Monte Carlo Simulation and 3D Printing for the Development of Customized Compensators to Reduce the Heel Effect
1
조회
0
다운로드
0
인용
0
참고문헌
키워드
초록
In diagnostic X-ray imaging, the heel effect is a phenomenon of dose inhomogeneity caused by a sloped target structure within the X-ray tube, which can significantly degrade image quality. This study aimed to address the dose im- balance caused by the heel effect by designing customized compensators through Monte Carlo simulations (MCNPX 2.7.0) and fabricating them using 3D printing technology, followed by experimental validation. Dose distribution across the irradiation field was measured using an actual X-ray system and compared with Monte Carlo simulations under identical conditions to validate the simulation accuracy. Two types of compensators, a conventional wedge-type and customized trapezoidal compensator, were designed through MCNPX simulations and then fabricated using Polylactic Acid via 3D printing for comparative evaluation. The customized compensator demonstrated more effective dose uniformity between the cathode and anode sides than the wedge-type compensator. Furthermore, image quality indicators, such as Signal-to-Noise Ratio and Contrast-to-Noise, also improved. This study demonstrated the feasibility of designing clinically applicable customized compensators by integrating computational modeling and 3D printing, thereby offering foundational data for improving personalized image quality and minimizing radiation exposure.
Abstract
In diagnostic X-ray imaging, the heel effect is a phenomenon of dose inhomogeneity caused by a sloped target structure within the X-ray tube, which can significantly degrade image quality. This study aimed to address the dose im- balance caused by the heel effect by designing customized compensators through Monte Carlo simulations (MCNPX 2.7.0) and fabricating them using 3D printing technology, followed by experimental validation. Dose distribution across the irradiation field was measured using an actual X-ray system and compared with Monte Carlo simulations under identical conditions to validate the simulation accuracy. Two types of compensators, a conventional wedge-type and customized trapezoidal compensator, were designed through MCNPX simulations and then fabricated using Polylactic Acid via 3D printing for comparative evaluation. The customized compensator demonstrated more effective dose uniformity between the cathode and anode sides than the wedge-type compensator. Furthermore, image quality indicators, such as Signal-to-Noise Ratio and Contrast-to-Noise, also improved. This study demonstrated the feasibility of designing clinically applicable customized compensators by integrating computational modeling and 3D printing, thereby offering foundational data for improving personalized image quality and minimizing radiation exposure.