Rapid cone-beam computed tomography using an ultra-high frame rate photon counting detector (PCD) with 100 μm resolution

摘要

Photon counting detectors (PCDs) with their low noise, high spatial and contrast resolution, and dual energyimaging capabilities are shown to be prospective candidates for Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) vascular imaging.The ultra-high frame rate capability of such detectors can enable CBCT at scan speeds far greater than that ofcurrent CBCT scanners which can only go up to about 0.14 rev/s (50 degrees/sec) compared to current multisliceCT scanners that can achieve 3-4 rev/s. XCounter's Actaeon PCD with frame rates up to 1000 fps canachieve CBCT scans at multi-slice CT scanner rates. The CdTe Actaeon PCD with pixel pitch of 100 μm anddual energy direct acquisition capability has built-in electronic anti-charge sharing correction. CBCT of amoving wire was demonstrated with the Actaeon PCD at these higher speeds and shown to be able toeliminate the effect of acquisition system image motion blur. Also a patient-specific 3D printed vascularphantom with a stent deployed was imaged at high frame rates using the Actaeon for CBCT acquisition withreconstruction using an FDK algorithm and the maximum intensity projection images clearly showedindividual strut detail. This feasibility study will lead to exploration of new possibilities of high frame-rateimaging with PCDs and their potential applications.