Abstract: A medical imaging system includes a CT imaging system including a gantry having a bore, rotatable about an axis of rotation. The CT imaging system includes a table configured to move a subject to be imaged into and out of the bore, a radiation source mounted on the gantry and configured to emit an X-ray beam, and a detector configured to detect the X-ray beam. The medical imaging system includes a LiDAR scanning system physically coupled to the CT imaging system. The LiDAR scanning system is configured to acquire data of the subject from different angular positions relative to the axis of rotation. The medical imaging system includes processing circuitry configured to receive the data acquired with the LiDAR scanning system, to generate a three-dimensional (3D) measurement of the subject, and to utilize the 3D measurement in a subsequent workflow process for a CT scan of the subject.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for computed tomography (CT) imaging. In one embodiment, a method comprises adaptively blending at least two input image volumes with different spatially-variant noise characteristics to generate an output image volume with uniform noise throughout the output image volume. In this way, images may be reconstructed from projection data with data redundancy without introducing image artifacts from stitching images or variance in image noise due to the data redundancy.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for computed tomography (CT) imaging. In one embodiment, a method comprises adaptively blending at least two input image volumes with different spatially-variant noise characteristics to generate an output image volume with uniform noise throughout the output image volume. In this way, images may be reconstructed from projection data with data redundancy without introducing image artifacts from stitching images or variance in image noise due to the data redundancy.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for displaying to an operator an attenuation map of a filter relative to a current location of an anatomical feature of a subject; and in response to the anatomical feature being within a region of the attenuation map, prompting an operator to reposition the subject. In this way, centering of the anatomical feature relative to an attenuation system may be facilitated for improved image quality.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reconstructing images with a tailored image texture. In one embodiment, a method comprises acquiring projection data, and reconstructing an image from the projection data with a desired image texture. In this way, iterative image reconstruction techniques may be used to substantially reduce image noise, thereby enabling a reduction in injected contrast and/or radiation dose, while preserving an image texture familiar from analytic image reconstruction techniques.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for computed tomography (CT) imaging. In one embodiment, a method comprises adaptively blending at least two input image volumes with different spatially-variant noise characteristics to generate an output image volume with uniform noise throughout the output image volume. In this way, images may be reconstructed from projection data with data redundancy without introducing image artifacts from stitching images or variance in image noise due to the data redundancy.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for displaying to an operator an attenuation map of a filter relative to a current location of an anatomical feature of a subject; and in response to the anatomical feature being within a region of the attenuation map, prompting an operator to reposition the subject. In this way, centering of the anatomical feature relative to an attenuation system may be facilitated for improved image quality.

Abstract: A method for analyzing computed tomography angiography (CTA) data is provided. The method includes receiving, at a processor, three-dimensional (3D) CTA data. The method also includes automatically, via the processor, detecting objects of interest within the 3D CTA data. The method further includes generating, via the processor, a CTA image volume that only includes the objects of interest.

Abstract: A method for analyzing computed tomography angiography (CTA) data is provided. The method includes receiving, at a processor, three-dimensional (3D) CTA data. The method also includes automatically, via the processor, detecting objects of interest within the 3D CTA data. The method further includes generating, via the processor, a CTA image volume that only includes the objects of interest.

Abstract: A system for imaging a subject with a contrast agent is provided. The system includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, and a controller. The X-ray source is operative to transmit X-rays through the subject. The X-ray detector is operative to receive the X-rays after having passed through the subject. The controller is in electronic communication with the X-ray source and the X-ray detector and operative to: generate a target contrast level based at least in part on a contrast adjustment factor; determine when a level of the contrast agent in a first plurality of images of the subject acquired via the X-ray source and the X-ray detector reaches the target contrast level; and acquire a second plurality of images of the subject via the X-ray source and the X-ray detector after the level of the contrast agent has reached the target contrast level.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reconstructing images with a tailored image texture. In one embodiment, a method comprises acquiring projection data, and reconstructing an image from the projection data with a desired image texture. In this way, iterative image reconstruction techniques may be used to substantially reduce image noise, thereby enabling a reduction in injected contrast and/or radiation dose, while preserving an image texture familiar from analytic image reconstruction techniques.

Abstract: A system for imaging a subject with a contrast agent is provided. The system includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, and a controller. The X-ray source is operative to transmit X-rays through the subject. The X-ray detector is operative to receive the X-rays after having passed through the subject. The controller is in electronic communication with the X-ray source and the X-ray detector and operative to: generate a target contrast level based at least in part on a contrast adjustment factor; determine when a level of the contrast agent in a first plurality of images of the subject acquired via the X-ray source and the X-ray detector reaches the target contrast level; and acquire a second plurality of images of the subject via the X-ray source and the X-ray detector after the level of the contrast agent has reached the target contrast level.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automatic exposure control in a computed tomography imaging system. In one embodiment, a method comprises estimating attenuation properties of a subject along a direction, and varying, based on the attenuation properties, a helical pitch along the direction during a scan of the subject. In this way, a desired image quality can be maintained while reducing radiation dose, without modulating tube current.

Abstract: A method for analyzing computed tomography angiography (CTA) data is provided. The method includes receiving, at a processor, three-dimensional (3D) CTA data. The method also includes automatically, via the processor, detecting objects of interest within the 3D CTA data. The method further includes generating, via the processor, a CTA image volume that only includes the objects of interest.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for direct monochromatic image generation for spectral computed tomography. In one embodiment, a method comprises acquiring projection data during a scan of a subject, reconstructing a low energy image and a high energy image from the projection data, and generating a monochromatic image from the low energy image and the high energy image. In this way, a monochromatic image may be generated directly from low and high energy images with a substantial reduction in image noise, especially when compared to a monochromatic image generated indirectly from material density images.

Abstract: A method is provided. The method includes partially supporting a subject to be imaged on a board extending from a mobile patient transport into a gantry bore of a stationary computed tomography (CT) imaging system while partially supporting both the subject and the board with a cradle extending from a table. The method also includes acquiring a single imaging volume, during an imaging scan with the stationary CT imaging system, without moving the subject.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for direct monochromatic image generation for spectral computed tomography. In one embodiment, a method comprises acquiring projection data during a scan of a subject, reconstructing a low energy image and a high energy image from the projection data, and generating a monochromatic image from the low energy image and the high energy image. In this way, a monochromatic image may be generated directly from low and high energy images with a substantial reduction in image noise, especially when compared to a monochromatic image generated indirectly from material density images.

Abstract: A method is provided. The method includes partially supporting a subject to be imaged on a board extending from a mobile patient transport into a gantry bore of a stationary computed tomography (CT) imaging system while partially supporting both the subject and the board with a cradle extending from a table. The method also includes acquiring a single imaging volume, during an imaging scan with the stationary CT imaging system, without moving the subject.