JP5366622B2 - Medical image observation system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medical image observation system capable of raising retrieval efficiency for specifying a similar case image. <P>SOLUTION: A medical image storage part 13 stores data of a plurality of medical images regarding a plurality of photographing areas photographed in a catheter surgery. A template map storage part 19 stores data of a template map including a plurality of pixel areas associated with the plurality of medical images. A similar case image specification part 27 specifies a pixel area approximately matching a photographing area regarding an image for inspection on anatomy from among the plurality of pixel areas on the template map. Then, the similar case image specification part 27 specifies the similar case image associated with the specified pixel region from among the plurality of medical images stored in the medical image storage part 13. A display part 31 displays the specified similar case image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention is a medical image observation system that searches a medical image group to identify and display a medical image to be examined.

  2. Description of the Related Art A medical image observation system has been developed that searches a group of medical images taken in catheterization such as IVR (InterVentional Radiology) and identifies and displays medical images to be examined such as similar case images. In order to specify a similar case image, a user (such as a doctor) has to manually input a search key such as a patient ID, a photographing date, and a photographing part regarding the similar case image. Therefore, the user must confirm or memorize these search keys with a medical record. Moreover, it is troublesome for the user to manually input the search key.

  As another similar case image specifying method, a system that can specify and display a medical image having a feature amount similar to a medical image to be examined from a medical image group is also disclosed. However, blood vessel morphology varies from patient to patient. In addition, when the feature amount is calculated, various shooting conditions (for example, an enlargement ratio) must be taken into consideration. Therefore, it is difficult to specify an optimal similar case image only by the feature amount.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a medical image observation system that realizes an improvement in search efficiency for specifying similar case images.

The medical image observation system according to the first aspect of the present invention relates to a medical image storage unit that stores data of a plurality of medical images related to a plurality of subjects, which are captured during catheterization, and the plurality of medical images. including a plurality of pixel regions, and the template map storage unit for storing data of the template map showing a typical vascular form of the human body, showing the path which the catheter has passed in the catheterization, related to the subject to be examined complement and route map storage unit that positive pre-stored route map data, before Kiho positive before the route map anatomic so engaged integer with respect to the template map, first generating for generating a data complement Seigo route map and parts, a first specifying unit configured to specify a pixel area corresponding to the inspection object image occupying the generated corrected route map on the specific The first pixel region and the second pixel regions Ru substantially same pixel position near that, the second identifying unit for identifying from the plurality of pixel areas contained in the template map, a second which is the specific A third specifying unit that specifies a specific medical image associated with the pixel area from the plurality of medical images; and a display unit that displays the specified specific medical image.

A medical image observation system according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a medical image storage unit that stores data of a plurality of first medical images related to a plurality of subjects, which are captured during catheterization, and the plurality of first medical images. A template map storage unit for storing template map data indicating a standard blood vessel morphology of the human body, including a plurality of first pixel regions associated with the first pixel region, and a plurality of objects indicating routes through which the catheter has passed during the catheterization. A route map storage unit that stores data of a plurality of first pre-correction route maps related to a specimen, and a plurality of first corrections that are anatomically aligned with the template map, respectively. A first generation unit that generates data of a post-route map and a specific subject different from the plurality of subjects during catheterization An X-ray imaging unit that generates data of a plurality of second medical images and the generated plurality of second medical images are arranged according to a relative positional relationship, and A second generation unit that generates route map data before 2 correction, and the generated second route map before correction are anatomically matched with the template map to generate data after the second correction route map And a first specification for specifying a second pixel region corresponding to a specific second medical image of the plurality of second medical images occupying on the generated second corrected route map and parts, and said identified second pixel region and the specific first pixel region Ru substantially same pixel position near was, second specifying unit configured to specify among the plurality of first pixel region included in the template map, The specified specific number A third specifying unit for specifying a specific first medical image associated with a pixel region from the plurality of first medical images; and a display unit for displaying the specified first medical image specified. It has.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to provide the medical image observation system which implement | achieves the improvement of the search efficiency for similar case image specification.

