JP3991411B2 - X-ray diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes an X-ray tube having a first X-ray tube for performing X-ray imaging by X-ray irradiation from above the top plate and a second X-ray tube for performing X-ray imaging from the side of the top plate. The present invention relates to a line diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for improving imaging position accuracy and facilitating the lifting of a subject (patient) with respect to a top board.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In medical facilities such as hospitals, radiation therapy is performed in which affected areas such as cancer in a patient's body are treated by irradiating radiation such as high energy X-rays and ⁶⁰ Co gamma rays from outside the body. In the case of radiotherapy, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus (X-ray emulator) is used for preliminarily imaging an X-ray fluoroscopic image for aiming collation that is collated when aiming the radiation irradiated to a patient. Yes. Then, the patient is irradiated with the radiation after aiming the radiation according to the X-ray fluoroscopic image for aiming and collation imaged and recorded by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus.
[0003]
FIG. 10 shows a conventional X-ray diagnostic apparatus used as an X-ray simulator. As shown in FIG. 10, an X-ray tube 61 for irradiating a patient M placed on the top board 60 with X-rays and an image intensifier 62 for detecting transmitted X-rays from the patient M are C-shaped arms. (C-type arm) 63 is attached and held at both ends of the 63 so as to face each other across the patient M. Then, as shown by a solid line in FIG. 10, the X-ray tube 61 and the image intensifier 62 are arranged so as to face each other in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) with the top plate 60 interposed therebetween. And X-ray tube 61 and image intensifier 62 are arranged opposite to each other in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) with top plate 60 interposed therebetween, as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. In this state, horizontal X-ray imaging in which X-rays are irradiated from the side of the top board 60 is performed.
[0004]
When performing X-ray imaging, the patient M is irradiated with X-rays from the X-ray tube 61, and transmitted X-rays from the patient M are detected by the image intensifier 62, and the transmission detected by the image intensifier 62 is detected. An X-ray image is picked up by a TV camera 64 installed at the rear end of the image intensifier 62 and finally displayed as an X-ray fluoroscopic image on the screen of a monitor (not shown) or an image storage memory (not shown). Or remember.
[0005]
Usually, after performing X-ray photography in the vertical direction, the X-ray tube 61 and the image intensifier 62 are moved to the positions indicated by the two-dot chain line, and the X-ray photography in the horizontal direction is performed. Aiming of radiation is performed according to the fluoroscopic image.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above conventional X-ray diagnostic apparatus has a problem that the imaging position accuracy is not sufficient. Since the image intensifier 62 is very heavy, mechanical bending occurs in the C-shaped arm 63 holding the X-ray tube 61 and the image intensifier 62, and the amount of bending of the C-shaped arm 63 is vertical. The X-ray tube 61 and the image intensifier 62 cannot be accurately placed in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction because of the difference between the time of shooting and the time of horizontal shooting, and both X-ray fluoroscopic images in both the vertical and horizontal directions can be used. This is because a deviation occurs in the correspondence between the two.
[0007]
Two sets of C-shaped arms 63 each having an X-ray tube 61 and an image intensifier 62 attached to both ends are provided, one of which is arranged oppositely in the vertical direction as shown by a solid line in FIG. As shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 10, the X-ray fluoroscopic images in both the vertical and horizontal directions can be obtained without moving the X-ray tube 61 and the image intensifier 62. In addition, although there is an apparatus configured so that the correspondence between the X-ray fluoroscopic images does not shift, there is a problem that the configuration around the top 60 becomes complicated and the patient M is difficult to lift and lower.
[0008]
In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray diagnostic apparatus that can improve the imaging position accuracy and can easily lift and lower the subject with respect to the top board.
[0009]
In order to achieve the above object, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is disposed on a top plate on which a subject is placed, a first X-ray tube disposed above the top plate, and a side of the top plate. A second X-ray tube, a transmission X-ray detector arranged to face the first X-ray tube or the second X-ray tube across the top plate and detecting transmitted X-rays from the subject, and each of the X-rays An X-ray diagnostic apparatus comprising: image processing means for performing image processing for obtaining an X-ray fluoroscopic image based on X-ray detection data output from a transmission X-ray detector in association with X-ray irradiation from a tube. The X-ray detector includes one X-ray surface sensor in which X-ray detection elements are arranged vertically and horizontally, is attached to the lower side of the side end of the top plate, and is a first X-ray below the top plate. A first position facing the tube and a second position facing the second X-ray tube on the side of the top plate; The X-ray surface sensor is moved in a horizontal position at the first position, and at the second position, the X-ray surface sensor is in a vertical position and is rotated 180 degrees from the first position. Sensor position switching means is provided.
