Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting medical imaging parameters based on imaging parameters used during a previous imaging session. In one embodiment, a method for a computed tomography (CT) system includes reducing a radiation level of at least one CT scan of one or more successive CT scans performed on a patient based on CT scan information obtained from a previous CT scan performed on the patient, the radiation level reduced relative to a radiation level of the previous CT scan.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for contrast-enhanced diagnostic imaging. In one aspect, a system comprises an x-ray source that emits a beam of x-rays towards a subject to be imaged; a detector that receives the x-rays attenuated by the subject; a data acquisition system (DAS) operably connected to the detector; and a computing device operably connected to the DAS and configured with executable instructions in non-transitory memory that when executed cause the computing device to generate a first estimated time to perform a diagnostic scan of the subject based on demographic information and clinical information of the patient; and control the x-ray source and the detector to perform the diagnostic scan of the subject at the first estimated time responsive to a first confidence level of the first estimated time above a threshold.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for profile-based selection of imaging parameters for a clinical context. In one embodiment, a method comprises selecting a profile based on an indication of clinical context for a scan of a patient, selecting one or more sub-profiles based on the profile, selecting imaging settings for the scan based on the profile and the one or more sub-profiles, and performing the scan according to the selected imaging settings. In this way, a scan prescription may be defined more efficiently and personally for a patient while improving quality assurance and managing an x-ray radiation dose of the patient.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automatically adjusting a position of a table configured to be positioned in a bore of a medical imaging device. The table may be adjusted according to one or more of a table elevation, an anatomical reference, and a start scan location. The table elevation, anatomical reference, and start scan location may be obtained from a selected imaging protocol.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating and simulating a computed tomography (CT) protocol is provided. The method includes receiving, via a graphical user interface, at a processor user input including patient population size settings and scan technique settings for modeling the effects of the scan technique settings across a patient population as a function of patient size. The method also includes generating, via the processor, a patient population profile based on at least the patient population size settings and the scan technique settings, wherein the patient population profile includes specific CT scan technique settings to be applied across different size ranges of the patient population as a function of patient size. The method further includes displaying, on the graphical user interface, one or more visualization elements illustrating the effect of these specific CT scan technique settings on specific imaging metrics across the patient population.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for contrast-enhanced diagnostic imaging. In one embodiment, a method comprises estimating a time to perform a diagnostic scan of a patient based on demographics of the patient, and performing the diagnostic scan of the patient at the estimated time responsive to a confidence level of the estimated time above a threshold. In this way, a contrast-enhanced diagnostic scan may be performed without directly monitoring the contrast flow, thereby reducing radiation dose and contrast load while maintaining or improving image quality.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting medical imaging parameters based on imaging parameters used during a previous imaging session. In one embodiment, a method for a computed tomography (CT) system includes reducing a radiation level of at least one CT scan of one or more successive CT scans performed on a patient based on CT scan information obtained from a previous CT scan performed on the patient, the radiation level reduced relative to a radiation level of the previous CT scan.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for profile-based selection of imaging parameters for a clinical context. In one embodiment, a method comprises selecting a profile based on an indication of clinical context for a scan of a patient, selecting one or more sub-profiles based on the profile, selecting imaging settings for the scan based on the profile and the one or more sub-profiles, and performing the scan according to the selected imaging settings. In this way, a scan prescription may be defined more efficiently and personally for a patient while improving quality assurance and managing an x-ray radiation dose of the patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that acquire image data of a first location of a region of interest (ROI) when located in a field of view of a medical imaging system as a contrast material injected into the ROI passes through the first location. The systems and methods further determine from the image data of the first location when a first contrast metric is reached, and after determining the image data of the first location, position the second location of the ROI in the field of view of the medical imaging system. The systems and methods further acquire image data of the second location as the contrast material passes through the second location, and determine from the image data of the second location when the contrast material reaches a second contrast metric.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating and simulating a computed tomography (CT) protocol is provided. The method includes receiving, via a graphical user interface, at a processor user input including patient population size settings and scan technique settings for modeling the effects of the scan technique settings across a patient population as a function of patient size. The method also includes generating, via the processor, a patient population profile based on at least the patient population size settings and the scan technique settings, wherein the patient population profile includes specific CT scan technique settings to be applied across different size ranges of the patient population as a function of patient size. The method further includes displaying, on the graphical user interface, one or more visualization elements illustrating the effect of these specific CT scan technique settings on specific imaging metrics across the patient population.

