JP2017153666A - Medical image diagnostic apparatus and magnetic resonance imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a load of an operation to align a patient on a top plate, in a medical image diagnostic apparatus and a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.SOLUTION: A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprises: a measurement part 700 which measures body information of a subject; a bed body 50 which holds a top plate for placing the subject thereon; a calculation part which calculates a sitting position on the top plate on the basis of the body information; an indication part which indicates the sitting position; and an indication control part which controls the indication part to indicate the sitting position calculated by the calculation part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a medical diagnostic imaging apparatus and a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

  A medical image diagnostic apparatus such as an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) image, an X-ray CT (Computerized Tomography) apparatus, and an X-ray diagnostic apparatus captures a patient on a top board and acquires internal information of the patient as image data It is.

  2. Description of the Related Art A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus as a medical image diagnostic apparatus excites nuclear spins in an imaging region placed in a static magnetic field with a high frequency signal of a Larmor frequency, that is, an RF (Radio Frequency) signal. Then, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus receives a magnetic resonance signal generated from the imaging region in association with the excitation, that is, an MR (Magnetic Resonance) signal by a WB (Whole Body) coil, and reconfigures to generate image data. In the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, various local coils corresponding to various imaging regions may be used.

  Furthermore, an X-ray CT apparatus as a medical image diagnostic apparatus emits X-rays from a plurality of views toward an imaging region of a patient, and generates image data based on the intensity of the X-ray for each view that has passed through the imaging region. To do. When the head is imaged, the head or the like may be fixed by a head fixing tool.

JP 2007-68984 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a medical diagnostic imaging apparatus and a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that can reduce the load of the patient positioning operation on the top board.

  The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a measurement unit that measures body information of a subject, a bed body that holds a top plate on which the subject is placed, and the top of the top plate based on the body information. A calculation unit for calculating the seating position, an instruction unit for instructing the seating position, and an instruction control unit for controlling the instruction unit to instruct the seating position calculated by the calculation unit.

1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an MRI apparatus as a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment. (A), (B) is a figure which shows the installation position on the top plate in the various classification of the RF coil with which the MRI apparatus which concerns on this embodiment is equipped. The block diagram which shows the function of the MRI apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. The flowchart which shows the function of the MRI apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. The figure which shows the height information of the MRI apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. (A)-(C) is a figure for demonstrating the calculation method of Z component of the seating position on a top plate in the MRI apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. The figure which shows the 1st example of the seating position on a top plate and the instruction | indication method in the MRI apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. The figure which shows the 2nd example of the seating position on a top plate and the instruction | indication method in the MRI apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. The figure which shows the 3rd example of the seating position on a top plate and the instruction | indication method in the MRI apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. The figure which shows the 4th example of the seating position on a top plate and the instruction | indication method in the MRI apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. The figure which shows the 5th example of the seating position on a top plate and the instruction | indication method in the MRI apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. The figure which shows the 6th example of the seating position on a top plate and the instruction | indication method in the MRI apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. The figure which shows the patient seated in the seating position on a top plate in the MRI apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the fine adjustment method of the position of the patient mounted in the recumbent position on the top plate in the MRI apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. The figure which shows the installation position on the top plate in the head fixing tool with which the X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on this embodiment is equipped. The figure for demonstrating the calculation method of Z component of the seating position on a top plate in the X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an MRI apparatus as a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment.

  The MRI apparatus 1 includes a magnet mount 100, a control cabinet 300, a console 400, a bed 500, a detection unit 600, a measurement unit 700, and an instruction unit 800.

  The magnet mount 100 includes a static magnetic field magnet 10, a gradient magnetic field coil 11, and a WB (Whole Body) coil 12, and these components are housed in a cylindrical casing. The bed 500 includes a bed body 50 and a top plate 51.

  The control cabinet 300 includes a static magnetic field power supply device 30, a gradient magnetic field power supply device 31 (31x for X-axis, 31y for Y-axis, 31z for Z-axis), an RF receiver 32, an RF transmitter 33, and a sequence controller 34. .

  The console 400 includes a processing circuit 40, a storage circuit 41, a display 42, and an input circuit 43. The console 400 functions as a host computer.

  The static magnetic field magnet 10 of the magnet gantry 100 is divided into a tunnel type in which the static magnetic field magnet has a cylindrical magnet structure and an open type (open type) in which a pair of static magnetic field magnets are arranged above and below the imaging space. Separated. Here, although the case where the static magnetic field magnet 10 is a tunnel type is demonstrated, it is not limited to that case.

  The static magnetic field magnet 10 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and generates a static magnetic field in a bore in which a subject, for example, a patient is transported. The bore is a space inside the cylinder of the magnet mount 100. The static magnetic field magnet 10 includes a casing for holding liquid helium, a refrigerator for cooling the liquid helium to a cryogenic temperature, and a superconducting coil inside the casing. The static magnetic field magnet 10 may be constituted by a normal conducting magnet or a permanent magnet. Hereinafter, the case where the static magnetic field magnet 10 has a superconducting coil will be described.

  The static magnetic field magnet 10 has a built-in superconducting coil, and the superconducting coil is cooled to a cryogenic temperature by liquid helium. The static magnetic field magnet 10 generates a static magnetic field by applying a current supplied from the static magnetic field power supply device 30 to the superconducting coil in the excitation mode. Thereafter, when the mode is changed to the permanent current mode, the static magnetic field power supply device 30 is disconnected. Once in the permanent current mode, the static magnetic field magnet 10 continues to generate a large static magnetic field for a long time, for example, for one year or more.

