DE102008045988A1 - Identification feature for marking tissue area in e.g. computed tomography, is assigned to tissue area, and attached to surface of tissue area, and comprising selectable code e.g. bar code - Google Patents

Abstract

The feature (101) is assigned to a tissue area, and attached to a surface of the tissue area. The feature is optically or acoustically or radioactively or acousto-optically or opto-acoustically or electromagnetically detected within a pre-determined wavelength range. The feature has a selectable code e.g. bar code, radio frequency identification (RFID)-code, or a mechanical structure i.e. metal ring. A pre-determined geometrical structure e.g. circle segment, rectangle segment, angle data, scale i.e. gray level scale, or bar code is provided. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) an imaging method (2) a program-technique equipped device with a computer program for executing an imaging method (3) a computer program with a program code for executing an imaging method.

Description

For visualizing physical or chemical phenomena or for representing pathological tissue changes, imaging methods, so-called imaging methods, can be used which each perform a measurement of a physical effect emanating from an object to be imaged and convert this into an image. The physical effect can be caused for example by ultrasonic waves, X-rays or radioisotopes. Since different images are obtained with different imaging methods, several different imaging methods are often used for the multimodal measurement and imaging of the same object, for example the same tissue region, as described, for example, in US Pat WO 2005/083629 or in the EP 1 769 661 A2 is described.

For fixing the objects to be examined, coordinate markings can be used, which according to the document US 2007 225 599 A1 by means of a bone screw or according to the document US 2008/0033286 A1 be attached by means of a tissue implant. To compensate for movements during tissue irradiation may also according to the document US 2007/0106152 A1 three RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) elements are used whose displacement is detected and used for motion compensation.

The However, the above-mentioned concepts for object fixation are invasive and are not suitable for clear identification of individual tissue areas especially for multimodal imaging.

It The object of the present invention is a non-invasive Concept for the unique and distinguishable labeling of tissue areas especially for multimodal imaging.

These The object is achieved by the features of the independent claims solved. Advantageous forms of further education are in the dependent Claims reproduced.

The Invention is based on the recognition that a distinguishable Labeling of tissue areas for imaging procedures can be realized on the basis of an identification feature, which clearly assigned to a tissue area to be imaged and on the surface attachable. According to the invention for the identification of different tissue areas of the same Object's different labeling features are used so that, for example, each tissue area has a predetermined and distinguishable identifier feature can be assigned.

According to the invention automatic assignment of multimodal images of the same Tissue range, for example, based on the illustrations underlying different sets of data. If, for example, several images of the same tissue area obtained using different imaging methods, Thus, the records underlying the different mappings contain also information which the marking feature or its Characteristics, for example, relate to a geometric shape. On the basis of the information contained in the respective data record about The tag feature can therefore be a unique Assignment of a data set to a tissue area are taken.

The The invention relates in one aspect to an identification feature for identifying a tissue area, wherein the identification feature can be clearly assigned to the tissue area. Includes the identification feature prefers at least one predetermined characteristic, which, for example, attributed to a geometric structure of the identification feature can be. For a quick and non-invasive attachment of the To allow identification feature, this invention is based on a Surface of the tissue region to be imaged, for example by means of an adhesive layer or an adhesive film or by bonding or sewing attachable.

According to one Exemplary embodiment is the identification feature, for example optically or acoustically or radioactively or electromagnetically, for example within a predetermined wavelength range, for example an X-ray wavelength range, detectable. The tagging feature may further include a readable code, for example a bar code or an RFID code, which by means of a Barcode reader read or receive an RFID receiver and can be detected. Furthermore, the identification feature have a predetermined mechanical structure, which for example have a metal ring or cone-shaped can be.

According to one In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of the identification feature of the invention for marking a tissue area in imaging procedures, especially in diagnostic and / or multimodal imaging procedures.

According to one In another aspect, the invention relates to an imaging method, in particular a diagnostic and / or a multimodal imaging method, in which an illustration of a tissue area together with a For example, arranged on the surface marking feature is provided in the form of electronic data containing a Form image data set. The image data set can, for example, in a stored electronic memory and be read from this, wherein the providing step includes, for example, reading of the image data set from the memory may include.

