JP2005296277A - X-ray diagnostic apparatus and diagnostic method using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To acccomplish a purpose of a medical examination using an X-ray diagnostic apparatus and also to reduce radiation exposure of a patient. <P>SOLUTION: The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10 for performing radioscopy or radiography of a patient P comprises an allowed exposure dose setting section 63 for setting an allowed exposure dose appropriate for the patient P, a comparative section 64 for converting an X-ray dose measured by a radiometer 22 to an actual exposure dose a of the patient P and for comparing the actual exposure dose a of the patient a with an allowed exposure dose b appropriate for the patient P read from the allowed exposure dose setting section 63, and a high-voltage control circuit 55. When the actual exposure dose a and the allowed exposure dose b have a given relationship according to the comparison at the comparative section 64, the high-voltage control circuit controls an X-ray condition on the basis of the exposure dose of the patient P in a exposure dose control mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for capturing a fluoroscopic image obtained by seeing a patient through X-rays with a film or displaying the image on a CRT, and in particular, X-rays for controlling X-ray conditions according to an allowable exposure dose of a patient. The present invention relates to a diagnostic device and a diagnostic method thereof.

  In a conventional X-ray diagnostic apparatus, X-rays are irradiated from outside the patient, the X-rays transmitted through the patient are captured by an X-ray detector or an X-ray photosensitive film, and a shadow image proportional to the transmitted dose is observed. Yes.

  When an X-ray detector is used, the detection signal is digitized and a shadow image is displayed by a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or the like.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a conventional X-ray diagnostic apparatus.

  The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 5 is mainly provided with a holding device 2 and a main body control device 3 that detect X-rays that are transmitted to the patient and detect the transmitted X-rays to obtain detection signals.

  The main body control device 3 includes an image acquisition system that removes noise from the image signal by processing a digital image signal from the holding device 2, an image memory that stores data of the image signal from the image acquisition system, a window level And an image processing system that performs image processing in accordance with the designation of the window width and a TV monitor that displays an image processed by the image processing system.

  Also, the image data stored in the image memory is written and stored in an image file device such as an optical disk device from the image storage system.

  Furthermore, the main body control device 3 is provided with an automatic brightness adjustment circuit 4, which detects a PMT (not shown) detection signal of the holding device 2 or an image signal from a TV camera control unit (not shown). Then, the X-ray tube (not shown) is again driven for exposure so that the brightness of the display image on the TV monitor is constant.

The high voltage control circuit 6 controls the X-ray conditions such as the high voltage supplied to the X-ray tube and the current value based on the signal sent from the automatic brightness adjusting circuit 4 and the X-ray imaging conditions inputted from the console 5. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-261724 (page 3 to page 5, FIG. 1)

  As described above, in the conventional X-ray diagnostic apparatus, the optimization to the video system is prioritized, and the control signal of the X-ray condition is transmitted to the I.D. I. (Image Intensifier), which is determined by a video signal obtained from a TV camera or the like, and the exposure dose of the patient (subject) is limited only at the minimum skin focus. Therefore, patient exposure dose was not considered.

  In particular, there is a difference in the allowable dose for each patient or for each part of the patient, but the X-ray conditions are not controlled in consideration of the dose for each patient or for each part of the patient.

  In addition, when imaging is performed under relatively low exposure X-ray conditions, some image degradation occurs. For example, a diagnosis only for confirming a foreign substance in the body or a catheter in a region of interest (ROI) In the medical treatment before arriving, the purpose of the medical treatment can be achieved even under X-ray conditions with relatively little exposure. Even in such a case, the conventional X-ray diagnostic apparatus does not use the exposure dose of the patient as a reference, so the patient may be exposed more than necessary.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray diagnostic apparatus and a diagnostic method thereof that can achieve the purpose of medical treatment and reduce exposure to a patient.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is an X-ray diagnostic apparatus that performs X-ray fluoroscopy / imaging of a patient, and an allowable dose setting unit that sets an allowable dose suitable for the patient. And the X-ray dose measured by the dosimeter is converted into the actual exposure dose of the patient, and the actual exposure dose of the patient is compared with the allowable exposure dose suitable for the patient read from the allowable exposure dose setting unit. As a result of comparison between the comparison unit and the comparison unit, when the actual dose and the allowable dose are in a required relationship, the X-ray condition is controlled in a dose control mode based on the patient dose. And a high voltage control circuit.

