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: X-ray imaging systems are provided that include an X-ray source and an X-ray detector. A filtering device is positioned between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector and includes one or more micro-filters each adapted to transition between an X-ray filtering position and an X-ray non-filtering position. A controller is programmed to control operation of the micro-filters.

Abstract: X-ray imaging systems are provided that include an X-ray source and an X-ray detector. A filtering device is positioned between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector and includes one or more micro-filters each adapted to transition between an X-ray filtering position and an X-ray non-filtering position. A controller is programmed to control operation of the micro-filters.

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 to the performing spectral calibration of a CT imaging system. In accordance with certain embodiments, spectral calibration phantoms are scanned while positioned on a table in the imaging volume of the CT imaging system. The scans of the calibration phantoms, in conjunction with air sans performed on the CT imaging system, are used to derive information about the deviation of the measured phantom scans from an ideal. The deviation information is in turn used to derive spectral calibration vectors that may be used with the CT imaging system.

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 to the generation of dual-energy X-ray data using a data sampling rate comparable to the rate utilized for single-energy imaging. In accordance with the present technique a reduced kVp switching rate is employed compared to conventional dual-energy imaging. Full angular resolution is achieved in the generated images.

Abstract: A method of imaging comprises performing a scout image of an object and aligning major regions of interest within the object by comparing the scout image with a pre-determined atlas image. In a further embodiment, a method of imaging using a computed tomography (CT) scanner is provided and comprises performing a scout image of a subject and aligning major anatomical regions of interest within the subject by comparing the scout image with a pre-determined atlas image. Further, an imaging system for us with a computed tomography (CT) imaging device is provided and comprises a processor configured to perform aligning major anatomical regions of interest within a subject by comparing a scout image with a pre-determined atlas image, and wherein the major anatomical regions are used for automated localization for Scan Range and/or Exam split.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the performing spectral calibration of a CT imaging system. In accordance with certain embodiments, spectral calibration phantoms are scanned while positioned on a table in the imaging volume of the CT imaging system. The scans of the calibration phantoms, in conjunction with air sans performed on the CT imaging system, are used to derive information about the deviation of the measured phantom scans from an ideal. The deviation information is in turn used to derive spectral calibration vectors that may be used with the CT imaging system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the generation of dual-energy X-ray data using a data sampling rate comparable to the rate utilized for single-energy imaging. In accordance with the present technique a reduced kVp switching rate is employed compared to conventional dual-energy imaging. Full angular resolution is achieved in the generated images.

Abstract: A method of identifying one or more occlusions in vasculature located in a region of interest, includes extracting vasculature from the region of interest; identifying a subject geometry of the extracted vasculature; and comparing the subject geometry to a predetermined geometry to identify a blockage. A device for identifying one or more occlusions in vasculature located in a region of interest is also presented.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for x-ray imaging with focal spot deflection are provided. The apparatus includes an x-ray tube having a cathode configured to emit electrons and an anode having a target with a target surface defining a target angle. The emitted electrons are deflected onto the target surface with the target surface substantially aligned with a z-axis parallel to a gantry rotation axis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for x-ray imaging with focal spot deflection are provided. The apparatus includes an x-ray tube having a cathode configured to emit electrons and an anode having a target with a target surface defining a target angle. The emitted electrons are deflected onto the target surface with the target surface substantially aligned with a z-axis parallel to a gantry rotation axis.

Abstract: A method of identifying one or more occlusions in vasculature located in a region of interest, includes extracting vasculature from the region of interest; identifying a subject geometry of the extracted vasculature; and comparing the subject geometry to a predetermined geometry to identify a blockage. A device for identifying one or more occlusions in vasculature located in a region of interest is also presented.

Abstract: A method of imaging comprises performing a scout image of an object and aligning major regions of interest within the object by comparing the scout image with a pre-determined atlas image. In a further embodiment, a method of imaging using a computed tomography (CT) scanner is provided and comprises performing a scout image of a subject and aligning major anatomical regions of interest within the subject by comparing the scout image with a pre-determined atlas image.

Abstract: Configurations for stationary imaging systems are provided. The configurations may include combinations of various types of distributed sources of X-ray radiation, which generally include addressable emitter elements which may be triggered for emission in desired sequences and combinations. The sources may be ring-like, partial ring-like, or line-like (typically along a Z-axis), and so forth. Combinations of these are envisaged. Corresponding detectors may also be full ring detectors or partial ring detectors associated with the sources to provide sufficient coverage of imaging volumes and to provide the desired mathematical completeness of the collected data.

Abstract: A volume imaging system which progressively constructs, analyzes, and updates three dimensional models while acquiring cross-sectional data is described. The system constructs and displays three-dimensional renderings, and performs quantitative calculations in real time during the imaging system data collection process, displays interactive three-dimensional renderings in a traditional post-data collection process, as well as prescribes, archives, films, and transmits rendering procedures, parameters, renderings, measurements, and processed data, during data collection and post-acquisition.

Abstract: A system and method of acquiring x-ray data, comprising: acquiring a series of x-ray data for generating at least one x-ray image using an x-ray detector to receive x-ray beams from an x-ray source, wherein an object being imaged is displaced along an axis, the axis extending perpendicularly through a plane defined by the x-ray beams, wherein the displacement occurs at, at least one of a constant, accelerating, and decelerating rates; varying the rate of displacement thus enabling the x-ray detector to acquire data for at least one x-ray image during accelerating or decelerating displacement; and employing current modulation.

Abstract: A system and method of acquiring x-ray data, comprising: acquiring a series of x-ray data for generating at least one x-ray image using an x-ray detector to receive x-ray beams from an x-ray source, wherein an object being imaged is displaced along an axis, the axis extending perpendicularly through a plane defined by the x-ray beams, wherein the displacement occurs at, at least one of a constant, accelerating, and decelerating rates; varying the rate of displacement thus enabling the x-ray detector to acquire data for at least one x-ray image during accelerating or decelerating displacement; and employing current modulation.