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

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biomedical Engineering
• Radiographic Imaging

Background:

• The Kodak Image Station In-Vivo FX utilizes cone-beam x-ray for radiography but lacks tomographic capabilities.
• Tomography offers cross-sectional imaging, crucial for detailed anatomical and pathological analysis in vivo.
• Existing systems may not be optimized for small-animal or specific in-vivo imaging applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce x-ray tomography functionality to the Kodak Image Station In-Vivo FX.
• To develop and validate a feasible reconstruction algorithm for the new tomographic system.
• To enhance the imaging capabilities of the existing in-vivo imaging platform.

Main Methods:

• A two-circles-plus-one-line trajectory was implemented by adding translation and rotation motors.
• The M-line reconstruction algorithm was adapted and applied for image reconstruction.
• Numerical simulations and physical phantom experiments were conducted for validation.

Main Results:

• The integration of a novel trajectory and motor setup successfully enabled tomographic imaging.
• The M-line reconstruction algorithm proved effective for generating cross-sectional images.
• Feasibility was demonstrated through both numerical studies and preliminary phantom experiments.

Conclusions:

• The proposed design and reconstruction algorithm successfully introduced x-ray tomography to the system.
• This advancement expands the utility of the Kodak Image Station for in-vivo research.
• The developed method provides a viable solution for enhancing radiographic imaging systems with tomographic capabilities.