JP3725277B2 - X-ray diagnostic system and X-ray CT scanner - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a complex X-ray diagnostic system in which an X-ray CT scanner and an X-ray fluoroscope are functionally combined.System and itsThe present invention relates to an X-ray CT scanner suitable for such a system. In particular, the position of the X-ray CT scanner's slice is determined using a CR (Computed Radiography) image obtained from an X-ray fluoroscope, and the information is given to the X-ray CT scanner. X-ray diagnostic system that can be sharedAnd X-rayThe present invention relates to a CT scanner.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, in order to obtain a tomographic image of a diagnostic region of a subject using an X-ray CT scanner, it is necessary to accurately position the slice position. For this positioning, a CT scanner usually takes an X-ray fluoroscopic image (hereinafter referred to as a scanogram) first called a scanogram and positions the slice position while viewing the scanogram.
[0003]
In order to obtain a scanner image, for example, in the case of an RR type CT scanner, the X-ray tube and the detector are fixed without rotating, and the patient (bed) is moved at a relatively slow constant speed. X-rays are irradiated while moving in one direction. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 8A, a scanogram resembling a normal fluoroscopic image is obtained. A doctor or the like observes the scanogram and determines a slice position (in FIG. 8A, for example, a slice position A including an affected area (lesion)) where the tomographic image is taken. For example, a tomographic image shown in FIG. 8B is obtained by X-ray imaging of the determined slice position.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the scanogram is an image obtained by irradiating X-rays while moving the bed over a certain period of time as described above, it takes much time to capture the image by the moving time of the bed. In other words, since a scanogram is not an image that can be obtained instantaneously like an X-ray fluoroscopic image, it is often difficult to accurately capture a fast-moving part (such as a blood vessel). There was also a problem.
[0005]
Further, in the case of a conventional method using a scano image, the X-ray exposure amount of the subject increases at least by the movement time of the bed described above. From the viewpoint of reducing the amount of X-ray exposure, it has been desirable to obtain an X-ray fluoroscopic image of the diagnostic region of the subject by only instantaneous exposure.
[0006]
Further, the above-mentioned scanogram is an I.D. I. Compared to digitally processed fluoroscopic images (CR (Computed Radiography) images) generated by an X-ray TV apparatus equipped with a two-dimensional detector (image intensifier) and a TV camera. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to find a lesion due to poor contrast and resolution. Therefore, since it takes time to position the slice position, a large amount of time is spent on the entire scan plan, the patient throughput is lowered, and the position of the slice position may be inaccurate.
[0007]
  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and positioning of a slice position of an X-ray CT scanner can be performed accurately, in a short time, and with good operability by significantly reducing the amount of X-ray exposure. ShiStemThe purpose is to provide.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the X-ray diagnostic system of the present invention includes, as one aspect thereof, a subject.Cone beam-shaped irradiated towardsX-rayThe subjectX-ray fluoroscopy device that obtains a CR image composed of digital pixel values from transmitted X-rays accompanying fluoroscopy, an X-ray CT scanner that obtains a tomographic image of the subject, the X-ray fluoroscopy device, and the X-ray CT A common control device that controls the operation of the scanner, and the control device uses tomographic imaging of the subject using the CR image.ForAn acquisition means for acquiring position information;Correction means for correcting a positional deviation in the slice direction due to the cone angle of the irradiation X-ray with respect to the position information acquired by the acquisition meansWhen,The position obtained by the correction meansAnd a sharing means for sharing position information between the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus and the X-ray CT scanner.
[0010]
  Preferably, saidAcquisition meansIs a means for obtaining, as the position information, a slice position of the subject by the X-ray CT scanner using the CR image,The correcting means is means for correcting the slice position according to a positional deviation in the slice direction due to the cone angle of the exposure X-ray,The sharing means is means for giving the slice position to the X-ray CT scanner.
[0011]
For example, the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus includes an X-ray source that irradiates the X-ray, an imaging unit that detects the transmitted X-ray, a converter that converts an output signal of the imaging unit into a digital quantity, and the converter And a monitor for displaying the output signal as the CR image.
[0012]
  For example, the calculation means includes an input device for manually indicating a desired position of the CR image displayed on the monitor, and a setting means for setting the slice position from the desired position indicated via the input device. Prepare. This setting means is, for example, the entire CR image.Absolute position in the slice directionInformation and CR imageThe position of each pixel from the reference pixelAnd means for setting the slice position based on the information.
