Abstract: A method and apparatus of generating a hybrid three dimensional reconstruction of a vascular structure affected by periodic motion is disclosed. At least two x-ray images of the vascular structure are acquired. Indicia of the phases of periodic motion are obtained and correlated. Images from a similar phase of periodic motion are selected and a three dimensional modeled segment of a region of interest in the vascular structure is generated. A three dimensional volumetric reconstruction of a vascular structure is generated that is larger than the modeled segment. The modeled segment of interest and the volumetric reconstruction of the larger vascular structure are combined and displayed in human readable form.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to measure the entrance dose of a radiology apparatus of the type comprising an X-ray beam source, and a detector for the X-ray beam after it has passed an object of interest carried on a table placed between the source and the detector, wherein the X-ray beam source is placed above said table and wherein the distance between the X-ray beam source and the object is estimated taking into account the object's morphology, for determining said entrance dose. An attenuation-ratio is calculated depending on energy-levels of the X-ray beam leaving the X-ray beam source and arriving at the detector respectively, and that the object's thickness is calculated depending on said attenuation-ratio, said thickness together with the table-position defining said distance between the X-ray beam source and the object.

Abstract: An X-ray CT (computed tomography) apparatus is disclosed. The X-ray CT apparatus include an X-ray supply unit performing low-dose X-ray scanning and high-dose X-ray scanning for a patient in which a contrast medium has been injected. The collected X-ray projection data are reconstructed to generate image data for low-dose X-ray scanning and high-dose X-ray scanning. In the low-dose X-ray scanning that proceed the high-dose X-ray scanning, plural images are obtained in succession, in which ROIs (regions of interest) are set in given positions. A CT value calculating unit calculates the CT values in the ROIs in succession, and the timing at which the high-dose X-ray scanning is started is determined on the basis of the changes of CT values with time. And blood-flow information is calculated by using the image data obtained with low-dose X-ray scanning and high-dose X-ray scanning.

Abstract: A method is for production of tomographic section images, in particular X-ray CT images, of an at least partially periodically moving examination object with periodically changing movement and rest phases, preferably of a heart of a living being. A number of focus detector combinations are used, with the time resolution of the CT scanner being significantly increased by supplementary combination of detector data in the correct phase. On the one hand, a number of focus detector combinations which scan an examination object at the same time are used; and on the other hand a number of adjacent movement cycles of a periodically moving examination object are performed.

Abstract: A tomosynthetic image taking apparatus takes an x-ray image of an object in each of a plurality of positions of an x-ray source to obtain a desired tomogram of the object by adding up the x-ray images thus obtained. A heartbeat phase is detected and the tomosynthetic image taking apparatus is controlled to take an x-ray image of the object in each of the plurality of positions of the x-ray source when the heartbeat of the object is in the same heartbeat phase.

Abstract: An x-ray diagnostic apparatus has an x-ray radiator, a control device connected thereto, a radiation detector and a patient-positioning table. The x-ray diagnostic apparatus has a device that calculates the BMI (body mass index) of the patient to be examined from detection of the body length and the weight. The device is connected with the control device to influence the parameters associated with obtaining an x-ray image.

Abstract: An x-ray diagnostic apparatus has an x-ray radiator, a control device connected thereto, a radiation detector and a patient positioning table. A patient weighing device that is connected with the control device to influence parameters for setting the x-ray radiation is associated with the patient positioning table.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus or system for imaging a dynamic state or process of an object such as a human body includes an indication unit for performing dynamic state guiding indication using a perceivable pattern corresponding to a dynamic state or motion to be engaged in by the patient, and an image acquisition unit for acquiring a plurality of radiographs of the human body. The resulting radiographs can be reviewed for diagnosis, and can be stored, either locally or at a remote location.

