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A compact system for intraoperative specimen imaging based on edge illumination x-ray phase contrast
Glafkos Havariyoun1, Fabio A Vittoria, Charlotte K Hagen
1Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering, University College London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom. Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Physics in Medicine and Biology
|October 1, 2019
Summary
Developing a compact edge illumination X-ray phase contrast imaging system for breast cancer surgery can reduce reoperations. This system shows improved contrast and shorter scan times for intraoperative margin assessment.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Biomedical Engineering
- Radiology
Background:
- Reoperations are common after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) due to positive margins on final histopathology.
- Current intraoperative margin assessment tools have limitations.
- Edge illumination X-ray phase contrast imaging offers potential for improved intraoperative assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a compact edge illumination X-ray phase contrast imaging system for intraoperative specimen analysis.
- To evaluate the impact of system miniaturization on imaging performance, specifically noise and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR).
- To assess the suitability of a 'single-shot' retrieval method for a compact computed tomography (CT) system.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed noise and CNR variations with decreasing system length in an edge illumination X-ray phase contrast setup.
- Performed 2D (planar) and 3D (CT) imaging of phantoms and a breast tissue specimen.
- Utilized phase retrieval algorithms to separate absorption and refraction signals, including a 'single-shot' method for thickness maps.
- Compared experimental results with numerical simulations.
Main Results:
- A more compact system design increased CNR under constant exposure factors and magnification.
- Refraction and thickness map images demonstrated superior CNR compared to absorption images.
- The 'single-shot' method proved preferable for compact CT due to shorter acquisition times and higher contrast from combined signals.
- Initial CT images of a breast specimen using the compact system were promising.
Conclusions:
- System dimensions can be reduced without compromising imaging performance for intraoperative breast cancer margin assessment.
- The 'single-shot' method is well-suited for compact intraoperative CT scanners, offering efficiency and enhanced contrast.
- This compact system shows potential for improving intraoperative margin evaluation, potentially reducing the need for reoperations.