To a detection of the identification feature, for example by means of a sensor or on the basis of the image data set by means of a Pattern recognition method, the image data set and the tissue area are assigned to each other. This assignment can For example, based on a predetermined relation between the Identification feature or its characteristics and the tissue area be performed.

According to one Embodiment, the imaging method is a multimodal Imaging method in which a plurality of images of the same Tissue area in each case together with that on the surface the tissue region arranged characteristic feature preferred by a plurality of different imaging methods provided. The different pictures are for example each represented by electronic image data sets.

In a further method step becomes the identification feature detected. Here, for example, each of the records be examined with regard to the marking feature in order to Identification feature in each image data set for example by means of a pattern or image processing method to capture. On the basis of the respectively detected identification feature, the plurality the image data sets to the tissue area or the tissue area to each image data set of the plurality of image data sets be assigned.

According to one Embodiment, the identification feature becomes optical or acoustically or acousto-optically or haptically or electrically or magnetic or electromagnetic within a predetermined Wavelength range or by means of X-rays or detected by means of radioactive radiation. Indicates the identification feature For example, it may have certain optical properties already be captured optically. However, the tag feature may be formed be to emit electromagnetic waves or these in one to reflect predetermined manner, so that the detection the identification feature by means of a sensor, for example performed by means of an electromagnetic or optical sensor can be. Is the marking feature radioactive or reactive? it in a predetermined manner with radioactive radiation, so may Detecting the same also be used a radioactive sensor.

According to one Embodiment is characterized the characterizing feature by a predetermined geometric structure, which for example by means of an external sensor or on the basis of the image data set detected by, for example, a pattern recognition method can be. The predetermined geometric structure may be, for example a circle segment or a rectangle segment or an angle specification or a scale, such as a grayscale scale or a number scale, or have a barcode. Because of the variety of possible Therefore, geometric structures can be any tissue area to be imaged associated with a predetermined geometric identifier be that a clear and immediate assignment of the image data set to the tissue area or vice versa.

According to one Embodiment is the tissue area a reference feature assigned, for example, has a characterizing characteristic, those with an identification characteristic of this tissue area having associated or attributable identifier feature. To a detection of the identification feature by means of a sensor or on the basis of the image data set, the identification feature with the reference feature or with a plurality of reference features be compared to match the identification feature with the reference feature of the affected tissue area a unique Assigning the identification feature to the tissue area.

According to one Embodiment, the imaging method is an X-ray fluoroscopy method or a PET method (PET: positron emission tomography) or CT (CT: Computed Tomography) or MRI (MRI): Magnetic resonance imaging) or an optical imaging method or an ultrasound procedure. However, combined methods are also possible such as acousto-optic or opto-acoustic Method. In general, the imaging process is a method of providing an image of a tissue area in the form of an image data record.

The invention relates, according to a further aspect, to a programmatically furnished Vor Direction, which is designed to run a computer program for performing the imaging method according to the invention. The program-technically configured device can also have features of an imaging device which are suitable for carrying out one of the aforementioned imaging methods.

According to one In another aspect, the invention relates to a computer program with a program code for carrying out the imaging method according to the invention, when the computer program runs on a computer.

Further Embodiments will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings Drawings explained in more detail. Show it:

1a to 1j Characterizing features; and

2 a flowchart of an imaging method.

In the 1a - 1j some embodiments of the inventive feature are shown. 1a shows a marking feature in the form of a circle segment 101 , which prefers except for in 1a shown border can be transparent. 1b shows a circle 101 with an angle mark 105 which, for example, is tapered in the direction of the interior of the circle. 1c shows an identifier in the form of a rectangle 107 with a page marker 109 , which can also be pointed. The in the 1b and 1c For example, with the exception of the outline shown in each case, for example, the characteristics shown are transparent to the radiation used by a respective imaging method.

1d shows an identification feature in the form of an angle 111 which can be rectangular or any angle. In addition, the marking feature in the shape of an angle with a longitudinal scale, as in 1e is shown to be shaped.

1f shows an embodiment of an identification feature, for example, a grayscale scale 113 , for example in conjunction with an angle, may have. 1g shows an identification feature, which is an annular structure 115 having. The annular structure may further include an angular mark 117 and / or a numbering, for example a predetermined number or a number code and / or a barcode 121 exhibit. 1h shows an identification feature in the shape of a rectangle 123 or a rectangle-shaped strip with an angle mark 125 and electrodes 127 such as 129 , The electrodes 127 and 129 allow, for example, a conductivity measurement or interaction with a temperature sensor that can measure a temperature of the tissue surface.

