Three-dimensional computed tomographic reconstruction using a C-arm mounted XRII: image-based correction of gantry...

The image quality of 3D reconstructions produced using a C-arm mounted XRII depends on precise determination of the geometric parameters that describe the detector system in the laboratory frame of reference. We have designed a simplified calibration system that depends on images of a metal sphere, acquired during rotation of the gantry through 200 degrees. Angle-dependent shift corrections are obtained, accounting for nonideal motion in two directions: perpendicular to the axis of rotation and tangential to the circular trajectory (tau), and parallel to the axis of rotation (xi). Projection images are corrected prior to reconstruction using a simple shift-interpolation algorithm. We show that the motion of the gantry is highly reproducible during acquisitions within one day (mean standard deviation in tau and xi is 0.11 mm and 0.08 mm, respectively), and over 21 months (mean standard deviation in tau and xi is 0.10 mm and 0.06 mm, respectively). Reconstruction of a small-bead phantom demonstrates uniformity of the correction algorithm over the full volume of the reconstruction [standard deviation of full-width-half-maximum of the beads is approximately 0.25 pixels (0.13 mm) over the volume of reconstruction]. Our approach provides a simple correction technique that can be applied when trajectory deviations are significant relative to the pixel size of the detector but small relative to the detector field of view, and when the fan angle of the acquisition geometry is small (<20 degrees). A comparison with other calibration techniques in the literature is provided.