Abstract: Disclosed aspects relate to the acquisition and processing of projection data using temporal characteristics of the imaged volume, such as the uptake and clearance of a contrast agent within the volume. Such temporal aspects may be used in the acquisition process, such as to differentially acquire images based on the propagation of the contrast agent. In addition, such temporal aspects may be used in the processing of projection data to generate differential projections (e.g., first or second order subtraction projections), compound projections synthesized using the absolute or relative maximum opacity values observed over time for a region of interest, or interpolated projections synthesized using observed opacity values at known or fixed time intervals and a derived peak opacity time.

Abstract: A method for X-ray imaging includes determining one or more pre-shot parameters corresponding to a region of interest in a subject based on an optical image of the region of interest obtained from an optical sensor. The method further includes controlling an X-ray device to generate a pre-shot X-ray image using a first X-ray dosage, based on the one or more-pre-shot parameters. The method also includes determining at least one main-shot parameter based on the pre-shot X-ray image. The method includes controlling the X-ray device to generate a main-shot X-ray image using a second X-ray dosage greater than the first X-ray dosage, based on the at least one main-shot parameter.

Abstract: A method for X-ray imaging includes determining one or more pre-shot parameters corresponding to a region of interest in a subject based on an optical image of the region of interest obtained from an optical sensor. The method further includes controlling an X-ray device to generate a pre-shot X-ray image using a first X-ray dosage, based on the one or more-pre-shot parameters. The method also includes determining at least one main-shot parameter based on the pre-shot X-ray image. The method includes controlling the X-ray device to generate a main-shot X-ray image using a second X-ray dosage greater than the first X-ray dosage, based on the at least one main-shot parameter.

Abstract: A method for imaging a target region in a subject is presented. The method includes selecting one or more tomographic angle sequences, acquiring one or more image sequences corresponding to the one or more tomographic angle sequences, where each image sequence has a corresponding tomographic angle sequence, deriving geometric information corresponding to one or more structures of interest in at least one of the image sequences, identifying visualization information, generating one or more displacement maps based on the geometric information, the visualization information, at least a subset of at least one of the one or more tomographic angle sequences, or combinations thereof, transforming at least a subset of images in the one or more image sequences based on corresponding displacement maps to create one or more transformed/stabilized image sequences, and visualizing on a display the one or more transformed/stabilized image sequences to provide a stabilized presentation of the target region.

Abstract: Approaches for assessing hemodynamic characteristics for an organ of interest are related. In one implementation, a fluid dynamics model may be provided with data derived from an anatomic imaging modality and blood flow information derived by ultrasound to derive the desired hemodynamic characteristics. In one such implementation, a fractional flow reserve is estimated.

Abstract: Approaches for assessing hemodynamic characteristics for an organ of interest are related. In one implementation, a fluid dynamics model may be provided with data derived from an anatomic imaging modality and blood flow information derived by ultrasound to derive the desired hemodynamic characteristics. In one such implementation, a fractional flow reserve is estimated.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates various approaches by which mask and contrast projection data may be acquired using a continuous projection acquisition process, without an interruption in acquisition or resetting of the system between the acquisition of the mask projection data and the contrast projection data. In certain implementations, the approaches described herein may be employed with a single-plane or multi-plane tomosynthesis system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the iterative reconstruction of projection data. In certain embodiments, the iterative reconstruction is a multi-stage iterative reconstruction in which different feature are selectively emphasized at different stages. Selective emphasis at different stages may be accomplished by differentially handling two or more decompositions of an input image at certain iterations and/or by differently processing certain features with respect to each stage.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present system, a dual energy X-ray imaging system includes a communication module configured to receive a pre-shot image from a detection circuitry and receive one or more pre-shot parameters from a source controller of the dual energy X-ray imaging system. The dual energy X-ray imaging system further includes an analysis module configured to determine one or more image characteristics of the pre-shot image. The dual energy X-ray imaging system further includes a determination module configured to calculate a first and a second set of main-shot parameters based on the one or more pre-shot parameters and the one or more image characteristics of the pre-shot image. The determination module is further configured to send the one or more main-shot parameters to the source controller of the dual energy X-ray imaging system.

Abstract: A method for imaging a target region in a subject is presented. The method includes selecting one or more tomographic angle sequences, acquiring one or more image sequences corresponding to the one or more tomographic angle sequences, where each image sequence has a corresponding tomographic angle sequence, deriving geometric information corresponding to one or more structures of interest in at least one of the image sequences, identifying visualization information, generating one or more displacement maps based on the geometric information, the visualization information, at least a subset of at least one of the one or more tomographic angle sequences, or combinations thereof, transforming at least a subset of images in the one or more image sequences based on corresponding displacement maps to create one or more transformed/stabilized image sequences, and visualizing on a display the one or more transformed/stabilized image sequences to provide a stabilized presentation of the target region.