The figure which shows the structure of the medical image observation system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the functional block of the medical image observation system of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the route map produced | generated by the route map production | generation part of FIG. The conceptual diagram of the route area | region on the route map of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the template map memorize | stored by the template map memory | storage part of FIG. The figure for demonstrating the production | generation process of the route map after correction | amendment by the route map correction | amendment part of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the route map table memorize | stored by the route map memory | storage part after correction | amendment of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the template map table memorize | stored by the template map memory | storage part of FIG. The figure which shows the typical flow of the identification / display process of the similar case image performed under control of the system control part of FIG. The figure for demonstrating the specific process of a similar case image performed by the similar case image specific | specification part in step S6-S8 of FIG. The figure which shows the structure of the medical image observation system which concerns on the modification 1 of this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a medical image observation system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The medical image observation system according to the present embodiment will be referred to as a medical image (hereinafter referred to as a similar case image) related to a case similar to a medical image currently examined by a doctor (hereinafter referred to as an examination target image). ) Is specified and displayed from among a plurality of medical images related to a plurality of patients. More specifically, the medical image observation system according to the present embodiment uses a template map unique to the present embodiment, searches for a plurality of medical images using the examination target image as a search key, and similar case images of the examination target image. It is a system that identifies and displays. The modality for taking a medical image according to this embodiment can be an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus, or the like. However, in order to specifically describe the following, it is assumed that the modality is an X-ray diagnostic apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a medical image observation system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the medical image observation system 1 includes a medical image photographing apparatus 2 (X-ray diagnostic apparatus), a medical image storage apparatus 4, and a medical image observation apparatus 6 that are connected to each other via a network.

  The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 2 is installed in a procedure room where catheterization or the like is performed. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 2 X-rays the subject during catheterization and generates medical image data. During catheterization, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 2 generates a plurality of medical image data over a wide range from, for example, a catheter insertion point to a lesion (for example, a pulmonary blood vessel). Hereinafter, a set of a plurality of medical images generated by one catheterization will be referred to as a procedure image set. That is, one procedure image set includes a plurality of medical images related to a plurality of imaging regions.

  A medical image taken in catheterization shows a path through which the catheter has passed. Specifically, the path is configured by a catheter region related to a catheter passing through the subject or a blood vessel region related to a blood vessel contrasted by a contrast medium injected from the catheter into the blood vessel. The generated medical image data is transmitted to the medical image storage device 4 and the medical image observation device 6 via the network.

  The medical image storage device 4 is an image server connected to a network. The medical image storage device 4 stores data of a plurality of medical images related to a plurality of patients. The medical image storage device 4 receives the designation of the examination target image from the medical image observation device 6 and specifies a similar case image of the examination target image from among a plurality of medical images using a template map. Similar case image data is transmitted to the medical image observation apparatus 6 via the network.

  The medical image observation apparatus 6 is a client terminal for interpreting and referring to medical images. The medical image observation apparatus 6 may be installed in a procedure room, or may be installed in another place (for example, an interpretation room). The medical image observation apparatus 6 functions as a console according to the present embodiment. Specifically, the medical image observation device 6 displays various medical images, template maps, route maps described later, and the like. Further, the medical image observation apparatus 6 transmits an instruction from the user to the medical image storage apparatus 4 via the network.

  As described above, the medical image photographing device 2, the medical image storage device 4, and the medical image observation device 6 are assumed to be separate devices connected to each other via a network. However, the present embodiment need not be limited to this. For example, a computer device in which the medical image storage device 4 and the medical image observation device 6 are integrated may be used, or a medical image photographing device 2 in which the functions of the medical image storage device 4 and the medical image observation device 6 are incorporated. .

  Further, the medical image photographing device 2 does not necessarily have to be connected to a network. In this case, the data of the medical image captured by the medical image capturing device 2 is supplied to the medical image storage device 4 as follows. For example, during catheterization, the display mounted on the medical image capturing apparatus 2 is video-captured with a video camera, and video data relating to the medical image is generated. Then, the generated video data is supplied from the video camera to the medical image storage device 4 via a cable connecting the video camera and the medical image storage device 4. The medical image storage device 4 manages the supplied video data as medical image data. Alternatively, the medical image data may be supplied to the medical image storage device 4 via a cable connecting the display and the medical image storage device 4 without using a video camera.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of the medical image observation system 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the medical image observation system 1 includes a medical image photographing unit 11, a medical image storage unit 13, a route map generation unit 15, a pre-correction route map storage unit 17, a template map storage unit 19, and a route map correction unit. 21, a corrected route map storage unit 23, an association unit 25, a similar case image specification unit 27, an operation unit 29, a display unit 31, and a system control unit 33.