[0010]
[Action]
Next, the operation when X-ray imaging is performed by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the present invention will be described.
The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes two X-ray tubes, and performs X-ray imaging using a first X-ray tube located above the top plate and X using a second X-ray tube located on the side of the top plate. Line photography is performed.
In the case of X-ray imaging using a first X-ray tube, a transmission X-ray detection X-ray surface sensor in which X-ray detection elements are arranged vertically and horizontally is connected to the first X-ray tube below the top plate by a sensor position switching means. It moves to the 1st position which opposes, and is set to a horizontal attitude | position. In this state, the first X-ray tube above the top plate and the X-ray surface sensor below the top plate are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction across the top plate. When the subject is irradiated with X-rays from the first X-ray tube, X-ray detection data is output from the X-ray surface sensor as the subject is irradiated with X-rays, and image processing is performed based on the X-ray detection data. An X-ray fluoroscopic image is obtained by performing image processing by the means. In this case, since the first X-ray tube and the X-ray surface sensor are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction, vertical X-ray imaging (front system X-ray imaging) is performed.
[0011]
In the case of X-ray imaging with the second X-ray tube, the X-ray surface sensor for detecting transmitted X-rays is moved vertically to the second position facing the second X-ray tube on the side of the top plate by the sensor position switching means. Set to posture. In this state, the second X-ray tube on the side of the top plate and the X-ray surface sensor on the side of the top plate are arranged to face each other in the horizontal direction across the top plate. When the subject is irradiated with X-rays from the second X-ray tube, X-ray detection data is output from the X-ray surface sensor along with the X-ray irradiation to the subject, and an image is generated based on the X-ray detection data. Image processing by the processing means is performed to obtain an X-ray fluoroscopic image. In this case, since the second X-ray tube and the X-ray surface sensor are disposed to face each other in the horizontal direction, horizontal X-ray imaging (side surface X-ray imaging) is performed.
[0012]
Unlike an image intensifier, which is a large and heavy object, the X-ray surface sensor is thin and lightweight, and therefore does not involve mechanical deflection (mechanical deformation) that occurs in the case of an image intensifier. Further, since two X-ray tubes are fixedly supported on the support column in order to perform vertical and horizontal imaging, the C-shaped arm is bent due to the movement of the center of gravity of the fluoroscopic imaging system as in the conventional example. There is no image shift. Therefore, the X-ray tube and the X-ray surface sensor can be accurately placed opposite to each other in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction.
In addition, when lifting the subject with respect to the top plate, the X-ray surface sensor is moved from the side of the top plate to a position below the top plate that does not interfere with the lifting and lowering of the subject. Take down.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment, FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the imaging system of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the embodiment, and FIG. It is a side view which shows schematic structure of an imaging system.
The X-ray diagnostic apparatus of FIG. 1 is disposed on the top plate 1 on which a patient (subject) M is placed, the first X-ray tube 2 disposed above the top plate 1, and on the side of the top plate 1. And a second X-ray tube 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the top board 1 is movable in the vertical direction (Y direction), the horizontal direction (X direction), and the patient's M body axis direction (Z direction). The first X-ray tube 2 is attached downward to the horizontal upper side Ga of an inverted L-shaped column G installed on the floor F, and the second X-ray tube 3 is a vertical side Gb of the inverted L-shaped column G. It is attached sideways.
[0014]
In the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment, as a characteristic feature, the X-ray detection element is disposed so as to face the first X-ray tube 2 or the second X-ray tube 3 with the top plate 1 interposed therebetween. One flat panel X-ray sensor (X-ray surface sensor) 5 for detecting transmitted X-rays arranged vertically and horizontally is provided. A flat panel X-ray sensor (hereinafter referred to as “panel X-ray sensor” as appropriate) 5 is attached to the surface of a flat turntable 6 and the turntable 6 is attached to the examination table 4 under the top plate 1. The support arm 7 attached to the lower side of the side edge is configured to be capable of reciprocating within a range of 270 ° with the rotary shaft 8 as the center of rotation, as indicated by an arrow RA in FIG. Between the first position PA facing the first X-ray tube 2 below and the second position PB facing the second X-ray tube 3 on the side of the top plate 1, the panel X-ray sensor 5 is located at the first position PA. Is moved to a horizontal position as shown by a solid line, and the panel type X-ray sensor 5 is moved at a second position PB so that the panel type X-ray sensor 5 is in a vertical position as shown by an alternate long and short dash line. The setting position of sensor 5 can be switched That.
