Abstract: The present invention relates to guidance during a medical intervention. In order to provide an improved navigation support with a facilitated setup, a system (10) for navigation support is provided. An image data input (12) receives a plurality of acquired 2D X-ray images of a subject's body from different angles. A set of markers, which are visible in X-ray images and which are detectable by a navigation system, is assigned to the subject. A marker detecting arrangement (16) is provided that detects a current spatial location of the markers assigned to the subject. A data processor (14) reconstructs a 3D volume of the subject based on the plurality of 2D X-ray images. At least a part of the markers is arranged outside the volume covered by the reconstructed 3D volume of the subject, while the markers are visible in the 2D X-ray images.

Abstract: A system is suggested comprising an optical sensing means and a processing unit. The optical sensing means may include an optical guide with a distal end, wherein the optical guide may be configured to be arranged in a device to be inserted into tissue in a region of interest. The processing unit may be configured to receive information of a region of interest including different tissue types as well as of a path through the tissues, to determine a sequence of tissue types along the path, to determine a tissue type at the distal end of the optical guide based on information received from the optical sensing means, to compare the determined tissue type with the tissue types on the path, to determine possible positions of the distal end of the optical guide on the path based on the comparison of tissue types, and to generate a signal indicative for the possible positions.

Abstract: A system is suggested comprising an optical sensing means and a processing unit. The optical sensing means may include an optical guide with a distal end, wherein the optical guide may be configured to be arranged in a device to be inserted into tissue in a region of interest. The processing unit may be configured to receive information of a region of interest including different tissue types as well as of a path through the tissues, to determine a sequence of tissue types along the path, to determine a tissue type at the distal end of the optical guide based on information received from the optical sensing means, to compare the determined tissue type with the tissue types on the path, to determine possible positions of the distal end of the optical guide on the path based on the comparison of tissue types, and to generate a signal indicative for the possible positions.

Abstract: A system is suggested comprising an optical sensing means and a processing unit. The optical sensing means may include an optical guide with a distal end, wherein the optical guide may be configured to be arranged in a device to be inserted into tissue in a region of interest. The processing unit may be configured to receive information of a region of interest including different tissue types as well as of a path through the tissues, to determine a sequence of tissue types along the path, to determine a tissue type at the distal end of the optical guide based on information received from the optical sensing means, to compare the determined tissue type with the tissue types on the path, to determine possible positions of the distal end of the optical guide on the path based on the comparison of tissue types, and to generate a signal indicative for the possible positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to safety in a dynamic 3D healthcare environment. The invention in particular relates to a medical safety-system for dynamic 3D healthcare environments, a medical examination system with motorized equipment, an image acquisition arrangement, and a method for providing safe movements in dynamic 3D healthcare environments. In order to provide improved safety in dynamic 3D healthcare environments with a facilitated adaptability, a medical safety-system (10) for dynamic 3D healthcare environments is provided, comprising a detection system (12), a processing unit (14), and an interface unit (16). The detection system comprises at least one sensor arrangement (18) adapted to provide depth information of at least a part of an observed scene (22). The processing unit comprises a correlation unit (24) adapted to correlate the depth information. The processing unit comprises a generation unit (26) adapted to generate a 3D free space model (32).

Abstract: A medical safety-system for dynamic 3D healthcare environments, a medical examination system with motorized equipment, an image acquisition arrangement, and a method for providing safe movements in dynamic 3D healthcare environments. The medical safety-system for dynamic 3D healthcare environments includes a detection system, a processing unit, and an interface unit. The detection system includes at least one sensor arrangement to provide depth information of at least a part of an observed scene. The processing unit includes a correlation unit to assign the depth information and a generation unit to generate a 3D free space model to provide the 3D free space model.

Abstract: The present invention relates to positioning of an X-ray imaging system. In order to provide an improved relative positioning of the X-ray imaging system for spine interventions, a device (10) for positioning of an X-ray imaging system is provided. The device comprises a data storage unit (12), a processing unit (14) and an output unit (16). The data storage unit is configured to store and provide 3D image data (18) of a spine region of interest of a subject comprising a part of a spine structure, the spine structure comprising at least one vertebra.

Abstract: A system is suggested comprises a main tracking device and a processing unit. The main tracking device includes a plurality of light sources and a plurality of light detectors. On the basis of light pulses, the main tracking device is configured to determine a current 3D position of a plurality of objects in a room. The processing unit is configured to process image information of each of the objects together with the position information so as to generate a visualization of the image information of the objects in spatial relation to each other.

Abstract: A system is suggested comprising an optical sensing means and a processing unit. The optical sensing means may include an optical guide with a distal end, wherein the optical guide may be configured to be arranged in a device to be inserted into tissue in a region of interest. The processing unit may be configured to receive information of a region of interest including different tissue types as well as of a path through the tissues, to determine a sequence of tissue types along the path, to determine a tissue type at the distal end of the optical guide based on information received from the optical sensing means, to compare the determined tissue type with the tissue types on the path, to determine possible positions of the distal end of the optical guide on the path based on the comparison of tissue types, and to generate a signal indicative for the possible positions.