  An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is an X-ray diagnostic apparatus for performing fluoroscopy / imaging of a patient, an expected dose storage unit that stores an expected dose calculated from various apparatus conditions, A required expected dose corresponding to a required apparatus condition is read from an expected dose stored in the expected dose storage unit that sets an appropriate allowable dose and an expected dose stored in the expected dose storage, and the required expected dose and the allowable A comparison unit that compares the patient's allowable exposure dose read from the exposure dose setting unit; and, as a result of the comparison by the comparison unit, when the required expected exposure dose and the allowable exposure dose are in a required relationship, the patient And a high voltage control circuit for controlling the X-ray condition in an exposure dose control mode based on the exposure dose.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an X-ray diagnostic method according to the present invention is an X-ray diagnostic method for performing X-ray fluoroscopy / imaging of a patient. A process, a required apparatus condition setting process in which required apparatus conditions are set, an X-ray exposure process in which X-rays are irradiated toward the patient under the required apparatus conditions, and an X-ray dose from the X-rays An actual exposure dose conversion step in which the X-ray dose is measured and converted into the actual exposure dose of the patient, and the actual exposure dose of the patient converted in the actual exposure dose conversion step is input, and the allowable exposure The actual dose input / allowable dose reading process in which the allowable dose that matches the patient set in the dose setting process is read, and the actual dose of the patient and the allowable dose that matches the patient are compared. A comparison step to be performed; As a result of the comparison in the comparison step, when the actual exposure dose and the allowable exposure dose are in a required relationship, X-rays whose X-ray conditions are controlled in an exposure dose control mode based on the patient exposure dose A condition control step.

  The X-ray diagnostic method according to the present invention is an X-ray diagnostic method for performing X-ray fluoroscopy / imaging of a patient. In the X-ray diagnostic method, the expected dose calculated from various apparatus conditions is stored in advance. A storage step, an allowable dose setting step in which an allowable dose suitable for the patient is set, a required device condition setting step in which a required device condition is set, and an expected exposure stored in the expected dose storage step A comparison step in which a required expected exposure dose corresponding to the required device condition is read from a dose, and the required expected exposure dose is compared with the allowable exposure dose of the patient read in the allowable exposure dose setting step; As a result of the comparison in the comparison process, when the required expected dose and the allowable dose are in a required relationship, the X-ray condition is controlled in the dose control mode based on the patient dose. And a X-ray condition control process to be.

  According to the X-ray diagnostic apparatus and the diagnostic method thereof according to the present invention, it is possible to achieve the purpose of medical treatment and reduce exposure to a patient.

  Embodiments of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus and a diagnostic method thereof according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention.

  FIG. 1 shows an X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10 for diagnosing or treating a patient (subject) P. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10 has an X-ray tube as an X-ray generator positioned above a couch top. Shown as an overtable case. Note that the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10 may be an undertable in which the X-ray tube is positioned below the couch top.

  Further, in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1, the video signal control mode in which the X-ray condition is controlled based on the video signal for the optimization of the video system, and the X-ray based on the exposure dose of the patient P. The case of the combined use mode with the exposure dose control mode in which the conditions are controlled is shown.

  In general, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10 includes a holding device 11 and a main body control device 12. One end of a C arm (not shown) of the holding device 11 is supplied with high voltage power from the high voltage supply circuit 20 and emits X-rays toward the patient P according to the condition of the high voltage power. An X-ray tube 21 and a dosimeter 22 that measures the X-ray dose almost in real time and converts the X-ray dose to the actual exposure dose a actually received by the patient P are provided on the emission side of the X-ray tube 21.

