DE102006019340A1 - Method and device for image processing - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of processing radiological images including extracting an image portion representing a structure of interest from a first radiological image (20) of a zone to be treated. A second image (10) of the zone to be treated is displayed. The extracted image part representing the structure of interest is displayed so as to superimpose the structure of interest in the second image (10) of the zone to be treated.

Description

BACKGROUND THE INVENTION

object The invention is the medical imaging and in particular the radiological vascular imaging. The vascular operation radiology includes measures which are carried out under imaging control.

The Vascular surgery radiology allows in particular the treatment atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis causes a local Reduction of the diameter of a blood vessel and a narrowing of the blood vessel Vessel, what disturbs the blood flow. An angioplasty operation involves the use of an inflatable Balloons in the narrowed zone to increase the diameter of the Vessel. In addition, can an endovascular prosthesis (or stent) is implanted in the vessel be to keep it open.

During the angioplasty surgery leads the doctor a guidewire into the vessel, the It allows a catheter to balloon or stent in the shrunken To support the zone. The doctor needs to get the stent accurate position. The position of the stent is general with respect to an anatomical structure, e.g. a fork in the junction of the vessels, or defined in terms of another stent that is already implanted has been.

Of the Doctor checks the progress of the operation by visualizing an X-ray image (fluoroscopic image) of the zone being operated on. The X-ray picture is an image that is taken in real time and allows the doctor to visualize the positions of different instruments that be used in the zone being treated.

Out security becomes the x-ray image generally with a limited X-ray dose recorded. That's why the x-ray image has not very good quality. Therefore, the doctor looks at a reference image in parallel. The reference picture is a picture of the area to be treated that was in operation prior to surgery an acquisition sequence has been acquired and recorded, commonly referred to as a recording sequence. The recording sequence is used by the doctor to analyze the area to be treated and over the measure, to do that is to decide and the characteristics of the endovascular prosthesis which is to be implanted.

The Reference image is taken with X-ray doses acquired, the higher are considered the doses involved in the acquisition of the radiograph be used. Furthermore is during the acquisition of a contrast agent in the blood vessels in the injected zone to be treated. That's why the reference image is generic a higher one Quality as the x-ray picture.

Around Following the surgical progress, the doctor can thus the X-ray image and look at the reference picture. The doctor needs the two pictures Compare in the head to the position of the instruments in relation to the to assess vascular structures of the patient.

In certain cases the comparison of the two pictures is particularly difficult, because the X-ray photograph not static. Indeed become the zone to be treated and the instruments through the heartbeat the patient moves. The position of the instruments is related Therefore, it is difficult to assess the patient's vascular structures.

SHORT DESCRIPTION THE INVENTION

A problem solved by the invention lies in facilitating the control of the surgical progress. One embodiment of the invention resides in a method of processing radiological images, including: extracting a portion of images representing a region of interest from a first radiological image of a zone to be treated; Reproducing a second image of the zone to be treated on a screen; Reproducing the extracted part of the image representing the structure of interest on the screen so that the structure of interest of the zone to be treated is incorporated in the second image. An embodiment of the method makes it possible to transfer information of interest from an image to a second image. The doctor may have information from two different images in the same image. The method according to the invention allows the doctor to progress the treatment to see immediately.

A embodiment The invention is also directed to an imaging device having means programmed to implement an embodiment of the method are.

Other Features and characteristics will become apparent from the following description only for demonstration purposes and not for restriction and in conjunction with the attached figures to read is, in which:

1 schematically illustrates an imaging device according to the invention,

2 schematically illustrates a pre-recorded image and an X-ray image,

3 and 4 schematically illustrates a prerecorded image and an x-ray image obtained according to one embodiment of the method,

5 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a first embodiment of a method of image processing;

6 Fig. 10 is a diagram schematically representing a second embodiment of a method of image processing;

7 FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically representing a third embodiment of a method of image processing, and FIG

