Abstract: In order to enhance enhanced X-ray image inhalation quality monitoring, a metric is proposed hat reproducibly provides an index of ribs visible to be used in the assessment of the inhalation state. In an example, a detected diaphragm in a chest X-ray image may be projected into an atlas that contains labels for all intercostal spaces, namely spaces between rib centerlines. A spatial representation of both the clavicle and the ribs is provided in the atlas, a cumulative histogram is built for all points, i.e. pixels, of the diaphragm, for every point a rib label counter of the rib in the rib label map at that point is incremented as well as all ribs above it, the rib label counter is normalized by a division by the number of points, the median (or a different quantile) may be taken of this distribution serving as an inhalation index. An objective metric of inhalation state is thus achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method (100) for supervised training of an artificial neural network for medical image analysis. The method comprises acquiring (SI) first and second sets of training samples, wherein the training samples comprise feature vectors and associated predetermined labels, the feature vectors being indicative of medical images and the labels pertaining to anatomy detection, to semantic segmentation of medical images, to classification of medical images, to computer-aided diagnosis, to detection and/or localization of biomarkers or to quality assessment of medical images. The accuracy of predetermined labels may be better for the second set of training samples than for the first set of training samples. The neural network is trained (S3) by reducing a cost function, which comprises a first and a second part.

Abstract: Method for assessing a position of a patient with respect to an automatic exposure control chamber, AEC chamber (11, 12), for a medical exam, wherein a patient is positioned between an X-ray source and the AEC chamber (11, 12); comprising the steps:—acquiring (S10) an X-ray image (32) of at least part of the patient, wherein the AEC chamber is configured for detecting a radiation dose of the X-ray source;—determining (S20), by the control unit, a position of the AEC chamber (11, 12) with respect to the patient from the acquired X-ray image (32);—determining (S30), by the control unit, an exam protocol performed on the patient dependent on the medical exam to be performed on the patient and determining, by the control unit, an ideal position of the AEC chamber (11, 12) with respect to the patient dependent on the exam protocol, wherein the ideal position relates to a position of the patient relative to the AEC chamber (11, 12), in which the detected radiation dose is reliable for the medical exam; and—determin

Abstract: The field of view of an X-ray imaging system should be set appropriately to ensure that anatomical information of interest is not omitted. In particular, it is necessary to ensure that the operator of an X-ray system does not allow a patient to leave the X-ray imaging system until it is certain that the correct anatomy has been imaged. This application discusses a technique enable the visualization of a field of view boundary error caused by the incorrect configuration of an X-ray imaging system. Optionally, the boundary error is displayed either on a user display of a system console, or by projecting the field of view error onto the patient in the X-ray system. Thus, an operator of the system may be alerted to the presence of a boundary error, enabling a new X-ray exposure to be taken, if necessary.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for manually auditing a set (30) of images having quality ratings (38) for an image quality metric assigned to the respective images of the set of images by an automatic quality assessment process (40) includes at least one electronic processor (20) programmed to: generate quality rating confidence values (42) indicative of confidence of the quality ratings for the respective images; select a subset (32) of the set of images for manual review based at least on the quality rating confidence values; and provide a user interface (UI) (27) via which only the subset of the set of images is presented and via which manual quality ratings (46) for the image quality metric are received for only the subset of the set of images.

Abstract: Medical radiography requires specialist control of radiography equipment to achieve good imaging results. Typical errors that can occur consist of an inappropriate field of view being accidentally applied. This results in a “cropping effect” in which portions of the region of interest of a patient which would be of clinical use are omitted from the image. Conventionally, the only solution is to re-take the entire image with a more appropriate (and inevitably larger) field of view selected. This is undesirable, because it might require recall of the patient from another location, and the patient will be subject to two exposures, thus undesirably increasing their X-ray dosage. The present application proposes to use an anatomical atlas to analyse an X-ray image output from an initial exposure, in particular to assess whether significant anatomical elements are missing from the image.

Abstract: An expandable spinal implant having a first portion and a second portion is provided. The expandable implant includes a first moveable portion and a second moveable portion attached to the first portion. The first moveable portion and the second moveable portion are moveable independently of one another. The movement of the first moveable portion and the second moveable portion facilitate independent expansion of a trailing end portion and a leading end portion of the expandable implant.

Abstract: The field of view of an X-ray imaging system should be set appropriately to ensure that anatomical information of interest is not omitted. In particular, it is necessary to ensure that the operator of an X-ray system does not allow a patient to leave the X-ray imaging system until it is certain that the correct anatomy has been imaged. This application discusses a technique enable the visualization of a field of view boundary error caused by the incorrect configuration of an X-ray imaging system. Optionally, the boundary error is displayed either on a user display of a system console, or by projecting the field of view error onto the patient in the X-ray system. Thus, an operator of the system may be alerted to the presence of a boundary error, enabling a new X-ray exposure to be taken, if necessary.