  A compensation filter formed of a plurality of lead feathers on the emission side of the X-ray tube 21 and made of silicon rubber or the like, and attenuates a predetermined amount of irradiated X-rays to prevent halation. May be provided.

  Further, the X-ray TV apparatus 26 provided at the other end of the C-arm sandwiching the bed top plate 25 is made to transmit the transmitted X-rays. I. (Image Intensifier) 27 and this I.I. I. An output system 27 includes an optical system 28 that corrects the converted optical image to an appropriate size, and a TV camera (or imaging element) 29 that converts the corrected optical image into a TV video signal.

  Further, a TV camera control unit 30 that inputs a TV video signal from the TV camera 29, performs amplification and A / D conversion to an appropriate signal level, and converts it into a digital image signal; I. There is installed a PMT (Photo Multiplier Tube) 31 that receives a part of the 27 visible light outputs and converts the intensity into an electric signal.

  I. I. 27 is a large vacuum tube composed of an input phosphor screen, a photocathode, a focusing (focus) electrode, an anode and an output phosphor screen (not shown), an input window, a high voltage power source, and the like. It is sent to the main body control device 12. I.I. I. The video system from 27 to the TV camera 29 may be replaced with a flat detector.

  The main body control device 12 that controls the entire holding device 11 includes an image collection system 41 that removes noise from the image signal by processing a digital image signal from the TV camera control unit 30 of the holding device 11, and the image collection system 41. An image memory 42 for storing image signal data from the image processing system 43, an image processing system 43 for performing image processing according to the designation of the window level and window width, and an image processed by the image processing system 43 are displayed. A TV monitor 44 is provided.

  The image data stored in the image memory 42 is written from the image storage system 45 to an image file device 46 such as an optical disk device and stored.

  Further, the main body control device 12 is provided with an automatic brightness adjustment (ABC) circuit 51. The automatic brightness adjustment circuit 51 is in a video signal control mode in which the X-ray conditions are controlled based on the video signal. Further, the X-ray tube 21 is again driven to be exposed based on the detection signal of the PMT 31 of the holding device 11 or the image signal from the TV camera control unit 30 so that the brightness of the display image on the TV monitor 44 becomes constant.

  Further, the main body control device 12 receives a mode switching unit 54 for switching to the video signal control mode or the exposure dose control mode, and a signal sent from the automatic brightness adjustment circuit 51 and the console 53 in the video signal control mode. A high voltage control circuit 55 is provided for controlling X-ray conditions such as a high voltage supplied to the X-ray tube 21 and its current value depending on X-ray imaging conditions.

  In addition, the main body control device 12 has an allowable exposure dose setting that sets an allowable exposure dose b suitable for the patient P based on the personal information of the patient P (age, gender, physique, past exposure integrated amount, etc.) and diagnosis principle. A comparison unit 64 is provided that compares the allowable dose b read from the allowable dose setting unit 63 with the actual dose a input from the dosimeter 22 of the holding device 11.

  The allowable exposure dose b is a correction of a generally known limit exposure dose based on the personal information of the patient P. For example, when the patient P is an elderly person, it is calculated by multiplying the marginal exposure dose by a required coefficient k (k <1). For example, when the patient P has been exposed in the past, the calculation is performed by subtracting the past accumulated exposure dose from the limit exposure dose.

  Further, a command signal in the video signal control mode or the exposure dose control mode can be transmitted to the mode switching unit 54 according to the comparison result of the comparison unit 64. When switched to the exposure dose control mode by the switching unit 54, the high voltage control circuit 55 controls the X-ray conditions to obtain the actual exposure dose a and the allowable exposure dose b actually received by all the parts of the patient P. Keep in relationship.

  If the actual exposure dose a and the allowable exposure dose b actually received by all the parts of the patient P are maintained in a required relationship, I. The amount of X-rays incident on 27 is reduced. Therefore, I.I. I. The output level of the video signal obtained by photographing the 27 fluorescent screens with the TV camera 29 falls within a predetermined level. For this reason, the automatic brightness adjustment circuit 51 controls the automatic iris (auto iris) of the TV camera 29 according to the video signal level, and controls the gain of the camera by automatic gain control (AGC).

