Abstract: Method and apparatus for viewing instrument markers used in medical imaging for calibrating a surgical or medical procedure assistance system. The apparatus comprises acquiring radiographic images, constructing a three-dimensional model from a set of radiographic images acquired, and locating, in a given coordinate system, at least one marker placed on an instrument used during the procedure. A set of opaque elements appearing on the images is placed in the field of the apparatus, and in that the position of a set of markers rigidly connected to the set of opaque elements is determined with respect to the locating coordinate system. A transformation is applied to the coordinate system for locating a marker whose position is automatically determined, depending on the positions thus determined for these markers in the coordinate system.

Abstract: The shutters (2) in an X-ray device which include at least a radiation source (1), a diaphragm device (8) with shutters (2) and a recording (3) and image processing unit (4), are provided with hole and/or edge patterns (11-14) which reproduce non-anatomical patterns in the radiation image; the shutter edges (15) are detected in the radiation image in the image processing unit on the basis of such patterns, so that only the directly irradiated part of the patient is displayed.

Abstract: In a method applied and an x-ray system for determining a spatial relationship of X-ray datasets measured independently of one another, an x-ray apparatus registers X-ray datasets of a patient and a scale is provided that makes position data available that are identifiable in at least one of the registered dataset. The position data serve for the determination of the spatial relationship between at least two X-ray datasets that were registered from different body portions of the patient.

Abstract: Enhanced radiographic detection is provided by an endodontic marking instrument having a highly radiopaque elongate member, thereby enabling a dentist to better identify the location of the instrument in a root canal and the length of the root canal. The highly radiopaque, high contrast material of the elongate member is a non-toxic, material such as gold, platinum, palladium, silver, tungsten, and the like. The endodontic marking tools of the present invention are distinctly visible on radiographic images in light of the substantial contrast between the highly radiopaque material and the tooth of the patient.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging machine (10) is calibrated by placing a phantom (30) between an x-ray tube (20) and an x-ray detector (310). The phantom causes a first dimension D1,d and a second dimension D2,d to be projected onto the detector. From the projected dimensions and a physical dimension of the phantom (t), a processor (302) calculates the focal distance (FD) of the machine, the source image distance (SID) of the machine, and the object-to-detector distance (ODD).

Abstract: In a method for the automatic alignment of a medical instrument with respect to a target point in a patient body such as, for subsequent removal of a tissue sample or for therapy of a tumor in the target point, using a computed tomography apparatus with fluoroscopy mode, a guidance system aligns the medical instrument at a paracentesis point of the patient body in a CT image plane, and the spatial coordinates of the CT image plane are determined for the guidance system.

Abstract: An X-ray calibration dummy (RP) having markings (4) that may be acquired by a position-acquisition system (30). The invention also concerns a method for nonmarker-based registration for use in navigation-guided operations employing the X-ray calibration dummy (RP). A medical system for carrying out the method has a C-shaped X-ray machine (10), a position-acquisition system, 30, and the X-ray calibration dummy (RP).

Abstract: An orientation marker for a digital radiogram formed by a plurality of pixels arrayed along a plurality of rows and columns. The pixels have densities which represent the radiogram optical density at each pixel point, and the densities are represented by digital values. The marker is made by a number of marker pixels arrayed along at least one row and one column of the radiogram. Each of the pixels forming the marker, have a marker pixel digital value which has been selected to form an asymmetrical marker pixel pattern on the radiogram, replacing the original radiogram pixel values.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet comprising a plastic sheet having on one surface thereof a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, wherein the plastic sheet has on at least one surface thereof a print layer having a thickness of 40 to 1,000 &mgr;m and containing 30 to 90% by weight based on the total weight of the print layer of an X-ray absorbing metal. The print pattern may be scales, grid lines, numbers, etc. singly or in combination. Information on individual subject or scales or grid lines pattern may be copied in a radiograph having an image of the inside of the subject body. This enables surgeons to determine the size of the inside of the subject body or position of target organ with ease.