[0015]
In the case of the embodiment apparatus, the movement of the panel X-ray sensor 5 from the first position PA to the second position PB or the movement of the panel X-ray sensor 5 from the second position PB to the first position PA is performed manually. Done in When the panel X-ray sensor 5 is at the first position PA, the first X-ray tube 2 above the top plate 1 and the panel X-ray sensor 5 below the top plate are connected to the patient on the top plate 1. It is in a state of being opposed to each other in the vertical direction across M. When the panel type X-ray sensor 5 is in the second position PB, the second X-ray tube 3 on the side of the top plate 1 and the panel type X-ray sensor 5 on the side of the top plate are The patient M is placed in a state of being opposed to each other in the horizontal direction.
[0016]
A signal collection unit 9 that collects X-ray detection data output from the panel type X-ray sensor 5 and sends it to the image processing unit 10 is installed at the subsequent stage of the panel type X-ray sensor 5. The image processing unit 10 following the signal collection unit 9 includes an AD conversion unit 11 that converts X-ray detection data into a digital signal, a detection data memory 12 that stores digitized X-ray detection data, and a detection data memory 12. A data processing unit 13 for creating an X-ray image by performing necessary image processing such as edge enhancement and filtering on the stored X-ray detection data, and an X-ray image memory 14 for storing the obtained X-ray image It has. Usually, during X-ray fluoroscopy, the X-ray images stored in the X-ray image memory 14 are continuously updated.
[0017]
The first X-ray tube 2 or the second X-ray tube 3 is configured to irradiate the patient M with X-rays according to set irradiation conditions such as tube voltage and tube current under the control of the irradiation control unit 15 including a high voltage generator. Has been. Control by the irradiation control unit 15 is performed according to a command signal sent from the imaging control unit 19 in accordance with a setting operation from the keyboard 16 or the mouse 17.
Moreover, the top plate 1 is moved by the control of the top plate control unit 18. Control by the top panel control unit 18 is also performed according to a command signal sent from the imaging control unit 19 in accordance with a setting operation from the keyboard 16 or the mouse 17.
[0018]
On the other hand, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes an image display monitor 20 and is configured to display an X-ray image stored in the X-ray image memory 14 and is stored in the X-ray image memory 14. An image printing recording unit (leather imager) 21 for printing an X-ray image on a film and outputting it as an image photograph, and an electronic image storage memory 22 for storing and saving an X-ray image signal as they are are also provided. The X-ray image stored in the X-ray image memory 14 is output to the image display monitor 20 and displayed in accordance with a command signal sent from the imaging control unit 19 by an operation input from the keyboard 16 or mouse 17. It is configured to be sent out as an image photograph from the printing recording unit 21 or stored and held in the image storage memory 22.
[0019]
Subsequently, the configuration of the panel X-ray sensor 5 will be specifically described. Examples of the arrangement of the X-ray detection elements in the panel X-ray sensor 5 include a square matrix configuration in the horizontal (x) direction 1024 and the vertical (y) direction 1024. Moreover, as a planar dimension of the panel-type X-ray sensor 5, about 30 cm in length and width are mentioned, for example. The panel type X-ray sensor 5 has many advantages such as thinness and light weight as shown in FIG. 3 as compared with the image intensifier as well as almost no image distortion around the image and high resolution.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 4, the panel X-ray sensor 5 includes an X-ray conversion layer 30 that converts incident X-rays into electric charges or light, and elements that detect electric charges or light generated in the X-ray conversion layers 30 vertically and horizontally. It has a laminated structure with detection array layers 31 arranged and formed in a matrix, and includes a direct conversion type sensor shown in FIG. 5 (a) and an indirect conversion type sensor shown in FIG. 5 (b). .