  Further, the actual exposure dose a and the allowable exposure dose b of the patient P are transmitted to the RIS database (not shown) via the comparison unit 64 or notified to the operator.

  Next, an X-ray diagnostic method using the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, the video signal control mode in which the X-ray condition is controlled based on the video signal for the optimization of the video system, and the relationship between the actual exposure dose a of the patient P and the allowable exposure dose b of the patient P for each part. This will be described as a combined mode with an exposure dose control mode in which the X-ray conditions are controlled based on the exposure dose of the patient P.

  First, an allowable exposure dose b suitable for each part of the patient P is set according to the patient P's medical treatment (clinical time), the patient's personal information (age, gender, physique, past exposure accumulated amount, etc.) and diagnosis principle. (Step S1). The allowable exposure dose b may be set according to a predetermined value, or the allowable exposure dose b may be set according to a level by dividing it into several levels consisting of a predetermined value range.

  Here, even if imaging is performed under relatively low exposure X-ray conditions, such as diagnosis only for confirming foreign substances in the body or medical treatment before the catheter reaches a region of interest (ROI). When the purpose of medical care is achieved, the value or level of the allowable exposure dose b is set low.

  Next, required apparatus conditions for the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10 are set (step S2). The apparatus conditions of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10 include an X-ray condition and a position condition of the holding device 11. The X-ray conditions include tube voltage (kV), tube current (mA), and X-ray irradiation time (msec.). Etc. Further, the positional conditions of the holding device 11 include LAO / RAO, CRA / CAU and SID (Source-Image Distance) of the C arm (not shown).

  Then, the high voltage power is supplied from the high voltage supply circuit 20 of the holding device 11 under the required apparatus conditions of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10 set in step S <b> 2, toward the patient P from the X-ray tube 21. X-rays are exposed (step S3).

  In the dosimeter 22, the X-ray dose is measured almost in real time and converted into the actual dose a actually received by each part of the patient P (step S 4). This actual dose a is converted from the dosimeter 22 to the X-ray apparatus. The data is input to the comparison unit 64 of the main body 12 in almost real time. Furthermore, the allowable exposure dose b suitable for each part of the patient P set in step S1 by the allowable exposure dose setting unit 63 is read into the comparison unit 64 (step S5).

  In the comparison unit 64, the actual dose a for each part of the patient P input from the dosimeter 22 of the holding device 11 and the allowable dose b for each part of the patient P read from the allowable dose setting unit 63. Are compared for each part, and it is determined whether or not the actual exposure dose a and the allowable exposure dose b have a required relationship for all the parts in the patient P. For example, it is determined whether or not the actual exposure dose a is lower than the allowable exposure dose b for all parts in the patient P (step S6).

  If the determination in step S6 is Yes, that is, if it is determined that the actual exposure dose a is lower than the allowable exposure dose b for all the sites in the patient P, whether or not to continue the medical care of the patient P by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10 Is determined (step S7). When the determination in step S7 is Yes, that is, when it is determined that the medical treatment of the patient P by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10 is to be continued, the video signal control mode command is transmitted from the comparison unit 64 to the mode switching unit 54 (step S8). ).

  When the video signal control mode command is received by the mode switching unit 54 in step S8, the mode is switched to the video signal control mode. I. The high voltage supply circuit 20 depends on the X-ray conditions such as the high voltage supplied to the X-ray tube 21 and its current value, which are determined by the signal for maintaining the 27 fluorescent outputs and the X-ray imaging conditions input from the console 53. Is controlled (step S9), high voltage power is supplied from the high voltage supply circuit 20, X-rays are emitted toward the patient P (step S10), and the process returns to step S4.

