JP6700183B2 - Injection protocol generator, injection device or imaging system including the generator, and program for generating injection protocol - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention is directed to a generator for generating an injection protocol of a contrast agent such that a pixel value (CT value) in a predetermined range is maintained for a predetermined duration, an injection device or an imaging system including the generator, and an injection. It relates to a program that generates a protocol.

  In recent years, medical imaging devices that can image a wide area (for example, a 16 cm area in the head-to-tail direction of a subject) have appeared. An example of such an imaging device is "AquilionONE (registered trademark)" manufactured by Toshiba Medical Systems Co., Ltd. As a result, it is desired to maintain the pixel value in a predetermined range for a predetermined duration in a wide imaging region of a subject.

  That is, it is desired to maintain the pixel value within the predetermined range from the input value for the duration input by the operator. For example, when imaging a coronary artery of a subject, there is a demand to keep a desired pixel value for 10 seconds. Further, since the pixel value of the calcified portion of the coronary artery is about 500 HU, there is a demand to keep the pixel value within a predetermined range from 400 HU so that the pixel value of the coronary artery does not reach 500 HU.

  As a method of maintaining a state in which a pixel value is close to an optimum value, Patent Document 1 discloses data registration of a variable pattern for changing the injection rate of a contrast agent over time, and injection of a contrast agent corresponding to the variable pattern. A method of changing the velocity over time is disclosed. For example, a pattern in which the injection speed is linearly decreased from the start of injection to a predetermined time and thereafter maintained constant is a pattern in which the injection speed is linearly decreased from the start of injection to a predetermined time and then the injection speed is linear. And a pattern of increasing

JP, 2004-113475, A

  In the method described in Patent Document 1, the variable pattern is generated based on the weight of the subject, the imaged site, and the type of contrast agent. Therefore, the operator may not be able to obtain the desired pixel value. Moreover, as described in FIG. 7 or FIG. 10 of Patent Document 1, a large peak occurs in the time density curve (TDC). Therefore, the pixel value at the peak may greatly exceed the desired pixel value. Therefore, the pixel value in the desired range may not be maintained for the duration input by the operator.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an injection device as an example of the present invention is an injection device for injecting a contrast agent, so that a pixel value in a predetermined range is maintained for a predetermined duration in an imaging region of a subject. A generator for generating an injection protocol of the contrast agent, an input unit for inputting at least one of the pixel value and the duration, and an injection head for injecting the contrast agent according to the injection protocol. Is an imaging information acquisition unit that acquires information of the imaging region, a subject information acquisition unit that acquires information of the subject, and acquires information of at least one of the pixel value and the duration via the input unit. It has an imaging condition acquisition part and a protocol generation part which generates the injection protocol based on the acquired pixel value or the acquired duration.

  As a result, the pixel value in the range desired by the operator can be obtained when the subject is imaged. Also, the pixel value in the desired range can be maintained for the duration entered by the operator.

  A generation device as another example of the present invention is a generation device that generates an injection protocol of a contrast agent such that a pixel value in a predetermined range is maintained for a predetermined duration in an imaging region of a subject, An imaging information acquisition unit that acquires information about an imaging region, a subject information acquisition unit that acquires information about the subject, an imaging condition acquisition unit that acquires information about at least one of the pixel value and the duration, and the acquired information. And a protocol generation unit that generates the injection protocol based on the acquired pixel value or the acquired duration.

  An imaging system as another example of the present invention includes a medical imaging device that images a subject and the generation device.

  Further, a program as another example of the present invention is a program for causing a generating device to generate a contrast agent injection protocol such that a pixel value in a predetermined range is maintained for a predetermined duration in an imaging region of a subject, The program causes the generation device to acquire an imaging information acquisition unit that acquires information about the imaging region, a subject information acquisition unit that acquires information about the subject, an imaging condition that acquires information about at least one of the pixel value and the duration. It functions as an acquisition unit and a protocol generation unit that generates the injection protocol based on the acquired pixel value or the acquired duration.