[0013]
  PreferablySaid correction meansIndicates the set slice position of the rotation center of the gantry of the X-ray CT scanner.Means for correcting the misalignment by converting to a slice position in height.
[0014]
  For example, the X-ray fluoroscope and the X-ray CT scanner have a structure sharing a bed on which the subject is placed.
  Preferably, the X-ray CT scanner includes a storage device that stores a plurality of the tomographic images using the slice position as an index, and the sharing unit includes the slice obtained by the calculation unit. A search unit for searching for a tomographic image corresponding to the position from a plurality of tomographic images in the storage unit; and a display unit for displaying the tomographic image searched by the search unit.
[0015]
  According to the present invention, as another aspect, an X-ray source that irradiates cone-beam X-rays, a connection unit that detects transmitted X-rays when the X-rays are seen through the subject, An X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus comprising: a converter that converts an output signal of the imaging unit into CR image data composed of digital pixel values; and a monitor that displays the CR image data obtained by the converter as a CR image; An X-ray diagnostic system comprising an X-ray CT scanner for obtaining a tomographic image of a specimen, an input device for manually indicating a desired position on the CR image displayed on the monitor, and an instruction via the input device Information on the desired position, absolute position information in the slice direction of the entire CR image, position information from the reference pixel of each pixel of the CR image, and height of the rotation center of the gantry of the X-ray CT scanner information Setting means for setting a slice position of the subject by the X-ray CT scanner based on the information, and providing the slice position information to the X-ray CT scanner. Sharing means for sharing with the X-ray CT scanner.
[0016]
  In the present invention, the fluoroscopic image obtained by the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus is a digitally processed CR image with high spatial resolution.Covered with R imageThe slice position of the specimen (position information on imaging) is determined. This slice position isFor exampleIt is sent online to the X-ray CT scanner and becomes a target value for slice position control. Thereby, the X-ray exposure amount is small, and positioning is performed with high accuracy in a short time.
[0019]
  Furthermore, the X-ray CT scanner of the present invention isAn X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus that obtains a CR image composed of pixel values of a digital amount from transmitted X-rays generated when a cone-beam X-ray irradiated toward the subject sees through the subject, and using the CR image Acquisition means for acquiring slice position information for tomography of the subject and the slice position information acquired by the acquisition means in accordance with the positional deviation in the slice direction based on the cone angle of the irradiated X-ray. An X-ray CT scanner operatively linked to an X-ray diagnostic system having correction means for correcting,Slice positionMisappropriationNewsReceivedReceiving means and the received slice positionAtImaging means for performing X-ray tomographyAndIt is characterized by having.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0021]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an X-ray diagnostic system functionally equipped with an X-ray CT scanner and an X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 schematically shows an electric circuit configuration of the X-ray diagnostic system. It is a block diagram shown in FIG.
[0022]
The X-ray diagnostic system 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes an X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 2 (here, only its fluoroscopic main body), an X-ray CT scanner 3 (here, its gantry portion), and fluoroscopy The bed 2, the console 5, the monitor 6, and the input device 7, which are components common to both the apparatus 2 and the X-ray CT scanner 3, are provided. The bed unit 4 includes a bed 4A and a bed control unit 4B.
[0023]
A top plate 4a is disposed on the upper surface of the bed 4A so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction (usually corresponding to the body axis direction of the patient), and a patient who is a subject on the top plate 4a. P can be placed. Around the bed 4A, the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 2 and the X-ray CT scanner 3 sharing the bed 4A are appropriately spaced within the range of the slide stroke of the top plate 4a. Thus, a functionally complex X-ray diagnostic system 1 that can freely transport a patient between the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 2 and the X-ray CT scanner 3 is formed by sliding the top plate 4a.
[0024]
The top plate 4a is slid by the operation of a bed driving unit 4b represented by an electric motor. The bed driving unit 4b is provided with a slide sensor 4c for detecting the sliding amount of the top plate 4a from the driving amount. The detection signal of the sensor 4c is sent to the bed control unit 4B.
