JP4626537B2 - Fluoroscopic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a fluoroscopic imaging apparatus that performs fluoroscopic imaging on a subject, and more particularly to a technique for suppressing noise in an X-ray image when used in combination with a treatment apparatus including an electrode catheter.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a treatment method in which an electrode catheter is guided to a site of interest to coagulate and cauterize tissue of the site of interest while observing and diagnosing an X-ray image of a subject obtained by a fluoroscopic device that performs fluoroscopic imaging. An electrode is provided at the distal end portion of the electrode catheter. By supplying high-frequency power to the electrode, the electrode catheter is aligned, the region of interest is stimulated, or the tissue of the region of interest is burned out (for example, , See Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-275776

However, the conventional example having such a configuration has the following problems.
That is, in the conventional apparatus, the treatment apparatus including the electrode catheter and the fluoroscopic imaging apparatus are separately driven by an operator's operation, so that the subject is fluoroscopically imaged while power is supplied to the electrode catheter. There is a case. Since electromagnetic waves are generated from the electrode catheter, in this case, there is a disadvantage that noise (for example, streaky noise) is generated in the obtained X-ray image. In addition, the higher the power supplied to the electrode catheter, the more significant the effect.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and suppresses noise in an X-ray image even when a fluoroscopic apparatus is used in combination with a treatment apparatus including a separate electrode catheter. An object of the present invention is to provide a fluoroscopic imaging apparatus capable of

In order to achieve such an object, the present invention has the following configuration.
That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in a fluoroscopic imaging apparatus for fluoroscopic imaging of a subject, X-ray generation means for irradiating the subject with X-rays and X-ray detection means for detecting X-rays transmitted through the subject And a control means for giving an instruction to irradiate X-rays to the X-ray generation means, and a treatment apparatus including an electrode catheter for at least a period of irradiating X-rays based on the irradiation instruction. And a treatment device restricting means for restricting the power supply to the device.

  [Operation / Effect] According to the invention described in claim 1, by providing the treatment device regulating means, the power supply to the electrode catheter is regulated during the X-ray irradiation period. X-ray detection means can detect X-rays when they are not generated. Therefore, the noise of the X-ray image obtained based on the detection result of the X-ray detection means can be suppressed. In addition, except for the period when the power supply to the electrode catheter is restricted, the treatment device restricting means allows the treatment device to supply power to the electrode catheter.

  In this invention, the treatment device restriction means generates a restriction signal for restricting the supply of power in a predetermined restriction period based on the irradiation instruction, and a signal for outputting the restriction signal to the outside And an output unit. (Claim 2) By providing the signal generation means and the signal output means, it is possible to suitably regulate power supply to a separate treatment apparatus including an electrode catheter.

  Furthermore, in this invention, it is preferable that the said regulation period is started before the time of starting X-ray irradiation (Claim 3). The influence of electromagnetic waves generated from the electrode catheter can be further suppressed.

  Moreover, in this invention, it is preferable that the said regulation period is complete | finished after the time of ending X-ray irradiation. The influence of electromagnetic waves generated from the electrode catheter can be further suppressed.

  Moreover, in this invention, it is preferable that the said treatment apparatus control means further outputs the drive signal for making the said treatment apparatus supply electric power to the said electrode catheter outside the said control period (Claim 5). ). By configuring the treatment device restricting means to output a drive signal, the treatment device can be driven by the fluoroscopic imaging device.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in a fluoroscopic imaging apparatus that performs fluoroscopic imaging of a subject, an X-ray generation unit that irradiates the subject with X-rays, and an X-ray detection unit that detects X-rays transmitted through the subject; Detecting means for detecting that electric power is supplied to an electrode catheter included in a treatment apparatus separate from the apparatus; and, if detecting the electric power supply, X from the X-ray generating means And an irradiation regulating means for regulating the irradiation of the line.

