Evaluation of a Motion Correction Algorithm for C-Arm Computed Tomography Acquired During Transarterial...

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• C-arm computed tomography (CACT) is crucial for interventional procedures.
• Motion artifacts can degrade image quality in CACT, impacting diagnostic accuracy.
• Developing techniques to mitigate motion artifacts is essential for improving CACT efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a prototype 3D reconstruction technique for motion correction in CACT.
• To evaluate the impact of this motion correction technique on image quality.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study included 65 CACT datasets from 54 patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization.
• Raw CACT datasets underwent 3D reconstruction with and without motion correction (using volume punching of high-contrast objects).
• Image quality was assessed using objective (sharpness metric) and subjective criteria (vessel geometry, overall IQ, tumor feeder delineation, artifacts) by two independent readers.

Main Results:

• Objective image sharpness significantly increased with motion correction (p < 0.0001).
• Subjective assessments confirmed improvements in image quality, with the best inter-observer agreement for the non-bone-punched motion-corrected CACT (CACT_{MC_no bone}).
• The motion correction algorithm was feasible for all datasets, showing improved vessel geometry and overall image quality.

Conclusions:

• The motion correction algorithm is feasible for CACT datasets.
• This technique effectively improves both objective and subjective image quality parameters.
• Motion-corrected CACT enhances visualization, potentially aiding in interventional procedures.