[0025]
The bed control unit 4B includes a circuit that controls the bed driving unit 4b in accordance with control from the CPU of the console 5 to be described later, and includes, for example, a computer circuit as a main part of this circuit. The bed control unit 4B is configured to control the bed driving unit 4b based on the slide value (target value) commanded from the CPU of the console 5 and the detection value (actual value) indicating the current slide position detected by the slide sensor 4c. It has a function to control driving. In the bed part 4, the height of the bed 4A can also be controlled.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 2 includes a bending arm (described as a C arm in this embodiment) 11 such as a C arm or an Ω arm suspended from a ceiling via a support portion 10. An X-ray tube 12 is provided at one end of the C-arm 11 and an I.D. I. And a TV camera with high contrast resolution. I. / TV system (imaging unit) 13 is provided. Thereby, the X-ray tube 12 and the imaging part 13 are arrange | positioned facing each other, and the C arm 11 whole is positioned appropriately, and both oppose on both sides of the bed 4 (patient P).
[0027]
  In the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 2, the support unit 10 isat leastThe entire C arm 11 can be moved three-dimensionally in the X, Y, and Z axis directions (this coordinate system is an orthogonal coordinate system in which the longitudinal direction of the top plate 4a is the Z axis). That is, it can be moved two-dimensionally in the YZ plane with respect to the ceiling by the ceiling mounting portion 10a of the support portion 10, and can be moved in the X (height) direction by the support column portion 10b. The ceiling mounting portion 10a is provided with a movement sensor 10aa for detecting the two-dimensional movement direction and movement amount. The support 10b is provided with a movement sensor 10ba that detects the amount of movement in the height direction. These sensors 10aa and 10ba have an encoder and a potentiometer, and output digital movement information to the CPU of the console 5 described later.
[0028]
This X-ray fluoroscopic imaging is performed by exposing X-rays from the X-ray tube 12 to the patient P on the top board 4a slid to a predetermined imaging position. X-rays that have passed through the patient P due to exposure are transmitted to the I.D. I. And it is detected as a fluoroscopic image of an analog quantity by a TV camera. The analog fluoroscopic image is converted into high spatial resolution digital CR image data having a predetermined number of pixels and pixel size by an A / D converter 14 connected to the imaging unit 13 and sent to a CPU of a console 5 described later. It is done. The X-ray tube 12 is connected to a high voltage generator 15. The high voltage generator 15 is connected to a high voltage control unit of the console 5 described later. Here, the A / D converter 14 is also a component of the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 2, but the A / D converter may be installed on a console described later.
[0029]
The image data sent from the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 2 to the CPU of the console 5 is digital image data as described above. That is, since the pixel size is determined in advance, the position on the digital image can be designated and recognized by the distance from the reference pixel. That is, the CR image data originally includes position specifying information on the CR image. For example, in the M × M pixel size (matrix size), as shown in FIG. 3, if the upper left pixel is (1, 1) and this pixel (1, 1) is used as a reference, the CR image data Can be represented by the number of pixels in the row direction or the column direction from the reference pixel (1, 1) (or the number of pixels × pixel size = distance). Therefore, if the absolute position of the entire CR image in one frame is recognized in the subject, the position of the specific part (one or a plurality of pixels) on the CR image is determined with respect to the subject. Can be specified absolutely.
[0030]
On the other hand, the X-ray CT scanner 3 is configured to be driven by, for example, an R / R (Rotate Rotate) method. That is, the scanner 3 includes a gantry 19, and the gantry 19 includes an X-ray tube 20 and an X-ray detector 21 that are disposed to face each other with a substantially cylindrical opening for imaging. The top plate 4a on which the patient P is placed slides in the opening.
[0031]
Scanning by the X-ray CT scanner 3 is performed as follows. That is, the imaging slice position of the patient P is matched with the slit-like X-ray exposure position of the gantry 19. Then, the patient P is irradiated with an X-ray beam from the X-ray tube 20, and in this state, the X-ray tube 20 and the X-ray detector 21 are integrally rotated, for example, 360 degrees by driving the gantry moving mechanism 22. This rotational drive is controlled by the gantry control unit 23 that has received a command from the console 5. The gantry control unit is configured with a CPU, for example. The X-ray tube 20 is connected to a high voltage generator 25, and this high voltage generator is connected to a high voltage control unit of the console 5 described later.