  The gradient magnetic field coil 11 has a substantially cylindrical shape like the static magnetic field magnet 10 and is installed inside the static magnetic field magnet 10. The gradient magnetic field coil 11 applies a gradient magnetic field to the patient by electric power supplied from the gradient magnetic field power supply device 31.

  Here, since the eddy current generated with the generation of the gradient magnetic field hinders imaging, for example, an ASGC (Actively Shielded Gradient Coil) for the purpose of reducing the eddy current is used as the gradient coil 11. Also good. The ASGC is a gradient coil in which a shield coil for suppressing a leakage magnetic field is provided outside a main coil for forming respective gradient magnetic fields in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions.

  The WB coil 12 is also called a whole body coil, and is installed in a substantially cylindrical shape so as to surround the patient inside the gradient coil 11. The WB coil 12 transmits an RF pulse transmitted from the RF transmitter 33 toward the patient. On the other hand, the WB coil 12 receives a magnetic resonance signal emitted from a patient by excitation of hydrogen nuclei, that is, an MR (Magnetic Resonance) signal.

  In addition to the WB coil 12, the MRI apparatus 1 may include an RF (Radio Frequency) coil 20 as shown in FIG. The RF coil 20 is a local coil placed close to the patient's body surface. The RF coil 20 may include a plurality of coil elements. Since the plurality of coil elements are arranged in an array inside the RF coil 20, they may be called PAC (Phased Array Coil).

  There are several types of RF coils 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the RF coil 20 includes a body coil (Body Coil) installed on the chest, abdomen, or leg of the patient, and a spine coil (Spine Coil) installed on the back of the patient. There is a type. In addition, the RF coil 20 is also classified into a head coil (Head Coil) for imaging the patient's head and a foot coil (Foot Coil) for imaging the foot. Further, the RF coil 20 includes types such as a wrist coil for imaging the wrist, a knee coil for imaging the knee, and a shoulder coil for imaging the shoulder. Although many of the RF coils 20 are dedicated to reception, some of the RF coils 20 include a transmission / reception coil that performs both transmission and reception. For example, in the head coil and the knee coil as the RF coil 20, a transmission / reception coil also exists.

  Here, the installation position on the top plate 51 is determined depending on the type of the RF coil 20. Here, a case where the type of the RF coil 20 whose installation position on the top plate 51 is determined is a head coil, a shoulder coil, a spine coil, a wrist coil, a knee coil, and a foot coil will be described. However, it is not limited to them.

  2A and 2B are diagrams showing installation positions on the top plate 51 for various types of RF coils 20 provided in the MRI apparatus 1.

  FIG. 2A shows a top view of the magnet mount 100 and the top plate 51. FIG. 2A shows the installation position of the RF coil 20 in the case of Head-First that is inserted into the magnet mount 100 from the head side of the patient.

  A position Pa on the top plate 51 is an installation position of the head coil as the RF coil 20. A position Pb on the top plate 51 is an installation position of a shoulder coil as the RF coil 20. A position Pc on the top plate 51 is an installation position of the spine coil as the RF coil 20. A position Pd on the top plate 51 is an installation position of the wrist coil as the RF coil 20. A position Pe on the top plate 51 is an installation position of the knee coil as the RF coil 20. A position Pf on the top plate 51 is an installation position of a foot coil as the RF coil 20.

  One or a plurality of coils are selected as use coils depending on the imaging region. For example, when the imaging region is the head, the head coil is selected as the working coil. Prior to head imaging, the head coil is set at the installation position Pa shown in FIG.

  Furthermore, when the imaging region is the spine, a spine coil is selected. Alternatively, when the imaging site is the spine, the spine coil is selected as the use coil, and a specific coil element is selected as the use coil element from the plurality of coil elements in the spine coil.

  FIG. 2B shows a top view of the magnet mount 100 and the top plate 51. FIG. 2B shows the installation position of the RF coil 20 in the case of Foot-First entering the magnet mount 100 from the patient's foot side to the magnet mount 100.

  A position Pa ′ on the top plate 51 is an installation position of the head coil as the RF coil 20. A position Pb ′ on the top plate 51 is an installation position of a shoulder coil as the RF coil 20. A position Pc ′ on the top plate 51 is an installation position of the spine coil as the RF coil 20. A position Pd ′ on the top plate 51 is an installation position of the wrist coil as the RF coil 20. A position Pe ′ on the top plate 51 is an installation position of the knee coil as the RF coil 20. A position Pf ′ on the top plate 51 is an installation position of a foot coil as the RF coil 20.

  One or a plurality of coils are selected as use coils depending on the imaging region. For example, when the imaging region is the head, a head coil is selected. Prior to head imaging, the head coil is set at the installation position Pa ′ shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the case where the approach to the magnet mount 100 is the head-first shown in FIG. 2A will be described as an example.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 1, the gradient magnetic field power supply device 31 includes gradient magnetic field power supply devices 31x, 31y, and 31z for the respective channels that drive the coils that generate the gradient magnetic fields of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis. . The gradient magnetic field power supply devices 31x, 31y, and 31z output necessary current waveforms independently for each channel in response to a command from the sequence controller 34. Thereby, the gradient coil 11 can apply a gradient magnetic field in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions to the patient.

  The RF transmitter 33 generates an RF pulse based on an instruction from the sequence controller 34. The generated RF pulse is transmitted to the WB coil 12 and applied to the patient. An MR signal is generated from the patient by application of the RF pulse. The MR coil 20 or the WB coil 11 receives this MR signal.

