High-Resolution C-Arm CT and Metal Artifact Reduction Software: A Novel Imaging Modality for Analyzing Aneurysms...

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Interventional Neuroradiology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Stent-assisted coil embolization is used for treating cerebral aneurysms.
• Metal artifacts from platinum coils can obscure important details in imaging.
• High-resolution C-arm CT is a valuable tool for visualizing vascular structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel metal artifact reduction (MAR) software.
• To assess its efficacy when combined with high-resolution C-arm CT.
• To determine its utility in experimental aneurysms treated with stent-assisted coil embolization.

Main Methods:

• Eight experimental aneurysms in swine were treated with stent-assisted coil embolization.
• High-resolution C-arm CT with intra-arterial contrast was performed post-treatment.
• Images were processed using the novel MAR prototype software.
• Image quality was assessed by five neurointerventional specialists using observational and quantitative analyses.

Main Results:

• The MAR software successfully reduced prominent metal artifacts caused by platinum coils.
• Coil loops protruding through stent lumens, previously not visualized, became visible.
• Contrast filling in residual aneurysms was clearly visualized after MAR processing.
• Both observational and quantitative analyses showed statistically significant artifact reduction (P < .0001 and P < .001, respectively).

Conclusions:

• The combination of high-resolution C-arm CT and MAR software effectively reduces metal artifacts.
• This technique allows clear differentiation of coil mass, stent, and contrast material.
• This novel imaging approach may significantly improve the post-treatment assessment of aneurysms treated with stent-assisted coil embolization.