[0032]
  During this rotation, the X-ray detector 21 detects X-rays (X-ray intensity distribution) transmitted through the imaging slice position of the patient P as X-ray data (current data proportional to the X-ray intensity) at a certain angle. The X-ray data detected by the X-ray detector 21 is subjected to preprocessing such as A / D conversion processing and signal amplification processing by a data acquisition unit (DAS; Data Acquisition System) 24.Per sliceCollected as projection data. This projection data is sent to the image reconstruction unit of the console 5.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 2, the console 5 includes a CPU 30 that controls the entire system, a memory 31 and an interactive display unit 32 connected to the CPU 30, and an image reconstruction unit 33. The console 5 also includes separate high voltage control units 34 and 35 on the fluoroscopic side and the scanner side.
[0034]
Among these, the CPU 30 is connected to the A / D converter 14 and the sensors 10aa and 10ba of the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 2, and is also connected to the dialogue display unit 32, the memory 31, and the high voltage control units 34 and 35. The gantry control unit 23 and the bed control unit 4B are also connected. As an example, the CPU 30 executes the process of FIG. That is, the CPU 30 reads the image data of the CR image and the detection signals of the sensors 10aa and 10ba from the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 2, and performs necessary processing. In addition, necessary information is exchanged with the dialogue control unit 32. Further, the bed control unit 4B and the gantry control unit 23 are controlled, and the slide position signal of the top 4a relayed by the bed control unit 4B is input as necessary. Further, image data and the like are stored in and read from the memory 31.
[0035]
  The image reconstruction unit 33 reads the projection data collected by the data collection unit 24 and performs, for example, a convolution back projection operation to reconstruct a tomographic image for each slice position. The image reconstruction unit 33 is connected to the dialogue display unit 32 and a memory 31 that stores image data of the reconstructed tomographic image. The image reconstruction unit 33 is not on the console side, but on the X-ray CT scanner 3 side.As a unit ofA built-in configuration is also possible.
[0036]
The dialogue display unit 32 is connected to the monitor 6 and the input device 7, and serves as an interface between the monitor (display system) and input device (input system) and the CPU 30 (other processing system). Yes. Specifically, the dialogue control unit 32 has a built-in CPU, and converts numerical data and position data input from the input device 7 into data that can be processed by the CPU 30 and sends the data to the CPU 30, image reconstruction. Processing for setting the display order of the reconstructed images sent from the unit 33 or the memory 31 is executed.
[0037]
The monitor 5 is used for displaying X-ray fluoroscopic images and reconstructed images. The input device 7 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and various information can be input to the entire X-ray diagnostic system 1 from an operator.
[0038]
Next, an operation example of the entire X-ray diagnostic system will be described with reference to FIG.
[0039]
First, a scan plan necessary for imaging by the X-ray CT scanner 3 is established through the processing of steps S1 to S4 in FIG.
[0040]
First, the CPU 30 instructs the X-ray fluoroscope 2 to capture a CR image (step S1). Specifically, in order to determine a slice position, a scan pitch, and the like, photographing of a CR image including a lesioned part of the patient P is instructed to the high-voltage control unit 34 and the bed control unit 4B on the fluoroscopic side. In response to this instruction, the bed control unit 4B drives and controls the bed driving unit 4b based on the slide position information detected by the slide sensor 4c, and the table 4a is subjected to a predetermined imaging position (for fluoroscopic imaging). At least, the patient P (top plate 4a) is positioned at a position where the lesioned part is included in the fluoroscopic imaging range. In this state, the high voltage control unit 34 sends an exposure command signal to the high voltage generator 15 to execute the above-described fluoroscopic imaging. The CR image data including the lesioned part obtained by the fluoroscopic imaging is sent from the A / D converter 14 to the CPU 30.
[0041]
In step S1, the CPU 30 performs a predetermined reference position (for example, the top of the head, the OM line) of the subject when X-ray fluoroscopy is performed based on the detection signals of the slide sensor 4c and / or the movement sensors 10aa and 10ba. The distance (absolute distance to the subject) in the Z-axis direction of the CR image from) is obtained and stored.
[0042]
Next, the CPU 30 displays the CR image taken through fluoroscopically (step S2). Specifically, the CPU 30 stores the sent CR image data in an internal memory, performs necessary digital image processing on the CR image data, and displays the processed CR image data on the dialog display unit 32. Via the monitor 6. As a result, a CR image including a lesion part of the patient P having a higher spatial resolution than the conventional scanogram is displayed on the monitor 6 as shown in FIG.