  The MR signal received by the RF coil 20, more specifically, the MR signal received by each coil element in the RF coil 20 is transmitted to the RF receiver 32. The output path of each coil element and the output path of the WB coil 12 are called channels. For this reason, each MR signal output from each coil element or WB coil 12 may be referred to as a channel signal. The channel signal received by the WB coil 12 is also transmitted to the RF receiver 32.

  The RF receiver 32 AD-converts channel signals from the RF coil 20 and the WB coil 12, that is, MR signals, and outputs them to the sequence controller 34. The digitally changed MR signal is sometimes referred to as raw data.

  The sequence controller 34 performs imaging of the patient by driving the gradient magnetic field power supply device 31, the RF transmitter 33, and the RF receiver 32 under the control of the console 400. When raw data is received from the RF receiver 32 by imaging, the sequence controller 34 transmits the raw data to the console 400.

  The sequence controller 34 includes a processing circuit (not shown). The processing circuit includes, for example, a processor that executes a predetermined program, hardware such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

  The bed body 50 of the bed 500 can move the top 51 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. Before imaging, the patient placed on the top 51 is moved to a predetermined height. Thereafter, at the time of imaging, the top plate 51 is moved in the horizontal direction to move the patient into the bore.

  The console 400 includes a processing circuit 40, a storage circuit 41, a display 42, and an input circuit 43.

  The processing circuit 40 means a processing circuit such as a dedicated or general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processor Unit), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a programmable logic device. Examples of the programmable logic device include circuits such as a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The processing circuit 40 realizes functions to be described later by reading and executing a program stored in the storage circuit 41 or directly incorporated in the processing circuit 40.

  The processing circuit 40 may be configured by a single circuit or may be configured by combining a plurality of independent circuits. In the latter case, the storage circuit 41 for storing the program may be provided individually for each circuit of the plurality of circuits, or one storage circuit 41 stores the program corresponding to the functions of the plurality of circuits. There may be.

  The storage circuit 41 includes a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) and a flash memory, a hard disk, and an optical disk. The storage circuit 41 may include a portable medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and a DVD (Digital Video Disk). The storage circuit 41 stores various processing programs used in the processing circuit 40 (including an OS (Operating System) in addition to application programs), data necessary for executing the programs, and medical images. In addition, the OS may include a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that uses a lot of graphics for displaying information on the display 42 for the operator and can perform basic operations by the input circuit 43.

  The display 42 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display panel, a plasma display panel, and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel.

  The input circuit 43 is a circuit for inputting a signal from an input device such as a pointing device (such as a mouse) or a keyboard that can be operated by an operator. Here, the input device itself is also included in the input circuit 43. . When the input device is operated by the operator, the input circuit 43 generates an input signal corresponding to the operation and outputs it to the processing circuit 40. Note that the MRI apparatus 1 may include a touch panel in which an input device is configured integrally with the display 42.

  The detection unit 600 is provided near the entrance shield door of the examination room and detects a patient entering the examination room. The detection unit 600 is a human sensor that uses infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, visible light, or the like. The detection unit 600 may be a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) line sensor in which a plurality of image receiving elements are arranged in a line in the vertical direction. In that case, the processing circuit 40 takes a difference between the data of a plurality of frames obtained by the CCD line sensor, and detects the patient based on the difference between the data of the frame not including the patient and the data of the frame including the patient.

  The measuring unit 700 is provided inside or outside the examination room. The measurement unit 700 measures the patient's physical information under the control of the processing circuit 40. The physical information includes feature points. Further, the body information may include height information as shown in FIG. The height information is, for example, information on the difference in height between a plurality of feature points. As the measurement unit 700, for example, kinect (registered trademark), a CCD line sensor, or a thermography device can be used.

  Kinect measures a patient image and depth information, and generates a skeleton image including feature points based on the image and depth information.

  The CCD line sensor is a sensor in which a plurality of image receiving elements are arranged in a line in the vertical direction. When a CCD line sensor is used as the detection unit 600 and the measurement unit 700, the function of the measurement unit 700 can be incorporated in the detection unit 600. In that case, a CCD line sensor provided as a detection unit 600 in the vicinity of the entrance shield door of the examination room detects a patient and images a moving patient to generate an optical image including physical information of the patient.

  The thermography device analyzes infrared rays emitted from a patient and generates a heat distribution image including physical information of the patient.

  The instruction unit 800 instructs a seating position on the top board 51 under the control of the processing circuit 40. As the instruction unit 800, the projectors 81 and 82 in FIG. 7, the projectors 83 and 84 in FIG. 8, the plurality of light emitters 85 in FIG. 9, the speaker 86 in FIGS. 10 and 12, and the light emission in FIG. At least one of the seven bodies 87 is employed. The installation location and operation of each instruction unit 800 will be described later.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing functions of the MRI apparatus 1.

  When the processing circuit 40 (or the processing circuit of the sequence controller 34) executes the program, the MRI apparatus 1 functions as a selection function 401, a calculation function 402, an instruction control function 403, and an imaging function 404. Note that the selection function 401 is not an essential function.

  The selection function 401 is a function of acquiring information on an imaging part that is an imaging target of a patient and selecting a use coil corresponding to the imaging part from the RF coil 20 whose installation position on the top plate is determined. The information on the imaging region is included in, for example, a work list of DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) specifications supplied from a MWM (Modality Work list Management) server. The MRI apparatus 1 makes an inquiry to the MWM server and acquires a work list before performing the inspection.