  The medical image photographing unit 11 is realized by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 2. The medical image photographing unit 11 generates a plurality of procedure image sets related to a plurality of patients, that is, data of a plurality of medical images. The generated medical image data is supplied to the medical image storage unit 13. The medical image is associated with patient ID, imaging position (coordinate information on modality), imaging time, and the like as supplementary information.

  The medical image storage unit 13 stores data of a plurality of medical images generated by the medical image photographing unit 11 in a format compliant with, for example, DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) standard. The medical image storage unit 13 stores data of a plurality of medical images related to a plurality of patients for each procedure image set.

  The route map generation unit 15 generates route map data by arranging a plurality of medical images included in one procedure image set according to a relative positional relationship.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the route map RM. As shown in FIG. 3, the route map RM is generated based on a plurality of medical images PI (medical images PI1, 2, 3 in FIG. 3) included in the procedure image set. Each medical image PI includes a catheter region and a blood vessel region indicating a route through which the catheter has passed. Hereinafter, in order to simplify the description, the catheter region and the blood vessel region included in the medical image are collectively referred to as a root region RR (in FIG. 3, root regions RR1, RR2, and RR3). The route map RM data is generated by connecting the route regions RR according to the shooting positions. The route map RM has the same orientation as the coronal section, for example. That is, the Z-axis direction of the route map is defined in the body axis direction of the patient, and the X-axis direction of the route map is defined in the lateral direction of the patient. When the route areas on the route map RM are interrupted, the discontinuous portion may be interpolated based on the adjacent route areas.

  FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of the route region RR on the route map RM. As shown in FIG. 4, each pixel on the root area R is assigned an image number of a medical image from which the root area is derived. For example, since the root area RRA is derived from the medical image with the image number 1, the image number “1” is assigned to each pixel constituting the root area RRA. That is, the route map RRA is a pixel area to which the image number “1” is assigned. Similarly, the route map RRB is a pixel region to which the image number “2” is assigned, and the route map RRC is a pixel region to which the image number “3” is assigned. The image numbers are numbered according to the shooting order.

  Hereinafter, the route map before the position correction by the route map correction unit 21 to be described later is referred to as a pre-correction route map, and the route map after the position correction is referred to as a corrected route map.

  The pre-correction route map storage unit 17 stores the pre-correction route map data in association with the ID of the pre-correction route map. Further, the pre-correction route map storage unit 17 stores the image number assigned to the pre-correction route map and the medical image corresponding to the image number in association with each other. In this way, the pre-correction route map storage unit 17 stores data of a plurality of pre-correction route maps regarding a plurality of patients.

  The template map storage unit 19 stores template map data indicating the standard blood vessel morphology of the human body. Typically, the template map does not need to be prepared for each patient, and a common template map may be prepared for a plurality of patients. As will be described later, the template map TM is used as a reference for matching the anatomical position, shape, and size of the route region between a plurality of pre-correction route maps.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the template map TM. As shown in FIG. 5, in the template map TM, the Z-axis direction is defined in the body axis direction of the human body model, and the X-axis direction is defined in the lateral width direction of the human body model, like the route map. The blood vessel region BR on the template map TM is a pixel region imitating the main blood vessel of the human body model. In order to clarify the positional relationship, it is preferable that the end points, branch points, and inflection points of the blood vessel region BR are visually clarified.

  As will be described later, a pixel on the template map TM is assigned an image number of a medical image that includes a pixel at a substantially anatomical position. The template map storage unit 19 has a table in which pixel positions on the template map are associated with image numbers of medical images assigned to the pixels. That is, it can be said that the template map is a map that manages a plurality of medical images related to a plurality of patients by classifying them for each position (imaging position) on the template map.

  Note that the template map TM of FIG. 5 includes only the blood vessel region BR related to some main blood vessels for convenience, but may include a blood vessel region related to more detailed blood vessels. The template map TM shown in FIG. 5 represents only the torso portion. However, depending on the examination target and case, a template map for each detailed part such as only the heart, only the chest, only the kidney, and only the head is prepared. May be. A whole body template map may be prepared.

  In addition, the template map storage unit 19 stores the template map as image data as shown in FIG. 5, but the pixel positions (coordinates) of anatomical feature points such as end points, inflection points, and branch points of the blood vessel region. ) May be stored as a template map. At this time, in order to easily grasp the anatomical position of the feature point, the name of the blood vessel to which the feature point belongs may be associated with the pixel. Further, the template map of FIG. 5 includes only the blood vessel region. However, in order to facilitate alignment with the pre-correction route map described later, regions related to anatomical features such as the femur and spinal column are included. May be included.