[0043]
Next, the CPU 30 instructs the dialogue control unit 32 to collect scan plan data (step S3). While viewing the CR image displayed on the monitor 31, the surgeon visually recognizes the size, position, etc. of the lesion and makes a scan plan. Specifically, the surgeon operates the keyboard and mouse of the input device 7 while referring to the CR image, and inputs the scan pitch, the number of slices, slice position information (slice start position, slice end position, etc.), and the like. . Scan plan data including slice position information, scan pitch, and the like designated (input) from the input device 7 is sent to the CPU 30 via the dialog display unit 32.
[0044]
In this scan plan, as slice position information, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, slice line L1 (slice start position) and slice line L2 (slice end position) orthogonal to the body axis direction on the CR image are input, for example, Operate the mouse 7 etc. to input.
[0045]
Next, the CPU 30 converts the slice position designated on the CR image into actual distance data (step S4). Specifically, the CPU 30 reads and stores the scan plan data including the slice position information and the scan pitch that have been sent. At the same time, the slice position information in the scan plan data is referred to the CR image data stored in the internal memory, and the pixel number data (or distance data (pixel number × pixel size)) from the reference pixel. Convert to Thereby, in this embodiment, the slice start position L1 is the distance data m from the reference pixel.
(Mm), the slice end position L2 is converted from the reference pixel to the distance data n (mm). Further, in this conversion process, the absolute position data of the CR image in the Z-axis direction of the subject based on the slide value detected and stored by the slide sensor 4c during fluoroscopic imaging is added to the distance data n and m. Thus, the distance data n and m represent absolute slice start and end positions with respect to the subject.
[0046]
Next, the CPU 30 further corrects the converted distance data n and m for fine adjustment (step S5).
[0047]
The purpose of this correction is as follows. Controlling the slice position in accordance with the distance data n and m that have been converted means that the I.D. I. This is equivalent to changing the slice position at the height position of the X-ray incident surface. However, in practice, the X-ray beam exposed from the X-ray source spreads in a cone shape in the slice direction (Z-axis direction) as shown in FIG. There is a slight deviation between the actual slice position and the slice position specified on the CR image. For example, in the case of FIG. 6, the shift of the slice position with respect to the lesioned part DS is Δz.
[0048]
Although the height of the lesioned part (position in the X-axis direction) differs individually, it can be considered that the height is approximately equal to the height of the gantry rotation center. That is, in the case of the example in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the shift Δz related to the lesioned part is approximately equal to the shift Δz ′ related to the height of the gantry rotation center O.
[0049]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the rotational center O of the gantry is adopted as the compromised and realistic height position, and the distance data n ′ corresponding to the slice position at the height of the rotational center O is used as the distance data n and m. , M ′. This correction conversion is performed in advance by storing geometry data (the height position of the bed (top plate) in the X-axis direction, the height position of the rotation center of the gantry, the height position of the X-ray source and II, etc.) It is executed based on.
[0050]
Next, the CPU 30 operates the X-ray CT scanner 3 based on the scan plan data and executes CT scan imaging (steps S6 to S10).
[0051]
That is, first, the CPU 30 sends a top board movement command to the bed control unit 4B. The couch controller 4B drives and controls the couch driver 4b while referring to the obtained distance data m 'and the position data of the top 4a detected by the sensor 4c, so that the slice position of the gantry 19 is changed to the CR screen. The top 4a is slid so as to coincide with the slice start position L1 specified above (step S6).
[0052]
Subsequently, the CPU 30 drives and controls the gantry 19 via the gantry control unit 23 based on the scan plan data such as the designated scan pitch, and executes scan imaging at the slice start position L1 (step S7).
[0053]
Thereafter, the CPU 30 determines whether or not there is a slice plane to be photographed next with reference to the planned number of slices (step S8). When the imaging slice plane still remains, the CPU 30 sends a top board movement command to the bed control unit 4B again. As a result, the couch controller 4B drives and controls the couch driver 4b while referring to the position data of the couch 4a detected by the sensor 4c, and slides the couch 4a by the scan pitch (step S9). Next, similarly, a scan is performed with a new slice plane (step S10).