Abstract: When a command to start imaging is issued, the heart beat of a subject is detected to measure his/her heart beat period. A static period is determined from a cardiac waveform. The duration of one rotation of a rotary table is determined. In accordance with the determined duration of time, the rotary table starts rotating. When a predetermined rotation angle of the rotary table and the predetermined number of views are achieved, emission of X-rays is halted and the rotary table is stopped. Data acquired from the static period are rearranged. An image is reconstructed using the rearranged data. The first reconstructed image may include artifacts and should be evaluated. When artifacts are observed, a command to redetermine the static period is issued to modify the static period.

Abstract: A method is for examining a body region of an examination object, which body region performs a periodic movement in the form of a sequence of movement cycles including phases of the periodic movement. The method preferably uses a CT apparatus with a radiation source for generating a radiation that penetrates through the examination object at different projection angles, and a detector system for the radiation emerging from the radiation source. An image, at least of the body region that performs the periodic movement, is determined by way of an electronic computing device from the output data of the detector system, which correspond to the detected radiation and are used as measurement data. In this case, it is provided that, from a number n?1 of preferably successive movement cycles, data intervals are taken with respect to the same phase of the periodic movement. The overall length of these intervals produces at least one reconstruction interval that suffices for determining an image.

Abstract: A radiation image-acquiring apparatus or a radiation image-acquiring method capable of reducing artifact due to pulsations of a heart of a subject to be examined is disclosed. X-rays generated by an X-ray generating portion and transmitted through the subject are detected as a two-dimensional distribution by a two-dimensional detector while the subject is rotated by a rotating table in an image-acquiring area formed by the X-ray generating portion and the two-dimensional detector, pulsation variations specific to the subject are detected, and a period p of the variation is calculated. A ratio q of a static time relative to the variation period p is then determined, a rotation time for one rotation is calculated based on the variation period p and the ratio q, and a rotating table is rotated.

Abstract: A method is for improving CT image data from a moving examination object, in particular a beating heart. The method includes moving a focus on a circular track about the examination object, wherein scanning data streams, measured in parallel and in a fashion correlated with one another, are collected from a multirow detector. Further, movement data of the examination object are also collected. Angularly complementary data record elements of the same movement phase are retrospectively selected from a number of movement cycles. The data record elements are then reconstructed and reformatted to form incomplete CT images. Subsequently, the incomplete CT images are added up to form complete CT images.

Abstract: An X-ray detector for drive timing setting is provided outside an image taking region of a sensor unit. Thus, an X-ray image taking device is constructed such that a case structure is simple and a preferable image which is not affected by back-scattering can be captured.

Abstract: A method and system for physiological gating is disclosed. A method and system for detecting and predictably estimating regular cycles of physiological activity or movements is disclosed. Another disclosed aspect of the invention is directed to predictive actuation of gating system components. Yet another disclosed aspect of the invention is directed to physiological gating of radiation treatment based upon the phase of the physiological activity. Gating can be performed, either prospectively or retrospectively, to any type of procedure, including radiation therapy or imaging, or other types of medical devices and procedures such as PET, MRI, SPECT, and CT scans.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray device in which a set of exposure parameters is fetched from among a number of such sets stored in a first storage arrangement for APR X-ray exposures. The exposure parameters which result therefrom during the subsequent X-ray exposure and have possibly been modified by the user are stored in a second storage arrangement. The X-ray device includes means for evaluating the second sets of exposure parameters which are associated with the same first set of exposure parameters and for deriving therefrom a new set of exposure parameters which is stored in the first storage arrangement instead of the first set of exposure parameters and forms the basis for APR X-ray exposures from then on.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for verification of the identity of a patient undergoing treatment administered by a medical treatment practitioner in a treatment room. An identifying element such as patient chart or patient photograph is provided for the patient which includes a patient identifier, e.g., a barcode, capable of being read by a reader device located within the treatment room. In use, the patient identifier is read by the reader device in the treatment room and a characteristic audio signal, previously assigned to the patient and known to the patient, is generated in response to the reading of the identifying element when there is a match between the patient identifier and a stored identifier for the patient. Treatment of the patient is at least temporarily withheld if any audio signal generated in response to reading of the patient identifier by the reader device is not the characteristic audio signal assigned to the patient. A special patient chart with a removable identifier can be used.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for three-dimensional imaging of a moving examination subject, particularly heart imaging with an examination apparatus having at least one C-arm with a radiation source and a radiation receiver, the C-arm rotates around the examination subject at least once through 180° plus the radiation fan angle during the time span in which a contrast agent is in the examination subject for the registration of the two-dimensional projection images, on the basis of which a three-dimensional image reconstruction ensues.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to measure the entrance dose of a radiology apparatus of the type comprising an X-ray beam source, and a detector for the X-ray beam after it has passed an object of interest carried on a table placed between the source and the detector, wherein the X-ray beam source is placed above said table and wherein the distance between the X-ray beam source and the object is estimated taking into account the object's morphology, for determining said entrance dose. An attenuation-ratio is calculated depending on energy-levels of the X-ray beam leaving the X-ray beam source and arriving at the detector respectively, and that the object's thickness is calculated depending on said attenuation-ratio, said thickness together with the table-position delining said distance between the X-ray beam source and the object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method comprises an acquisition of a first series of projected two-dimensional mask images of the object obtained for different positions of a camera around the object; an acquisition of a second series of opacified projected two-dimensional images of the object obtained at the same positions of the camera around the object; a phase of elaboration of a third series of subtracted projected two-dimensional images respectively obtained from the first and second series of images; a reconstruction of a three-dimensional subtracted image from the third series of images and from an analytical algorithm of image reconstruction; a reconstruction of a three-dimensional mask image from the first series of images and from an analytical algorithm of image reconstruction; a phase of identification of defects in the three-dimensional mask image; and elimination of the corresponding voxels in the three-dimensional subtracted image.