  The calculation function 402 is a function that calculates distance information on the top 51 by calculating feature points and height information based on the patient's physical information measured by the measurement unit 700. The distance information is obtained by converting the height included in the height information shown in FIG. The calculation function 402 is a function for calculating the seating position on the top board 51 based on the distance information. The calculation function 402 calculates the height information of the predetermined part with respect to the reference part, and sets the position on the top 51 that is shifted from the predetermined position on the top 51 by the distance information corresponding to the height information. It can be calculated as a seating position according to the body information. Here, the seating position on the top plate 51 means at least a position in the Z direction on the top plate 51. For example, the seating position on the top board 51 is the Z component (one-dimensional position information) of the position on the top board 51, or the X and Z components (two-dimensional position) of the position on the top board 51. Information). The position of the seating position on the top plate 51 in the Y direction is determined by the height of the top plate 51.

  When a CCD line sensor is used as the measurement unit 700, the calculation function 402 acquires an optical image including feature points and height information from the measurement unit 700. Here, the optical image includes a plurality of feature points such as the center of the head, the bases of both arms, the center of the trunk, and the bases of both legs. When a thermography device is used as the measurement unit 700, the calculation function 402 acquires a heat distribution image including feature points and height information from the measurement unit 700. Since the work list includes information on the patient's height, the actual height can be obtained by associating the number of pixels from the top of the image to the foot with the height.

  The calculation function 402 can also calculate the seating position on the top 51 based on the body information of the patient who has boarded the wheelchair measured by the measuring unit 700. When a detection signal indicating that human passage has been detected is received from a line sensor or the like (not shown) arranged near the entrance of the examination room, the calculation function 402 determines the height of the patient (height from the foot to the top of the head). + Depth of seating surface) and an image including height can be acquired. The line sensor or the like may be built in a magnetic sensor or the like installed as a safety measure for MRI inspection.

  Alternatively, when the selection function 401 exists, the calculation function 402 calculates the seating position on the top plate 51 based on the distance information on the top plate 51 based on the height information and the used coil selected by the selection function 401. May have a function of calculating. When kinect is used as the measurement unit 700, the calculation function 402 acquires a skeleton image including a plurality of feature points from the measurement unit 700. As in the case of the CCD line sensor, the calculation function 402 can calculate a plurality of feature points on the skeleton image and a distance in the Z direction between them from information on the height of the patient included in the work list. Hereinafter, the case where the selection function 401 exists and the calculation function 402 calculates the seating position based on the distance information on the top plate 51 based on the height information and the used coil will be described.

  Here, when a plurality of used coils are selected according to a plurality of imaging parts, the calculation function 402 is based on the used coils corresponding to any of the imaging parts and the distance information on the top plate 51. The seating position on the plate 51 may be calculated. In addition, when the use coil includes a plurality of coil elements, the calculation function 402 is based on one or more use coil elements among the plurality of coil elements included in the use coil and distance information on the top plate 51. The seating position on the plate 51 may be calculated.

  The instruction control function 403 is a function for controlling the instruction unit 800 and instructing the sitting position calculated by the calculation function 402.

  The imaging function 404 is a function for setting imaging conditions and controlling the sequence controller 34 based on the imaging conditions to execute imaging.

  A specific description of the functions 401 to 404 included in the MRI apparatus 1 will be made with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The function of the MRI apparatus 1 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing functions of the MRI apparatus 1.

  The detection unit 600 detects a patient entering the examination room (step ST1). Upon receiving the patient detection signal in step ST1, the selection function 401 starts the process of selecting the coil to be used (step ST2). The selection function 401 acquires information of an imaging part that is an imaging target of the patient, and selects a use coil from the RF coil 20 whose installation position on the top plate is determined based on the imaging part (step ST3).

  Moreover, the measurement part 700 measures a patient's physical information (step ST4). Note that step ST4 may be performed at any time as long as it is after step ST1 and before step ST5.

  When a plurality of feature points of the patient are measured in step ST4, the calculation function 402, based on the use coil selected in step ST3 and the physical information measured in step ST4, the patient's feature on the top 51 is displayed. A seating position is calculated (step ST5).

  In step ST5, the calculation function 402 calculates the height information of the imaging region with respect to the reference position of the patient based on the coil used and the body information (step ST51). The reference part is a part that becomes a base point of rotation of the patient when shifting from the sitting posture to the supine posture on the top board. That is, when shifting from the sitting posture to the supine posture, the base point only rotates on the spot, so the position of the reference portion in the Z direction is unchanged. As the reference part, a part that is on the patient's body axis and is substantially in contact with the top plate 51a when seated on the top plate 51a, for example, a seat (seat) bone or a peripheral part thereof is selected.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the height information.

  FIG. 5 shows a skeleton image including a plurality of feature points such as joint positions as the measurement unit 700 (illustrated in FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 5, examples of the plurality of feature points included in the skeleton image include a head, a shoulder center, a right shoulder, and a hip center.