[0054]
The processes in steps S8 to S10 are repeated until scan imaging is executed at the slice end position L2 corresponding to the obtained distance data n ′.
[0055]
As a result, projection data of each slice plane between the slice start position L1 and the slice end position L2 is collected via the DAS 23. Therefore, when the CPU 30 notifies the image reconstruction unit 33 of the end of scanning, the image reconstruction unit 33 reconstructs a tomographic image of each slice plane (step S11). The reconstructed images are sequentially displayed on the monitor 31 via the dialogue display unit 32 (step S12).
[0056]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the position and size of a lesion is accurately grasped while viewing a CR image with a spatial resolution much higher than that of a conventional scanogram, and the position and size of the lesion are determined. Scan plan data such as slice position and scan pitch can be set based on size and the like. Then, the scan plan data is used on the X-ray CT scanner 3 side while being online. As a result, scan imaging can be executed by the X-ray CT scanner 3. That is, it is possible to set scan plan data including a slice position based on a high-resolution CR image photographed by an X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus, and to set a slice position (slice start position and slice end position) based on this setting data. It is. As a result, the slice position can be accurately positioned in a short time and with good operability. This also improves patient throughput.
[0057]
Further, as described above, CR image capturing by an X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus is performed instantaneously, and it is not necessary to slide a bed (top plate) as in conventional scanogram imaging. Can be captured. From this point, it is possible to contribute to higher accuracy and shorter time for setting the slice position, and the exposure dose of the patient is remarkably reduced as compared with the case where a conventional scanogram is used.
[0058]
In the present embodiment, the case where a scan plan is made using a CR image has been described. However, the aspect of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention is also used in the following second embodiment. (See FIG. 7). The flowchart of FIG. 7 shows the outline of the process which the control system centering on CPU30 in this 2nd embodiment implements jointly.
[0059]
A plurality of tomographic images (slice images) of a predetermined region including a lesion portion are taken in advance by the X-ray CT scanner 3, and the position of the slice plane at that time in the Z-axis direction (this position itself is the positioning of the present invention described above). Is determined as an index in the memory 31 (FIG. 7, step S20). With this state secured or secured, a CR image including a lesion is taken by the X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus 2 and displayed on the monitor 6 as in the above-described embodiment (step S21). .
[0060]
At this time, a doctor or the like inputs a desired slice position by operating the keyboard or mouse of the input device 7 while viewing the CR image displayed on the monitor 6 (step S22). As described above, this input data is sent to the CPU 30 via the dialogue display unit 32. The CPU 30 refers to a plurality of tomographic images stored in the memory 31 based on the sent slice position data, and corresponds to a tomographic image at the corresponding slice position (if there is no matching slice position, the most adjacent slice position Are sent to the monitor 6 via the dialogue display unit 32 (step S23). As a result, the tomographic image at the slice position designated on the CR image is displayed on the monitor 6 (step S24).
[0061]
That is, according to the second embodiment, a tomographic image at a desired slice position designated by a CR image can be easily and automatically displayed on a monitor. This is effective for various displays. For example, assuming that the processing in step S20 described above is two sets of tomographic image groups before the anticancer agent is embedded in the body and after the anticancer agent is embedded, the same designated slice plane is obtained by executing the processing in steps S21 to S24. It is possible to read out the tomographic plane before and after embedding the anticancer agent, and to divide / comparison this on the monitor. This makes it easier to compare and study the efficacy of anticancer agents.
[0062]
Further embodiments of the present invention are proposed. One of the previously proposed systems is IVR (Interventional Radiology).
There is a system (IVR-CT / angio system) that combines an X-ray CT scanner that performs treatment while performing CT imaging and a circulatory system X-ray TV device (hereinafter simply referred to as an angio device), called Radiology) -CT. . In this system, for example, a catheter used for injection of a contrast medium by angiography is inserted into a blood vessel with reference to an X-ray TV fluoroscopic image by an angio device and a tomographic image by an X-ray CT scanner. Yes.
[0063]
However, in the above system, an angio apparatus and an X-ray CT scanner are arranged adjacent to each other, and only a fluoroscopic image and a tomographic image taken separately are referred to. Slicing position information and the like are not exchanged between the line CT scanners. Therefore, it takes a considerable time to position a slice position that the X-ray CT scanner wants to take an image (to obtain a tomographic image).