Abstract: An expandable spinal implant having a first portion and a second portion is provided. The expandable implant includes a first moveable portion and a second moveable portion attached to the first portion. The first moveable portion and the second moveable portion are moveable independently of one another. The movement of the first moveable portion and the second moveable portion facilitate independent expansion of a trailing end portion and a leading end portion of the expandable implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the detection of opacities in X-ray images. It is described to provide (210) an analysis X-ray image of a region of interest of an analyzed body part. A model of a normal region of interest is provided (220), wherein the model is based on a plurality of X-ray images of the region of interest. At least one abnormality is detected (230) in the region of interest of the analyzed body part, the detection comprising comparing the analysis X-ray image of the region of interest and the model of the normal region of interest. Information is output (240) on the at least one abnormality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for quality assessment of medical image datasets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to device, system and method for verifying image-related information of a medical image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modulation of X-ray radiation for the purposes of imaging an object of interest. For the modulation, the X-ray radiation provided by an X-ray source (12) is in part totally reflected by a mirror (20). Thus, an X-ray radiation at an object receiving space (16) is formed by an unreflected X-ray radiation (24) and a reflected X-ray radiation (26). The mirror (20) is displaceable by an actuator (28), such that the intensity of the reflected X-ray radiation (26) can be adjusted, in particular to a density of the object to be imaged.

Abstract: In a conventional system for preparing reports on findings in medical images, the actual formulation of the report is not or only insufficiently supported by the computer-based system. Although there are efforts to improve such a system through automatic reporting, however, in previous systems, the error rate is too high and/or the operation of the system too complicated. This application proposes to provide text prediction to a user on the display device. The text prediction is based on prior analyzing the image content of a medical image at is displayed to the user at least when the user activates a text field shown on the display device via the input unit. The displayed text prediction is selected from a pre-defined set of text modules that are associated to the analysis result.

Abstract: A system and method for receiving a medical image, receiving an adaptation of a model of a physical structure, the adaptation relating to the medical image, determining an image quantity of the medical image at each of a plurality of vertices of the adaptation and aggregating the plurality of image quantities to determine an evaluation metric.

Abstract: The quality of thoracic X-rays is depends on the inspiration state of an imaged patient. If the lungs of a patient are not significantly inflated during a thoracic X-ray, tissue from surrounding organs can cause the image to become cloudier, and the lung parenchyma is not effectively shown. Thus, there is a reliance on a medical professional to ensure that the patient is in an appropriate posture and inspiration state at the point of image exposure. This can be difficult with patients suffering from chronic conditions, though. Therefore, this application discusses a means to assess the inspiration state using the position of rib bones, and the diaphragm line in the X-ray image. Thus, an accurate estimate of inspiration state can automatically be reported to a medical professional, before a patient leaves the examination room, allowing an X-ray to be retaken, if necessary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray device, an X-ray system and a method of operation thereof. An operator and a patient are identified by an ID-system comprising one or more ID-means. The operator expertise level is determined. Image acquisition for generating an X-ray image is performed by using an interface for adaptive interaction of the operator and X-ray device. The interface is adapted for outputting at least one option selector. At least one subsequent option selector is adapted according to the operator expertise level and/or object data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray device, an X-ray system and the method of operation thereof. Support by remote image-analysis expertise is performed automatically by executing a decision escalation chain.

Abstract: Medical radiography requires specialist control of radiography equipment to achieve good imaging results. Typical errors that can occur consist of an inappropriate field of view being accidentally applied. This results in a “cropping effect” in which portions of the region of interest of a patient which would be of clinical use are omitted from the image. Conventionally, the only solution is to re-take the entire image with a more appropriate (and inevitably larger) field of view selected. This is undesirable, because it might require recall of the patient from another location, and the patient will be subject to two exposures, thus undesirably increasing their X-ray dosage. The present application proposes to use an anatomical atlas to analyse an X-ray image output from an initial exposure, in particular to assess whether significant anatomical elements are missing from the image.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting neural interference between a bone anchor and a neural element during or subsequent to the application of force on the bone anchor to adjust the orientation of one or more vertebral bodies relative to the spinal column. The method includes engaging at least one bone anchor to the vertebral body and applying force to the bone anchor to adjust the positioning or orientation of the vertebral body. A nerve monitoring system provides an electrical signal and is operable to detect a neural element and its proximity to the bone anchor as a function of a characteristic of the electrical signal.