  [Operation / Effect] According to the invention described in claim 6, since the irradiation restricting means is provided, X-ray irradiation is restricted during the period in which power supply to the electrode catheter is performed. When X is not generated, the X-ray detection means can detect X-rays. Therefore, the noise of the X-ray image obtained based on the detection result of the X-ray detection means can be suppressed. Except for the period during which X-ray irradiation is restricted, the irradiation restricting means allows X-ray irradiation from the X-ray tube.

  Note that the present specification also discloses an invention relating to the following fluoroscopic imaging apparatus and a fluoroscopic imaging system including the same.

  (1) In the fluoroscopic apparatus according to claim 2, the signal generation unit generates the restriction signal by setting at least two of a start timing, an end timing, and a length of the restriction period. A fluoroscopic imaging device.

  According to the invention described in (1) above, since the instruction to irradiate X-rays is given by the control means, the signal generation means performs at least two of the start timing, end timing, and length of the regulation period. By setting, an arbitrary regulation period can be set. Thereby, the influence of the electromagnetic waves generated from the electrode catheter can be accurately suppressed.

  (2) The fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power is a high frequency.

  According to the invention described in (2), the effect of reducing the noise of the X-ray image is larger as the influence of the electromagnetic wave generated from the electrode catheter is more remarkable.

  (3) A fluoroscopic apparatus according to claim 1, and a therapeutic apparatus having an electrode catheter whose power supply is regulated by the therapeutic apparatus regulating means provided in the fluoroscopic imaging apparatus. Shooting system.

  According to the invention described in (3), it is possible to configure a fluoroscopic imaging system that can suitably use a treatment apparatus having an electrode catheter and a fluoroscopic imaging apparatus.

  According to the fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to the present invention, by providing the treatment apparatus regulating means, the power supply to the electrode catheter is regulated during the period of irradiation with X-rays, so that no electromagnetic wave is generated from the electrode catheter. In addition, the X-ray detection means can detect X-rays. Therefore, the noise of the X-ray image obtained based on the detection result of the X-ray detection means can be suppressed.

Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the fluoroscopic imaging system according to the first embodiment.

  The fluoroscopic imaging system according to the first embodiment is roughly divided into a fluoroscopic imaging apparatus 1 and a treatment apparatus 3. The fluoroscopic imaging apparatus 1 includes a top plate (not shown) on which the subject M is placed, an X-ray tube 11 that irradiates the subject M with X-rays, and a flat panel X that detects X-rays that have passed through the subject M. A line detector (hereinafter referred to as “FPD” as appropriate) 13 is provided. The X-ray tube 11 and the FPD 13 are held by an arm (not shown) so as to face each other, and the X-ray tube 11 and the FPD 13 can be rotated around the subject M by rotating the arm itself. Has been. The X-ray tube 11 corresponds to the X-ray generation means in this invention. The FPD 13 corresponds to the X-ray detection means in this invention.

  A large number of detection elements (not shown) for detecting X-rays are provided on the detection surface of the FPD 13, and X-rays are detected for each detection element to generate detection signals (charge information). Then, the FPD 13 collects detection signals by reading and driving from the respective detection elements. The collected detection signals are output from the FPD 13 to the image processing unit 15 via an A / D converter (not shown). The image processing unit 15 performs various processes such as correction on the detection signal to obtain image data. The obtained image data is appropriately stored in a storage unit (not shown) provided in the image processing unit 15 and output to the monitor 17. The monitor 17 displays an X-ray image based on the image data.

  The image processing unit 15 stores a central processing unit (CPU) that executes various processes and operations, a RAM (Random-Access Memory) that serves as a work area for arithmetic processing, and a fixed disk that stores various types of information. This is realized by a medium or the like.

  A high voltage generator 19 is electrically connected to the X-ray tube 11, and the high voltage generator 19 applies a predetermined tube voltage to the X-ray tube 11.