8th Fig. 10 is a diagram schematically representing a fourth embodiment of a method of image processing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In 1 is an imaging radiological device that illustrates a means 1 , one for emitting an X-ray beam 2 suitable source 1 forms, and a means 3 to capture from the source 1 Imitated X-rays, wherein the detector 3 the source 1 is arranged opposite. Between the source 1 and the detector 3 is a means 8th for storage (of a patient or a part thereof). The device contains processing means 4 , Storage means 5 and interface agents 6 , The storage facility 8th is set up to be an organ 7 at which a physician performs surgery, such as angioplasty, as part of a treatment for arteriosclerosis. The processing agent 4 is capable of emitting X-rays through the source 1 and the movement of the source 1 with respect to the detector 3 to control. The processing agent 4 is capable of the detector 2 When reading an image and receiving data to be controlled by the detector 3 be acquired. The storage medium 5 contains memory in which the of the detector 2 acquired images and the data relating to the acquired images (eg, the cardiac cycle phase associated with each acquired image) can be stored. That's an interface 6 includes, for example, a screen 9 and control means, including, for example, a mouse 11 belongs. The interface 6 allows a doctor to move the pictures. The processing agent 4 is able to use the interface 6 to control that interface 6 on the screen 9 acquired images or data reflecting on the zone of the organ 7 which will be treated.

During surgery, the doctor sees on the screen 9 the vascular structures of the zone under treatment. As in 2 illustrates, the doctor sees two images simultaneously (in parallel). The doctor sees a first picture 10 , which is referred to as a "reference image." The reference image 10 is an image of the area to be treated acquired by the imaging device prior to surgery and in the storage means 5 has been recorded. The reference image is an image captured during an acquisition sequence, commonly referred to as a "recording sequence." The "recording sequence" is used by the physician to analyze the zone to be treated and make decisions about the action to be taken is. For example, the physician determines the characteristics of the endovascular prosthesis to be implanted.

The doctor can turn the images of the recording sequence into a reference image 10 select that will be displayed during the operation. The reference picture 10 shows the vascular structures 11 the zone to be treated.

The doctor also sees a second picture 20 , which is referred to as "X-ray image." The X-ray image 20 is an image of the area to be treated, which is acquired by means of the imaging apparatus during the operation. The physician can trigger the acquisition of a sequence of X-ray images. The fluoroscopic image 20 is played back in real time and in particular illustrates the instruments 12 and 13 , which are handled by the doctor, as well as identification points 14 , The instruments include, for example, a guidewire 12 , as well as a stent 13 , The identification points 14 are, for example, points of the end of the stent 12 ,

The X-ray photograph allows the doctor to see the position of the instruments and thus controlling the progress of the operation.

To compare the two pictures 10 and 20 In one embodiment of the method for processing images, it is possible to obtain information of interest in one of the images 10 and 20 is available to extract and copy this information into the other image.

According to a first in 3 illustrated possibility allows an embodiment of the method, the extraction of an image part of the X-ray image 20 containing an instrument or part of an instrument (for example the stent 13 or the identification points 14 ) and copying the extracted image part into the reference image 10 ,

According to a second in 4 As illustrated, one embodiment of the method allows the extraction of an image portion having a vascular structure of interest 11 represents, from the reference image 10 and copying the extracted image part into the X-ray image 20 ,

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the processing means 4 programmed so that it's the imaging process 100 performs as it is in 5 is represented. In step 101 the doctor orders the device to start the acquisition of a sequence of X-ray images. The processing agent 4 controls the source 1 to trigger the emission of X-rays at regular intervals. In step 102 processes the processing agent 4 each acquired X-ray image to extract a part from the image representing a structure of interest. The structure of interest is, for example, an instrument such as a guidewire, a catheter, an endovascular prosthesis or certain identification points of an instrument. Segmentation algorithms are known that allow the localization and extraction of structures of interest. For example, Shirley AM Baert, Max. A. Viergever in "Guide wire tracking during endovascular interventions", IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging, vol. 22, n ° 8, August 2003, describes a segmentation algorithm for a guidewire.

In step 103 processes the processing agent 4 superimpose the reference image around the reference image on the extracted part of the image so that the structure of interest is superimposed in the zone of the second image to be treated.

In step 104 controls the processing means 4 the interface 6 to get on the screen 9 to display the reference image into which the structure of interest has been copied.

In step 105 controls the processing means 4 the interface 6 to get on the screen 9 at the same time in step 101 acquired X-ray image display.

In this first embodiment will be the X-ray image extracted image part reproduced in the reference image at an identical location. In this first embodiment the location of the structure of interest is updated with a frequency, which is identical to the acquisition frequency of the X-ray images.