  Further features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of examples, which is given by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is a schematic diagram of an imaging system. It is a schematic block diagram of an injection device. It is a flow chart for explaining injection protocol generation. It is a schematic diagram showing an input screen. It is the schematic which shows an enlarged display. 3 is a graph showing a time density curve according to the first embodiment. It is a graph which shows the injection protocol which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a graph which shows the time density curve which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a graph which shows the injection protocol which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of the imaging device which concerns on a modification. A range T from the aortic arch to the peripheral artery is shown.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions of constituent elements, and the like described in the following embodiments are arbitrary and can be changed according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied or various conditions. Further, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described below. In addition, in this specification, the upper and lower sides respectively correspond to the upward direction and the downward direction in the gravity direction.

[First Embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging system 100 includes an injection device 2 for injecting a contrast agent, and a medical imaging device 3 that is connected to the injection device 2 in a wired or wireless manner and images a subject. .. Examples of the imaging device 3 include an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device, a CT (Computed Tomography) device, an angio imaging device, a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) device, a SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) device, a CT angio device, Although there are various medical imaging devices such as an MR angio device, an ultrasonic diagnostic device, and a blood vessel imaging device, the CT device will be described in the first embodiment.

  The imaging device 3 includes an imaging unit 31 that images a subject according to an imaging plan, a control device 32 that controls the entire imaging device 3, and a display 33 as a display unit. The control device 32 and the display 33 may be integrally configured. Moreover, the imaging device 3 is connected to the injection device 2 in a wired or wireless manner. For example, the imaging device 3 and the injection device 2 can be connected via a gateway device (not shown).

  The imaging plan includes information such as an imaging site, effective tube voltage, model name, manufacturer name, imaging time, tube voltage, imaging range, rotation speed, helical pitch, exposure time, dose and imaging method. Then, the control device 32 controls the imaging unit 31 so as to follow the imaging plan and images the subject. Further, the control device 32 is connected to a display 33, and the input state, the setting state, the imaging result, various information, etc. of the device are displayed on the display 33.

  The imaging unit 31 includes a bed, an X-ray source that irradiates a subject as a subject with X-rays, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays that have passed through the subject, and the like. Then, the imaging unit 31 irradiates the subject with X-rays and back-projects the inside of the subject based on the X-rays that have passed through the subject to capture a fluoroscopic image of the subject. The image capturing unit 31 may capture an image using radio waves or ultrasonic waves instead of X-rays. Further, the control device 32 can communicate with the imaging unit 31, the injection device 2, and the like in a wired or wireless manner.

  The injection device 2 injects a drug solution filled in a syringe, such as physiological saline and various contrast agents, into the body of a subject as a subject. The injection device 2 also includes an injection head 21 that injects a contrast agent according to an injection protocol. The injection head 21 has a head display 211, on which a syringe filled with a drug solution is mounted. The injection device 2 also includes a stand 22 that holds the injection head 21, and a console 23 that is connected to the injection head 21 by wire or wirelessly.

  The console 23 functions as a control device that controls the injection head 21, and also as a generation device that generates an injection protocol of a contrast agent that maintains a pixel value in a predetermined range for a predetermined duration in an imaging region of a subject. Function. In addition, the console 23 includes a touch panel 26 that functions as an input/display unit, and can perform wired or wireless communication with the injection head 21, the imaging device 3, and the like. The injection device 2 may include a display as a display unit and a user interface such as a keyboard as an input unit instead of the touch panel 26.

  Further, the injection device 2 has a control device connected to the injection head 21 instead of the console 23, and a display unit (touch panel display or the like) connected to the control device and displaying the injection status of the drug solution and the like. You may have. Such a controller also functions as an injection protocol generator. Further, the injection head 21 and the control device may be configured integrally with the stand 22. Further, a ceiling suspension member may be provided instead of the stand 22, and the injection head 21 may be suspended from the ceiling via the ceiling suspension member.

  Further, the injection device 2 may have a power supply or a battery, a hand switch connected to the console 23, a remote control device for remotely operating the injection head 21, and the like. This remote control device can remotely operate the injection head 21 to start or stop injection. Further, the power source or the battery can be provided in either the injection head 21 or the control device (console 23), or can be provided separately from them.

  The injection head 21 has a syringe holding portion on which a syringe is mounted, and has a built-in drive mechanism that pushes out the drug solution in the syringe according to an injection protocol. The injection protocol includes at least the injection rate and the injection time, but may include information about the injection conditions such as the injection amount, the injection timing, the contrast agent concentration, and the injection pressure. Further, the injection head 21 has a head display 211 on which injection conditions, injection conditions, device input states, setting states, various injection results, and the like, and an operation unit 212 for inputting the operation of the drive mechanism. is doing.

