Abstract: The invention relates to a method of imaging the blood flow as a function of time in an object (3) to be examined, which method includes the following steps: a) acquisition of a series of X-ray projection images (Di; Ej) during administration of a contrast medium to the blood vessels in the object (3) to be examined, b) acquisition of an image data set (H; K) containing the course of the blood vessels in the object (3) to be examined, c) segmentation of the regions of the blood vessels in the individual X-ray projection images (Di; Ej) that are filled with contrast medium, d) encoding the image data set (H; K) in time by comparing the image data set (H; K) with the segmented X-ray projection images (Dj′; Fj), and e) displaying one or more images (B) formed from the time-encoded image data set (H′; R′) and representing the blood flow as a function of time. The invention also relates to a correspondingly constructed X-ray device.

Abstract: The invention concerns an ultrasonic signal processing method and system for constructing and displaying a composite image sequence wherein an image includes at least an ultrasonic grayscale 2-D image (A), representing a cross-section of an artery having a longitudinal axis (X) perpendicular to the grayscale image lines (Z), and a dilation curve image (B) of the artery along a grayscale image line coupled to the grayscale image (A). A movable pattern (AP) on the grayscale image (A) indicates a grayscale image line, so as to automatically generate the construction of the image (B) of the coupled dilation curve (&Dgr;(X,n)).

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray device, notable a device for X-ray fluoroscopy, which includes an X-ray source and an X-ray detector for the continuous formation of X-ray images of a patient (5) from an invariable position of the X-ray source (2) and the X-ray detector (3). The invention includes indicator means for illuminating and/or monitoring essentially the radiation zone over the patient which is traversed by X-rays. This offers the advantage that for the physician it quasi visualizes or monitors the radiation zone which is traversed by X-rays during a treatment with simultaneous formation of X-ray images so that the physician can make sure that he or she, notably his or her hands, is not inadvertently exposed to a continuous X-ray dose.

Abstract: A removable grip for an ultrasound probe. The grip may be an integrated or unitary hand-held device having a circular or C-shaped cross-section that, when located at a predetermined operative position on the probe, removably surrounds a substantial portion of the probe to provide an exterior shape and size optimal for a desired application. The probe is generally an elongated instrument having proximal and distal ends and an external casing that is grasped by a sonographer. An ultrasound transducer is generally disposed at the distal end and a cord for transferring data and power typically extends from the proximal end of the probe. The grip includes proximal and distal ends and, in one disclosed aspect, a channel for receiving the cord. The channel is defined by opposing edges of the grip that longitudinally extend between the proximal and distal ends. The channel extends through the grip from an exterior surface to an interior surface of the grip.

Abstract: A computed tomography method in which novel compromise is reached between transmission bandwidth and image quality. The method includes combining the signals of at least two neighboring detector elements so as to form one measured value, and cyclically varying the combinations of neighboring detector element signals as the radiation source position changes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of forming X-ray images (B) from at least two series of projection data sets (P1, P2) successively acquired along different trajectories (T1, T2), a respective 3D data set (S1, S2) being formed from each series of projection data sets (P1, P2). In order to neutralize motions of the patient between the acquisition of the individual series of projection data sets upon combination of the 3D data sets so as to form X-ray images which are as free from artefacts as possible, the invention proposes to determine a transformation rule (F) describing the location in space of the 3D data sets (S1, S2) relative to one another in such a manner that voxels are selected in a 3D data set (S1) and their location in the other 3D data set (S2) is determined by means of a suitable similarity measure, after which X-ray images (B) are formed from the 3D data sets (S1, S2) combined by means of the transformation rule (F).

Abstract: An imaging system in which a patient monitoring device, that monitors physiological parameters of a patient and outputs a signal indicating values for the parameters, is in communication with a patient imaging system. The patient imaging system includes an imaging probe that directs energy into and receives energy from a patient; and a signal analyzer, in communication with the patient monitoring device, that analyzes the signal from the patient monitoring device and outputs a signal indicating irregularities in parameters monitored. A control unit monitors the signal from the signal analyzer and, when a predetermined signal is output, issues an alarm to the operator of the patient imaging system. The control unit can also be programed to reduce the output power of the imaging probe and/or alert a central monitoring facility in response to the output of the signal analyzer.

Abstract: A method for processing ultrasound signal samples obtains enhanced images of a body structure through use of both harmonic and fundamental image processing. The method includes the steps of first obtaining a first plurality of signal samples from sensed backscatter signals that fall within a range of frequencies about a fundamental frequency of the transmitted ultrasound signal. Next, a second plurality of signal samples are obtained from backscatter signals that fall within a range of frequencies about a harmonic of a transmitted ultrasound signal. Control values are then derived from at least one of the first plurality of signal samples or the second plurality of signal samples. Those control values are then utilized to control the processing of the other of the signal samples to derive an improved ultrasound image. In a preferred embodiment, the control values are derived from the signal samples which result from sensed harmonic backscatter signals.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic device includes a console portion and a display portion. The console portion includes a control panel, which includes a plurality of input keys. A user may input commands on the control panel by actuating one or more keys on the control panel. The console portion comprises control circuitry, which controls the operations of the ultrasound diagnostic device. The control circuitry receives input signals from the control panel. The input signals correspond to commands entered by the user on the control panel. The control circuitry processes the electrical signals and performs operations on an ultrasound image being displayed on a display monitor. The ultrasound images being displayed on the display may be modified by the control circuitry in response to one or more keys of the control panel being actuated by the user. A transducer assembly connected to the console portion is used by the user to acquire ultrasound image information from a subject.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus includes an X-ray source for producing a beam of X-rays, an X-ray detector for detecting this radiation, and an X-ray filter with filter elements which is arranged between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector so as to attenuate the X-ray beam in each independent filter element individually. Each filter element can contain a liquid filling (22) which is electrically conductive and X-ray absorbing, the value of the X-ray absorptivity of each filter element being discretely adjustable by step-wise adjustment of the level of the liquid filling within each filter element. Each filter element includes an electrode (23) which is positioned between an isolator layer (34) and a substrate (38) in a wall of the filter element in order to apply an electric potential to the wall of this element. Another electric potential is applied to the liquid filling. Therefore, an electric capacitance can be defined per unit of surface area of the filter element.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided with an interventional instrument with an indicator element which influences, for example locally disturbs, the magnetic resonance image. The position of the interventional instrument within the patient to be examined is derived from the local disturbances in the image as caused by the interventional instrument. The degree of influencing of the magnetic resonance image is adjustable notably by rotation of the interventional instrument with the indicator element relative to the direction of the steady magnetic field of the magnetic resonance imaging system. For example, the indicator element is a paramagnetic strip which may include several segments of different magnetic susceptibility.