Because of the heart movements is the radiograph but not a solid picture. The image part extracted from the X-ray image has a cyclical motion due to the heartbeat. consequently will be an appropriate overlay between the reference picture and the structure of interest only achieved in short moments.

The second, third and fourth embodiments of the in 6 . 7 and 8th illustrated method allows the consideration of the coronary movements to the extracted image part permanently to match the reproduced reference image. The second, third and fourth embodiments of the method according to the invention start from a step in which the movement of the vascular structures in the reference image sequence with respect to the measured cardiac signal is analyzed.

According to the second embodiment, the processing means 4 for carrying out the method 200 programmed as it is in 6 is illustrated. In step 201 The physician orders the facility to begin acquiring a sequence of x-ray images. The processing agent 4 controls the source 1 and the detector 3 in order to trigger the emission of X-rays and the acquisition of an X-ray image at regular intervals. In step 202 processes the processing agent 4 each acquired X-ray image to extract an image part representing a structure of interest. The structure of interest is, for example, a guide wire, an endovascular prosthesis or certain points for identifying a catheter.

In step 203 measures the processing agent 4 a cardiac signal. In step 204 detects the processing agent 4 a phase of the cardiac signal. The steps 203 and 204 be with the first and second steps 201 and 202 performed simultaneously so that each acquired X-ray image is associated with a phase of the cardiac cycle (coronary cycle).

In step 205 corrects the processing means 4 the position of the extracted image part corresponding to the phase of the measured cardiac signal. Algorithms are known which allow the immobilization of a structure in an image sequence. For example, Robert A. Close, James S. Whiting, Kiaolin Da, Neal L. Eigler in Stabilized Display of Coronary X ray Image Sequence, SPIE USE, vol. 1, 5367-33, describe an algorithm for stabilizing a moving structure of interest in a picture sequence.

In step 206 processes the processing agent 4 the reference image to copy the extracted image part into the reference image so that the structure of interest is superimposed on the zone to be treated in the second image.

In step 207 controls the processing means 4 the interface 6 to get on the screen 9 to display the reference image into which the structure of interest has been copied.

In step 208 controls the processing means 4 the interface 6 to get on the screen 9 at the same time or in parallel in step 201 acquired X-ray image.

In this second embodiment will be the X-ray image extracted image part in the reference image in a corrected position played. That way, the doctor sees a reference image in which the vascular structures appear arrested and the extracted image part matches the reference image. In this second embodiment the extracted image part always coincides with the illustrated one Reference image.

According to a third embodiment, the processing means 4 programmed so that it is in 7 illustrated imaging techniques 300 performs. In step 301 The physician orders the imaging device to trigger the acquisition of an X-ray image sequence. The processing agent 4 controls the source 1 and the detector 3 in order to trigger the emission of X-rays and the detection of an X-ray image at regular intervals. In step 302 processes the processing agent 4 each acquired X-ray image to extract an image part representing a structure of interest. The representative structure is, for example, a guidewire, an endovascular prosthesis or any identification point of a catheter.

In step 303 measures the processing agent 4 a cardiac signal. In step 304 detects the processing agent 4 the phase of the cardiac signal. The steps 303 and 304 be with the steps 301 and 302 simultaneously, so that each acquired X-ray image is assigned to a phase of a cardiac cycle.

In step 305 chooses the processing agent 4 from a sequence of reference pictures stored in the storage means 5 have been pre-recorded, according to the coronary phase signal from a reference image. The processing agent 4 selects a reference image for which the associated cardiac signal phase corresponds to that in step 304 measured cardiac signal comes closest. In this way, the X-ray image and the selected reference image are acquired in states that are substantially identical.

In step 306 processes the processing agent 4 the selected reference image to superimpose in the reference image the extracted image part, so that the reference image, the structure of interest to superimposed on the treatment zone.

In step 307 controls the processing means 4 the interface 6 to get on the screen 9 to render the reference image into which the structure of interest has been copied.

In step 208 controls the processing means 4 the interface 6 to get on the screen 9 at the same time in step 201 acquired X-ray image.

