A patient-specific scatter artifacts correction method

TL;DR

This paper introduces a fast, patient-specific scatter correction method for CBCT that uses an analytical model and scatter profile estimation, significantly improving image quality by reducing artifacts.

Contribution

A novel convolution-based scatter correction strategy tailored for patient-specific CBCT imaging, enhancing image quality in interventional procedures.

Findings

Significantly reduced scatter artifacts in simulated CBCT images.

Improved accuracy of CT numbers after correction.

Effective for both monochromatic and polychromatic X-ray sources.

Abstract

This paper provides a fast and patient-specific scatter artifact correction method for cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) used in image-guided interventional procedures. Due to increased irradiated volume of interest in CBCT imaging, scatter radiation has increased dramatically compared to 2D imaging, leading to a degradation of image quality. In this study, we propose a scatter artifact correction strategy using an analytical convolution-based model whose free parameters are estimated using a rough estimation of scatter profiles from the acquired cone-beam projections. It was evaluated using Monte Carlo simulations with both monochromatic and polychromatic X-ray sources. The results demonstrated that the proposed method significantly reduced the scatter-induced shading artifacts and recovered CT numbers.