  The route map correction unit 21 corrects the relative position of the route region on the route map with respect to the blood vessel region on the template map in accordance with an instruction from the user via the operation unit 29. The route map that has been aligned is referred to as a corrected route map.

  The corrected route map storage unit 23 stores the corrected route map data and the ID of the corrected route map in association with each other. The corrected route map storage unit 23 stores the image number assigned to the corrected route map and the medical image corresponding to the image number in association with each other. In this way, the corrected route map storage unit 23 stores data of a plurality of corrected route maps regarding a plurality of patients.

  Using the corrected route map, the associating unit 25 associates a medical image including a pixel at an approximately anatomical position with the pixel on the template map. Specifically, the associating unit 25 assigns the image number obtained to the pixel on the corrected route map corresponding to the pixel to the pixel on the template map. This association process is performed for the corrected route maps of a plurality of patients.

  The similar case image specifying unit 27 searches the medical image storage unit 13 using the template map using the designated examination target image as a search key, and specifies a similar case image from a plurality of medical images. The similar case image specifying unit 27 includes a first specifying unit, a second specifying unit, and a third specifying unit. The first specifying unit specifies a pixel region associated with the inspection target image from a plurality of pixel regions on the corrected route map. That is, the first specifying unit specifies a pixel region on the corrected route map to which an image number corresponding to the inspection target image is assigned. The second specifying unit specifies a pixel region associated with the inspection target image from a plurality of pixel regions on the template map. That is, the second specifying unit specifies the pixel area on the template map to which the image number corresponding to the inspection target image is assigned. The third specifying unit specifies, as a similar case image, another medical image associated with the pixel region specified by the second specifying unit from among the plurality of medical images stored in the medical image storage unit 13. That is, the third specifying unit specifies an image number other than the image number corresponding to the inspection target image from the image numbers assigned to the pixel areas specified by the second specifying unit.

  The operation unit 29 receives various commands and information input from the user. For example, the operation unit 29 receives a request to start an image to be inspected by the user and a specification / display process for a similar case image. As the operation unit 29, a pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball, a selection device such as a mode switch, or an input device such as a keyboard can be used as appropriate.

  The display unit 31 displays various medical images. For example, the display unit 31 displays the similar case image specified by the similar case image specifying unit 27. As the display unit 31, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, or the like can be used.

  The system control unit 33 functions as the center of the medical image observation system 1. Specifically, the system control unit 33 receives a similar case image identification / display processing start instruction from the operation unit 29 and performs the processing by controlling each unit.

  As described above, the medical image photographing unit 11 is realized by the medical image photographing device 2. Medical image storage unit 13, route map generation unit 15, pre-correction route map storage unit 17, template map storage unit 19, route map correction unit 21, post-correction route map storage unit 23, association unit 25, similar case image specification unit 27 The system control unit 33 is realized by the medical image storage device 4. The operation unit 29 and the display unit 31 are realized by the medical image observation apparatus 7. The medical image storage unit 13, the pre-correction route map storage unit 17, the template map storage unit 19, and the post-correction route map storage unit 23 are composed of a plurality of HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and NAS (in terms of hardware configuration). Realized by Network Attached Storage).

(Association between medical image and template map)
The similar case image specifying / displaying process specifies a similar case image from medical images associated with the template map. That is, the medical image associated with the template map becomes a candidate for similar case images. Therefore, the specifying / displaying process requires associating a large number of medical images with the template map. As described above, the association process is performed using the corrected route map. The post-correction route map generation process (pre-correction route map correction process) is started when the user inputs the identification number of the pre-correction route map to be corrected via the operation unit 29.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a process of generating a corrected route map by the route map correcting unit 21. When the identification number of the pre-correction route map PRM is input by the user via the operation unit 29, the display unit 31 reads data of the pre-correction route map PRM corresponding to the input identification number from the medical image storage unit 13, Then, the data of the template map TM is read from the template map storage unit 19. After reading, the display unit 31 superimposes the read pre-correction route map PRM and the template map TM on the display. At this time, the display unit 31 displays the reference points (for example, coordinates (0, 0)) of the pre-correction route map PRM and the template map TM so as to match. At this time, in order to improve the visibility of the pre-correction route map PRM and the template map TM, these maps may be displayed with different brightness and color. When the pre-correction route map PRM and the template map TM cannot be displayed on the display, the display unit 31 may reduce and display these maps. An image number is assigned to the route area RR on the route map before and after the correction, but the image number is not changed even during the correction process. In order to visually distinguish pixels assigned with different image numbers, the display unit 31 may display the pixels with different colors and brightness for each image number. The display unit 31 may alternately display the route region RR with a solid line and a broken line every time the image number changes.