  The synchronization unit 21 is connected to the FPD 13 and the high voltage generator 19 and synchronizes X-ray irradiation and X-ray detection. Specifically, the tube voltage is applied from the high voltage generator 19 to the X-ray tube 11 in accordance with the timing at which the FPD 13 collects the detection signal. Thereby, an instruction for irradiating X-rays at a predetermined irradiation time is indirectly given to the X-ray tube 11. The synchronization unit 21 is also connected to the image processing unit 15 and synchronizes the output of image data and the like with X-ray irradiation and X-ray detection. The synchronization unit 21 corresponds to the control means in this invention.

  The treatment device regulation unit 23 includes a signal generation unit 25 and a signal output unit 27. The signal generator 25 is connected to the synchronization unit 21 and is a restriction signal for restricting power supply to the electrode catheter 31 during a predetermined restriction period based on an irradiation time instruction given to the X-ray tube 11. Is generated. In the first embodiment, the period corresponding to the X-ray irradiation time is set as the regulation period. The signal generation unit 25 also stores a central processing unit (CPU) that executes various processes and operations, a RAM (Random-Access Memory) that serves as a work area for arithmetic processing, and a fixed disk that stores various types of information. This is realized by a medium or the like.

  The signal output unit 27 is connected to the signal generation unit 25 and outputs the generated restriction signal to the outside of the fluoroscopic imaging apparatus 1.

  Next, the treatment apparatus 3 will be described. The treatment device 3 includes a plurality (two) of electrode catheters 31a, an electrode catheter body 31b, a counter electrode plate 31c, a detection catheter 33, a high-frequency generation source 35, and a high-frequency detector 37. The electrode catheter 31a and the detection catheter 33 are paired, and electrodes (not shown) are provided at the distal ends of the catheters 31a and 33, respectively. The electrode attached to the electrode catheter 31 a is connected to the high frequency generation source 35, and the electrode attached to the detection catheter 33 is connected to the high frequency detector 37. Then, high-frequency power is supplied from the high-frequency generation source 35 to the electrode attached to the electrode catheter 31a, and electricity generated in the electrode attached to the detection catheter 33 is detected by the high-frequency detector 37. Stimulation is performed or the electrode catheter 31a is aligned.

  The electrode catheter body 31b and the counter electrode plate 31c constitute one electrode catheter, and both the electrode (not shown) attached to the tip of the electrode catheter body 31b and the counter electrode plate 31c generate high frequency. Connected to source 35. The counter electrode plate 31c is used by being attached to the body surface of the subject M. Then, by supplying high-frequency power to the electrode catheter main body 31b and the counter electrode plate 31c, a high-frequency electric field is emitted from the electrode attached to the electrode catheter main body 31b to the site of interest to heat the site of interest.

  Hereinafter, the electrode catheter 31a, the electrode catheter main body 31b, and the counter electrode 31c are collectively referred to as the electrode catheter 31, and the high frequency power is appropriately supplied to the electrode catheter 31a, the electrode catheter main body 31b, or the counter electrode 31c. The high frequency power is supplied to 31 ".

  The treatment device 3 is provided with an operation unit (not shown), and is configured to operate based on an instruction from the operator. Further, the high-frequency generation source 35 is connected to the signal output unit 27 described above, and is configured to regulate the output of high-frequency power during the regulation period based on the regulation signal regardless of the content of the instruction from the operator. ing.

  Next, the operation of the fluoroscopic imaging system according to the first embodiment will be described. 2A is a timing chart of the X-ray irradiation time, and FIG. 2B is a timing chart of a regulation period in which the supply of high-frequency power is regulated.

  The synchronization unit 21 gives an instruction to the high voltage generator 19 to set the irradiation period from time t1 to time t2, time t3 to time t4, time t5 to time t6, and time t7 to time t8. Thereby, X-rays are irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 in each irradiation period (see FIG. 2A).