Abstract: Artefacts in the reconstructed volume data of cone beam CT systems can be removed by the application of respiration correlation techniques to the acquired projection images. To achieve this, the phase of the patients breathing is monitored while acquiring projection images continuously. On completion of the acquisition, projection images that have comparable breathing phases can be selected from the complete set, and these are used to reconstruct the volume data using similar techniques to those of conventional CT. Any phase can be selected and therefore the effect of breathing can be studied. It is also possible to use a feature in the projection image(s) such as the patient's diaphragm to determine the breathing phase. This feature in the projection images can be used to control delivery of therapeutic radiation dependent on the: patient's breathing cycle, to ensure that the tumour is in the correct position when the radiation is delivered.

Abstract: A radiography system and the machine readable medium storing program for accurately determining the type of the object taken by the radiography. The radiography system includes: a radiographic image receiving section for receiving the radiographic image of the object using the radiation; an optical image receiving section for detecting light from the object, and for receiving the optical image of the object; an object type determination section for determining an object type of the radiographic image received by the radiographic image receiving section based on the optical image received by the optical image receiving section; and an image storage section storing thereon the radiographic image received by the radiographic image receiving section in association with the object type determined by the object type determination section, and for storing the radiographic image and the object type, being associated with each other.

Abstract: A method and system for of defining, or identifying, regions of interest for exposure management in a digital x-ray imaging system, and especially in the case of multiple consecutive image acquisitions. According to the most basic embodiment of the present invention, simple geometric shapes arranged in a matrix configuration are used to aid an operator in identifying a region of interest for a diagnostic x-ray image. Each region of interest is selectable from a low-dose preshot image and may be corrected, or processed, in order to enhance the results of a subsequent diagnostic image. The processing of the preshot image allows the system to automatically make predictions for the diagnostic image exposure requirements, thereby avoiding unnecessary multiple images.