  As described above, the template map TM is not specific to an individual patient, but is a map showing a blood vessel shape that roughly matches a plurality of patients. Therefore, the pre-correction route map PRM for a specific patient is a template map TM. The position, size, and orientation are not consistent. In order to match the position, size, and orientation between different route maps or between a pre-correction route map and a template map, the user performs a correction operation via the operation unit 29 such as a mouse, for example. More specifically, the user can route the route region RR via the operation unit 29 so that the anatomical position, size, and orientation of the route region RR on the route map and the blood vessel region BR on the template map match. Slide, rotate, enlarge or reduce the whole. In addition, the user can move and deform a part of the root region RR with respect to the blood vessel region BR via the operation unit 29. The route map correction unit 21 corrects the pre-correction route map RPM in accordance with the correction operation by the user via the operation unit 29, and generates post-correction route map data. The generated corrected route map data is stored in the corrected route map storage unit 23.

  The corrected route map storage unit 23 stores a table (hereinafter referred to as a route map table) indicating the correspondence between the image number on the corrected route map and the medical image corresponding to the image number. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the route map table. As shown in FIG. 7, the route map table includes items for identifying an uncorrected route map, an ID for identifying a corrected route map, an image number in the route map, and an image file name. . For example, a medical image having the file name “Image05.dcm” is represented by an image number “1” on the pre-correction route map with ID “001” and the post-correction route map with ID “001A”.

  When the corrected route map is generated by the route map correcting unit 21, the associating unit 25 performs an associating process between the medical image and the template map. Specifically, first, a pixel to which an image number is assigned is specified from among pixels constituting the corrected route map. Then, the image number assigned to the specified pixel is assigned to the pixel on the template map at the same coordinates as the specified pixel. Thus, the image number assigned to the corrected route map is mapped to the template map.

  The template map storage unit 19 stores a table (hereinafter referred to as a template map table) indicating correspondence between pixel positions on the template map and medical images. This template map table is updated by the associating unit 25 during the above associating process.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a template map table. As shown in FIG. 8, the template map table includes a pixel position (coordinates) on the template map, a corrected route map ID, an image number assigned to the pixel position, and a medical image corresponding to the image number. Includes a file name entry. For example, the coordinates (0, 0) on the template map include a medical image with the file name “Image15.dcm”, a medical image with the file name “Image17.dcm”, a medical image with the file name “Image24.dcm”, and a file It can be seen that a medical image with the name “Image26.dcm” is assigned. The items in the template map table are not limited to the above. For example, a code indicating the storage location (address) of the medical image corresponding to the pixel position may be associated with the pixel position on the template map.

  In this way, each time a pre-correction route map is specified, the specified pre-correction route map is aligned with the template map to generate a corrected route map, and a plurality of medical devices included in the generated post-correction route map Associate an image with a template map. By executing this series of processing on a plurality of medical images related to a plurality of patients, the medical images related to a plurality of patients can be classified and correlated according to the pixel positions on the template map. A medical image associated with the template map is a candidate for a similar case image of the examination target image.

(Similar case image identification / display processing)
Hereinafter, an operation example of the similar case image specifying / displaying process will be described under the situation of investigating a similar case after catheterization of the current examination. Note that the use scene of the similar case image identification / display processing is not limited to after the catheterization. For example, it may be used during treatment planning or during catheterization.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a typical flow of similar case image identification / display processing performed after catheterization under the control of the system control unit 33. First, the operation before step S1 will be described. During the catheterization of the current examination, the medical image photographing unit 11 generates a plurality of medical image data relating to the current examination of the person to be examined. The generated medical image is taken following the path along which the catheter has traveled. The plurality of medical images taken as a whole cover a wide imaging region from the catheter insertion point to the catheter arrival point. The generated medical image data is stored in the medical image storage unit 13. Further, the route map generation unit 15 generates pre-correction route map data related to the current examination of the examination subject based on the data of the plurality of medical images. The generated data of the route map before correction relating to the current inspection is stored in the route map storage unit 17 before correction.