  The signal generation unit 25 generates a restriction signal for restricting the supply of high-frequency power in the period corresponding to the X-ray irradiation time based on the irradiation period instruction from the synchronization unit 21. In the generated restriction signal, the period corresponding to the irradiation period is a restriction period, and power supply is allowed outside the restriction period.

  Such a restriction signal is output from the signal output unit 27 to the high frequency generation source 35. Since the high frequency generation source 35 takes in the regulation signal and does not output the high frequency power during the regulation period, the high frequency power is not supplied to the electrode catheter 31 during this period (see FIG. 2B). Further, since power supply to the electrode catheter 31 is allowed outside the regulation period, high-frequency power is supplied to the electrode catheter 31 according to the operator's instructions.

  The FPD 13 detects X-rays that are irradiated at each irradiation time and transmitted through the subject M. Then, the obtained detection signals are collected and output to the image processing unit 15. The image processing unit 15 generates image data based on the detection signal. The generated image data is appropriately stored in a storage unit (not shown) provided in the image processing unit 15 and output to the monitor 17. The monitor 17 displays an X-ray image based on the image data.

  As described above, according to the fluoroscopic imaging apparatus 1 used in the fluoroscopic imaging system according to the first embodiment, the therapeutic apparatus regulation unit 23 that regulates the power supply to the electrode catheter 31 with respect to the therapeutic apparatus 3 is provided. An electromagnetic field is not generated from the electrode catheter 31 during the irradiation time when X-rays are irradiated. Therefore, noise resulting from the electromagnetic field from the electrode catheter 31 does not occur in the obtained X-ray image.

  Moreover, the treatment apparatus control part 23 can produce | generate the restriction | limiting signal which makes the period equivalent to the irradiation time of X-ray the restriction | limiting period by providing the signal generation part 25. FIG. In addition, by providing the signal output unit 27, it is possible to suitably output a restriction signal to the treatment device 3.

  The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 for convenience. Since the signal generation unit 25 provided in the fluoroscopic imaging system according to the second embodiment has a function different from that of the first embodiment, this point will be described. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the second embodiment, the signal generator 25 sets the start time of the regulation period before the predetermined time Ta from the time when the X-ray irradiation starts, and after the predetermined time Tb from the time when the X-ray irradiation ends. Is set as the end timing of the control period. Note that the signal generation unit 25 can arbitrarily change the values of the predetermined times Ta and Tb by programming arithmetic processing.

  Next, the operation of the fluoroscopic imaging system according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 3A is a timing chart of the X-ray irradiation time, and FIG. 3B is a timing chart of a regulation period in which the supply of high-frequency power is regulated.

  In response to an instruction given by the synchronization unit 21 to the high voltage generator 19, X-rays are emitted from the X-ray tube 11 in each irradiation period (time t2 to time t3, time t6 to time t7) (FIG. 3A). reference).

  The signal generator 25 generates a restriction signal having a restriction period from time t1 to time t4 and from time t5 to time t8 as shown in FIG. Specifically, each regulation period starts at a time t2 at which X-ray irradiation starts and a predetermined time Ta before time t6, and starts at a time t3 at which X-ray irradiation ends and a predetermined time from time t7. The end timing is after Tb.

  By outputting such a restriction signal from the signal output unit 27 to the high-frequency generation source 35, the supply of high-frequency power to the electrode catheter 31 during each restriction period is restricted.

  As described above, according to the fluoroscopic imaging apparatus 1 used in the fluoroscopic imaging system according to the second embodiment, the signal generation unit 25 includes not only the X-ray irradiation time but also the regulation periods including the predetermined periods Ta and Tb before and after the X-ray irradiation time. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent noise from occurring in the X-ray image.

Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the fluoroscopic imaging system according to the third embodiment. In addition, about the same structure as Example 1, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

  The fluoroscopic imaging system according to Example 3 is provided with a signal input unit 41 and configured to receive a signal from the treatment apparatus 3 as to whether or not power is supplied to the electrode catheter 31. . The signal input unit 41 corresponds to the detection means in this invention.