[0021]
In the case of the former direct conversion type, the X-ray conversion layer 30 is composed of a selenium layer, a CdZnTe layer, or the like that directly converts incident X-rays into electric charges, and faces the surface electrode 33 as a charge detection element 32 on the surface of the detection array layer 31 Charges are detected by the formed charge collecting electrodes and stored in the capacitor C1, and the accumulated charges are taken out through TFTs (Thin Film Transisters) 34, and each charge detection element 32, One X-ray detection element XD is formed by a part of the upper X-ray conversion layer 30 and the capacitor C1 and the TFT.
[0022]
In the case of the latter indirect conversion type, the X-ray conversion layer 30 is composed of a scintillator layer that converts incident X-rays into light, and light is detected by a photodiode formed as a light detection element 35 on the surface of the detection array layer 31. The charge is stored in the capacitor C1 and the accumulated charge is taken out via the TFT 34. One light detection element 35, a part of the X-ray conversion layer 30 thereon, the capacitor C1 and the TFT 34 are provided. X-ray detection element XD is formed.
[0023]
In the panel type X-ray sensor 5, as shown in FIG. 6, each X-ray detection element XD,..., XD is connected to readout wirings 36 and 37 that run vertically and laterally through TFTs 34, respectively. Reference numerals 36 and 37 are respectively connected to the horizontal readout drive unit 38 or the vertical readout drive unit 39, and scanning signals for readout are sent to the horizontal and vertical readout drive units 38 and 39. Since each X-ray detection element XD of the panel type X-ray sensor 5 is specified based on addresses 0 to 1023 which are sequentially assigned to the X-ray detection elements XD along the horizontal and vertical arrangements. The scanning signal for reading is a signal for designating a horizontal address or a vertical address, respectively.
[0024]
In accordance with the horizontal / vertical scanning signal, a reading voltage is applied to the read wirings 36 and 37 from the horizontal read drive unit 38 or the vertical read drive unit 39 in order from the detection elements XD,. The X-ray detection signal is collected from the TFT 34 through the readout wiring 37 and further collected as fluoroscopic X-ray detection data through each preamplifier 40 and the multiplexer 41 of the signal collection unit 9.
[0025]
From the above, the method of reading the detection signal from the panel X-ray sensor 5 is generally similar to that of a video detector such as a normal TV camera.
In the case of the embodiment, both the read drive units 38 and 39 constituting the signal collecting unit 9, the preamplifier 40 and the multiplexer 41 are also installed on the surface periphery of the detection array layer 31 of the panel type X-ray sensor 5. The structure is further integrated.
Further, the detection data memory 12 for storing the X-ray detection data obtained from the panel X-ray sensor 5 and the X-ray image memory 14 for storing the X-ray image are an X-ray detection element XD in the panel X-ray sensor 5. A frame memory type storage device having a matrix configuration corresponding to the vertical and horizontal matrix configuration is used.
[0026]
Subsequently, the operation of the apparatus when the X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the embodiment having the above-described configuration performs X-ray imaging with the first X-ray tube and X-ray imaging with the second X-ray tube, such as the flowchart shown in FIG. Will be described with reference to FIG.
[0027]
[Step S1] As shown in FIG. 8, the panel X-ray sensor 5 is moved to the first position PA below the top board 1, and the patient M on the moving bed 26 is moved to the top board 1 above. Move to. Since the panel X-ray sensor 5 does not get in the way, the moving patient M can be easily placed on the top board 1.
[0028]
[Step S2] Subsequently, the top board 1 is moved to set the patient M at the fluoroscopic imaging position.
[0029]
[Step S3] Vertical X-ray imaging (frontal X-ray imaging) using the first X-ray tube 2 is selected and designated by an input operation from the keyboard 16 or the mouse 17.
[0030]
[Step S4] When imaging is started by an input operation from the keyboard 16 or the mouse 17, X-rays are emitted from the first X-ray tube 2 to the patient M.
[0031]
[Step S5] Data output from the panel-type X-ray sensor 5 in association with X-ray irradiation is stored in the detection data memory 12, and image data processing is performed by the data processing unit 13, and the X-ray fluoroscopic image is monitored. The image is displayed on the screen 20 and displayed, and a necessary image is stored in the image storage memory 22 or is output as an image photograph by the image printing recording unit 21.