  When the coil used is a head coil, the imaging part is associated with “head” as a feature point, and the reference part is associated with “butt center B” as a feature point. Then, the height of the “head” as the feature point with respect to the “butt center B” as the reference part is calculated. Specifically, when the coil used is a head coil, a head height Δza as a feature point with respect to “butt center B” as a reference part is calculated. In the case shown in FIG. 5, the position of the “head” is higher than the position of the “butt center B”, so the height Δza is positive. When the height Δza is positive and the coil used is a head coil, the seating position is on the negative side (right side) of the head coil installation position Pa [za] as shown in FIG. )

  When the used coil is a shoulder coil, the imaging part is associated with “right shoulder (or left shoulder)” as a feature point, and the reference part is associated with “butt center B” as a feature point. Then, the height of the “right shoulder” as the feature point with respect to the “butt center B” as the reference part is calculated. Specifically, when the used coil is a shoulder coil, the height Δzb of the “right shoulder” as a feature point with respect to the “butt center B” as the reference part is calculated. In the case shown in FIG. 5, the position of the “right shoulder” is higher than the position of the “butt center B”, and therefore the height Δzb is positive.

  When the coil used is a spine coil, the imaging region is associated with “spine” as a feature point, and the reference region is associated with “butt center B” as a feature point. Then, the height of the “spine” as the feature point with respect to the “butt center B” as the reference part is calculated. Specifically, when the coil used is a spine coil, the height Δzc of “spine” as a feature point with respect to “butt center B” as a reference region is calculated. In the case illustrated in FIG. 5, the position of the “spine” is higher than the position of the “butt center B”, and thus the height Δzc is positive. When the height Δzc is positive, when the coil used is a spine coil, the seating position is the negative side (right side) from the spine coil installation position Pc [zc], as shown in FIG. Become.

  When the coil used is a wrist coil, the imaging part is associated with “right wrist (or left wrist)” as a feature point, and the reference part is associated with “butt center B” as a feature point. Then, the height of the “right wrist” as the feature point with respect to the “butt center B” as the reference part is calculated. Specifically, when the coil used is a wrist coil, the height Δzd of the “right wrist” as the feature point with respect to the “butt center B” as the reference part is calculated. In the case illustrated in FIG. 5, the position of the “right wrist” is higher than the position of the “butt center B”, and thus the height Δzd is positive.

  When the coil used is a knee coil, the imaging region is associated with “right knee (or left knee)” as a feature point, and the reference region is associated with “butt center B” as a feature point. Then, the height of “right knee” as a feature point with respect to “butt center B” as a reference part is calculated. Specifically, when the used coil is a knee coil, the height Δze of the “right knee” as the feature point with respect to the “butt center B” as the reference part is calculated. In the case shown in FIG. 5, the position of “right knee” is lower than the position of “butt center B”, and therefore the height Δze is negative. When the height Δze is positive and the coil used is a knee coil, the seating position is on the positive side (left side) from the knee coil installation position Pe [ze], as shown in FIG.

  When the coil used is a foot coil, the imaging region is associated with “right ankle (or left ankle)” as a feature point, and the reference region is associated with “butt center B” as a feature point. Then, the height of the “right ankle” as the feature point with respect to the “butt center B” as the reference part is calculated. Specifically, when the coil used is a foot coil, the height Δzf of the “right ankle” as the feature point with respect to the “butt center B” as the reference part is calculated. In the case illustrated in FIG. 5, the position of the “right wrist” is lower than the position of the “butt center B”, and thus the height Δzd is positive.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 4, in step ST <b> 5, the calculation function 402 converts the height information calculated in step ST <b> 51 into distance information on the top plate 51, and from the coil installation position on the top plate 51. A Z component at a position separated in the Z direction by the distance information on the plate 51 is calculated (step ST52). The distance information is obtained by converting the height included in the height information shown in FIG.

  6A to 6C are diagrams for explaining a method of calculating the sitting position on the top board 51. FIG.

  FIG. 6A shows a top view of the top plate 51. Here, the position in the Z direction on the top plate 51 is defined as [Z], and the Z component u of the seating position S is defined as S [u]. When the coil used is a head coil, the seating position is Sa [za using the head coil installation position (for example, the center position) Pa [za] and the distance Δza (positive) shown in FIG. −Δza]. That is, the seating position is on the minus side of the head coil installation position Pa [za], is on the right side of the installation position Pa [za] in FIG.

  When the entrance to the magnet mount 100 is Foot-First, the seating position when the coil used is the head coil is the installation position of the head coil and the distance Δza (positive) shown in FIG. Sa [za + Δza]. That is, the seating position is on the plus side from the position where the head coil is installed, and is on the side close to the magnet mount 100.

  FIG. 6B shows a top view of the top plate 51. The seating position when the coil used is a spine coil can be expressed as Sc [zc−Δzc] using the installation position Pc [zc] of the spine coil and the distance Δzc (positive) shown in FIG. That is, the seating position is on the minus side of the installation position Pc [zc] of the spine coil, is on the right side of the installation position Pc [zc] in FIG.

  When the entrance to the magnet mount 100 is Foot-First, the seating position when the coil used is a spine coil is Sc using the installation position of the spine coil and the distance Δzc (positive) shown in FIG. It can be expressed as [zc + Δzc]. That is, the seating position is on the plus side with respect to the installation position of the spine coil and on the side close to the magnet mount 100.

  FIG. 6C shows a top view of the top plate 51. The seating position when the coil used is a knee coil can be expressed as Se [ze−Δze] using the knee coil installation position Pe [ze] and the distance Δze (negative) shown in FIG. That is, the seating position is on the plus side from the knee coil installation position Pe [ze], is on the left side of the installation position Pe [ze] in FIG.

  When the entrance to the magnet mount 100 is Foot-First, the seating position when the coil used is a knee coil is Se [ze + using the installation position of the knee coil and the distance Δze (negative) shown in FIG. Δze]. That is, the seating position is on the minus side from the knee coil installation position and on the far side from the magnet mount 100.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 4, the instruction control function 403 instructs the seating position calculated in step ST5 (step ST6).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a seating position on the top board 51 and a first example of the instruction method.