Abstract: A single-use radiological imaging aid includes an adhesive-backed tape and a backer covering the adhesive. Both the tape and the backer include radiopaque indicia. The indicia on the tape may include locating and/or measurement markings to identify, locate and/or measure anatomical features in a radiological image. The indicia on the backer includes alphanumeric and/or graphic symbols which define a blocking field. When the backer is intact over the adhesive surface of the tape, the blocking field on the backer is in substantial registration with the indicia on the tape. The backer must be removed prior to use of the tape in a radiological image, or else the blocking field will obscure the indicia on the tape in a scanned image. This design ensures that the tape will be properly adhered to a patient's skin prior to imaging and will be used only once.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, is an imaging system for accurately determining a length of an object of interest (OOI). Particularly and in one embodiment, the OOI has a curvature in a direction non-parallel to a projection plane. Initially, after utilizing MIP images to identify the OOI, boundaries and a center of the OOI are determined for each image. Utilizing the determined boundaries and center, an OOI length is determined. Specifically, the OOI length is determined by determining a distance between each adjacent image and then summing the resulting values. The distance is then displayed on the MIP images by either distance indicators or numerical display.

Abstract: This invention relates to a radiographic apparatus which comprises a radiographic image photographing unit for photographing a radiographic image of an object irradiated with radiation by a radiation generating device, a distance measuring system for measuring the distances or distance from the radiation generating device to the radiographic image photographing unit and/or the object, and distance information indicating means for indicating distance information obtained by the distance measuring system.

Abstract: An radiographic marker system includes a structure creating a layer substantially transparent to imaging radiation at energies used in radiographic imaging applications where the marker is used, the layer being formed in an enveloping shape and having a thickness extent, and a radiopaque marker opaque to imaging radiation at energies used in radiographic imaging applications where the marker is used, the radiopaque marker being carried by the structure creating a layer transparent to imaging radiation, the system can further comprise an adhesive layer on a bottom surface of the structure creating a layer substantially transparent to imaging radiation, the adhesive facilitating placement and removal of the marker.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, an isocenter of an image may be found by using a multi-leaf collimator. According to this embodiment, a center leaf is projected into the center of the x-ray field with all other leaves retracted. An image is acquired. A line through the center of the center leaf is identified. This line is also a line through isocenter. Another method according to an embodiment of the present invention for finding isocenter uses an accessory. The accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a metal marker in the center of the accessory with metal markers interspersed away from the center at a predetermined interval. An image may be acquired through the accessory, with the patient on the table. The resulting image may be analyzed to identify the position of the metal markers to determine isocenter.

Abstract: A system for inspecting pipelines, especially in the coupling between pipe parts, comprises a radiation source and a detector device or a photographic film. The pipeline includes indicators which are laid into the pipeline material and have a differing absorption of radiation than the material comprising the layers of the pipeline in which the indicators are formed. By placing the radiation source and the detector device (or photographic film) on opposite sides of the pipeline, or on opposite sides of a wall of the pipeline, the position of the indicators may be detected, and any displacement can be measured.

Abstract: A stabilizing system, which is especially useful in radiation therapy, has markers located in a body in a set of positions relative to external coordinates, the set of positions having a calibrated spatial relationship with a target volume in the body, the markers being imaged by an imager at subsequent times to produce subsequent imager output signals which are compared by a data processor which generates a control signal which drives an actuator sub-system to move the body to stabilize the target volume relative to the external coordinates, wherein confounding effects of high energy, high intensity radiations which may also be present in the body are overcome by various distinguishing arrangements.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for measuring and/or marking the internal features of a patient body when those features are viewed under fluoroscopy or another medical imaging modality. Although suitable for the physiological measurement of many body lumens, including the intestines, the urethra, and the like, the present invention will find its most immediate use in the measurement of vascular lesions, particularly vascular aneurysms adjacent the aortoiliac junction and other bifurcations. The positions and bend angles of such branching body lumens can be accurately mapped on a panel which remains outside the patient body. By imaging the patient through the panel, and by providing markings on the panel which give a bright contrast when imaged, the panel provides a guide that highlights the length, position, and geometry of the luminal lesion.

