Abstract: A method for determining an optimal trajectory for 3-dimensional rotational X-ray coronary angiography for a C-arm X-ray system that has at least two degrees of freedom, where the C-arm X-ray system is defined by a rotational movement of the C-arm expressed in a left/right coronary artery oblique angle, and a roll motion of the C-arm expressed in a caudal/cranial angle. The method includes generating of a 3-dimensional representation of a center-line of a body vessel in a region of interest. generating at least one optimal view map. Further, an optimal trajectory for the X-ray system within the optimal view map is determined, where an optimal trajectory is at least determined by movements of the C-arm within its two degrees of freedom allowing image projections with minimal foreshortening and/or overlap while minimizing an exposure to X-rays.

Abstract: It is described a method for acquiring a series of two-dimensional X-ray attenuation data of an object under examination (310) by means of an X-ray imaging apparatus (100) having a rotatable scanning unit (301). In order to increase the angular range of the scanning unit (301), when a region of interest (HOa) located not in the center of the object (310) is examined the object under examination (310) is shifted such that the region of interest is temporarily positioned outside the center of rotation. By coupling the rotational movement of the scanning unit (301) with the translative movement of the object (310) in a synchronized manner a collision between the scanning unit (301) and the object (310) can be effectively avoided. By employing an automated motorized object table (312) a precise pre-determined movement of the object (310) can be achieved during the data acquisition.

Abstract: It is described a method for acquiring a series of two-dimensional X-ray attenuation data of an object under examination (310) by means of an X-ray imaging apparatus (100) having a rotatable scanning unit (301). In order to increase the angular range of the scanning unit (301), when a region of interest (HOa) located not in the center of the object (310) is examined the object under examination (310) is shifted such that the region of interest is temporarily positioned outside the center of rotation. By coupling the rotational movement of the scanning unit (301) with the translative movement of the object (310) in a synchronized manner a collision between the scanning unit (301) and the object (310) can be effectively avoided. By employing an automated motorized object table (312) a precise pre-determined movement of the object (310) can be achieved during the data acquisition.