  If the determination in step S7 is No, that is, if it is determined not to continue the medical treatment of the patient P by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10, the medical operation is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S6 is No, that is, if it is determined that the actual exposure dose a is higher than the allowable exposure dose b for at least one of the sites of the patient P, the patient P by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10 It is determined whether or not to continue the medical care (step S11). If the determination in step S11 is Yes, that is, it is determined that the medical treatment of the patient P by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10 is to be continued, the command for the exposure dose control mode is transmitted from the comparison unit 64 to the mode switching unit 54 (step S12). ).

  When the command for the exposure dose control mode is received by the mode switching unit 54 in step S12, the mode is switched to the exposure dose control mode, which corresponds to the part where the actual exposure dose a is higher than the allowable exposure dose b in the determination of step S6. The high voltage supply circuit 20 is controlled by X-ray conditions such as a high voltage supplied to the X-ray tube 21 and its current value determined by the allowable exposure dose b to be performed (step S13). Upon receiving the supply of high voltage power from the high voltage supply circuit 20, X-rays are emitted toward the patient P (step S14), and the process returns to step S4.

  If the determination in step S11 is No, that is, if it is determined not to continue the medical care of the patient P by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10, the medical care operation is terminated.

  Here, in steps S10 and S14, X-rays are emitted from the X-ray tube 21 of the holding device 11 toward the patient P, so that the I.D. I. 27 is transmitted X-rays, and this I.D. I. The optical image is corrected to an appropriate size by the optical system 28 provided on the output side 27. The optical image corrected by the optical system 28 is converted into a TV video signal by the TV camera (or imaging element) 29, and the TV video signal is input from the TV camera 29 to the TV camera control unit 30. The signal is amplified and A / D converted to an appropriate signal level and converted into a digital image signal.

  The digital image signal of the TV camera control unit 30 is subjected to signal processing by the image acquisition system 41 of the main body control device 12 to remove noise of the image signal. The image signal data of the image acquisition system 41 is stored in the image memory 42, and the image processing system 43 performs image processing according to the designation of the window level and window width. The image processed by the image processing system 43 is displayed on the monitor 44.

  The image data stored in the image memory 42 is written from the image storage system 45 to an image file device 46 such as an optical disk device and stored.

  In the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10 and the X-ray diagnostic method of the present embodiment, the video signal control mode and the exposure dose control mode are used together, but only the exposure dose control mode may be provided. In this case, the PMT 31, the automatic adjustment circuit 51, and the switching unit 54 illustrated in FIG. 1 are not necessary, and steps S7 to S10 in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 2 are not necessary. Then, by controlling the X-ray conditions, the actual exposure dose a actually received by all the parts of the patient P is maintained below the allowable exposure dose b set in step S1.

  In addition, the apparatus conditions of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10 may be changed even during X-ray fluoroscopy / imaging in steps S3 to S14 in the flowchart shown in FIG. In that case, every time the apparatus condition is changed, the process returns to step S2.

  According to the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10 and the X-ray diagnostic method of the present embodiment, the X-ray conditions are controlled so that the actual exposure dose a and the allowable exposure dose b have a required relationship for all parts in the patient P. Thus, the medical purpose can be achieved and the exposure to the patient can be reduced.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention.

  FIG. 3 shows an X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A for diagnosing or treating a patient P. In this X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A, video signal control in which X-ray conditions are controlled based on video signals for video system optimization. The case of the combined mode of the mode and the exposure dose control mode in which the X-ray condition is controlled based on the exposure dose of the patient P is shown.

  The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A shown in FIG. 3 mainly includes a holding device 11A and a main body control device 12A.

The main body control device 12A is provided with an expected dose calculation unit 71 for calculating an expected dose c for each device condition of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A. The expected dose calculation unit 71 calculates the expected dose. In addition, an expected dose storage unit 72 that stores the expected dose c and the apparatus conditions of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A in comparison with each other is provided. Further, the required expected exposure dose c _n (n = 1, 2,...) Corresponding to the required apparatus conditions of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A at the time of medical care (clinical) is read from the predicted exposure dose storage unit 72 into the comparison unit 64. It is supposed to be.