  The operation unit 212 is provided with a forward drive button of the drive mechanism, a reverse drive button of the drive mechanism, a final confirmation button, and the like. When the contrast agent is injected, an extension tube or the like is connected to the tip of the syringe mounted on the injection head 21. Then, when preparation for injection such as connection of the extension tube is completed, the operator presses the final confirmation button. As a result, the injection head 21 stands by in a state where injection can be started. Then, the contrast agent extruded from the syringe is injected into the body of the subject through an extension tube or the like.

  The injection head 21 can be equipped with various syringes such as a prefilled syringe having a data carrier such as an RFID chip, an IC tag, and a barcode. Then, the injection head 21 has a built-in reading unit 213 (FIG. 2) for reading the data carrier attached to the syringe. The liquid carrier stores the liquid medicine information related to the liquid medicine. The chemical information includes product name, product ID, chemical classification, contained component, concentration, viscosity, expiration date, syringe capacity, syringe pressure resistance, cylinder inner diameter, piston stroke, lot number, and the like.

The imaging device 3 can receive information from a server (external storage device) not shown and can also send information to the server. On the other hand, the injection device 2 can receive information from the server and can also send information to the server via an internal or external gateway device. Examples of such a server include RIS (Radiology Information System), PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems), and HIS (Hospital).
Information System) etc. Further, it is also possible to use an image inspection system or an image forming workstation.

  Inspection orders are stored in advance in the server. The inspection order includes subject information regarding the subject and inspection information regarding the inspection content. This subject information includes the subject's weight, lean body mass, circulating blood volume, subject number (subject ID), subject name, sex, date of birth, age, height, blood volume, body surface area, subject's disease, heart rate, And cardiac output, etc. Further, the inspection information includes an inspection number (examination ID), an inspection site, an inspection date and time, a chemical type, a chemical name, an imaging condition (an imaging site, etc.), and the like. In addition, the server can store information regarding an imaging result such as image data transmitted from the imaging device 3 and information regarding an injection result transmitted from the injection device 2.

  Subsequently, the generation of the injection protocol will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the injection device 2, and FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the generation of the injection protocol. 4 and 5 show screens displayed on the touch panel 26.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the injection device 2 includes an injection head 21 for injecting a drug solution and a console 23. The console 23 stores a control program, information about an injection protocol, information about a drug solution, and the like, a control unit 25 such as a CPU that controls the entire injection device 2 including the injection head 21, and the like. It has a touch panel 26 as a display/input unit. The touch panel 26 functions as a display unit that displays the injection protocol, the input state of the device, the setting state, the injection result, various information, and the like. Further, the operator can input a predetermined command, information or the like via the touch panel 26 as an input unit.

  The storage unit 24 also includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) that is a system work memory for the control unit 25 to operate, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores a program or system software, a hard disk drive, or the like. The control unit 25 can also control various processes according to a program stored in a portable recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or an external storage medium such as a server on the Internet. .

  The control unit 25 includes a drug solution information acquisition unit 11 that acquires drug solution information about a drug solution, an imaging information acquisition unit 12 that acquires information about an imaging site, a subject information acquisition unit 13 that acquires subject information about a subject, a pixel value, and An imaging condition acquisition unit 14 that acquires at least one imaging condition of the duration, a display control unit 15 that controls the display unit 26, and a protocol that generates an injection protocol based on the acquired pixel value or the acquired duration. And a generation unit 16. The information of the imaging site is not limited to the imaging site name, and may be information that can identify the imaging site, such as the distance from the injection site of the drug solution to the imaging site.

  Then, the control unit 25 executes various processes corresponding to the programs installed in the storage unit 24, whereby each unit is logically realized as various functions. This program causes the generation device 23 as a computer to acquire the imaging information acquisition unit 12 that acquires the information of the imaging region, the object information acquisition unit 13 that acquires the information of the object, and the information of at least one of the pixel value and the duration. It is a program that functions as the imaging condition acquisition unit 14 and the protocol generation unit 16 that generates an injection protocol based on the acquired pixel value or the acquired duration. The program is stored in a computer-readable recording medium.