  7 shows a side view of the magnet gantry 100, the bed body 50, and the top board 51, and the lower stage of FIG. 7 shows a top view of the bed body 50 and the top board 51. If the position of the XZ plane on the top plate 51 is defined as [X, Z], the intersection of the line indicating the seating position S [u] on the top plate 51 and the center line c of the top plate 51 in the X direction is The seating position is S [c, u].

  In addition, as the instruction unit 800, the magnet mount 100 is provided with a projector 81 whose light irradiation direction is variable. As the projector 81, it is preferable to use a laser pointer using laser light with high directivity. The instruction control function 403 (illustrated in FIG. 3) controls the projector 81 so that the projector 81 emits light toward the seating position S [c, u]. For example, the projector 81 has a rotation axis in a direction parallel to the X direction. In that case, the instruction control function 403 rotates the projector 81 about the rotation axis by the rotation amount based on the YZ component of the seating position S [c, u] so that the seating position S [c, u] is emitted. Let By emitting light from the rotated projector 81 toward the seating position S [c, u], it is possible to instruct the patient before sitting to the seating position S [c, u].

  Alternatively, as the instruction unit 800, a projector 82 whose light irradiation direction is variable is provided on the ceiling of the examination room. The instruction control function 403 (shown in FIG. 3) controls the projector 82 so that the projector 82 emits light toward the seating position S [c, u]. For example, the projector 82 has a rotation axis in a direction parallel to the X direction. In that case, the instruction control function 403 rotates the projector 82 about the rotation axis by the amount of rotation based on the YZ component of the seating position S [c, u] so that the seating position S [c, u] is emitted. Let By emitting light from the rotated projector 82 toward the sitting position S [c, u], it is possible to indicate the sitting position S [c, u] to the patient before sitting. Note that the projector 82 may be provided on a rail that extends in a direction parallel to the Z direction. In that case, the projector 82 need not be rotatable. The instruction control function 403 (shown in FIG. 3) moves the projector 82 on the rail by the amount of movement based on the Z component of the sitting position S [c, u] so that the sitting position S [c, u] is emitted. Let

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a seating position on the top board 51 and a second example of the instruction method.

  8 shows a side view of the magnet gantry 100, the bed body 50, and the top board 51, and the lower stage of FIG. 8 shows a top view of the bed body 50 and the top board 51.

  As the instruction unit 800, the magnet mount 100 is provided with a projector 83 whose light irradiation direction is variable. A convex lens is disposed at the light emitting port of the projector 83. The instruction control function 403 (shown in FIG. 3) controls the projector 83 so that the projector 83 emits light toward the seating position S [c, u]. For example, the projector 83 has a rotation axis in a direction parallel to the X direction. The projector 83 has a rotation axis in a direction parallel to the X direction. In that case, the instruction control function 403 rotates the projector 83 by the rotation amount based on the YZ position of the region M so that the region M on the top plate 51 centering on the seating position S [c, u] is emitted. Rotate around an axis. By emitting light toward the region M from the projector 83 after rotation, the sitting position S [c, u] can be instructed to the patient before sitting.

  Alternatively, as the instruction unit 800, a projector 84 whose light irradiation direction is variable is provided on the ceiling of the examination room. The instruction control function 403 (shown in FIG. 3) controls the projector 84 so that the projector 84 emits light toward the seating position S [c, u]. For example, the projector 84 has a rotation axis in a direction parallel to the X direction. In that case, the instruction control function 403 rotates the projector 84 about the rotation axis by the rotation amount based on the YZ component of the region M so that the region M emits light. By emitting light toward the region M from the projector 84 after rotation, the sitting position S [c, u] can be instructed to the patient before sitting. The light projector 84 may be provided on a rail that extends in a direction parallel to the Z direction. In that case, the projector 84 need not be rotatable. The instruction control function 403 (shown in FIG. 3) moves the projector 84 on the rail by the amount of movement based on the Z component of the region M so that the region M emits light.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a seating position on the top board 51 and a third example of the instruction method.

  The upper part of FIG. 9 shows a side view of the top plate 51, and the lower part of FIG. 9 shows a top view of the top plate 51.

  As the instruction unit 800, a plurality of light emitters 85 such as LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights and the like are arranged on the upper side in the top plate 51 along the parallel direction of the Z direction, for example, the center line c. In that case, the instruction control function 403 (illustrated in FIG. 3) causes the light emitting body corresponding to the sitting position S [c, u] to emit light among the plurality of light emitting bodies 85, thereby allowing the patient before sitting to the sitting position S. [C, u] can be indicated. Here, the light emitter corresponding to the seating position S [c, u] is one or a plurality of light emitters closest to the seating position S [c, u].

  The instruction control function 403 (shown in FIG. 3) can also emit a plurality of light emitters corresponding to the patient's hip width (hip size) around the sitting position S [c, u]. In this case, the patient's hip width may be acquired from the physical information of the work list, or may be acquired from the physical information measured by the measuring unit 700 (shown in FIG. 3). Good.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a seating position on the top board 51 and a fourth example of the instruction method.

  FIG. 10 shows a top view of the top plate 51. A plurality of seating position candidates indicating the position of the top plate 51 in the Z direction are marked on the top plate 51 along the parallel direction of the Z direction, for example, the center line c.