  When the pre-correction route map data related to the current examination is stored in the pre-correction route map storage unit 17, the system control unit 33 waits for an instruction to start specifying / displaying a similar case image (step S1). The user gives a start instruction by inputting the ID of the pre-correction route map related to the current inspection or the like via the operation unit 29. When a start instruction is given by the user via the operation unit 29 (step S1: YES), the system control unit 33 reads the pre-correction route map related to the current inspection from the pre-correction route map storage unit 17 (step S2), and reads it out. The corrected route map data is supplied to the route map correction unit 21 to cause the route map correction unit 21 to perform route map correction processing.

  In the route map correction process, the route map correction unit 21 anatomically aligns the pre-correction route map related to the current inspection with the template map as a reference in accordance with the correction operation from the user via the operation unit 29, and The corrected route map data relating to the inspection is generated (step S3). The generated corrected route map data is stored in the corrected route map storage unit 23. The route map table is also updated according to the relative position correction route map of the current examination.

  When the corrected route map data relating to the current examination is generated, the system control unit 33 causes the associating unit 25 to perform associating processing. In the association process, the association unit 25 associates a plurality of medical images related to the current examination with the template map by mapping the image number assigned to the corrected route map related to the current examination to the template map (step S4). The associating unit 25 updates the template map table in accordance with the pixel position of the newly associated medical image.

  When a plurality of medical images related to the current examination and the template map are associated with each other, the system control unit 33 waits for designation of a medical image (inspection target image) for which a similar case is to be referred to (step S5). In step S5, the display unit 31 displays a list of a plurality of medical images related to the current examination (for example, a list in which medical images related to the current examination are listed as shown in FIG. 7). The user designates an inspection target image from this list. When the examination target image is designated via the operation unit 29 from the user (step S5: YES), the system control unit 33 causes the similar case image identification unit 27 to start the identification process. Note that the method for specifying the inspection target image is not limited to this method. For example, the image to be inspected may be specified on the corrected route map displayed on the display unit 31 or on the template map. In this case, the inspection target image is specified by specifying, via the operation unit 29, a pixel area that the inspection target image occupies on the corrected route map or the template map.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining similar case image specifying processing (steps S6 to S8) by the similar case image specifying unit 27. FIG. Refer to FIG. 10 together with FIG. 9 in the description of Steps S6 to S8 to be described.

  In the specifying process, the similar case image specifying unit 27 first specifies a pixel region that the specified examination target image occupies on the corrected route map (step S6). For example, when the medical image having the file name “Image07.dcm” in FIG. 7 is designated as the inspection target image SI, the image number of the inspection target image SI is specified as “2”. Then, the pixel area SRR2 to which the image number “2” is assigned is specified among the pixel areas constituting the route area SRR in the corrected route map SRM related to the current inspection. Accordingly, the pixel region SRR2 that the inspection target image SI occupies on the corrected route map SRM is specified.

  When the pixel region SRR2 occupied by the inspection target image SI on the corrected route map SRM is specified, the similar case image specifying unit 27 determines whether the inspection target image SI occupies the template map TM (hereinafter referred to as the inspection target region). The SR is specified (step S7). Specifically, the similar case image specifying unit 27 specifies the pixel region SR on the template map TM at the same coordinates as the pixel region SRR2 on the corrected route map SRM specified in step S6 as the examination target region. Since the relative positions of the template map TM and the corrected route map SRM are matched, the template map that substantially anatomically matches the inspection target image SI only by specifying the pixel region SR at the same coordinates as the pixel region SRR2. The upper pixel region SR can be specified.

  When the examination target region SR is specified, the similar case image specifying unit 27 specifies the medical image OI1 associated with the test target region SR as a similar case image (step S8). A code indicating a file name and a storage location for identifying the specified similar case image OI1 is supplied to the display unit 31. Note that there may be one or more similar case images to be identified. In addition, a similar case image may not be specified.

  Through steps S6 to S8, the similar case image specifying unit 27 uses the template map and uses a plurality of corrected route maps ORM (ORM1) related to a plurality of patients (others) different from the person to be examined using the examination target image as a search key. Through 3), a plurality of medical images OI (OI1 to OI7) are searched, and a medical image (similar case image) OI1 that approximately anatomically matches the examination target image SI is specified. With the end of step S8, the specifying process by the similar case image specifying unit 27 ends.