Abstract: A system including a user input device for controlling a position of medical equipment is described. In an example embodiment, the user input device is configured to be coupled to the medical equipment and is responsive to an operator input representation of a desired movement of the equipment. A processor determines a direction in which the operator desires the equipment to move based on a device output.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for generating a volume dataset of a subject taking a movement of the subject into consideration, a referencing base is arranged at the subject, so that the positions and the orientations of the referencing base can be acquired during a registration of a series of 2D projections of the subject. The volume dataset of the subject is generated on the basis of the series of 2D projections as well as based on the deviations of the positions and of the orientations of the referencing base from a fixed reference position of the referencing base that are determined for all 2D projections of the series.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus of cardiac CT imaging. The present invention utilizes ECG signals as well as mechanical motion signals of a cardiac region of a subject to correlate CT data acquired of the subject with the phases of the subject's cardiac region. The present invention contemplates measuring mechanical gatings of the heart by measuring changes in pressure, sound, or blood flow acceleration within the cardiac region. The mechanical gatings are then used with ECG data to correlate acquired imaging data with phases of the cardiac region for subsequent image reconstruction.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for acquiring cardiac images having minimized motion artifact by triggering an image-acquisition scan at a point during the quiescent segment of each cardiac cycle. The method of the present invention comprises: measuring the length of the R-R interval of a cardiac cycle; calculating the R-T segment length based on gender and R-R interval length; identifying an optimal scan starting point of the cardiac cycle based on R-R interval length, R-T segment length and scan speed; and triggering the image-acquisition scan at this starting segment. The method is implemented by an apparatus, namely a cardiac imaging device that has image-acquisition speeds of about 15-300 ms. The apparatus comprises a transmitter that generates the image-acquisition signal, an input console, and an ECG gating device that synchronizes the trigger of image-acquisition scans with the starting points determined by the above method.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a substance scoring system comprises acquiring data from a phantom using an imaging system, moving at least a portion of the phantom during the acquiring step, and generating an actual substance score for the phantom based on the data acquired using the imaging system. The phantom simulates a human organ such as a human heart. The phantom is provided with a motion profile that simulates a motion profile of the human organ.

Abstract: Device for taking radiologic images, of the type comprising a means of emission of an X-ray beam and a means of reception of the X-ray beam after it has passed through an organ to be studied. The means of emission and the means of reception are supported by an arm pivoting about at least one shaft supported by a frame. The device comprises a means for detecting the angle of swivel of the arm, a means for entering data relative to the organ to be studied, a processing means capable of determining the type of image that will be taken as a function of the angle of swivel and of the said data relative to the organ, and a means for displaying on the image the type of image determined by the said processing means.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing radiation exposure from an imaging system including determining an entry location, operating the imaging system so as to cause the imaging system to emit radiation having a radiation intensity, controlling the radiation intensity in a manner responsive to the entry location so as to create image data and processing the image data so as to create processed image data. In an alternative embodiment, a medium encoded with a machine-readable computer program code for reducing radiation exposure from an imaging system, the medium including instructions for causing a controller to implement the aforementioned method.

Abstract: An x-ray positioner is provided having two independently articulated arms supporting an x-ray tube and x-ray detector, respectively, that are mounted offset to the patient and controlled to track a bolus travelling through a patient. A controller is provided with feedback information regarding the bolus to determine the rate of travel, and to produce motion signals to the arms to automatically track the movement of the bolus.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for synchronizing the activation of an imaging device, such as an X-ray machine, with patient respiration. The imaging device includes a conventional trigger signal input for activating the imaging device in response to a preset signal. The system includes a respirator device, such as a ventilator or respiration band, which provides an output signal indicative of the degree of patient inspiration. A processing circuit is responsive to the output signal from the respiration device and generates the preset signal at a preselected degree of patient inspiration. The output signal from the processing circuit is coupled to the imaging device signal input to activate the imaging means at the preselected degree of patient inspiration.

Abstract: A database is created that contains a plurality of data items gathered from many human beings wherein the data items affect the heart rate of a patient during a CT imaging procedure. Regression analysis is performed on the data in the database to derive an algorithm which defines an predicted heart rate value as a function of the plurality of data items. Specifically, values for the plurality of data items are obtained for the particular patient to be imaged and the algorithm is applied to those data items to predict the patient's heart rate which will occur during the CT imaging procedure. The predicted heart rate is employed to defined operating parameters of the CT procedure, such as the rate at which the x-ray source and detector rotate around a patient and the speed at which the patient moves through the imaging plane.