  A speaker 86 is provided as the instruction unit 800. In that case, the instruction control function 403 (illustrated in FIG. 3) causes the speaker 86 to output information for notifying the seating position candidate corresponding to the seating position corresponding to the seating position S [u] among the plurality of seating position candidates. . For example, the instruction control function 403 acquires voice data for uttering an identifier of a sitting position candidate corresponding to the sitting position S [u] from the storage circuit 41 (shown in FIG. 3). And the instruction | indication control function 403 can instruct | indicate the seating position S [c, u] to the patient before seating by reproducing | regenerating the acquired audio | voice data and making it utter from the speaker 86. FIG. For example, the speaker 86 may utter at least “60” as an identifier. Here, the seating position candidates corresponding to the seating position S [u] are one or more seating position candidates closest to the seating position S [u].

  In addition, as the instruction unit 800, an auxiliary display on the top plate 51 side may be provided. In that case, the instruction control function 403 (illustrated in FIG. 3) displays information for notifying a seating position candidate corresponding to the seating position S [u] among the plurality of seating position candidates on the auxiliary display. For example, the instruction control function 403 acquires image data indicating an identifier of a sitting position candidate corresponding to the sitting position S [u] from the storage circuit 41 (shown in FIG. 3). Then, the instruction control function 403 can instruct the sitting position S [c, u] to the patient before sitting by displaying the acquired image data on the auxiliary display. For example, the auxiliary display may display at least “No. 60” as an identifier.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a seating position on the top board 51 and a fifth example of the instruction method.

  The upper part of FIG. 11 shows a side view of the bed body 50 and the top board 51, and the lower part of FIG. 11 shows a top view of the bed body 50 and the top board 51.

  As the instruction unit 800, a plurality of light emitters 87 such as LED lights mounted on the upper side of the bed main body 50 or the upper part of the bed main body 50 are provided. In that case, the instruction control function 403 (illustrated in FIG. 3) causes the light emitting body corresponding to the sitting position S [u] to emit light among the plurality of light emitting bodies 87, thereby allowing the patient before sitting to the sitting position S [u]. ] Can be instructed. Here, the light emitter corresponding to the seating position S [u] is one or a plurality of light emitters closest to the seating position S [u].

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a seating position on the top board 51 and a sixth example of the instruction method.

  FIG. 12 shows a top view of the bed main body 50 and the top board 51. In addition, a plurality of seating position candidates indicating the position of the top plate 51 in the Z direction are marked on the bed body 50.

  It is assumed that a speaker 86 is provided as the instruction unit 800. In that case, the instruction control function 403 (illustrated in FIG. 3) obtains voice data that utters the identifier of the sitting position candidate corresponding to the sitting position S [u] from the storage circuit 41 (illustrated in FIG. 3). And the instruction | indication control function 403 can instruct | indicate the seating position S [u] to the patient before seating by reproducing | regenerating the acquired audio | voice data and making it speak from the speaker 86. FIG. Here, the seating position candidates corresponding to the seating position S [u] are one or more seating position candidates closest to the seating position S [u].

  In addition, as the instruction unit 800, an auxiliary display on the top plate 51 side may be provided. In that case, the instruction control function 403 (illustrated in FIG. 3) acquires image data indicating the identifier of the sitting position candidate corresponding to the sitting position S [u] from the storage circuit 41 (illustrated in FIG. 3). Then, the instruction control function 403 can instruct the sitting position S [u] to the patient before sitting by displaying the acquired image data on the auxiliary display.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 4, the patient is seated at the sitting position in accordance with the seating position instructed in step ST6, or the Z component of the seating position instructed in step ST6 and the X component of the measurement (X of the top 51). In the middle of the direction). Then, the patient turns from the sitting posture to the supine posture by rotating the body around the reference portion at the sitting position.

  FIG. 13 is a view showing a patient seated at a seating position on the top board 51.

  FIG. 13 shows a side view of the bed main body 50 and the top board 51. When the patient is seated at the seating position S [c, u], the seating position S [c, u] substantially matches the reference site B. As described with reference to FIG. 6A, when the imaging region is the head, the distance in the Z direction from the reference region B to the head of the patient seated at the sitting position Sa [za−Δza] is Δza, which is equal to the difference between the head coil installation position Pa [za] and the seating position Sa [za−Δza].

  Returning to the description of FIG. 4, the operator can finely adjust the position of the patient placed on the top 51 in the supine position.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a fine adjustment method of the position of the patient placed on the top board 51 in the prone position.

  FIG. 14 shows a side view of the top board 51 and the patient. As shown in FIG. 14, the bag-like sheet L is placed on the top plate 51, and the patient is placed on the bag-like sheet L in a prone position. The bag-like sheet L can be installed on the top plate 51, the outer surface is made of a high friction coefficient material, and a powder lubricant is sealed inside. The bag-like sheet L is provided with a suction / discharge port connected to a suction / discharge device (not shown). The suction / discharge device has a configuration capable of injecting air into the bag-like sheet L and discharging air from the bag-like sheet L.

  As shown in the upper part of FIG. 14, the patient is placed on the bag-like sheet L in a prone position with the suction / discharge device released (internal pressure is atmospheric pressure). When the internal pressure is atmospheric pressure, the upper and lower sides of the bag-like sheet are in a low friction state because of the powder lubricant enclosed inside, and the upper and lower sliding operations can be performed with a small external force. On the other hand, since the outer surface is made of a material having a high friction coefficient such as rubber, it is possible to prevent displacement between the “bag-like sheet lower surface and the top plate” and the “bag-like sheet upper surface and the patient”. That is, the point R of the bag-like sheet L shown in the upper part of FIG. 14 moves to the point R of the bag-like sheet L shown in the lower part of FIG. By sucking the internal air of the bag-like sheet L after the movement, the upper and lower sides of the bag-like sheet are fixed, and the position of the top board and the patient is fixed.