  When the operator mounts the syringe on the injection head 21 after turning on the power of the injection device 2, the reading unit 213 of the injection head 21 reads the drug solution information (for example, product ID) and sends it to the control unit 25. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the chemical liquid information acquisition unit 11 acquires the chemical liquid information read by the reading unit 213 (S11). The drug information acquisition unit 11 can also acquire drug information from the imaging device 3 or an external server. Further, the liquid medicine information acquisition unit 11 can also acquire the liquid medicine information input by the operator via the touch panel 26 as an input unit.

  Then, when the product ID is acquired, the protocol generation unit 16 temporarily stores the product ID in the storage unit 24 as drug solution information. At the same time, the display control unit 15 displays the product name based on the product ID, the iodine content, and the like in the drug information display field 317 of the touch panel 26.

  Then, the operator selects and touches a desired imaging region (for example, abdomen) from the plurality of regions displayed on the touch panel 26. Then, the imaging information acquisition unit 12 acquires the input imaging region via the touch panel 26 as an input unit (S12). Then, the protocol generation unit 16 causes the storage unit 24 to temporarily store the imaged region. The imaging information acquisition unit 12 can also acquire the imaging region from the imaging device 3 or an external server. After that, the display control unit 15 causes the touch panel 26 as a display unit to display an input screen (FIG. 4) for subject information and the like (S13). Note that FIG. 4 shows a state in which the abdomen is input as the imaging region.

  Then, the operator inputs subject information (for example, the weight of the subject) via the touch panel 26. FIG. 4 shows a state where 60 kg is input as an example. Then, the subject information acquisition unit 13 acquires the weight of the subject via the touch panel 26 as an input unit (S14). Note that the subject information acquisition unit 13 can also acquire subject information from the imaging device 3, an external server, an external measuring device (for example, a scale), or the like. Then, the protocol generation unit 16 causes the storage unit 24 to temporarily store the weight. At the same time, the display control unit 15 displays the weight on the touch panel 26 as a display unit.

  The order of acquiring the drug solution information, the imaging information, the subject information, and the imaging conditions can be changed as appropriate. For example, the product ID may be acquired as the drug solution information after acquiring the imaging region as the imaging information. Further, the liquid medicine information, the imaging information, and the subject information can be stored in the storage unit 24 before the examination. In this case, the liquid medicine information acquisition unit, the imaging information acquisition unit, and the subject information acquisition unit can also acquire information from the storage unit 24. In particular, when the chemical liquid information acquisition unit does not acquire the chemical liquid information from the reading unit 213, the chemical liquid information acquisition unit acquires the predetermined chemical liquid information from the storage unit 24.

  Here, in the storage unit 24, a recommended injection protocol, and a pixel value, a duration and a time density curve corresponding to the injection protocol are stored in advance as initial settings. Then, the protocol generation unit 16 reads from the storage unit 24 the initial settings corresponding to the temporarily stored drug solution information (product ID), imaging information (imaging site), and subject information (weight) (S15). Then, the display control unit 15 causes the touch panel 26 as a display unit to display the initial settings (S16). The initial settings can be obtained in advance by experiments or the like.

  That is, the touch panel 26 as a display unit displays the pixel value and duration corresponding to the initial setting, and the time density curve 313. At the same time, the display control unit 15 displays at least one of the injection speed and the injection amount of the contrast agent on the touch panel 26 together with the time density curve 313. Then, the operator looks at the displayed initial settings, and confirms the default pixel value, the duration for which the pixel value is maintained, and the time density curve 313. The vertical axis of the time density curve 313 represents the pixel value (HU), and the horizontal axis represents the time (seconds) from the start of injection.

  If it is not necessary to change the setting (NO in S17), the generation of the injection protocol ends. Then, the operator presses the check button 311 or the final confirmation button of the injection head 21 displayed on the touch panel 26. As a result, the injection preparation is completed, and the injection device 2 stands by in the injection ready state.