[0064]
The present invention can be applied to any system in which such an X-ray TV fluoroscopic system and an X-ray CT scanner system are combined, and can also be applied to the above-described IVR-CT / angio system. That is, when slice position information suitable for grasping the positional relationship between a blood vessel or a catheter that travels in a complex manner while overlapping each other while viewing a CR image taken by an X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus, the slice position information is based on the slice position information. Thus, a slice position photographed by IVR-CT is automatically set, and a tomographic image at the slice position is photographed. Therefore, the positioning time of the slice position in the X-ray CT scanner required in the conventional IVR-CT / angio system is greatly reduced.
[0065]
In the present embodiment, as an apparatus for generating a CR image, I.I. I. Although the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus having the TV / imaging unit is used, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, other digitally processed fluoroscopic images such as an X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus using an imaging plate are used. Any X-ray fluoroscopy device may be used as long as the fluoroscopy device can obtain the above.
[0066]
Furthermore, in the system of the present embodiment, the tomographic image is displayed on the monitor displaying the CR image, but may be displayed on another monitor. Further, the monitor screen of the single monitor may be partitioned to display the CR image and the tomographic image at the same time. Such control is performed by the dialog display unit.
[0067]
Furthermore, in the system of the present embodiment, the order of the processes in steps S4 and S5 in FIG. 4 described above may be switched. That is, the slice start position L1 and the slice end position L2 may be immediately corrected based on FIG. 6 and then converted into distance data n and m.
[0068]
Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus and the X-ray CT scanner have been described as being presupposed to be provided as one integrated system. However, in some cases, the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus The present invention is similarly applied to a system in which the X-ray CT scanner and the X-ray CT scanner are separately manufactured and integrated in the installation site. In that case, a control device common to the X-ray fluoroscope and the X-ray CT scanner
The components including the console (that is, the console, the monitor, and the input device) and the bed part may belong to either the X-ray fluoroscope or the X-ray CT scanner.
[0069]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, the X-ray diagnostic system of the present inventionAnd X-rayAccording to the scanner, an X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus that obtains a CR image of a subject composed of digital pixel values and an X-ray CT scanner that obtains a tomographic image of the subject are provided, and the tomography of the subject is performed using the CR image. Top location informationWith the height of the center of rotation of the gantry of the X-ray CT scanner taken into accountThe position information is obtained and shared between the X-ray fluoroscope and the X-ray CT scanner. For example, a desired slice position is determined using pixel position information inherent in a CR image, and the slice position is sent to an X-ray CT scanner online, or an image indexed at the slice position is stored. The slice position is referenced online, and the tomographic image at the desired slice position is read out.Etc.The configuration is adopted.
[0070]
This makes it possible to diversify and effectively use slice position information, such as using slice position information necessary for tomography of an X-ray CT scanner not only as the tomography but also as an index for interpretation after imaging. be able to. In particular, the positioning of the slice position of the X-ray CT scanner can be performed accurately, in a short time, and with good operability by significantly reducing the amount of X-ray exposure. As a result, it is possible to reliably and quickly secure the tomographic image of the required part by accurate positioning, and for the operator, there is almost no re-positioning of the positioning. The effect that patient throughput can also be improved is obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of an X-ray diagnostic system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a circuit system configuration of the X-ray diagnostic system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing reference pixels in a CR image.
FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of processing of the entire X-ray diagnostic system associated with a CT scan plan and planned scan execution.
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing slice start positions and slice end positions designated on a CR image and their distances from a reference pixel.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a positional relationship between a slice position determined using a CR image and a lesioned portion in an opposite axis direction.
FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of processing of the entire X-ray diagnostic system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
8A is a diagram schematically illustrating a slice position A determined on a scanogram, and FIG. 8B is a diagram schematically illustrating a tomographic image at the slice position A. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 X-ray diagnostic system
2 X-ray fluoroscope
3 X-ray CT scanner
4 sleeper
4A sleeper
4B couch controller
4a Top plate
4b Sleeper drive
4c sensor
5 Console
6 Monitor
7 Input device
10 Supporting part
10aa, 10ba sensor
11 C-arm
12 X-ray tube
13 Imaging unit
14 A / D converter
19 Gantry
20 X-ray tube
21 X-ray detector
22 Gantry drive mechanism
23 Gantry control unit
24 Data collection unit
30 CPU
31 memory
32 Dialogue display area
33 Image reconstruction unit

Claims (10)

An X-ray fluoroscopy device that obtains a CR image composed of pixel values of a digital amount from transmitted X-rays when cone-beam X-rays irradiated toward the subject pass through the subject ;
An X-ray CT scanner for obtaining a tomographic image of the subject;
A common control device for controlling the operation of the X-ray fluoroscopic device and the X-ray CT scanner,
The controller is
An acquisition unit that acquires position information for tomography of the subject using the CR image, and a positional deviation in a slice direction that depends on a cone angle of the irradiation X-ray with respect to the position information acquired by the acquisition unit. Correction means for correcting , and
X-ray diagnostic system characterized in that a sharing means for sharing the position information obtained by the correction means between said X-ray CT scanner and the X-ray fluoroscope. The acquisition means is means for obtaining a slice position of the subject by the X-ray CT scanner as the position information using the CR image, and the correction means sets the slice position to the cone angle of the exposure X-ray. 2. The X-ray diagnosis system according to claim 1, wherein said X-ray diagnostic system is a means for correcting according to a positional deviation in the slice direction, and said sharing means is a means for giving said slice position to said X-ray CT scanner.   The X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus includes an X-ray source that irradiates the X-ray, an imaging unit that detects the transmitted X-ray, a converter that converts an output signal of the imaging unit into a digital quantity, and an output of the converter The X-ray diagnostic system according to claim 2, further comprising a monitor that displays a signal as the CR image.   The acquisition means includes an input device for manually indicating a desired position on the CR image displayed on the monitor, and a setting means for setting the slice position from the desired position indicated via the input device. The X-ray diagnostic system according to claim 3 provided. The setting means of claim 4 wherein the means for setting the slice position based on the position information from the reference pixel of each pixel of the absolute position information and the CR image of the CR image the entire slice direction X-ray diagnostic system. Said correction means, X-rays of 請 Motomeko 5, wherein the means for correcting the positional deviation by converting a slice position the set slice position at the height of the center of rotation of the gantry of the X-ray CT scanner Diagnostic system. The X-ray diagnostic system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the X-ray fluoroscope and the X-ray CT scanner have a structure sharing a bed on which the subject is placed.   The X-ray CT scanner includes a storage device that stores a plurality of tomographic images with the slice position as an index, and the sharing unit includes a tomogram corresponding to the slice position obtained by the calculation unit. 3. The X-ray diagnosis system according to claim 2, further comprising: search means for searching for an image from a plurality of tomographic images in the storage means; and display means for displaying the tomographic image searched by the search means. An X-ray source for irradiating the cone beam-like X-ray, and a connection unit for X-ray of this is to detect the transmitted X-rays associated with that seen through the object, the output signal of the imaging unit from the pixel values of the digital quantity An X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus comprising: a converter for converting into CR image data, and a monitor for displaying the CR image data obtained by the converter as a CR image;
In an X-ray diagnostic system comprising an X-ray CT scanner for obtaining a tomographic image of the subject,
An input device for manually indicating a desired position on the CR image displayed on the monitor;
Information on the desired position instructed via this input device, absolute position information in the slice direction of the entire CR image , position information from the reference pixel of each pixel of the CR image, and the X-ray CT scanner Setting means for setting a slice position of the subject by the X-ray CT scanner based on height information of a rotation center of a gantry;
Providing the slice position information to the X-ray CT scanner, and sharing means for sharing the slice position information between the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus and the X-ray CT scanner. A featured X-ray diagnostic system. An X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus that obtains a CR image composed of pixel values of a digital amount from transmitted X-rays generated when a cone-beam X-ray irradiated toward the subject sees through the subject, and using the CR image Acquisition means for acquiring slice position information for tomography of the subject and the slice position information acquired by the acquisition means in accordance with the positional deviation in the slice direction based on the cone angle of the irradiated X-ray. An X-ray CT scanner operatively linked to an X-ray diagnostic system having correction means for correcting,
And receiving means take accept the slice position 置情 report,
X-ray CT scanner of the imaging means for performing X-ray tomography in the received slice position, comprising the.

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