In this third embodiment will, because the selected Reference image and the X-ray image be recorded under conditions that are essentially identical that's from the x-ray extracted image part in the reference image in identical position played. The reference image matches the acquired X-ray image, because the two pictures in the same phase of the coronary cycle or essentially the same phase.

According to a fourth embodiment, the processing means is for performing an imaging process 400 programmed as it is in 8th is illustrated. In step 401 The physician instructs the imaging device to trigger the acquisition of a sequence of X-ray images. The processing agent 4 controls the source 1 and the detector 3 to cause the emission of X-rays and the detection of an X-ray image at regular intervals.

In step 402 measures the processing agent 4 a cardiac signal. In step 403 records the funds set up for processing 4 the phase of the measured cardiac signal. The steps 402 and 403 be with the step 401 executed simultaneously.

In step 404 chooses the processing agent 4 the X-ray image corresponding to the phase of the cardiac signal. The processing agent 4 selects the acquired X-ray image when the X-ray image has been acquired with a phase of the cardiac signal equal to the phase of the cardiac signal of the prerecorded reference image.

In step 405 processes the processing agent 4 the acquired X-ray image to extract an image part representing a structure of interest. The structure of interest is, for example, a guide wire, an endovascular prosthesis or certain identification points of a catheter.

In step 406 processes the processing agent 4 a reference image that has been selected to superimpose the extracted image part on the reference image such that the structure of interest is superimposed on the zone to be treated in the second image.

In step 407 orders the processing agent 4 the interface means 6 , on the screen 9 to render the reference image into which the structure of interest has been copied.

In step 408 controls the processing means 4 the interface 6 to do that in step 401 acquired X-ray image simultaneously on the screen 9 display.

In this fourth embodiment becomes the location of the structure of interest in the reference image with a Frequency updated equal to the frequency of the coronary cycle of the patient. The structure of interest is in an X-ray image identified, which is synchronized with the reference image, so that the X-ray image, so to speak and the reference image in the same phase of the coronary cycle be acquired.

The described embodiments of the procedure allow the localization of the reproduced Instruments in the reference image. That way the doctor can be in information complementary to the same picture see that was previously only available in separate images. The doctor can be at the same time in one and the same picture the positions of the instruments and the see anatomical identification points (already placed stents, Branching of the vessels). By movements caused by the heartbeat do not affect this presentation.

The embodiments of the method include the following features: the first or the second image is a real-time acquired X-ray image; the first or second image is an image derived from a sequence of radiological images that have been previously acquired and recorded; the first image is an image derived from a sequence of radiological images that previously acquired and recorded, wherein the extracted image part represents a vascular structure; the first image is an X-ray image acquired in real time and the extracted image part represents an instrument or part of an instrument; the instrument is an endovascular prosthesis, a guidewire or a catheter; the first and second images are acquired under substantially identical conditions, wherein the image part extracted from the first image is reproduced in an identical position in the second image; Correcting a position of an image part representing a structure of interest, the extracted image part being displayed in a corrected position in the second image; Selecting the first or second image from a sequence of images so that the zone to be treated is in a position substantially identical in the first and second images; Play the first image parallel to the second image.

The embodiments This method allows a better assessment of the position of the tools in terms of anatomical structures of the patient. The embodiments of the procedure thus a reduction in length X-ray exposure while the acquisition of X-ray images enable.

A method of processing radiological images including extracting an image portion representing a structure of interest from a first radiological image 20 a zone to be treated. It becomes a second picture 10 reproduced the zone to be treated. The extracted image part representing the structure of interest is displayed so that the structure of interest in the second image 10 is superimposed on the zone to be treated.

Also understands that, while an embodiment of the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments is the expert many changes to the function and / or the way and / or the results can and equivalents for elements substitute can be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Besides, you can The teaching of the invention, many modifications to adapt to a special situation or material can be made without the to leave essential area of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention is not limited to the specific, here as the best embodiment revealed execution limited but that the invention includes all embodiments disclosed in US Pat fall within the scope of the following claims. Also called the use of the terms first, second, etc. or the term of steps of no order or importance sequence - rather the terms first, second, etc. or steps are just added used to distinguish one element or feature from another. Furthermore does not limit the use of the terms a, a, etc. the quantity but merely indicates the presence of at least one referenced element or property.