Abstract: A method and system for physiological gating for radiation therapy is disclosed. A method and system for detecting and predictably estimating regular cycles of physiological activity or movements is disclosed. Another disclosed aspect of the invention is directed to predictive actuation of gating system components. Yet another disclosed aspect of the invention is directed to physiological gating of radiation treatment based upon the phase of the physiological activity.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a novel method and apparatus for improving the efficacy of a medical treatment or diagnostic procedure by coordinating such treatment or procedure with at least one physiological cycle of a patient. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention pertains to a novel method of coordinating a chest x-ray with a patient's ventilatory cycle. In a specific example, this invention concerns a novel device for interfacing a ventilator and an x-ray machine to ensure that an x-ray chest image can be taken at peak insufflation of the patient. The subject invention also relates to other medical procedures including, but not limited to, cardiac output measurement, chest imaging, inhalation therapy, oxygen delivery, blood pressure measurement, extracorporel shock wave lithotripsy, and pulse oximeter optoplethysmograms.

Abstract: In a method for examining a body region executing a periodic motion in an examination subject with a diagnostic apparatus having a radiation source for generating radiation penetrating the examination subject and a detector system for the radiation emanating from the radiation source, the intensity of the radiation emanating from the radiation source is modulated between a reference value and a reduced value compared to the reference value, substantially synchronously with the movement, so that the reference value is present during a phase of the periodic motion to be imaged with the diagnostic apparatus, and substantially only the data that were output by the detector system during the presence of the reference value of the radiation are utilized for the determination of the image.

Abstract: In an image reconstruction method for imaging a periodically moving object with a computed tomography apparatus employing a multi-line detector unit, suitable selection of the rotational speed of the carrier of the computed tomography apparatus and employment of a three-dimensional back-projection algorithm, allow qualitatively high-great images of the object to be produced in every motion phase.

Abstract: The invention covers a method to determine the relative lung perfusion image with the fluoroscopic principle. Transmitted X-ray radiation through the lungs of the patient under examination is measured at least during one heart cycle. An image intensifier is used to collect the images which are digitized, taken to the apparatus and further analyzed. The results are the grey scale image and numerical map depicting the lung perfusion distribution.

Abstract: A method of cardiac gating for use in an imaging apparatus includes monitoring a patient's cardiac cycle, and determining a cardiac cycle time for the patient. A desired cardiac phase of interest is selected, and a delay from a reference point in the cardiac cycle is determined. The delay is a function of the selected cardiac phase and the cardiac cycle time. Finally, the selected cardiac phase is located in the cardiac cycle using the delay. This cardiac gating method compensates for non-uniform changes in the patient's cardiac cycle corresponding to a non-uniform distribution of cardiac phases in the patient's cardiac cycle.

Abstract: A method is provided for acquiring digital x-ray images. Scan parameters designating slices of interest from a patient anatomy are identified. The travel distance and the speed of the x-ray tube and the detector are determined from the scan parameters. The patient is scanned in a first direction to obtain a first x-ray image utilizing a servo-tomo function based on the scan parameters. The image is saved in an image storage device and is displayed. The patient is scanned in a second direction to obtain a second x-ray image utilizing the servo-tomo function based on the scan parameters. The image is saved and displayed simultaneously with the first image in a multi-image format. After each scan, the operator may modify the scan parameters designating a slice of interest before initiating the next scan.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing an intensity map from segments includes importing a set of segments defining an intensity modulated radiation treatment and analyzing the segments to determine intensity map geometry. The method further includes calculating radiation contributions for cells within the segments and creating a reconstructed intensity map.

Abstract: A method is described for controlling x-ray exposure during gated cardiac scanning, including the steps of detecting a first cardiac signal; starting scanning after a pre-selected wait time after detecting the first cardiac signal; and stopping the scanning after a first to occur of passage of a pre-selected data collection time and detection of a second cardiac signal.