In addition, the main body control device 12A is provided with an allowable dose setting unit 63 that sets an allowable dose b suitable for the patient P based on the personal information and diagnosis principle of the patient P. the allowable dose b to be read, the comparing unit 64 for comparing the required expected radiation dose c _n that is read is provided from the expected dose storage unit 72.

  In the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A shown in FIG. 3, the same members as those of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10 shown in FIG.

Next, an X-ray diagnostic method using the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, the video signal control mode X-ray condition is controlled based on the video signal for the optimization of imaging system, the site for each of the relationship between the required expected dose c _n permissible dose b and patient P of the patient P Will be described as a combined mode with an exposure dose control mode in which the X-ray conditions are controlled based on the exposure dose of the patient P.

  First, before medical treatment of the patient P, various apparatus conditions of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A are input to the expected dose calculation unit 71 provided in the X-ray apparatus main body 12A of the X diagnostic apparatus 10A shown in FIG. Expected exposure doses c for each region predicted for each apparatus condition are calculated. The calculation of the expected dose c for each part is calculated as the surface dose at the time of medical care (clinical time) using, for example, a simple surface dose conversion formula (NDD: Non Dosimeter Dosimetry) from various device conditions of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A. The

  The predicted dose c for each part calculated by the predicted dose calculation unit 71 is compared with the apparatus condition of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A and stored in the predicted dose storage unit 72 (step S21).

  At the time of medical treatment (clinical time) of the patient P, an allowable exposure dose b suitable for each part of the patient P is set based on personal information and diagnostic principle for each patient (step S1). The allowable exposure dose b may be set according to a predetermined value, or the allowable exposure dose b may be set according to a level by dividing it into several levels consisting of a predetermined value range.

  Here, when the purpose of medical treatment is achieved even if imaging is performed under relatively low exposure X-ray conditions, such as diagnosis only for confirming foreign substances in the body or medical treatment before the catheter reaches the ROI Sets the value or level of the allowable exposure dose b low.

  Next, required apparatus conditions for the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A are set (step S2).

Further, from the stored predicted dose c expected dose storage unit 72 at step S21, a required expected radiation dose c _n comparison unit corresponding to the required device conditions of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A which is set in step S2 64 is read. Further, the allowable exposure dose b is read into the comparison unit 64 from the allowable exposure dose setting unit 63 (step S22).

Then, the comparison section 64, a required expected radiation dose c _n for each site that was read from the expected dose storage unit 72, and the allowable dose b of each site was read from the allowable dose setting unit 63 patient P are compared for each region, for all sites in a patient P, a required expected actual radiation dose c _n and acceptable radiation dose b is whether the required relationship is determined. For example, for all sites of the patient P, whether the required expected dose c _n is less than the allowable radiation dose b it is determined (step S23).

Yes determination at step S23, i.e., for all sites of the patient P, if required expected dose c _n is determined to be lower than the permissible radiation dose b, continue to care of the patient P by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A Is determined (step S7). When the determination in step S7 is Yes, that is, when it is determined that the medical treatment of the patient P by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A is to be continued, the command for the video signal control mode is transmitted from the comparison unit 64 to the mode switching unit 54 (step S8). ).

  When the video signal control mode command is received by the mode switching unit 54 in step S8, the mode is switched to the video signal control mode. I. The high voltage supply circuit 20 depends on the X-ray conditions such as the high voltage supplied to the X-ray tube 21 and its current value, which are determined by the signal for maintaining the 27 fluorescent outputs and the X-ray imaging conditions input from the console 53. Is controlled (step S9), and high voltage power is supplied from the high voltage supply circuit 20, and X-rays are emitted toward the patient P (step S10).

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is a change in the apparatus condition setting of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A (step S24). If the determination in step S24 is Yes, that is, if it is determined that there is a change in the apparatus condition setting of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A, the process returns to step S22.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S24 is No, that is, if it is determined that there is no change in the apparatus condition setting of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A, the process returns to step S9.

