Abstract: A method of improving the volume reconstruction in navigationally guided operations is provided. In certain implementations, a phantom which contains X-ray positive marks and marks detectable by a position detection system in a fixed spatial relation to each other is positioned in the region of the volume being investigated on the subject. For the volume reconstruction, a series of 2D X-ray projection images can be created, each of them containing, alongside the structures of the subject being examined, the images of the X-ray positive marks of the phantom as image information. Each 2D data set is transformed by a familiar method, in which, for example, the mechanical deviations of a real-world C-arm type X-ray diagnostic machine are identified by a kinematic model and are corrected. The transformed 2D data can be used for the volume reconstruction, and the volume model with the position information of the X-ray positive marks is relayed to a navigation system.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present application relates to methods for calibrating an X-ray diagnostic system and apparatus for use in the calibration methods. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a position detection system having an acquisition unit. An X-ray phantom is disposed near the acquisition unit in a known position and/or orientation relative to a coordinate system of the position detection system. The X-ray phantom may be detachably mounted on the acquisition unit.

Abstract: A heat exchanger system for a single-tank x-ray generator of an x-ray diagnostic device with a rotating anode tube with a glass jacket is provided. The system provides for the thermal radiation emitted by the anode plate of the rotating anode tube, which glows during load operation, to be absorbed in very close proximity to the tube by a heat exchanger with a window for the exiting x-ray radiation beam, without causing other components inside the generator tank to be heated by the thermal radiation. The heat exchanger preferably includes the lead shield required to shield against x-ray back-radiation and has a cooling agent flowing through it. The layer of insulating oil present in the space between the rotating anode tube and the heat exchanger is exchanged by means of a pump against insulating oil from other areas of the tank so as to prevent local overheating of the insulating oil in the gap.

Abstract: Embodiments of an X-ray diagnostic imaging system comprise a plurality of coded 2D and/or 3D markers associated with surfaces of system components. The position and coding of at least some of the coded markers can be determined by a position detection system. In some embodiments, a coded marker is assigned a reference point having a known position on the surface of the system component. The positions of the system components in space can be calculated based at least in part on a reference point network determined from the position of the individual reference points measured with the position detection system. In some embodiments, the coded markers represent information with a data matrix code (DMC).

Abstract: The subject matter of the present application relates to methods for calibrating an X-ray diagnostic system and apparatus for use in the calibration methods. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a position detection system having an acquisition unit. An X-ray phantom is disposed near the acquisition unit in a known position and/or orientation relative to a coordinate system of the position detection system. The X-ray phantom may be detachably mounted on the acquisition unit.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a localizing unit for an X-ray diagnostic system covered with a sterile drape. In one embodiment, the localizing unit can be sterilized and has an adapter, which includes a means for puncturing the sterile drape and a means for temporarily securing the sterile drape on a housing of the X-ray diagnostic system. The adapter may be detachably held in predetermined holders on the housing of the X-ray diagnostic system and may be positioned on the housing in a reproducible manner. In some embodiments, the means for temporarily securing the sterile drape on the housing includes an elastically deformable, surrounding seal, which upon positioning the adapter, produces a force on the sterile drape in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the housing.