Abstract: An X-ray computerized tomography (CT) apparatus including a cyclic movement detector to detect a cyclic movement of at least a part of a living body to be examined, and producing an output signal representing the cyclic movement, a rotational member support an X-ray source and an X-ray detector, and rotating around the living body, a driving mechanism to drive a rotation of the rotational member, and a control unit to control a rotational speed of the rotational member in accordance with the output signal indicative of the cyclic movement from the cyclic movement detector, so that the X-ray detector collects total scan data for reconstructing a single slice starting at a predetermined phase of a signal cycle of the cyclic movement of the part of the living body, and not ending until immediately before a corresponding phase of a next cycle of the cyclic movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a device and a program for enhancing the image quality of images of the cardiovascular system of a patient which are produced by means of an X-ray device which includes a pulse generator for producing successive images at a given rate.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for imaging an object with a computed tomographic (CT) imaging system that includes steps of scanning an object with a beam of radiation from a CT imaging system to produce a view stream including attenuation data for the object being scanned; sensing one or more dynamic parameters relating to at least one of the object being scanned and the CT imaging system; and integrating information relating to the one or more sensed dynamic parameters into the view stream. This embodiment integrates information necessary for compensating reconstructed images directly into the view stream, thereby making the necessary information more conveniently available for such compensation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a radiation examination apparatus, especially an X-ray apparatus, that includes a radiation source and a detector device. The invention proposes the use of a control signal for “during pulse” radiation control, being a combination of a dose or a dose rate signal, measured by a dose rate measuring device, and an adaptive control value that is obtained, using an adaptive control algorithm, from the mean image working points within a selected region of interest of every individual preceding image within an image sequence. A detector device and a radiation examination apparatus are also claimed.

Abstract: A method for estimating motion of a part of an object, using a CT imaging system, is therefore provided in one embodiment of the present invention. This method includes steps of: scanning the object with the CT imaging system so as to acquire conjugate data samples; analyzing the conjugate data samples to remove data representative of overlapping, non-moving portions of the object; and estimating a cardiac motion from the analyzed conjugate data samples. Advantageously, no EKG device is required estimating cardiac motion when this method for estimating motion is employed.

Abstract: A cabinet for an x-ray system comprising an inner housing having an open mouth and being fully insertable with a clearance in an outer ousing having an open mouth, the inner and outer housings being attachable to secure and space the housings in a predetermined relationship. Lead shielding comprises a substantially complete intermediate layer extending between the inner and outer housings and the open mouth is provided with a lead lined closure.

Abstract: An apparatus for medical diagnosis and/or therapy is provided with an electromagnetic object sensor in order to prevent collisions between movable parts and, for example, a patient to be examined. The sensor may be provided with sensor electrodes 16 and 18 for capacitive detection of obstacles. In order to extend the area of sensitivity of the sensor electrodes in such a manner that it encloses the area in front of the X-ray entrance window 20 of the image intensifier 6, an additional electrode is provided in the beam path between the X-ray source 4 and the image intensifier, which additional electrode is coupled to sensor electrodes 18. The additional electrode includes a carrier which is provided with a thin metal layer, both being transparent to X-rays. The additional electrode may be subdivided into sectors 28-1, . . . , 28-4 which correspond to sectors 18-1, . . . , 18-4 of the sensor electrode in such a manner that the position of an obstacle relative to the image intensifier can be determined.

Abstract: An x-ray diagnostic system, particularly for cardioangiography, has an x-ray and an x-ray image intensifier/video chain or other x-ray image converters, with the x-ray and the x-ray image intensifier being cyclically moved during the production of a number of successive images. The motion of the vessel due to the heartbeat is compensated with a cardiac motion compensation unit in a small image region having an abnormality to be investigated, particularly a stenosis.

Abstract: A method for imaging a heart of a patient utilizing a CT imaging system includes steps of assigning a scanning priority to phases of a representative cardiac cycle of the patient's heart, selecting phases of the cardiac cycle for scanning in accordance with the assigned scanning priority, and obtaining image slices of the patient's heart corresponding the selected phases of the cardiac cycle. The method can be performed by a CT imaging system including an EKG machine to record EKG data.