  If it is determined No in step S7, that is, if it is determined not to continue the medical treatment of the patient P by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A, the medical operation is terminated.

On the other hand, No in determination of Step S23, i.e., for at least one site among the sites of the patient When the P, the required expected dose c _n is judged to be higher than the permissible dose b, according to X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A It is determined whether or not to continue the medical treatment for the patient P (step S11). If the determination in step S11 is Yes, that is, if it is determined that the medical treatment of the patient P by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A is to be continued, the command for the exposure dose control mode is transmitted from the comparison unit 64 to the mode switching unit 54 (step S12). ).

When step S12 instruction dose control mode to the mode switching unit 54 at is received, it switches to dose control mode, the required expected radiation dose c _n in the determination in step S6 is higher than the permissible dose b sites The high voltage supply circuit 20 is controlled by the X-ray conditions such as the high voltage supplied to the X-ray tube 21 and the current value determined by the allowable exposure dose b corresponding to (step S13). The patient P receives X-rays upon receiving high-voltage power from the high-voltage supply circuit 20 (step S14).

  Then, it is determined whether or not there is a change in the apparatus condition setting of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A (step S25). If the determination in step S25 is Yes, that is, if it is determined that there is a change in the apparatus condition setting of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A, the process returns to step S22.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S25 is No, that is, if it is determined that there is no change in the apparatus condition setting of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A, the process returns to step S13.

  Here, in steps S10 and S14, X-rays are emitted from the X-ray tube 21 of the holding device 11 toward the patient P, so that the I.D. I. 27 is transmitted X-rays, I. The optical image is corrected to an appropriate size by the optical system 28 provided on the output side 27. The optical image corrected by the optical system 28 is converted into a TV video signal by the TV camera (or imaging element) 29, and the TV video signal is input from the TV camera 29 to the TV camera control unit 30. The signal is amplified and A / D converted to an appropriate signal level and converted into a digital image signal.

  The digital image signal of the TV camera control unit 30 is subjected to signal processing by the image acquisition system 41 of the main body control device 12A, and the noise of the image signal is removed. The image signal data of the image acquisition system 41 is stored in the image memory 42, and the image processing system 43 performs image processing according to the designation of the window level and window width. The image processed by the image processing system 43 is displayed on the monitor 44.

  The image data stored in the image memory 42 is written from the image storage system 45 to an image file device 46 such as an optical disk device and stored.

In the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A and the X-ray diagnostic method of the present embodiment, the video signal control mode and the exposure dose control mode are used together, but only the exposure dose control mode may be provided. In this case, the PMT 31 and the automatic adjustment circuit 51 shown in FIG. 3 are not necessary, and steps S7 to S10 and S24 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 are unnecessary. Then, by controlling the X-ray condition, to maintain the required expected radiation dose c _n predicted in all parts of the patient P, below the allowable dose b set in step S1.

According to X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10A and the X-ray diagnostic method of this embodiment, for all sites in a patient P, controls the X-ray condition as the required expected radiation dose c _n and acceptable radiation dose b is a required relationship Thus, the purpose of medical care can be achieved and the exposure to the patient can be reduced.

1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. The flowchart which shows the X-ray diagnostic method using the X-ray diagnostic apparatus which concerns on this invention. The block diagram which shows 2nd Embodiment of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus which concerns on this invention. The flowchart which shows the X-ray diagnostic method using the X-ray diagnostic apparatus which concerns on this invention. The block diagram which shows the conventional X-ray diagnostic apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

10, 10A X-ray diagnostic apparatus 30 TV camera control unit 54 Mode switching unit 63 Allowable dose setting unit 64 Comparison unit 72 Expected dose storage unit

Claims (9)

