We have developed a novel single-frame x-ray tomosynthesis (SFXT) imaging architecture that can image at 30 frames per second. Compared to conventional tomosynthesis, SFXT has a reduced field of view and projection count but 10 to 100 times higher temporal resolution. This dramatic increase in speed has the potential to open new clinical applications. The device utilizes standard components and is simple in design compared to CT or MRI. We will build a prototype system, image both stationary and moving phantoms, and conduct a pilot study to image swine during normal respiratory and cardiac motion. We will further evaluate the utilization of SFXT in two specific applications. First, in radiation oncology, SFXT could guide the treatment of lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). By providing real-time feedback of the lung tumor location, SFXT could enable safer ablation of central lung tumors with reduced incidence of radiation pneumonitis or damage to the central airways, great vessels, or esophagus. Second, in the detection of cardiovascular disease, SFXT could visualize calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This has previously been achieved using CT, but SFXT would provide the cost and radiation exposure profile necessary for calcium scoring to become a routine tool in the personalized management of cardiovascular health. Still other, undiscovered applications may be enabled by the high temporal resolution of SFXT.

Public Health Relevance

The goal of this project is to demonstrate practical, real-time x-ray tomosynthesis. Tomosynthesis provides better contrast than projection x-ray imaging, but most existing designs have very poor temporal resolution. This technology could have several applications, including dynamic tracking of lung tumors for safer radiation therapy, or identification of coronary calcium, a marker of atherosclerosis.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
1R21EB026780-01
Application #
9587370
Study Section
Biomedical Imaging Technology Study Section (BMIT)
Program Officer
Shabestari, Behrouz
Project Start
2018-08-15
Project End
2021-04-30
Budget Start
2018-08-15
Budget End
2019-04-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2018
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Los Angeles
Department
Radiation-Diagnostic/Oncology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
092530369
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90095