C04405: 4D Digital Extended Cardiac-Torso (XCAT) Phantom
Novelty:
The 4D extended cardiac-torso (XCAT) phantom includes more detailed and realistic anatomical structures and physiological functions suitable for use in higher-resolution imaging applications.
Value Proposition:
With the rapid growth of x-ray CT applications, a large amount of research has been dedicated to developing techniques to further improve image quality and image interpretation. One approach has been through the use of a realistic phantom, an accurate computer simulation of the human anatomy and physiology. However, current models developed for imaging research lack anatomical details and accurate physiological functions for applications in high-resolution medical imaging techniques. The 4D XCAT phantom fills that void. Current phantoms can be divided into two general classes: voxelized and mathematical phantoms. The 4D XCAT phantom combines the two, and has great potential to develop into an educational aid for human anatomy and physiology. It provides a realistic model of the human anatomy without sacrificing flexibility in modeling anatomical variations and patient motions. Advantages include:
• Unique combination of anatomical realism of a voxelized phantom with the flexibility of a mathematical phantom. .
• Extended detailed structure of head and abdomen for brain and prostate imaging. .
• Can provide simulated image data which is far more consistent with that of actual patients. .
Technical Details:
Johns Hopkins researchers have developed the 4D XCAT phantom to provide a realistic and flexible model of the human anatomy for use in high-resolution medical imaging research. Tissues distinguishable in x-ray CT imaging, including small anatomical details such as surface structure of tissue organs, pulmonary artery tree in the lungs and vasculature in the head and abdomen regions, were modeled based on segmented Visible Human CT data and high-resolution multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) data. Cardiac motion was modeled using 4D cardiac gated tagged MRI image data and respiratory motion was modeled using 4D respiratory gated CT data both from a normal human subject. The 4D XCAT phantom has become a standard in nuclear medicine applications and provides the anatomical detail for x-ray CT and MRI applications. It provides a unique model for both nuclear medicine applications and high-resolution imaging research to investigate acquisition strategies, image processing and reconstruction methods, and image visualization and interpretation techniques.
Looking for Partners:
To develop and commercialize the technology as a tool during the development of imaging equipment, image processing and reconstruction software.
Stage of Development:
Pre-Clinical
Data Availability:
Under CDA/NDA
Publications/Associated Cases:
Realistic CT Simulation Using the XCAT Phantom Med Phys. 2008