In 1i an embodiment of an identification feature is shown, for example, as a template 131 is shaped. The template 131 includes a bottom section 133 and a, for example, conical cutout 135 which may, for example, have an angle mark. For example, the metal template may be fixed mechanically by bonding or gluing to a surface of a tissue region.

1j shows a horizontal section through the template 131 or a view of the same, in which the angle mark 137 is visible. In the 1j However, according to one embodiment, the structure shown can in itself form an identification feature that can be attached to a tissue surface.

The in the 1a to 1f In accordance with one embodiment, the identification features shown can be applied to a fabric surface by means of a stamp. For this purpose, they each have an optimized geometry for precise referencing. In addition, they may include a numbering, a longitudinal scale or an optical scale, which simplifies optical calibration. The tag features may also be plotted by means of a color having known characteristics for calibration of reflection images. The color may also be biocompatible and / or have fluorescent dye.

The in the 1a and 1h for example, consist of an adhesive film or a plaster and be glued to the fabric surface, which also according to a further embodiment of the in the 1a to 1f may apply. For this purpose, they preferably comprise an adhesive layer, for example a plaster layer, and may be designed to be double-adhesive. Furthermore, they can have a color scale for optical calibration.

The in the 1a to 1j Identification features shown preferably have characteristics that allow their recognition with different modalities and / or a unique reference or a unique referencing to a modality. The modalities mentioned include, for example, an optical detection, an acoustic recognition, a magnetic resonance identification, X-ray recognition, position emission tomographic recognition or computer tomographic recognition. The identification feature is preferably uniquely marked, for example by means of a numbering, a predetermined geometric structure of a barcode or an RFID code, wherein, for example, a single marking as a reference point, for example as a zero point or a landmark for a selected coordinate system, for example for a Cartesian, cylindrical or cubic coordinate system.

About that In addition, the tagging feature may include features that for example, local scaling and / or calibration of the above-mentioned modalities regarding, for example a color scale, length measures, height measurements, one or more reflection coefficients, one or more Absorption coefficient, a radiation source, a temperature measure, a Moisture or a conductivity can serve.

About that In addition, the marking feature for mechanical fixation a sample, for example a tissue region, of a sensor, an applicator, for example in the form of a metal ring with a magnetic function or a vacuum holder, for performing of measurements or procedures, for example long-term dermatology, dynamic measurements, monitoring and follow-up or therapeutic Procedures are used.

is it can do that be metallic and / or a ring with a hole and / or an angle mark or a rectangle with a side marker or an angle. Furthermore, a numbering can be attached to the ring, which a number, a machine-readable code, a barcode, a hole code or an RFID code. Such identification features can Furthermore, a longitudinal scale, a color scale or electrodes for conductivity measurement or for temperature measurement by means of having a temperature sensor.

For the purpose of Fixation can taper a template-like feature be shaped, the fixation, for example, be magnetic can. Template-type features are in particular can be sterilized and used both as a disposable product as well as a reusable product.

In 2 FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an imaging method in which, at step 201 an image of a tissue area in the form of an image data set is provided. The image of the tissue region preferably also includes an image of an identification feature arranged on the tissue region, such that the image data set has both information about the tissue region and information about the identification feature.

In step 203 the identification feature is sensory or based on an analysis of the image data set. The steps 201 and 203 can be performed in a sensory detection of the identification feature in any order or even in parallel. If the tagging feature is detected based on an analysis of the image data set, then the step 203 the detection of the identification feature after the step 201 carried out.

To provide the image of the tissue area in the step 201 For example, the image data set can be read from an electronic memory. In addition, the method may also include capturing the image of the tissue area along with the tag feature using one of the aforementioned imaging techniques.

