Добавил:
kiopkiopkiop18@yandex.ru t.me/Prokururor I Вовсе не секретарь, но почту проверяю Опубликованный материал нарушает ваши авторские права? Сообщите нам.
Вуз: Предмет: Файл:
Ординатура / Хирургия / Библиотека им академика М.И. Перельмана / Книга_605_Библиотеки_им_академика_М_И_Перельмана.pdf
Скачиваний:
0
Добавлен:
30.08.2026
Размер:
69 Мб
Скачать
Diagnostic Procedures
Figure 5.59 Very high volume of high-quality visual information. The evaluation is time-consuming and tedious for the physician. Decreasing attentiveness makes it mistake-prone. From MITI.
191
(Fig. 5.59). Therefore, algorithms are being introduced to detect automati­cally anomalies, such as bleeding, during WCE examinations
[210]
(Fig. 5.60).
Research for improving pixel resolution, frame rate, and video capture facility is also on the rise, and developments will significantly benefit from further emerging microelectronics carried out to improve application in colon cancer detection
[189]. Ongoing research is also being
[205].
Furthermore, it has been shown to be possible to apply chromoendo­scopic imaging to magnetically steered capsule endoscopy, which could have great impact on enhancing the visibility of mucosa irregularities
[211].
Capsule endoscopy has great potential for the future. Patients’ prefer­ence for this procedure over conventional endoscopy and technological opportunities support the rising relevance of capsule endoscopy in the future
[212].
Last but not least, one additional weak point of the capsule has to be eliminated. They still lack the ability to provide insufflation. The colon, in particular, is very difficult to explore if the lumen is not distended for a
192
Biomedical Engineering in Gastrointestinal Surgery
Figure 5.60 Future colon cancer screening? A scenario like this one is very improba­ble. It is assumed that the diagnostic workup will soon be carried out by advanced image processing and interpretation. Courtesy: PD Dr. M. Kranzfelder, Klinikum rechts
der Isar.
clear view of the internal wall. First approaches were published to use biocompatible effervescent chemical reactions to convert liquids and pow­ders carried on board a capsule to gas
[213].

5.7.9 Conclusion

Endoscopy is a field that has undergone a high level of technological development in recent years, and innovations promise to even improve the capabilities of endoscopy significantly in the near future. These tech­nological improvements are very multifaceted. Advances in semiconduc­tor technology have allowed detectors to become miniaturized, and have led to the development of video endoscopes and wireless capsules. The addition of US technology to endoscopy has allowed structural informa­tion to be collected beyond the tissue surface to depths of several milli­meters and even into adjacent tissue structures. New methods are being developed to elicit even more diagnostic information from tissue. OCT and confocal endomicroscopy provide morphologic information with subcellular resolution for real-time histopathology. Autofluorescence endoscopy reveals biochemical and molecular information below the tis­sue surf ace. WCE provides images from previously unattainable regions such as the small bowel. Finally, virtual chomoendoscopy enhances the images of videoendoscopy and brings the visualization to a higher level.
193Diagnostic Procedures

5.8 HYBRID SYSTEMS

Various medical imaging technologies can be integrated with other units and principles. In medical visualization, a hybrid system combines two or more technological principles to operate jointly come problems and limitations from individual systems ple has already been presented in form of EUS (see
[214] in order to over-
[215]. One exam-
Section 5.7.7:
Endoscopic Ultrasound). For instance, US has been proven highly effec­tive in medical applications. The information detected by the acoustic sensor is transmitted by optical fiber, which makes US flexible and easily combinable with several endoscopic instruments. It has a high penetration depth and already provides high resolutions for internal examinations, but its resolution is inferior to other fiber optic-based imaging systems
[216].
SPECT/MRI and PET/MRI scanners are similar examples. In the following section, hybrid systems of interest, their characteristics, and performance data will be presented. The systems mainly offer a high application potential and research opportunities, and are being examined for this reason (
Table 5.23).