Abstract: A device for direct, visual estimation of dimensions of measurement objects that are difficult to reach, such as organs and foreign articles within human and animal bodies. The human eye gives a good size apprehension when comparing a measurement object with a similar thing of known dimension close to that of the measurement object. The comparison can be carried out on an X-ray picture in which a measurement object as well as a comparison body are reproduced close to each other and on the same scale. Means are provided for fixing the comparison body at the exterior surface of the human or animal body. The comparison body is confined by a series of surfaces of revolution with different sizes within an interval matched to the dimension interval of the dimension object.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing markers on an image, for use in conjunction with C-arm calibration apparatus for 3D reconstruction in an imaging system, comprises a plurality of radiation transparent planes intersecting at a line; and radiation opaque markers disposed on said transparent planes and arranged in respective patterns such that detection of coplanar markers on an image is possible without ambiguity even though said patterns be superimposed on a radiographic images.

Abstract: To provide a method and an instrument capable of easily and accurately measuring a size of an affected part present in a body of a patient, there is provided a measuring instrument 1 including at least four sheets of acrylic plates having indices of a substance of X-ray image forming performance of metal balls 2 and 3, metal wires and the like in which sets of two sheets of the acrylic plates are arranged in parallel to each other and a space defined by the sets of acrylic plates arranged in parallel, is provided with an interval capable of receiving a part of a patient to be measured, such as the head or the like.

Abstract: A radiological scaling device for use in determining a size of an anatomic structure on an X-ray image comprises a radio-opaque member having a predetermined known length, and first and second radio-lucent visualization gaps provided in the radio-opaque member. The radio-opaque member may be incorporated in a handle device or a catheter device such that the radio-opaque member may manipulated to be aligned in substantially a same plane as the anatomic structure between an X-ray tube and a film, and substantially perpendicular to an X-ray beam emitted by the X-ray tube. An X-ray image is produced which includes first and second gaps corresponding to the first and second radio-lucent visualization gaps of the radio-opaque member to thereby confirm that the radio-opaque member has been properly aligned substantially perpendicular to the X-ray beam.

Abstract: Calibration apparatus for X-ray geometry, for use in conjunction with a portion of a patient's body to be X-rayed, an X-ray source, and imaging arrangement for forming an image, wherein the imaging arrangement is at a given orientation and distance from the portion of a patient's body, comprises a calibration ring adapted for being fastened to a portion of a patient's body, such as a patient's head. The ring exhibits a first degree of transparency to X-rays.

Abstract: A system for X-ray geometry calibration comprises a calibration frame adapted for mounting proximate to at least a portion of a patient's body, such as a patient's head. An X-ray source cooperates with a target at a given orientation and distance from the portion of a patient's body for forming an image of the portion of a patient's body and of at least an associated portion of the calibration frame. The calibration frame includes encoding arrangement for uniquely determining correspondence between the image of the associated portion of the calibration frame and the calibration frame such that the orientation and distance can be determined uniquely from the image of the associated portion of the calibration frame.

Abstract: In an x-ray computed tomography apparatus with low radiation exposure to the patient, marks are additionally imaged during scanning of the patient, by which the geometry of the image can be determined. The marks are arranged above and/or below a region of interest in the measurement field on rings and are imaged by the x-ray beam.

Abstract: A stereotactical instrument for identifying a spatial position of an area in a patient's body which is to be subjected to treatment, preferably radiation treatment, the position of the area being previously determined, for example, by an angiogram, PET, DSA, CT, MRI, or X-ray equipment.