  The synchronization unit 22 is connected to the FPD 13, the high voltage generator 19, and the signal input unit 41. The synchronization unit 22 synchronizes X-ray irradiation and X-ray detection and supplies power to the electrode catheter 31. When the X-ray tube 11 is in use, X-ray irradiation is restricted. The synchronization unit 22 is also connected to the image processing unit 15 to synchronize the output of image data and the like with the irradiation and detection of X-rays. The synchronization unit 22 corresponds to the X-ray tube restricting means in this invention.

  Next, the operation of the fluoroscopic imaging system according to Example 3 will be described. FIG. 5A is a timing chart for supplying high-frequency power to the electrode catheter, and FIG. 5B is a timing chart for X-ray irradiation time.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, it is assumed that high-frequency power is supplied to the electrode catheter during the period from time t3 to time t4 and from time t7 to time t8.

  In this case, the synchronization unit 22 detects that high-frequency power is supplied to the electrode catheter 31 via the signal input unit 41, and in each period from time t3 to time t4 and time t7 to time t8, X-rays X-ray irradiation from the tube 11 is regulated. Further, X-ray irradiation from the X-ray tube 11 is allowed during a period from time t4 to time t7 before time t3. As a result, for example, an irradiation time is set as in a period from time t1 to time t2 and time t5 to time t6, and X-rays are irradiated.

  As described above, according to the fluoroscopic imaging apparatus 1 used in the fluoroscopic imaging system according to the third embodiment, the high-frequency power is supplied to the electrode catheter 31 by including the signal input unit 41 and the synchronization unit 22. In some cases, the X-ray irradiation from the X-ray tube 11 is restricted. Conversely, X-ray irradiation is allowed only when no electromagnetic field is generated from the electrode catheter 31. Therefore, it is possible to prevent noise from occurring in the X-ray image.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as follows.

  (1) In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the signal generation unit 25 generates the restriction signal that gives only the restriction period, but is not limited thereto. For example, in addition to the regulation period, a signal that also gives a drive period for supplying high-frequency power to the electrode catheter 31 outside the regulation period may be generated. According to this, the treatment apparatus 3 can be appropriately operated by the fluoroscopic imaging apparatus 1. You may change so that the drive signal for supplying the high frequency electric power to the electrode catheter 31 may be output. According to this, the fluoroscopic imaging apparatus 1 and the treatment apparatus 3 can be driven only by the fluoroscopic imaging apparatus 1.

  (2) In Example 1 and Example 2 described above, the regulation of power supply to the electrode catheter 31 is realized by outputting a regulation signal to the high-frequency generation source 35, but is limited to such a configuration. Absent. For example, when there is a control unit (not shown) provided in the treatment apparatus 3, a restriction signal may be output to the control unit.

  Further, the fluoroscopic imaging apparatus 1 may be configured to include a switch element that forcibly cuts off the electrical connection between the electrode catheter 31 and the high-frequency generation source 35. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fluoroscopic imaging system according to such a modification. The fluoroscopic imaging apparatus 1 includes a switch element 51 connected to the signal generation unit 25. The switch element 51 is cut off during the regulation period and short-circuited outside the regulation period. This switch element 51 is connected in series to an electric circuit between the high-frequency generation source 35 and the electrode catheter 31. Also by such a modification, supply of the high frequency electric power to the electrode catheter 31 can be controlled. Note that the switch element 51 and the signal generation unit 25 correspond to the treatment device regulating means in this invention.

  (3) Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the configuration includes the signal generation unit 25, but is not limited thereto. When the supply of high-frequency power to the electrode catheter 31 is appropriately regulated based on the signal corresponding to the X-ray irradiation time due to the configuration of the treatment apparatus 3, the signal generator 25 is omitted and the synchronization unit 21 directly performs X You may comprise so that the signal equivalent to the instruction | indication with respect to the tube 11 may be output. In this case, the synchronization unit 21 corresponds to the signal generation means in the present invention.