5.8.1 Real-Time Virtual Sonography

Real-time virtual sonography (RVS) is a new fusion technique that com­bines the use of an US B-mode image with MRI or CT images in real­time by using a magnetic positioning system in order to achieve identical cross-sectional images
The RVS system includes a magnetic positioning sensor that is fixed on the probe of the US scanner in order to create images with identical cross-sections in real-time. The achieved images are compared to the pre­viously acquired CT or MRI volume data with due regard to the position and the angle of the probe. It is necessary to transfer the CT or MRI
[217] (Fig. 5.61).
Table 5.23 Overview of hybrid diagnostic systems
Hybrid OCT-US Assessed RVS Not assessed SPECT/MRI Assessed PET/MRI Assessed SPECT/CT Assessed X-ray/MRI Assessed Microscope Integrated OCT and OCM Not assessed Integrated OCT and Positron Detection Not assessed
194
Biomedical Engineering in Gastrointestinal Surgery
Figure 5.61 CT-navigated US: The actual US slice (right) is correlated with the respec­tive CT image by electromagnetic tracking (see
Courtesy: PD Dr. M. Kranzfelder, Klinikum rechts der Isar.
Section 5.4: Diagnostic Ultrasound).
volume data to the US system to display virtual images, either wirelessly or with a cable connected to the computer system. The magnetic sensor detects the changes in location, direction, and rotation of the probe dur­ing normal US scanning of the patient. The workstation monitor displays two images: the US real-time image and the virtually reconstr ucted CT/ MR image. Currently, there are only a few systems available on the mar­ket, such as Hitachi’s RVS.
Strengths and Weaknesses
RVS combines the advantages of US imaging and CT/MR imaging. In consequence, RVS has an increased diagnostic confidence and offers a direct comparison of lesions using different imaging modalities, a more precise monitoring of interventional procedures, and reduced radiation exposure (
Table 5.24).
One disadvantage of RVS is the magnetic positioning sensor unit itself. It provides steady state inter r uptions, a low scan efficiency and signal saturation. Another limitation shows up because the software and hardwa re integrations of these two modal ities are not yet fully exploited.
Table 5.24 Key facts on RVS Typical applications
Strengths and weaknesses
Recent developments
195Diagnostic Procedures
Research potential and future trends
Gastroenterology Cardiovascular
medicine
Increased
diagnostic precision
Low scanning
efficiency
Clinical
application
Training and
education
Motion correction Guided biopsies
Recent Developments and Current Research
Currently, RVS is not yet common in medical use, but this technique could potentially become relevant for examinations of the GI tract and to provide more reliable abdominal sonographic images. Another possible function for future development is using this hybrid system for motion correction in different organs, fusing anatomic hemodynamic and perfu­sion images, and for image-guided biopsies.

5.8.2 Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography

PET/CT offers additional information to correct attenuation, to precisely localize lesions, and therefore to optimize medical procedures. PET/CT is mainly applied for cardiologic and oncologic issues
[65] (Fig. 5.62).
Figure 5.62 Neuroendocrine tumor of the stomach (Ga-68)-DOTANOC PET-CT, pT4a, pN0 (0/14), pL1, pV1, G2 (Ki67: 12%): 1, primary tumor, 2, lymph node metastases; 3, spleen, 4, ureters, 5, urinary bladder. Courtesy: Prof. R. Braren, Klinikum rechts der Isar.
196 Biomedical Engineering in Gastrointestinal Surgery
Table 5.25 Key facts on PET/CT Typical applications
Strengths and weaknesses
Recent developments
Research potential and future trends
Oncology Attenuation
correction of PET images
Short examination
times
Better localization of
lesions
n/a Improved
components
New radiotracers
PET/CT combines anatomic CT data with functional or metabolic information given by the PET. In this case, CT images are helpful for correcting the attenuation of the PET data. In conventional PET scan­ners, the attenuation is corrected by using data from a radioactive trans­mission source similar to CT tubes. However, the photon flux is lower than in CT tubes. If the CT scan is only used as a support of the PET findings, it is performed as a “low dose” CT. Self-evidently, diagnostic PET/CT combinations are also available.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Using a combination PET/CT instead of performing both examina­tions separately not only offers anatomic and functional or metabolic infor­mation at the same time, but also results in shorter examination time and provides additional information on the location of abnormalities, which creates diagnoses that are more accurate. Shorter examination times also help to use the fast-decaying PET radiotracer more efficiently (
Ta b l e 5 . 2 5).
Recent Developments and Current Research
Recent as well as future developments deal with improvements in radiotracers and system components, such as different detector materials and newer electronic designs. All this can improve the speed of image acquisition and the spatial resolution. The discovery of new radiopharma­ceuticals can help to expand the field of application for PET/CT into areas like the diagnosis of infections.

5.8.3 Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography/ Computed Tomography