[0032]
[Step S6] When X-ray imaging by the first X-ray tube 2 is completed, as shown by an arrow RB in FIG. 9A, the turntable 6 is rotated clockwise by 270 ° on the top board 1, As shown by arrow RC, it is turned 180 ° and the panel X-ray sensor 5 is moved to the second position PB on the side of the top board 1 as shown in FIG.
[0033]
[Step S7] Next, the horizontal X-ray imaging (side X-ray imaging) by the second X-ray tube 3 is selected and designated by an input operation from the keyboard 16 or the mouse 17.
[0034]
[Step S8] When imaging is started by an input operation from the keyboard 16 or the mouse 17, X-rays are emitted from the second X-ray tube 3 to the patient M.
[0035]
[Step S9] Data output from the panel-type X-ray sensor 5 in association with X-ray irradiation is stored in the detection data memory 12, and image data processing is performed by the data processing unit 13, and an X-ray fluoroscopic image is monitored. The image is displayed on the screen 20 and displayed, and a necessary image is stored in the image storage memory 22 or is output as an image photograph by the image printing recording unit 21.
[0036]
[Step S10] When the necessary X-ray imaging is completed, the panel X-ray sensor 5 is moved to the first position PA below the top board 1, and the patient M on the top board 1 is moved to the moving bed 25. If moved up, the patient M can be easily lowered from the top 1.
The X-ray fluoroscopic image obtained in this way can be used for aiming collation when aiming the radiation irradiated to the patient in the next radiotherapy.
[0037]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as follows.
(1) The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment has a configuration in which the first and second X-ray tubes are attached to a support column installed on the floor, but the first and second X-ray tubes are installed on the ceiling. The thing attached to the arm is mentioned as a modification.
[0038]
(2) The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment has a configuration in which the panel type X-ray sensor is attached to the examination table, but the panel type X-ray sensor is attached to the support arm member provided on the floor. Can be cited as a variation.
[0039]
(3) Needless to say, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the present invention may be used as a device other than the X-ray simulator.
[0040]
(4) In the case of the embodiment apparatus, the movement of the panel type X-ray sensor is manually performed, but a configuration in which the movement of the panel type X-ray sensor is electrically performed is given as a modified example.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
According to the X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, the C-shaped arm pivots because it is configured to detect transmitted X-rays by means of an X-ray tube fixedly supported on a column and a thin and lightweight X-ray surface sensor. Therefore, the X-ray tube and the X-ray surface sensor can be accurately placed opposite to each other in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction, and the imaging position accuracy can be improved. In addition, when the subject is lifted or lowered from the top plate, the X-ray surface sensor can be moved below the top plate without interfering with the lifting and lowering of the subject. Elevating and lowering can be performed easily.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating a configuration of an imaging system of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating a schematic configuration of an imaging system of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a flat panel X-ray sensor.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a layer structure of a flat panel X-ray sensor.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration around a flat panel X-ray sensor.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a series of flows of an X-ray imaging operation according to the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state of vertical X-ray imaging according to an embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a state of horizontal X-ray imaging according to an embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a main configuration of a conventional X-ray diagnostic apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Top plate 2 ... 1st X-ray tube 3 ... 2nd X-ray tube 5 ... Flat panel type X-ray sensor 10 ... Image processing part M ... Patient XD ... X-ray detection element PA ... 1st position PB ... 2nd position

Claims (1)

  A top plate on which the subject is placed, a first X-ray tube disposed above the top plate, a second X-ray tube disposed on the side of the top plate, and the first X-ray tube or the first X-ray tube sandwiching the top plate A transmission X-ray detector arranged to face the 2X-ray tube and detecting the transmission X-ray from the subject, and outputted from the transmission X-ray detector with the X-ray irradiation from each X-ray tube In an X-ray diagnostic apparatus comprising image processing means for performing image processing for obtaining an X-ray fluoroscopic image based on X-ray detection data, X as X-ray detectors arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions as the transmission X-ray detector A first line surface sensor is provided, is attached to the lower side of the top end of the top plate, and faces a first X-ray tube below the top plate, and a second X-ray on the side of the top plate. The X-ray surface sensor is in a horizontal position at the first position between the second position facing the tube, and the second position. X-ray diagnostic apparatus characterized by X-ray plane sensor and a sensor position switching means for moving the X-ray plane sensor as the posture inverted 180 degrees from the orientation of the first position in a vertical posture.

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