A simple method for labeling CT images with respiratory states.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Accurate respiratory motion management is crucial for enhancing the quality of four-dimensional (4D) computed tomography (CT) imaging.
• Existing respiratory monitoring tools for 4D CT can be complex and costly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a simple, low-cost method for labeling CT images with respiratory state information.
• To provide an accessible alternative to existing complex respiratory monitoring systems for 4D CT.

Main Methods:

• A needle connected to the patient's chest/abdomen was used, with its motion tracked via leverage to follow respiratory movements.
• The needle's position was visualized as a blurred spot in each CT slice.
• The positions of the moving needle across all slices were analyzed to assign respiratory states.

Main Results:

• The needle-based method successfully labeled CT images with respiratory state information in nine patients.
• The detected needle positions accurately reflected respiratory motion during free breathing.
• The method was found to be an inexpensive and simple alternative to complex respiratory monitoring tools.

Conclusions:

• The described needle-based technique provides an effective and economical solution for respiratory motion labeling in CT imaging.
• Its simplicity and low cost make it a valuable tool for improving 4D CT acquisition and clinical acceptance.