SPECT/CT offers synergies of functional and anatomic information (
Fig. 5.63). In addition, it allows precise anatomic localization of radioac-
tivity foci. SPECT/CT is mainly applied in oncology, cardiology, and for the diagnosis of bone lesions and infections.
Diagnostic Procedures
Figure 5.63 Neuroendocrine tumor of the neck in the transverse (above) and coro­nary plane. Normal CT on the right, SPECT on the left. The active lump is clearly visi­ble on SPECT (red bar, gray bar in print, marks the corresponding site). All: Courtesy:
Prof. K. Scheidhauer, Klinikum rechts der Isar.
197
Characteristics of the Modification
An integrated SPECT/CT system allows the sequential acquisition of SPECT and CT data in a single examination. As in PET/CT, the CT data are used for attenuation correction of the SPECT data.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The major advantage of SPECT/CT is the improved localization and diagnostic certainty for a wide spectrum of applications. Further advan­tages for patients and physicians arise from the seamless acquisition of anatomical and functional image data. As a result, SPECT/CT minimizes the logistical delays and consequently improves the image attenuation cor­rection. A benefit is the immediate availability of complementary image information.
Limitations include the sequential acquisition of CT data and then SPECT data. Because o f the patient’s movements, misregistrations can occur, which leads to artifacts in the corrected images. There is
198 Biomedical Engineering in Gastrointestinal Surgery
Table 5.26 Key facts on SPECT/CT Typical applications
Strengths and weaknesses
Recent developments
Research potential and future trends
Oncology Cardiovascular
medicine
Orthopedics
Combination of CT
and SPECT information
Minimized logistical
delay
Movement-sensitive
n/a Dose reduction
Increased
resolution
Introduction to
further applications
also the fact that a dditional radi ation exposure is caused by the CT component.
Recent Developments and Current Research
Future developments for SPECT/CT include the possibility for patients to undergo a full diagnostic procedure at a single location, as well as continuously reduced radiation exposure. It is expected that the use of SPECT/CT in clinical practice will continue to gain importance as areas of clinical application increase in the future (
Tab l e 5. 2 6 ).
Recent developments in detector technology offer the potential for a better spatial resolution and energy resolution, while the stability is greater and devices are more compact. But these new detectors have to be implemented into newly designed systems.

5.8.4 Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging

PET/MRI combines metabolic and molecular information of PET with excellent anatomic details of MRI systems to enhance the image quality. PET/MRI is applied for cancer in areas of the brain, neck, and pelvis, which require a good distinction between diseased and healthy tissue due to their complex anatomic structure
The usage of PET/MRI, especially in an integrated system, depends on the development of components that avoid deleteriou s interactions caused by high magnetic fields of the MRI scanner and RF inter ference between the MRI and PET systems (Ta b l e 5. 2 7 ).
[65].
[69]
Table 5.27 Key facts of PET/MRI Typical applications
Strengths and weaknesses
Recent developments
199Diagnostic Procedures
Research potential and future trends
Oncology Enhanced image quality
Revealing further
structural information
Shorter examination
time
Introduction
to clinical practice
Improved
components
New radiotracers
Strengths and Weaknesses
A PET/MRI system can help to improve diagnoses and to monitor treatments due to the combination of information and the resulting image enhancement of both systems. It provides intricate str uctural details compared to CT scans, especially in imaging soft tissues. If the PET system is fully integrated in an MRI system, examination times can be shorter because there is no need to move patients from one system to the other. Compared to PET/CT, the radiation dose is lower in PET/ MRI
[65].
Disadvantages from the view of the operators are the relatively high costs of PET/MRI systems
[69].
Recent Developments and Current Research
Recent developments have integrated PET/MRI into cli nical set­tings. In 2010, Philips introduced a system of a 3 T MRI system and a high-resolution PET scanner with an integrated rotating table, which allows sequential image acquisition by moving the patient from one machine to the other. The first integrated PET/MRI scanner was intro­duced by Siemens in 2011, which is able to do simultaneous whole­body MRI and PET scans. This system combines a 3 T MRI system with a PET scanner
[65].

5.8.5 Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging

SPECT/MRI offers images that combine the high spatial resolution given by MRI and the high sensitivity of SPECT. However, the implementa­tion of an integrated SPECT/MRI scanner has not yet happened in clinical practice due to the incompatibility of SPECT components with magnetic fields.
200 Biomedical Engineering in Gastrointestinal Surgery
Due to the incompatibility of SPECT components like PMTs and electronics with magnetic fields, SPECT/MRI is still under development. However, semiconductor detectors have been used in preclinical settings that show insensitivity to magnetic fields of up to 7 T, and could have high application potential.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The main advantage lies in combining the strengths of both imaging techniques. SPECT offers a high sensitivity and the ability to display multiple biological processes through energy discrimination, while MRI involves high contrast of soft tissue and sensitivity to tissue alterations. Unlike the hybrid method of SPECT/CT, SPECT/MRI uses only the ionizing radiation that appears in view of SPECT (
Table 5.28).
Limitations of SPECT/MRI are similar to those of PET/MRI, and affect the compatibility of SPECT components inside higher magnetic fields.
Recent Developments and Current Research
Recent developments include new findings in detector technologies like semiconductor detectors to overcome the problem of incompatibility. To make SPECT/MRI possible for clinical settings, further research into magnetic field-insensitive SPECT devices has to be done. However, researchers recently developed a stationary ring-type SPECT prototype in a preclinical setting that is compatible with MRI. All the components used in this prototype are made of nonferrous materials. The detector of this system is a solid-state detector. However, todays developments are still far away from the range of clinically usable SPECT/MRI systems, although work is in progress to produce the first prototype
[218].
Table 5.28 Key facts on SPECT/MRI Typical
applications
n/a Enhanced image
Strengths and weaknesses
quality
Reveals structural
information
Technology not yet
mature
Recent developments
MRI-
compatible
Introduction of
prototypes to preclinical setting
Research potential and future trends
Development
of improved devices
Introduction to
clinical practice