  (4) Further, in the above-described second embodiment, the signal generation unit 25 finishes the X-ray irradiation with the predetermined time Ta before the start timing of the regulation period before the time when the X-ray irradiation is started. Although the restriction period is set according to the predetermined time Tb that is later than the end point of the restriction period, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the regulation period may be set based on the length Tc of the regulation period itself and either the predetermined time Ta or the predetermined time Tb.

  (5) Moreover, in Example 3 mentioned above, although it was the structure provided with the signal input part 41, if supply of the high frequency electric power to the electrode catheter 31 can be detected, it will not be restricted to this. For example, the structure provided with the sensor etc. which detect directly the supply of the high frequency electric power to the electrode catheter 31 may be sufficient.

  (6) Moreover, in each Example mentioned above, although the electrode catheter 31 was illustrated, if it is an electrode catheter which generate | occur | produces an electromagnetic field, it can select and change suitably. Moreover, in each Example, although the structure which regulates supply of high frequency electric power was illustrated, if it becomes the cause of the noise of a X-ray image, it will not be limited to a high frequency.

  (7) In each of the above-described embodiments, the FPD 13 has been described as an example. However, an image intensifier may be used as long as X-rays can be detected.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a fluoroscopic imaging system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) is a timing chart of the X-ray irradiation time, and (b) is a timing chart of a regulation period in which the supply of high-frequency power is regulated. (A) is a timing chart of the X-ray irradiation time, and (b) is a timing chart of a regulation period in which the supply of high-frequency power is regulated. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a fluoroscopic imaging system according to a third embodiment. (A) is a timing chart of the supply of the high frequency electric power to an electrode catheter, (b) is a timing chart of the irradiation time of a X-ray. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the fluoroscopic imaging system which concerns on a modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Fluoroscopy apparatus 3 ... Treatment apparatus 11 ... X-ray tube 13 ... Flat panel type X-ray detector (FPD)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 ... Image processing part 17 ... Monitor 19 ... High voltage generator 21, 22 ... Synchronous unit 23 ... Treatment apparatus control part 25 ... Signal generation part 27 ... Signal output part 31 ... Electrode catheter 35 ... High frequency generation source 37 ... High frequency detector 41 ... Signal input unit 51 ... Switch element M ... Subject

Claims (6)

  In a fluoroscopic imaging apparatus for fluoroscopic imaging of a subject, X-ray generation means for irradiating the subject with X-rays, X-ray detection means for detecting X-rays transmitted through the subject, and an instruction for irradiating X-rays Control means for supplying to the ray generating means, and treatment apparatus regulating means for regulating power supply to the electrode catheter during a period of X-ray irradiation based on at least the irradiation instruction with respect to the treatment apparatus including the electrode catheter And a fluoroscopic imaging device.   2. The fluoroscopic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the treatment device restriction means generates a restriction signal for restricting power supply in a predetermined restriction period based on the irradiation instruction, and the restriction A fluoroscopic imaging apparatus comprising: signal output means for outputting a signal to the outside.   The fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the restriction period is started before a point in time when X-ray irradiation is started.   The fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the regulation period ends after the point in time when the X-ray irradiation ends.   2. The fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the treatment device restriction unit further outputs a drive signal for causing the treatment device to supply power to the electrode catheter outside the restriction period. A fluoroscopic imaging device characterized. In a fluoroscopic imaging apparatus that performs fluoroscopic imaging on a subject, an X-ray generation unit that irradiates the subject with X-rays, an X-ray detection unit that detects X-rays transmitted through the subject, and a treatment device that is separate from the device Detecting means for detecting that electric power is supplied to the electrode catheter included in the apparatus, and irradiation restricting means for restricting X-ray irradiation from the X-ray generating means when the electric power supply is detected And a fluoroscopic imaging device.

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