Abstract: Film markers for specifying body postures of an animal photographed in roentgenograms are described. The marker includes an animal-symbolizing member that shows the contour of an animal and a base member that symbolizes the top plate of a X-ray photographic table. These members are made of a roentgenopaque material and embedded in a synthetic resin plate. By irradiating a X-ray film cassette with this film marker put on one corner of the cassette, four body postures of prone, supine, laterally recumbent, and obliquely recumbent positions of an animal photographed can be visually specified at a glance by any person.

Abstract: A film pack holder having a built in scale for use in calibrating the positioning accuracy of an irradiation device to move a radiation source a selected distance along a given path.

Abstract: A radiographic guide for accurately positioning a proposed implant in the jawbone of a patient. The guide has a lower rod portion configured to fit within a pilot bore drilled in the jawbone and an upper cap configured to correspond to the shape and dimensions of a commercially available implant. The rod portion may include depth markings to indicate distances from a selected reference point. Placing a guide into the pilot bore, visually inspecting the cap of the guide, and taking an x-ray using a method to give anatomically correct distances gives an indication of the appearance, probable position and angulation of the proposed implant prior to the implantation of the implant into the jawbone.

Abstract: The device of the present application is an adhesive surface marker comprising a gel sealed by a casing and membrane structure. The markers of the present invention can include a cavity for receiving imaging materials. The markers provide means for marking patients and diagnostic images taken of those patients through different methods including X-Ray, Computerized Tomography, Positron Emission Tomograph, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging among others, retain their shape and size, and do not suffer from water-loss which can lead to reduced density to certain radio-graphic modalities (e.g. MRI).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for localizing cross-sectional X-ray images (6) taken from a given part of the dental arch, said imaging being effected with a panoramic X-ray apparatus which is provided with a patient supporting mechanism (1) and software for imaging the jaw in the transverse direction. The method includes a step of imaging cross-sections (6) on the same film as a respective longitudinal image (5) of the dental arch, and the cross-sectional images (6) are exposed to include identifications (A, B, C) for the sections, said identifications being also exposed on the longitudinal image (5) in alignment with the cross-sections along which the images are taken.

Abstract: A marker for magnetic resonance imaging which has two sheets of flexible plastic, a lipid sealed between the sheets of plastic, and a layer of adhesive material affixed to one of the sheets of plastic on the opposite side from the lipid.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for locating positions in the vasculature of a human patient for the purpose of rendering treatment or making a diagnosis therein during a catheterization procedure, such as a procedure to implant an intraluminal arterial graft. The system includes a board which rests under the patient during the procedure which has two markers that can be detected under fluoroscopy. The markers can be moved backwards and forwards along a track in the board to pinpoint various locations in the blood vessel of interest, for example, the points of attachment for the ends of an arterial graft. One of the markers also can be pivoted about the track to represent the angle at which a particular blood vessel is disposed in the patient. The markers can be locked into position with brakes for the duration of the procedure.

Abstract: The device of the present application, an adhesive disk, relates to non-invasive multi-modality radiographic surface markers and provides means for marking patients and diagnostic images taken of those patients through different methods including X-Ray, Computerized Tomography, Positron Emission Tomograph, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging among others. The device of the present application also provides means for enabling the accurate location of internal structures of a patient.

Abstract: The invention is a machine based alignment system for imaging with a contrasting marker (fiducial marker) attached to a support means for providing a set of markings which uniquely identify each cross-section of an imaged object in relation to other registered images.The invention also provides a method for using the alignment system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to apparatus determining the exact position of a target relative to a reference of known co-ordinates. The apparatus comprises a source of radiation for forming an image of a target, which image is received by a receiver device situated beyond the target. A mask-forming device is interposed between the receiver device and the source of radiation, the mask-forming device including at least one localization means of known position relative to a reference point and suitable for forming an image in said image-forming radiation, means are also provided for displacing the radiation source in three dimensions, at least between two different angular positions, thereby displacing the co-ordinates of two different images of the target obtained from the two different angular positions of the source. The invention makes it possible to determine the exact position of a target with a very high degree of precision using a method which is simple and which limits the radiation dose.