  When the similar case image is specified, the system control unit 33 causes the display unit 31 to perform display processing. In the display process, the display unit 31 reads the data of the similar case image from the medical image storage unit 13 based on the file name and storage location of the similar case image, and displays the data in a predetermined layout (step S9). The similar case image specifying / displaying process is thus completed.

  In the above description, it is assumed that the search target is a medical image related to substantially the same position as the inspection target image. However, the present embodiment need not be limited to this. For example, a medical image relating to a position closer to the catheter arrival point than the position of the examination target image may be set as the search target. This utilizes the fact that the image numbers corresponding to the imaging order, that is, the catheter entry time are assigned to the route maps before and after correction. In the above example, when the medical image with the file name “Image07.dcm” is designated as the examination target image, the medical image relating to the pixel area occupied by the examination target image (the pixel area with the image number “2”) is set as the search target. Instead, a medical image related to a pixel region (a pixel region having an image number “3”) closer to the catheter arrival point than the pixel region occupied by the examination target image is set as a search target. In addition, a medical image related to a pixel region (a pixel region of image number “1”) closer to the catheter insertion point than a pixel region occupied by the examination target image may be set as a search target. In addition, medical images relating to the pixel areas with image numbers “1”, “2”, and “3” may be simultaneously searched.

  With the above configuration, the medical image observation system 1 according to the present embodiment uses the examination target image as a search key in the similar case image specifying process. For this reason, the medical image observation system 1 according to the present embodiment reduces labor related to the input operation of the search key as compared to the conventional case where the patient ID, the imaging date, the imaging site, and the like are used as the search keys. . Thus, the medical image observation system 1 according to the present embodiment can improve the search efficiency for specifying similar case images.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage.

(Modification 1)
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a medical image observation system 100 according to the first modification of the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the medical image observation system 100 according to Modification 1 further includes a similarity calculation unit 35.

  The similarity calculating unit 35 calculates the similarity between the similar case image specified by the similar case image specifying unit 27 (referred to as a similar case image candidate in the first modification) and the selected examination target image. To do. A specific example of the similarity calculation method is shown below.

  First, a blood vessel region is extracted from the examination target image and similar case image candidates. For example, the examination target image and the similar case image are binarized. By the binarization, a graphic area having a pixel value “1” and a background area having a pixel value “0” are generated. Next, a difference image between the binarized examination target image and a similar case image candidate is generated. Then, the area of the background region (or the number of pixels of the background region) in the generated difference image is calculated as the similarity. A medical image with a larger calculated area means that the position of the medical image is more accurately aligned with the inspection target image, and therefore can be said to be more similar to the inspection target image. In addition, you may extract that a blood vessel diameter is larger than a predetermined value as a blood vessel region.

  When the area (similarity) of the background region is calculated, the similarity calculation unit 35 determines a similar case image candidate having an area higher than a preset threshold as a similar case image. The display unit 31 reads the similar case image determined by the similarity calculation unit 35 from the medical image storage unit 13 and displays the similar case image in a predetermined layout.

  Note that the area of the graphic area in the difference image (or the number of pixels in the graphic area) may be calculated as the similarity. In this case, candidates for similar case images having an area lower than the threshold are determined as similar case images.

  In this way, by setting a medical image having a high degree of similarity as a similar case image, if a large number of medical images at the same anatomical position are specified in the examination target image, the medical image is limited to a similar case image having a high similarity. Can be presented to the user.

(Modification 2)
In the similar case image specifying process according to the present embodiment, a corrected route map related to the current examination is generated from a plurality of medical images related to the current examination, and the similar case image is specified via the generated corrected route map. .

  The similar case image specifying process according to Modification 2 does not generate a corrected route map for the current examination. In this case, for example, the similar case image specifying unit 27 performs template matching processing on the inspection target image and the template map, and specifies an area (inspection target area) occupied by the inspection target image on the template map. And the medical image linked | related with the specified test object area | region is specified as a similar case image. The identified similar case image is displayed.