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 medical apparatus for (radiation) diagnosis or therapy can be provided with moving parts 6. Such an apparatus must be provided with a collision detection device 26, 28, 30. A known collision sensor measures the supply current for the drive motor and hence induces a high degree of inaccuracy in the collision detection. According to the invention the force applied to the moving part (image intensifier 6) is measured directly on the relevant part so as to be compared with an expected value, an alarm signal being generated when a threshold value for the difference is exceeded. The expected value is calculated while taking into account all movement and acceleration parameters of the apparatus. The expected values can be calculated in advance and stored in a look-up table or can be calculated, preferably while using a model of the apparatus, during operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus with an X-ray source for producing a beam of X-rays, an X-ray detector for detecting the beam, and an X-ray filter with filter elements. The X-ray filter is arranged between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector to attenuate the X-ray beam in each independent filter element individually. Each filter element can receive a liquid which is electrically conductive and X-ray absorbing, and is supplied via a transport channel, the X-ray absorptivity of each filter element being discretely adjustable by step-wise adjustment of the level of the liquid in each filter element. Each filter element includes a first electrode which is located in the wall of the filter element, on top of a substrate layer for applying an electric potential to the wall of the filter element. A second electric potential is applied to the liquid via a second electrode.

Abstract: The size of a detail of an object is derived from a data set of data values relating to the object. The data set assigns the data values to positions in a multidimensional space. A direction is selected in the multidimensional space. The spatial resolution of the data set is higher in the selected direction as compared to the spatial resolution in other directions. The size of the detail is derived from data values in the selected direction. The selected direction can extend along the line of intersection which intersects a scanning plane in which the data values are acquired and a transverse plane extending at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the detail. The data values can be acquired an X-ray computed tomography imaging system, a magnetic resonsance imaging system, or a 3D ultrasound imaging system.

Abstract: An image processing method which includes the acquisition (10) of an intensity image (J) formed by a matrix of points (A) having non-binary intensity values and representing filiform objects, and also includes steps for the detection of filiform objects, which steps include: automatic determination (20) of an intensity vector field ({right arrow over (V)}), forming a state image constituted by characteristics concerning magnitudes and angles [∥{right arrow over (V)}∥,&thgr;] of intensity vectors a the various points (A) of the intensity image, an operation (30) for chaining the points of an individual filiform object by means of automatic filtering [Q(i)] of the state image, thus performing a selection of a dense and continuous field of intensity vectors corresponding to points of the filiform object.

Abstract: The invention relates to an MR apparatus with three gradient coils, the differences between said gradient coils are reduced in that the gradient directions extend obliquely to the direction of the main magnetic field.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image processing method for reducing the noise in an image, including determination of three noisy temporal intensities relating to a current pixel in three successive images in a sequence, the image to be processed being the central image of the sequence. The method includes spatial and temporal filtering means (10, 20) which combine inputs (1, 2, 3) of temporal intensities, inputs (4, 5, 7) of spatial intensities, and at least one input (6) of a spatial and temporal and random intensity in order to supply the filtered intensity (40) for the current pixel of the processed image (Jt). The method involves a pseudo-temporal branch (10) which combines temporal inputs (1, 2, 3) with a spatial input (7) and, connected in parallel, a pseudo-spatial branch (20) which combines spatial inputs (1, 4, 5) with a temporal and recursive random input (6), the results (8, 9) of the two parallel branches being combined (140).

Abstract: A fully steerable two-dimensional ultrasound array delivers a therapy by steering and selective focusing of beams. In some systems, the ultrasound array also includes an imaging functionality to simultaneously perform diagnostic imaging and delivery of a therapy. In one example, the two-dimensional ultrasound array includes a controller that controls beam forming and focusing to scan the focal point of the beam in a pattern within an identified structure of a image. Tissue is thus scanned using a sharply focused beam that is suitable for delivering a therapy such as a hyperthermia therapy or a therapy utilizing delivery of a pharmaceutical via microspheres. Imaging and therapy proceed either simultaneously or separately by operator selection. Simultaneous operation of imaging and therapy delivery are attained using a focused, scanned beam in which a focused beam that delivers intensity levels suitable for heating tissue or for bursting microspheres is pulsed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer tomograph provided with a charge-integrating read amplifier having a plurality of gain factors for a data acquisition system as well as a control circuit for the gain factor. In order to avoid noise in addition to the shot noise in computer tomographs of this kind and also to avoid degrading of the DQE (Detection Quantum Efficiency), according to the invention it is proposed that the control circuit automatically selects the gain factor in dependence on the expected integrated input signal of the next frame, the expectation being based on the maximum possible relative variation of the integrated input signal between two successive frames.