Abstract: A lithotripsy workstation, comprises a patient supporting device (1), a shockwave source (4) for generating shockwaves which are focused onto a point (focus) (6) fixed in space, an X-ray source (10) which irradiates the focus (6) from at least two defined positions, and an image detector (12) which detects the X-ray image produced by the X-ray source (10). The cost and the weight of the workstation can be reduced in that a marker (16) which can be displayed in the X-ray image is secured to the X-ray source (10), which marker is situated, at least in the two positions, on the connecting line between the focal spot (11) of the X-ray source (10) and the focus (6).

Abstract: A conforming biopsy grid and control apparatus consists of a flat transparent adhesive pliable sheet of material with imprinted radiopaque and visible grid lines which are numbered and lettered in more than one axis and applied to a structure. An adjustable perforated box-like apparatus is applied to stabilize compliant and/or elastic structures and placed about the grid applied structure fixing compliant and/or plastic structures tightly to conform to the shape of the box-like apparatus. A calibrated, perforated stylet is placed through the composite, i.e., compliant and/or elastic structure, conforming biopsy grid, and containing box-like apparatus, and stabilized by locking devices as it enters and exits the containing box-like apparatus. Electromagnetic and/or visible means are used to determine placement of this stylet through the perforated box-like apparatus to localize internal structures in more than one plane indicating location and depth of structures to be biopsied.

Abstract: A hand portable aid for use in the real time radiographic analysis of bones and comprising a substantially rigid sheet of x-ray pervious material at least as large as the bone and carrying a radio-opaque marker against which alignment of the bone may be checked.

Abstract: A marker system for use in radiography. The marker system includes an elongated base tape, a bendable, fabric covered wire containing a material that is opaque to imaging radiation, such as lead, and a continuous row of adhesive pads fixedly aligned along the wire. The adhesive pads are releasably adhered to the base tape and are manually removable from the base tape together with the wire for releasable adherence to a subject The marker system is dispensed in a convenient handy dispensing package which holds a roll of the marker system and ejects a line of wire with markers attached thereto as the base tape is pulled. Wire clippers are attached to the dispenser for cutting the markers.

Abstract: An angle indicating device is provided for measuring the angle of an X-ray machine and to display the angle on the photographic plate at the time it is exposed to X-rays. The invention includes the combination of a pendulum mounted to maintain a vertical orientation during rotation of the X-ray machine about its horizontal axis, and an indicator for indicating the angle of the X-ray machine relative to a vertical orientation of the pendulum. Furthermore, a scale and a scale indicator, both of which are opaque to X-rays is provided to project the read out of the angle indicator upon the photographic plate.

Abstract: Tape which is used to mark the location of arterial blockage or other medical problems on x-ray film. The tape has a T-shaped configuration and includes a flat main body and a rib projecting from the main body. The main body of the tape strip has an adhesive layer on one side which is initially covered by a cover strip. When the cover strip is removed, the strip can be adhesively attached to a patient who is to be x-rayed. The rib has graduation marks that are opaque to x-rays and are thus reproduced on the x-ray film to correlate the location of the medical problem with the marks during subsequent treatment. The rib can be folded flatly against the main body of the tape strip and held adhesively in that position so that the graduation marks are useful when x-rays are taken in two different dimensions.

Abstract: A radiographic depth gauge for precisely positioning dental implants in a jaw bone. The gauge is formed of a material which will show on an x-ray and is an elongated member with distance markings. The gauge is placed in a bore drilled in a jaw bone and an x-ray is taken in a standardized manner to show true dimensions of the gauge on the film relative to surrounding anatomical structures. The gauge both shows the depth and angulation of the bore relative to other bores and existing dentition.

Abstract: A radiographic film packet is adapted to be placed in a patient's mouth for exposing a sheet of dental film to x-rays generated by an x-ray tube. The packet comprises: a light-proof envelope having a first side and second side defining a pocket for receiving the film sheet; a sheet of lead disposed within the pocket adjacent the second side; a sheet of film disposed within the pocket between the lead sheet and the first side; an indicator affixed to the first side of the envelope, the indicator expressly designated the edge of the film packet appointed to be uppermost in the mouth during radiographic exposure; and a marker comprising a perforation in the periphery of the film sheet.