  Returning to the explanation of FIG. 4, the operator attaches the coil to be used to the patient placed on the top board 51 in the supine position. The imaging function 404 sets imaging conditions relating to imaging of the patient placed on the top 51 in the upright position, and controls the sequence controller 34 based on the imaging conditions to execute imaging (step ST7).

  According to the MRI apparatus 1, it is possible to present an appropriate seating position according to the patient's physical information. Moreover, according to the MRI apparatus 1, an appropriate seating position according to the patient's physical information and the installation position of the use coil corresponding to the imaging region of the patient can be presented. Furthermore, according to the MRI apparatus 1, it is possible to present a proper seating position according to the approach direction to the magnet mount 100 in addition to the patient's body information and the installation position of the coil used.

(Modification)
An X-ray CT apparatus as a medical image diagnostic apparatus may include the measurement unit 700 described above, and the X-ray CT apparatus may be configured to function as a selection function 401, a calculation function 402, and an instruction control function 403. The various RF coils described above are replaced with head fixtures for CT imaging.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an installation position on the top plate 51 in the head fixture provided in the X-ray CT apparatus.

  FIG. 15 is a top view of the bed main body 50 and the top plate 51. FIG. 15 shows an installation position on the top board 51 when the head fixture 20g is used. The installation position of the head fixture 20 g is determined with respect to the top plate 51.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a method of calculating the seating position on the top board 51.

  FIG. 16 shows a top view of the bed body 50 and the top board 51. The seating position is a position Sg [zg−Δza] that is separated from the installation position (center position) Pa [zg] of the head fixture 20 g by a distance Δza shown in FIG. 5 in the Z direction.

  According to the X-ray CT apparatus, an appropriate seating position corresponding to the patient's physical information can be presented. Further, according to the X-ray CT apparatus, it is possible to present an appropriate seating position according to the patient's physical information and the installation position of the fixture that fixes the imaging region of the patient.

  According to the medical image diagnostic apparatus and the MRI apparatus of at least one embodiment described above, an appropriate seating position according to the patient's physical information is presented, so that the load of the patient positioning operation on the top board can be reduced. .

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus 20 ... RF coil 40 ... Processing circuits 81-84 ... Projector 85, 87 ... Multiple light emitter 86 ... Speaker 401 ... Selection function 402 ... Calculation function 403 ... Instruction control function 404 ... Imaging function 600 ... detection unit 700 ... measurement unit 800 ... instruction unit

Claims (15)

A measurement unit for measuring the physical information of the subject;
A bed body holding a top plate on which the subject is placed;
Based on the physical information, a calculation unit that calculates a seating position on the top board;
An instruction unit for instructing the sitting position;
An instruction control unit that controls the instruction unit to instruct the seating position calculated by the arithmetic unit;
A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: As the instruction unit, comprising a plurality of light emitters arranged along the longitudinal direction of the top plate,
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the instruction control unit performs control so that a light emitter corresponding to the seating position among the plurality of light emitters emits light.   The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of light emitters are provided on the top plate or the bed body. As the instruction unit, provided with a projector whose light irradiation direction is variable,
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the instruction control unit controls the projector so that the projector emits light toward the seating position.   The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the projector is installed on a ceiling or a gantry of an examination room. As the instruction unit, provided on the ceiling of the examination room, a projector that can move on the rail extending in the longitudinal direction of the top plate,
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the instruction control unit performs control so that light is projected toward the seating position by adjusting a position of a projector on the rail.   The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the instruction unit instructs an area on the top board including the seating position. A speaker is provided as the instruction unit,
A plurality of seating position candidates are marked on the top plate or the bed main body in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the top plate,
The medical image diagnosis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the instruction control unit outputs information for notifying a seating position candidate corresponding to the seating position among the plurality of seating position candidates from the speaker. As the instruction unit, a display unit is provided,
A plurality of seating position candidates are marked on the top plate or the bed main body in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the top plate,
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the instruction control unit causes the display unit to display information for notifying a seating position candidate corresponding to the seating position among the plurality of seating position candidates. A bag-like sheet that can be installed on the top plate, the outer surface is made of a high friction coefficient material, and a powder lubricant is sealed inside;
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a suction / discharge device capable of injecting air into the bag-shaped sheet and discharging air from the bag-shaped sheet.   The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates the sitting position based on the physical information and an imaging region of the subject.   The calculation unit calculates a distance in the longitudinal direction of the top plate between the imaging part and a reference part based on the physical information, and from the position on the top plate corresponding to the imaging part in the longitudinal direction, The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a position shifted by the distance is calculated as the seating position. A detector for detecting the subject;
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the calculation unit starts calculating the sitting position after receiving a detection signal from the detection unit. The measurement unit according to claim 1, the bed body, the calculation unit, the instruction control unit, and the instruction unit,
The said calculating part is a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus which calculates the said seating position based on the said body information and the imaging region of the said test subject. A selection unit that selects a use coil corresponding to the imaging region;
The calculation unit calculates a distance in the longitudinal direction of the top plate between the imaging part and a reference part based on the body information, and the distance from the position on the top plate of the use coil in the longitudinal direction. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a position shifted by the position is calculated as the seating position.

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