DRAWINGS FIGURES 1-4

FIG. 5

FIG. 6

FIG. 7

FIG. 8

Claims (25)

Process for processing ( 100 . 200 . 300 . 400 ) radiological images, in which: from a first radiological image ( 20 ) of a zone to be treated, an image part representing a structure of interest is extracted ( 102 . 202 . 302 . 405 ), a second image ( 10 ) of the zone to be treated ( 104 . 207 . 307 . 407 ), and the extracted image part representing the structure of interest ( 104 . 207 . 307 . 407 ), that the structure of interest of the zone to be treated in the second image ( 10 ) is superimposed. Method according to Claim 1, in which either the first or the second image, a real-time X-ray image ( 20 ). Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which either the first or the second image is an image ( 10 ) derived from a sequence of radiological images previously acquired and recorded. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the first image is an image ( 10 ) derived from a sequence of radiological images previously acquired and recorded, the extracted image portion having a vascular structure ( 11 ). Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the first image is a real-time X-ray image ( 10 ) and the extracted image part is an instrument ( 12 . 13 ) or part of an instrument ( 15 ). The method of claim 5, wherein the instrument is an endovascular prosthesis ( 13 ), a guidewire ( 12 ) or a catheter. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 6, in which the first and second images ( 10 . 20 ) are acquired under substantially the same conditions, wherein the image part extracted from the first image is reproduced in an identical position in the second image. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, including the correction ( 205 ) of a position of an image part representing a structure of interest, wherein the extracted image part in the second image is reproduced in corrected position. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, including the selection ( 305 . 404 ) of the first or second image ( 10 . 20 ) from an image sequence such that the zone to be treated is in a position substantially identical in the first and second images. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first image ( 20 ) parallel to the second image ( 10 ) ( 105 . 208 . 308 . 408 ) becomes. Medium ( 4 ) for processing in an imaging device programmed to implement a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10. Radiological imaging device comprising: a means ( 1 ), which forms a radiation source, a means ( 3 ), which serves to detect the radiation, a means ( 4 ), which reads an image, the processing 4 ) extracts from a first radiological image of a zone to be treated an image part representing the structure of interest ( 102 . 202 . 302 . 405 ), with a second image ( 10 ) of the zone to be treated ( 104 . 207 . 307 . 407 ), and the extracted image part representing the structure of interest is reproduced ( 104 . 207 . 307 . 407 ), the structure of interest in the second image ( 10 ) is superimposed on the zone to be treated. Method according to Claim 12, in which either the first or the second image is an X-ray image acquired in real time ( 20 ). Device according to one of claims 12 or 13, wherein either the first or the second image is an image ( 10 ) resulting from a sequence of radiological images previously acquired and recorded. Apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the first image is an image ( 10 ) derived from a sequence of radiological images previously acquired and recorded, the extracted image portion having a vascular structure (Fig. 11 ). Device according to one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the first image is an X-ray image ( 10 ), which is recorded in real time, and wherein the extracted image part is an instrument ( 12 . 13 ) or part of an instrument ( 15 ). The device of claim 16, wherein the instrument is an endovascular prosthesis ( 13 ), a guidewire ( 12 ) or a catheter. Apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the first and second images ( 10 . 20 ) have been acquired under substantially the same conditions, wherein the image part extracted from the first image is reproduced in the identical image in the second image. An apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein a position of an image part representing a structure of interest is corrected ( 205 ) and wherein the extracted image part in the second image is reproduced in a corrected position. Device according to one of Claims 12 to 17, in which the first or the second image ( 10 . 20 ) is selected from a picture sequence ( 305 . 404 ), the zone to be treated is positioned in a position that is substantially identical in the first and second images. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first image ( 20 ) parallel to the second image ( 10 ) ( 105 . 208 . 308 . 408 ) becomes. Computer program with a program code on one Computer readable medium for implementing the method according to Claim 1. Computer program product with a computer readable Medium, which is a computer-readable computer code medium embodied by the medium wherein the computer readable program code means the method implemented according to claim 1. Intended for use in a computer system An article wherein the article is a computer readable medium Computer readable program code embodied in the medium, wherein the program code means implements the method of claim 1. Program storage device used by a machine is readable and tangibly embodies program instructions that executable by the machine are to carry out the method according to claim 1.