, C.; Qiao, B.; Beg, F. N.; Wei, M. S.; Stephens, R. B.

    2013-10-01

    Integrated fast-ignition experiments on OMEGA benefit from improved performance of the OMEGA EP laser, including higher contrast, higher energy, and a smaller focus. Recent 8-keV, Cu-Kα flash radiography of cone-in-shell implosions and cone-tip breakout measurements showed good agreement with the 2-D radiation-hydrodynamic simulations using the code DRACO. DRACO simulations show that the fuel assembly can be further improved by optimizing the compression laser pulse, evacuating air from the shell, and by adjusting the material of the cone tip. This is found to delay the cone-tip breakout by ~220 ps and increase the core areal density from ~80 mg/cm2 in the current experiments to ~500 mg/cm2 at the time of the OMEGA EP beam arrival before the cone-tip breakout. Simulations using the code LSP of fast-electron transport in the recent integrated OMEGA experiments with Cu-doped shells will be presented. Cu-doping is added to probe the transport of fast electrons via their induced Cu K-shell fluorescent emission. This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration DE-NA0001944 and the Office of Science under DE-FC02-04ER54789.

  18. [Effects of different techniques on removal of vapor lock in the apical region of curved canals: a cone-beam computed tomography study].

    PubMed

    Su, Z; Bai, Y H; Hou, X M

    2017-02-18

    To compare the effect of four different techniques on removal of vapor lock in the apical region of curved root canals. Forty simulated resin root canals with 45° curvature were prepared using WaveOne Primary, then the apical foramen were sealed with soft wax. The teeth were divided randomly into 4 groups thereafter (n=10). Contract solution was injected into the canals using a 30 G side-vented needle and scanned with cone-beam CT (CBCT) to identify the volume of the vapor lock. Four different techniques including photon-induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) laser-activated irrigation, gutta-percha cone technique, ultrasonic irrigation, and sonic irrigation were used to remove the vapor locks in the root canals. The residual volume of the vapor lock was identified again using CBCT scanning data. Accordingly, the reduction rates of the vapor lock were calculated. Furthermore, the initial and residual vapor lock length was calculated. The data were analyzed by using the One-way ANOVA analysis and Kruskal-Wallis H test at a significance level of P<0.05. There was no significant difference in the initial vapor lock volume (P>0.05). Residual volume of the vapor lock for PIPS laser-activated irrigation was 0 mm(3), and that for gutta-percha cone technique was (0.02±0.07) mm3, significantly lower than those of ultrasonic and sonic irrigation, the values being (0.20±0.09) mm(3) and (0.23±0.06) mm(3) (P<0.001), respectively. The reduction rates of the vapor lock of PIPS laser-activated irrigation and gutta-percha cone technique were 100.00% (100.00%, 100.00%) and 100.00% (77.66%, 100.00%), respectively, significantly higher than those of ultrasonic irrigation [70.37% (56.41%, 91.43%)] and sonic irrigation [63.54% (51.47%, 74.00%), P<0.001]. The length of the residual vapor lock for PIPS laser-activated irrigation was 0 mm, and that for gutta-percha cone technique was (0.15±0.47) mm, significantly lower than those of ultrasonic and sonic irrigation, values being (2.21±0.09) mm and (2.34±0.08) mm (P<0.001), respectively. The length of the residual vapor locks in the ultrasonic and sonic group remained approximately the same as the distance between the working tip and the apical foramen. PIPS laser activated irrigation and gutta-percha cone technique could remove the vapor lock from the apical region of curved canals effectively.

  19. Three-dimensional optical tomographic imaging of supersonic jets through inversion of phase data obtained through the transport-of-intensity equation.

    PubMed

    Hemanth, Thayyullathil; Rajesh, Langoju; Padmaram, Renganathan; Vasu, R Mohan; Rajan, Kanjirodan; Patnaik, Lalit M

    2004-07-20

    We report experimental results of quantitative imaging in supersonic circular jets by using a monochromatic light probe. An expanding cone of light interrogates a three-dimensional volume of a supersonic steady-state flow from a circular jet. The distortion caused to the spherical wave by the presence of the jet is determined through our measuring normal intensity transport. A cone-beam tomographic algorithm is used to invert wave-front distortion to changes in refractive index introduced by the flow. The refractive index is converted into density whose cross sections reveal shock and other characteristics of the flow.

  20. A Method to Improve Electron Density Measurement of Cone-Beam CT Using Dual Energy Technique

    PubMed Central

    Men, Kuo; Dai, Jian-Rong; Li, Ming-Hui; Chen, Xin-Yuan; Zhang, Ke; Tian, Yuan; Huang, Peng; Xu, Ying-Jie

    2015-01-01

    Purpose. To develop a dual energy imaging method to improve the accuracy of electron density measurement with a cone-beam CT (CBCT) device. Materials and Methods. The imaging system is the XVI CBCT system on Elekta Synergy linac. Projection data were acquired with the high and low energy X-ray, respectively, to set up a basis material decomposition model. Virtual phantom simulation and phantoms experiments were carried out for quantitative evaluation of the method. Phantoms were also scanned twice with the high and low energy X-ray, respectively. The data were decomposed into projections of the two basis material coefficients according to the model set up earlier. The two sets of decomposed projections were used to reconstruct CBCT images of the basis material coefficients. Then, the images of electron densities were calculated with these CBCT images. Results. The difference between the calculated and theoretical values was within 2% and the correlation coefficient of them was about 1.0. The dual energy imaging method obtained more accurate electron density values and reduced the beam hardening artifacts obviously. Conclusion. A novel dual energy CBCT imaging method to calculate the electron densities was developed. It can acquire more accurate values and provide a platform potentially for dose calculation. PMID:26346510

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