  By applying this identification process, it is possible to automatically identify and display similar case images during catheterization. That is, during the catheterization, the similar case image specifying unit 27 automatically sets the latest medical image captured in real time by the medical image capturing unit 11 as the inspection target image, and the above-described specific processing is performed on the set inspection target image. To do. By this specifying process, the similar case image specifying unit 27 automatically specifies a similar case image of the examination target image (latest medical image). A code indicating the file name and storage location of the identified similar case image is supplied to the display unit 31. Then, the display unit 31 reads similar case image data from the medical image storage unit 13 based on the supplied file name and code, and displays the similar case image in a predetermined layout.

  As described above, by performing the specifying process without using the corrected route map, the route map correcting process becomes unnecessary, and the user's labor and the processing time in the specifying / displaying process of similar case images are reduced. Accordingly, it is possible to automatically specify and display similar case images using a medical image taken in real time as a search key during catheterization.

  In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a medical image observation system capable of improving the search efficiency for specifying similar case images.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Medical image observation system, 2 ... Medical image imaging device, 4 ... Medical image storage device, 6 ... Medical image observation device, 11 ... Medical image imaging part, 13 ... Medical image memory | storage part, 15 ... Route map production | generation part, 17 ... Route map storage unit before correction, 19 ... Template map storage unit, 21 ... Route map generation unit, 23 ... Route map storage unit after correction, 25 ... Association unit, 27 ... Similar case image specifying unit, 29 ... Operation unit, 31 ... Display unit, 33 ... System control unit

Claims (4)

A medical image storage unit that stores data of a plurality of medical images of a plurality of subjects imaged during catheterization;
A template map storage unit that stores data of a template map indicating a standard blood vessel form of a human body, including a plurality of pixel regions associated with the plurality of medical images;
And route map storage unit the catheter showing the paths passing through, for storing data of compensation prior route map about the object to be examined in the catheterization,
The pre Kiho positive before route map anatomical so engaged integer with respect to the template maps, a first generation unit for generating data complement Seigo route map,
A first specifying unit for specifying a pixel region corresponding to an inspection target image on the generated corrected route map;
A second specifying unit configured to specify the first pixel region and the second pixel regions Ru substantially same pixel position near which the identified from among the plurality of pixel areas contained in the template map,
A third specifying unit for specifying a specific medical image associated with the specified second pixel region from among the plurality of medical images;
A display unit for displaying the specified specific medical image;
A medical image observation system comprising: The calculation unit further includes
  When the plurality of specific medical images associated with the specific first pixel region are specified by the third specifying unit, the calculation unit determines the similarity between the examination target image and the plurality of specific medical images. To calculate
  The display unit displays a medical image in which the calculated similarity is larger than a predetermined value among the plurality of specific medical images.
  The medical image observation system according to claim 1. A medical image storage unit that stores data of a plurality of first medical images of a plurality of subjects imaged during catheterization;
A template map storage unit that stores data of a template map indicating a standard blood vessel form of a human body, including a plurality of first pixel regions associated with the plurality of first medical images;
A route map storage unit that stores data of a plurality of first pre-correction route maps related to a plurality of subjects, indicating a route through which the catheter has passed during the catheterization;
A first generation unit that anatomically aligns the plurality of first pre-correction route maps with respect to the template map, and generates data of a plurality of first post-correction route maps;
An imaging unit for imaging a specific subject different from the plurality of subjects with X-rays during catheterization, and generating data of a plurality of second medical images;
A second generation unit that arranges the generated plurality of second medical images according to a relative positional relationship, and generates data of a second pre-correction route map relating to the specific subject;
A third generation unit that anatomically matches the generated second pre-correction route map with respect to the template map, and generates second corrected route map data;
A first specifying unit that specifies a second pixel region corresponding to a specific second medical image among the plurality of second medical images occupying on the generated second corrected route map;
A second specifying unit configured to specify the identified particular first pixel region substantially Ru same pixel position near the second pixel regions, from the plurality of first pixel region included in the template map,
A third specifying unit for specifying a specific first medical image associated with the specified first pixel region from among the plurality of first medical images;
A display unit for displaying the specified first medical image specified;
A medical image observation system comprising: The calculation unit further includes
  When the plurality of specific first medical images associated with the specific first pixel region are specified by the third specifying unit, the calculation unit is configured to specify the specific second medical image and the plurality of specific first images. Calculate the similarity with one medical image,
  The display unit displays a first medical image in which the calculated similarity is larger than a predetermined value among the plurality of specific first medical images.
  The medical image observation system according to claim 3.

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