Abstract: Disclosed aspects relate to the acquisition and processing of projection data using temporal characteristics of the imaged volume, such as the uptake and clearance of a contrast agent within the volume. Such temporal aspects may be used in the acquisition process, such as to differentially acquire images based on the propagation of the contrast agent. In addition, such temporal aspects may be used in the processing of projection data to generate differential projections (e.g., first or second order subtraction projections), compound projections synthesized using the absolute or relative maximum opacity values observed over time for a region of interest, or interpolated projections synthesized using observed opacity values at known or fixed time intervals and a derived peak opacity time.

Abstract: C-arm systems and method for making and using continuous C-arm spin acquisition trajectories for dynamic imaging and improved image quality are described. In such systems and methods, a C-arm gantry, coupled to a C-arm support assembly, is adapted to retain an x-ray source and an x-ray detector. The C-arm gantry is selectively rotatable relative to the C-arm support assembly about both a C-arm axis and a pivot-axis to displace the x-ray source and the x-ray detector along a continuous C-arm spin trajectory. The C-arm system is adapted for continuous three-dimensional acquisition of data along the continuous C-arm spin trajectory including a plurality of shorts arcs and a plurality of long arcs. The C-arm system is adapted for continuous three-dimensional acquisition of data along the continuous C-arm spin trajectory to provide continuous three-dimensional imaging of dynamic processes.

Abstract: Systems, methods and non-transitory computer readable media for imaging. The system includes one or more radiation sources and detectors configured to transmit x-ray radiation towards a subject for imaging a dynamic process in a ROI of the subject and to acquire projection data corresponding to the ROI, respectively. The system also includes a computing device operatively coupled to one or more of the radiation sources and the detectors. The computing device is configured to provide control signals for performing one or more reference scans for acquiring reference data from a plurality of angular positions around the subject and for performing one or more tomosynthesis scans using one or more tomosynthesis trajectories for acquiring tomosynthesis data following the onset of the dynamic process. Additionally, the computing device is configured to reconstruct one or more images representative of the dynamic process using the reference data and/or the tomosynthesis data.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the acquisition of image data over an extended field of view using an interventional tomosynthesis system. In one embodiment, the interventional tomosynthesis system has a base offset from the longitudinal axis of a patient table, such that movement of the table relative to the imager may be performed during tomosynthesis projection acquisition. One or both of the imager and the table may move to accomplish such relative motion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the iterative reconstruction of projection data. In certain embodiments, the iterative reconstruction is a multi-stage iterative reconstruction in which different feature are selectively emphasized at different stages. Selective emphasis at different stages may be accomplished by differentially handling two or more decompositions of an input image at certain iterations and/or by differently processing certain features with respect to each stage.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the identification and tracking of a navigational instrument (e.g., a needle) in three-dimensions, with substantially real-time image updates of the instrument and updates of the tissue at an equal or lower rate. In certain embodiments, the images are acquired using a C-arm tomosynthesis system configured to move the X-ray source and detector in respective planes above and below the patient.

Abstract: Approaches are disclosed for removing or reducing metal artifacts in reconstructed images. The approaches include creating a metal mask in the projection domain, interpolating data within the metal mask, and perform a reconstruction using the interpolated data. In certain embodiments the metal structure is separately reconstructed and combined with the reconstructed volume.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates various approaches by which mask and contrast projection data may be acquired using a continuous projection acquisition process, without an interruption in acquisition or resetting of the system between the acquisition of the mask projection data and the contrast projection data. In certain implementations, the approaches described herein may be employed with a single-plane or multi-plane tomosynthesis system.

Abstract: A method includes, in a bi-plane interventional imaging system, moving a first C-arm supporting a first X-ray source and a first X-ray detector about first and second axes while obtaining a plurality of first X-ray attenuation data sets relating to a subject of interest; moving a second C-arm, positioned crosswise with respect to the first C-arm and supporting a second X-ray source and a second X-ray detector, about the first axis while obtaining a plurality of second X-ray attenuation data sets relating to the subject of interest; and synchronizing the movement of the first and second C-arms to avoid collision therebetween.

Abstract: C-arm systems and method for making and using continuous C-arm spin acquisition trajectories for dynamic imaging and improved image quality are described. In such systems and methods, a C-arm gantry, coupled to a C-arm support assembly, is adapted to retain an x-ray source and an x-ray detector. The C-arm gantry is selectively rotatable relative to the C-arm support assembly about both a C-arm axis and a pivot-axis to displace the x-ray source and the x-ray detector along a continuous C-arm spin trajectory. The C-arm system is adapted for continuous three-dimensional acquisition of data along the continuous C-arm spin trajectory including a plurality of shorts arcs and a plurality of long arcs. The C-arm system is adapted for continuous three-dimensional acquisition of data along the continuous C-arm spin trajectory to provide continuous three-dimensional imaging of dynamic processes.