Abstract: A medical imaging system having an X-ray image acquisition device, a plurality of proximity sensors located at components of the X-ray image acquisition device and a processing unit is able to prevent unintended X-ray radiation to an object in a field of irradiation. For this purpose, the processing unit is configured for determining temporal differences of distance information delivered by the proximity sensors, for generating reference distance information based on acquired distance information with an X-ray source, an X-ray detector and the patient support in fixed positions, for filtering out reference distance information from the acquired distance information and for generating a signal in case temporal differences are determined exceeding a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protection system (10) and a method for protecting a staff member (6) against X-ray scatter radiation, an X-ray system and a computer readable medium having stored a computer program element for controlling such system. The protection system (10) comprises a location unit (20), and a determination unit (30). The location unit (20) is configured to detect the position of a shielding device (3) and the position of the staff member (6) to be protected. The determination unit (30) is configured to determine an origin (5) of potential X-ray scatter radiation and to determine if the shielding device (3) is positioned to protect the staff member (6) to be protected based on the origin (5) of potential X-ray scatter radiation, the position of the shielding device (3) and the position of the staff member (6).

Abstract: The present invention relates to acquisition of medical image information of an object. In order to improve operating theaters and allow more effective use of equipment and staff during interventions, a medical X-ray system (10) is provided, comprising a patient support (12), an X-ray image acquisition arrangement (14), a support arrangement (16), and a rail arrangement (18). The image acquisition arrangement (14) acquires imaging information of an object of interest (20) arranged on the patient support (12). The rail arrangement (18) is provided overhead. The support arrangement (16) is movably mounted to the rail arrangement (18), and at least movable along the rail arrangement (18). The image acquisition arrangement (14) is movably mounted to the support arrangement (16) to allow image acquisition of the object (20) from different directions. The rail arrangement (18) is arranged transversely to a longitudinal direction of the patient support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protection system (10) and a method for protecting a staff member (6) against X-ray scatter radiation, an X-ray system and a computer readable medium having stored a computer program element for controlling such system. The protection system (10) comprises a location unit (20), and a determination unit (30). The location unit (20) is configured to detect the position of a shielding device (3) and the position of the staff member (6) to be protected. The determination unit (30) is configured to determine an origin (5) of potential X-ray scatter radiation and to determine if the shielding device (3) is positioned to protect the staff member (6) to be protected based on the origin (5) of potential X-ray scatter radiation, the position of the shielding device (3) and the position of the staff member (6).

Abstract: A medical imaging system having an X-ray image acquisition device, a plurality of proximity sensors located at components of the X-ray image acquisition device and a processing unit is able to prevent unintended X-ray radiation to an object in a field of irradiation. For this purpose, the processing unit is configured for determining temporal differences of distance information delivered by the proximity sensors, for generating reference distance information based on acquired distance information with an X-ray source, an X-ray detector and the patient support in fixed positions, for filtering out reference distance information from the acquired distance information and for generating a signal in case temporal differences are determined exceeding a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to acquisition of medical image information of an object. In order to improve operating theatres and allow more effective use of equipment and staff during interventions, a medical X-ray system (10) is provided, comprising a patient support (12), an X-ray image acquisition arrangement (14), a support arrangement (16), and a rail arrangement (18). The image acquisition arrangement (14) acquires imaging information of an object of interest (20) arranged on the patient support (12). The rail arrangement (18) is provided overhead. The support arrangement (16) is movably mounted to the rail arrangement (18), and at least movable along the rail arrangement (18). The image acquisition arrangement (14) is movably mounted to the support arrangement (16) to allow image acquisition of the object (20) from different directions. The rail arrangement (18) is arranged transversely to a longitudinal direction of the patient support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to safety in a dynamic 3D healthcare environment. The invention in particular relates to a medical safety-system for dynamic 3D healthcare environments, a medical examination system with motorized equipment, an image acquisition arrangement, and a method for providing safe movements in dynamic 3D healthcare environments. In order to provide improved safety in dynamic 3D healthcare environments with a facilitated adaptability, a medical safety-system (10) for dynamic 3D healthcare environments is provided, comprising a detection system (12), a processing unit (14), and an interface unit (16). The detection system comprises at least one sensor arrangement (18) adapted to provide depth information of at least a part of an observed scene (22). The processing unit comprises a correlation unit (24) adapted to correlate the depth information. The processing unit comprises a generation unit (26) adapted to generate a 3D free space model (32).

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes a projection system mounted on a reference frame, which in turn is mounted on a base which supports the apparatus. Vibrations and displacement errors in the base are filtered through two sets of isolation mounts operatively between the base and reference frame and between the reference frame and a projection frame of the projection system and therefore disturbance of the projection system is reduced.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes a projection system mounted on a reference frame, which in turn is mounted on a base which supports the apparatus. Vibrations and displacement errors in the base are filtered through two sets of isolation mounts operatively between the base and reference frame and between the reference frame and a projection frame of the projection system and therefore disturbance of the projection system is reduced.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes a projection system mounted on a reference frame, which in turn is mounted on a base which supports the apparatus. Vibrations and displacement errors in the base are filtered through two sets of isolation mounts operatively between the base and reference frame and between the reference frame and a projection frame of the projection system and therefore disturbance of the projection system is reduced.