Thereby This allows individual records to be one certain tissue area or a region, which for example may have a skin lesion, for diagnostics, quality control, storage, for that Follow-up or for monitoring or for Therapy can be assigned. In particular it is possible, multimodal datasets, for example to refer to each other in the context of a dermatological examination, which in particular with different orders of magnitude the data sets, which for example microscopic or have macroscopic images by inherent structures contained therein without the use of the characterizing feature of the invention can not be done efficiently.

to Referencing or assignment of a tissue area to an image data set this is initially preferred by means of the identification feature marked. After recording the tissue area with one of the known imaging method, the mark is either in the resulting record or detected by an advanced sensor. The tagging feature may also be used as a tag to provide a mechanical reference point are used.

The identification feature can be, for example, optical, acoustic, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic or tactile Senso be recorded. Moreover, it is possible to detect the identification feature by means of X-rays, the PET method, the CT method, the MRT method, photo-acoustically or acousto-optically. If the marking feature is fluorescent, then this property can also be used to detect it. The marking feature may moreover have several of the aforementioned properties simultaneously, which allow its detection with different means or Modalitä th, so that a combination of the aforementioned detection approaches is possible.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2005/083629 [0001]
• EP 1769661 A2 [0001]
• US 2007225599 A1 [0002]
• US 2008/0033286 A1 [0002]
• US 2007/0106152 A1 [0002]

Claims (13)

Identification feature ( 101 . 103 . 107 . 111 . 115 . 123 . 131 ) for identifying a tissue area for diagnostic imaging, the identification feature ( 101 . 103 . 107 . 111 . 115 . 123 . 131 ) is assignable to the tissue region and attachable to a surface of the tissue region. Identification feature ( 101 . 103 . 107 . 111 . 115 . 123 . 131 ) according to one of the preceding claims, which is detectable optically or acoustically or radioactively or acousto-optically or opto-acoustically or electromagnetically within a predetermined wavelength range or a readable code, in particular a barcode or an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) code, or a mechanical structure, in particular a metal ring. Identification feature ( 101 . 103 . 107 . 111 . 115 . 123 . 131 ) according to one of the preceding claims, which has a predetermined geometric structure, in particular a circular segment or a rectangular segment or an angle indication or a scale, in particular a gray scale scale, or a barcode. Use of the identification feature ( 101 . 103 . 107 . 111 . 115 . 123 . 131 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3 for marking a tissue area in imaging methods, in particular in diagnostic imaging methods. Imaging method, with: providing ( 201 ) an image of a tissue region together with an identification feature arranged on a surface of the tissue region according to one of claims 1 to 3 to obtain an image data set; To capture ( 203 ) of the identification feature; and assign ( 205 ) of the image data set to the tissue region or assigning the tissue region to the image data set on the basis of the marker feature. An imaging method according to claim 5, comprising: providing ( 205 ) a plurality of different images of the tissue region together with the label feature disposed on the surface of the tissue region to obtain a plurality of image data sets; To capture ( 203 ) of the identification feature, and assignment ( 205 ) of the plurality of image data sets to the tissue region or assigning the tissue region to each image data set of the plurality of image data sets based on the marker feature. Imaging method according to a of claims 5 or 6, wherein the marking feature optically or acoustically or acousto-optically or haptically or electrically or magnetic or electromagnetic within a predetermined one Wavelength range or by means of X-rays or is detected by means of radioactive radiation. Imaging method according to a of claims 5 to 7, wherein the marking feature in the image data record is detected. Imaging method according to a of claims 5 to 8, wherein the marking feature a predetermined geometric structure, in particular a circular segment or a rectangle segment or an angle indication or a scale, in particular a grayscale scale, or has a barcode and wherein for detecting the identification feature in the image data set a pattern recognition analysis is performed to determine the to capture predetermined geometric structure. Imaging method according to a of claims 5 to 9, wherein the tissue region is a reference feature and wherein in the step of associating the identification feature with the reference feature is compared. Imaging method according to a of claims 5 to 10, wherein for providing the image data set an X-ray fluoroscopy method or a PET method (PET: positron emission tomography) or a CT procedure (CT: Computed tomography) or an MRI procedure (MRI: magnetic resonance tomography) or an optical imaging method or an ultrasonic method or an opto-acoustic method or an acousto-optical method is carried out. Programmed device, which is formed, a computer program for executing the An imaging method according to any one of the claims 5 to 11 execute. Computer program with a program code for execution The imaging method according to one of the claims 5 to 11 when the computer program runs on a computer.