Abstract: A chirally asymmetric marking on a sheet of radiographic film, positively identifies the side of the film sheet facing the front of an x-ray cassette during radiographic exposure. The marking is permanent and is accomplished automatically in an inexpensive, convenient and highly reliable manner.

Abstract: A device for marking cutaneous landmarks as a means of identifying under x-radiography pathological deep structures of the small bones of the foot that comprises affixing a radiopaque material to an adhesive tape and placing the radiopaque material over a cutaneous landmark on a patient's foot and then x-raying the highlighted area. The radiopaque material is formed into any one of a variety of shapes, such as a circle, triangle or square, so as to provide a marker that completely encompasses the cutaneous landmark. A series of such markers is affixed to a roll of tape with an adhesive backing, or provided in pre-cut form, for ease of dispensation and attachment to the patient's foot.

Abstract: A device for assisting a fluoroscope operator in orienting a fluoroscope on an object during a fluoroscope examination, and thereby reduce the time of use and exposure to radiation, which device consists of a sheet transparent to x-ray radiation, preferably disc shaped, possessing orientation indication means, such as radiopaque symbols, numbers and letters which may be combined in any combination. The orientation device is mounted on the fluoroscope's receiver, thereby positioning the sheet and orientation indicators between the receiver tube and the object being examined. The orientation indicators are visible on the fluoroscope's monitor, clearly indicating direction and providing guidance for the fluoroscope operator during the examination.

Abstract: A radiographic film packet is adapted to be placed in a patient's mouth for exposing a sheet of dental film to x-rays generated by an x-ray tube. The packet includes a light-proof and moisture resistant envelope having a first side and a second side defining a pocket for receiving the film sheet.Disposed within the pocket are a sheet of lead and a sheet of film, the lead sheet being located adjacent the second side and the film sheet being located between the lead sheet and the first side. An indicator affixed to the first side expressly designates the edge of the film packet appointed to be uppermost in the mouth during radiographic exposure. A film marker is affixed to said film sheet along a periphery and proximate a corner thereof. The film marker has a constant orientation relative to the indicator, and identifies the orientation of the film sheet during exposure.

Abstract: At least one radiopaque sphere of known dimensions with means for positioning same in a radiographic image field and a method for scaling radiographic images including straight AP and lateral views using such a radiopaque sphere.

Abstract: An X-ray mask membrane 12 is discussed wherein a cantilever and tip portion such as used on an atomic force or scanning tunneling microscope are fabricated directly as part of the mask. The mask is located over a wafer and the vertical (z) motion of the tip with respect to the wafer is achieved with a piezoelectric device which is mounted on a movable support above the cantilever. Piezoelectric device may be a tube having an electrode divided into quadrants so that the end of the tube could be positioned in three dimensions to allow for alignment of the end of the tube to the cantilever tip. X and Y motion of the tip and the mask membrane relative to the wafer is achieved by mounting the wafer on an x-y stage driven by piezoelectric or other transducers. The wafer includes a raised alignment mask on its upper surface. The wafer, mask membrane, and z piezoelectric tube are held rigidly but adjustably with respect to each other by a mechanical fixture.

Abstract: A marker system for use in radiography. The marker system includes an elongated base tape, a bendable, fabric covered wire containing a material that is opaque to imaging radiation, such as lead, and a continuous row of adhesive pads fixedly aligned along the wire. The adhesive pads are releasably adhered to the base tape and are manually removable from the base tape together with the wire for releasable adherence to a subject The marker system is dispensed in a convenient handy dispensing package which holds a roll of the marker system and ejects a line of wire with markers attached thereto as the base tape is pulled. Wire clippers are attached to the dispenser for cutting the markers.