In an X-ray diagnostic apparatus for performing fluoroscopy and imaging of a patient,
An allowable dose setting unit for setting an allowable dose suitable for the patient;
A comparison unit that converts the X-ray dose measured by the dosimeter into the actual exposure dose of the patient, and compares the actual exposure dose of the patient with the allowable exposure dose suitable for the patient read from the allowable exposure dose setting unit When,
As a result of the comparison by the comparison unit, when the actual dose and the allowable dose are in a required relationship, a high voltage control for controlling an X-ray condition in a dose control mode based on the patient dose And an X-ray diagnostic apparatus. In an X-ray diagnostic apparatus for performing fluoroscopy and imaging of a patient,
An expected dose storage unit for storing an expected dose calculated from various apparatus conditions;
An allowable dose setting unit for setting an allowable dose suitable for the patient;
The required expected exposure dose corresponding to the required apparatus condition is read from the expected dose stored in the expected dose storage unit, and the required expected dose and the allowable dose of the patient read from the allowable dose setting unit are read. A comparison section to compare;
As a result of the comparison by the comparison unit, when the required expected exposure dose and the allowable exposure dose are in a required relationship, a high voltage for controlling the X-ray condition in an exposure dose control mode based on the patient exposure dose An X-ray diagnostic apparatus comprising a control circuit. The X-ray according to claim 1, further comprising a mode switching unit that receives a result of the comparison by the comparison unit and switches to a video signal control mode based on a video signal or the exposure dose control mode. Diagnostic device. I. I. The X-ray according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an automatic brightness adjustment circuit for controlling an automatic aperture of the TV camera according to a video signal level from the camera, or controlling a gain of the camera by automatic gain control. Diagnostic device. In an X-ray diagnostic method for performing fluoroscopy and imaging of a patient,
An allowable dose setting step in which an allowable dose suitable for the patient is set;
A required equipment condition setting process in which required equipment conditions are set;
An X-ray exposure process in which X-rays are exposed toward the patient under the required apparatus conditions;
An actual exposure dose conversion step in which an X-ray dose is measured from the X-ray, and the X-ray dose is converted into an actual exposure dose of the patient;
The actual exposure dose input in which the actual exposure dose of the patient converted in the actual exposure dose conversion step is input and the allowable exposure dose suitable for the patient set in the allowable exposure dose setting step is read.・ Acceptable dose reading process,
A comparison step in which the actual exposure dose of the patient is compared with an acceptable exposure dose adapted to the patient;
As a result of the comparison in the comparison step, when the actual exposure dose and the allowable exposure dose are in a required relationship, X-rays whose X-ray conditions are controlled in an exposure dose control mode based on the patient exposure dose An X-ray diagnostic method comprising: a condition control step. The allowable exposure dose is set for each region, and the actual exposure dose is converted for each region, so that in the comparison step, the actual exposure dose of the patient and the allowable exposure dose suitable for the patient are determined. The X-ray diagnostic method according to claim 5, wherein the comparison is performed for each part. In an X-ray diagnostic method for performing fluoroscopy and imaging of a patient,
Expected dose calculation / storage process in which the expected dose calculated from various device conditions is stored in advance of medical treatment,
An allowable dose setting step in which an allowable dose suitable for the patient is set;
A required equipment condition setting process in which required equipment conditions are set;
A required expected exposure dose corresponding to the required apparatus condition is read from the predicted exposure dose stored in the expected exposure dose storage step, and the required expected exposure dose and the patient dose read in the allowable exposure dose setting step are read. A comparison process in which the allowable exposure dose is compared;
As a result of the comparison in the comparison step, when the required expected exposure dose and the allowable exposure dose are in a required relationship, X-ray conditions are controlled in an exposure dose control mode based on the patient exposure dose. An X-ray diagnostic method comprising: a line condition control step. The predicted exposure dose is stored for each region, and the allowable exposure dose is set for each region, so that the required expected exposure dose and the allowable exposure dose suitable for the patient are determined in the comparison step. The X-ray diagnostic method according to claim 7, wherein the comparison is performed every time. 8. The X-ray diagnosis method according to claim 5, wherein the comparison result of the comparison step is received, and the mode is switched to a video signal control mode based on a video signal or the exposure dose control mode.

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