Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting, tracking and registering a device within a tubular organ of a subject. The devices include guide wire tip or therapeutic devices, and the detection and tracking uses fluoroscopic images taken prior to or during a catheterization operation. The devices are fused with images or projections of models depicting the tubular organs.

Abstract: A weight (22) and height (24) of a patient who is to undergo a calcium screening examination in an x-ray diagnostic scanner (10) is used to calculate an appropriate x-ray dose in terms of tube current (mAs) for the calcium screening examination in accordance with the formula: mAs=c(BMI)2, where BMI is a patient's body mass index defined as: BMI=patent weight_(patient height)2.and C is a constant selected in accordance with a target required noise. In this manner, patients can be scanned with a minimum dose necessary to achieve the target noise, e.g., 20 HU. The images can be compared with earlier (and subsequent) images that have the same target noise.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a device at a desired location in a tubular organ such as an artery. A three-dimensional reconstruction of the organ is obtained, and the desired location is marked in the reconstruction. The device is inserted into the organ and an image is obtained of the device and organ. The reconstruction with the marked location is projected onto a plane from the perspective of the image and the projection and image are superimposed. If the device is not at the desired location, the device is repositioned in the organ and an additional image of the device is obtained. The reconstruction is then projected onto a plane from the perspective of the additional image and the additional image and the projection are superimposed. This process is repeated, as required, until the device is in the desired location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting, tracking and registering a device within a tubular organ of a subject. The devices include guide wire tip or therapeutic devices, and the detection and tracking uses fluoroscopic images taken prior to or during a catheterization operation. The devices are fused with images or projections of models depicting the tubular organs.

Abstract: A method and system for imaging an artery contained in an arterial tree. A microprocessor generates a three-dimensional reconstruction of the arterial tree from two or more angiographic images obtained from different perspectives. The orientation of the axis of the artery in the arterial tree is then determined, and a perspective of the artery perpendicular to the axis of the artery is determined. A three dimensional reconstruction of the artery from angiographic images obtained from the determined perspective is then generated.

Abstract: A weight (22) and height (24) of a patient who is to undergo a calcium screening examination in an x-ray diagnostic scanner (10) is used to calculate an appropriate x-ray dose in terms of tube current (mAs) for the calcium screening examination in accordance with the formula: mAs=c(BMI)2, where BMI is a patient's body mass index defined as: BMI=patent weight_(patient height)2.and C is a constant selected in accordance with a target required noise. In this manner, patients can be scanned with a minimum dose necessary to achieve the target noise, e.g., 20 HU. The images can be compared with earlier (and subsequent) images that have the same target noise.

Abstract: A method for processing an image of coronary arteries given by an intensity function I(x,y). A function z(x,y) is obtained describing the heart surface. The image is then processed to produce an image having an intensity function I?(x,y) where I? is obtained in a calculation involving the function z. The method may be used to enhance the stereoscopic effect of a stereo pair of images of coronary arteries.

Abstract: A method and system for imaging an artery contained in an arterial tree. A microprocessor generates a three-dimensional reconstruction of the arterial tree from two or more angiographic images obtained from different perspectives. The orientation of the axis of the artery in the arterial tree is then determined, and a perspective of the artery perpendicular to the axis of the artery is determined. A three dimensional reconstruction of the artery from angiographic images obtained from the determined perspective is then generated.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a device at a desired location in a tubular organ such as an artery. A three-dimensional reconstruction of the organ is obtained, and the desired location is marked in the reconstruction. The device is inserted into the organ and an image is obtained of the device and organ. The reconstruction with the marked location is projected onto a plane from the perspective of the image and the projection and image are superimposed. If the device is not at the desired location, the device is repositioned in the organ and an additional image of the device is obtained. The reconstruction is then projected onto a plane from the perspective of the additional image and the additional image and the projection are superimposed. This process is repeated, as required, until the device is in the desired location.

Abstract: A method and system for imaging an artery contained in an arterial tree. A microprocessor generates a three-dimensional reconstruction of the arterial tree from two or more angiographic images obtained from different perspectives. The orientation of the axis of the artery in the arterial tree is then determined, and a perspective of the artery perpendicular to the axis of the artery is determined. A three dimensional reconstruction of the artery from angiographic images obtained from the determined perspective is then generated.

Abstract: A method for processing an image of coronary arteries given by an intensity function I(x,y). A function z(x,y) is obtained describing the heart surface. The image is then processed to produce an image having an intensity function I′(x,y) where I′ is obtained in a calculation involving the function z. The method may be used to enhance the stereoscopic effect of a stereo pair of images of coronary arteries.