Abstract: A system includes an imaging acquisition unit, a reconstruction unit, and a determination system. The imaging acquisition unit is configured to perform a scan to acquire imaging information of a patient. The reconstruction unit is configured to reconstruct an image using the imaging information. The determination system is communicatively coupled to the imaging acquisition unit and the reconstruction unit. The determination system includes at least one processor configured to: acquire performance information corresponding to the scan; determine a scan quality for the scan based on the performance information; determine an update to a protocol used to at least one of acquire the imaging information or reconstruct the image; and provide control information to at least one of the imaging acquisition unit or the reconstruction unit to implement the determined update for at least one of performing a subsequent scan or reconstructing a subsequent image.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automatically adjusting a position of a table configured to be positioned in a bore of a medical imaging device. The table may be adjusted according to one or more of a table elevation, an anatomical reference, and a start scan location. The table elevation, anatomical reference, and start scan location may be obtained from a selected imaging protocol.

Abstract: A system includes an imaging acquisition unit, a reconstruction unit, and a determination system. The imaging acquisition unit is configured to perform a scan to acquire imaging information of a patient. The reconstruction unit is configured to reconstruct an image using the imaging information. The determination system is communicatively coupled to the imaging acquisition unit and the reconstruction unit. The determination system includes at least one processor configured to: acquire performance information corresponding to the scan; determine a scan quality for the scan based on the performance information; determine an update to a protocol used to at least one of acquire the imaging information or reconstruct the image; and provide control information to at least one of the imaging acquisition unit or the reconstruction unit to implement the determined update for at least one of performing a subsequent scan or reconstructing a subsequent image.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that receive a clinical identifier, an acquisition condition target, and one or more patient characteristics. The systems and methods further generate a scan attribute based on the clinical identifier. The scan attribute corresponding to characteristics of a resultant medical image. The systems and methods determine select scan settings from a plurality of scan settings based on the scan attribute and the one or more patient characteristics, and calculate candidate acquisition conditions associated with the select scan settings. Further, the systems and methods identify one of the select scan settings as a scan prescription based on a relation between the candidate acquisition conditions and the acquisition condition target.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that acquire image data of a first location of a region of interest (ROI) when located in a field of view of a medical imaging system as a contrast material injected into the ROI passes through the first location. The systems and methods further determine from the image data of the first location when a first contrast metric is reached, and after determining the image data of the first location, position the second location of the ROI in the field of view of the medical imaging system. The systems and methods further acquire image data of the second location as the contrast material passes through the second location, and determine from the image data of the second location when the contrast material reaches a second contrast metric.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that receive a clinical identifier, an acquisition condition target, and one or more patient characteristics. The systems and methods further generate a scan attribute based on the clinical identifier. The scan attribute corresponding to characteristics of a resultant medical image. The systems and methods determine select scan settings from a plurality of scan settings based on the scan attribute and the one or more patient characteristics, and calculate candidate acquisition conditions associated with the select scan settings. Further, the systems and methods identify one of the select scan settings as a scan prescription based on a relation between the candidate acquisition conditions and the acquisition condition target.

Abstract: Apparatus includes an imaging system with a user interface, and a hospital radiological information system (RIS) coupled to the imaging system such that the user interface allows for bi-directional data transfer between the imaging system and the RIS.

Abstract: A CT user interface includes first and second displays that enable an operator to perform set-up and scanning tasks associated with performing CT scans and enable the operator to perform image post-processing tasks associated with the CT scans. A plurality of distinct display zones are selectively displayed on the first and second displays, with the first display displaying a zone enabling the operator to create a record for each of a plurality of patients, a task list zone displaying all steps and sub-steps of a CT scan to be performed for a selected patient based on a selected scan protocol, a settings zone and a scanning zone displaying and enabling operator selection of scan parameters related to the selected scan protocol for the selected patient, and a dose area zone displaying a relationship between the selected scan parameters and a radiation dosage experienced by the patient based thereon.

Abstract: A user interface for a CT imaging system is disclosed. The user interface includes a first display configured to enable an operator to perform set-up and scanning tasks associated with performing a CT exam on one or more patients, with the set-up and scanning tasks including acquiring and verifying scan image data. The user interface also includes a second display configured to enable the operator to perform image post-processing tasks associated with the CT exams on the one or more patients, with the image post-processing tasks including performing image reconstructions and reformats. Each of the first display and the second display are operable independent from one another to provide for parallel workflows between the first display and second display and between the patient set-up and scanning tasks and the post-processing tasks.

Abstract: A CT user interface includes first and second displays that selectively display distinct display zones thereon. The first display includes a zone enabling the operator to create a record for each of a plurality of patients and an exam set-up and a protocol selection zone enabling the operator to select a scan protocol for performing a CT scan on a selected patient. A task list zone on the first display displays all steps and sub-steps of a CT scan for a selected patient based on the selected scan protocol, and a settings zone and a scanning zone on the first display displays and enables operator selection of a plurality of scan parameters related to the selected scan protocol. Any general user interface elements not needed for the selected scan protocol are not displayed on the first and second displays, so as to simplify the user interface for the operator.