  On the other hand, when changing the initial setting (YES in S17), the operator inputs the pixel value and/or the duration in the input field 312 of the touch panel 26, or the pixel value and/or the duration displayed in the input field 312. Select. The operator can also input the duration by moving the bar 314 extending in the vertical direction of the time density curve 313 to the left or right. Further, the operator can also move the peak portion 315 of the time density curve up and down to input the pixel value. As an example, FIG. 4 shows a state in which 400 HU is selected as the pixel value and 15 sec is selected as the duration.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when at least one of the pixel value and the duration is input, the display control unit 15 enlarges and displays the time density curve 313 on the touch panel 26 as a display unit. Then, the touch panel 26 as a display unit displays the time density curve 313 corresponding to the input pixel value and duration. At the same time, the display control unit 15 displays at least one of the injection speed and the injection amount of the contrast agent on the display unit together with the time density curve 313. The display control unit 15 may enlarge and display the time density curve 313 when the operator touches the time density curve 313.

  Further, in FIG. 5, both the injection speed and the injection amount are displayed in the display field 316. Specifically, the maximum injection speed and the injection amount are displayed in the display field 316 above the time density curve 313. The bar 314 of the time density curve 313 or the peak portion 315 of the time density curve also allows the operator to input the duration or pixel value in the enlarged screen shown in FIG. Further, either the bar 314 or the peak portion 315 can be changed stepwise.

The imaging condition acquisition unit 14 acquires information on at least one of the input pixel value and duration as imaging conditions via the touch panel 26 as an input unit (S18). Then, the protocol generation unit 16 generates an injection protocol based on the acquired pixel value or the acquired duration (S19). Specifically, the storage unit 24 corresponds to at least a predetermined pixel value or a predetermined duration for each of the drug solution information (product ID), the imaging information (imaging region), and the subject information (weight) , or a predetermined time. It stores a plurality of injection protocols corresponding to the density curves . Then, the protocol generation unit 16 generates an injection protocol by reading the injection protocol corresponding to the input changed pixel value or duration from the storage unit 24. This ends the generation of the injection protocol.

  Then, the display control unit 15 displays the injection speed and the injection amount included in the injection protocol thus generated on the touch panel 26. In FIG. 5, the physiological saline injection protocol is displayed on the right side of the display field 316. Further, when the injection protocol has a two-step variable pattern described below, the display control unit 15 may display the first phase on the left side of the display field 316 and the second phase on the right side of the display field 316.

  The injection protocol will now be described with reference to FIG. In the first embodiment, the operator can select and input the pixel value of 350 HU or 400 HU and the duration of 10 seconds or 15 seconds, and the storage unit 24 stores the injection protocol corresponding to these. However, the storage unit 24 may store an injection protocol other than this.

  FIG. 6 shows a time density curve A when a pixel value of 350 HU and a duration of 10 seconds is input, a time density curve B when a pixel value of 350 HU and a duration of 15 seconds is input, and a pixel value of 400 HU and a duration. It is a graph which shows the time density curve C when 10 seconds are input, and the time density curve D when pixel value 400HU and duration 15 seconds are input. In FIG. 6, the vertical axis represents the pixel value (HU), and the horizontal axis represents the time (seconds) from the start of injection.

  In the time density curve A, the pixel value within a predetermined range larger than the pixel value 350HU is maintained for 10 seconds from 19 seconds to 29 seconds after the start of injection. Further, in the time density curve B, the pixel value within a predetermined range larger than the pixel value 350HU is maintained for 15 seconds from 24 seconds to 39 seconds after the start of injection. In the time density curve C, the pixel value within a predetermined range larger than the pixel value 400HU is maintained for 10 seconds from 18 seconds to 28 seconds after the start of the injection. In the time density curve D, the pixel value within a predetermined range larger than the pixel value 400HU is maintained for 15 seconds from 19.5 seconds to 34.5 seconds after the start of the injection.

  As the predetermined range in which the desired pixel value is maintained, a range of ±50 HU from the selected pixel value can be considered. However, the range of plus 50HU from the input pixel value is more preferable. As a result, the time density curve does not fall below the selected pixel value, so that the desired pixel value can be obtained more reliably.

  When changing the initial setting, the operator selects and inputs the pixel value of 350 HU or 400 HU and the duration of 10 seconds or 15 seconds through the touch panel 26. Then, the protocol generation unit 16 reads out the injection protocol corresponding to the input pixel value or duration from the storage unit 24. Specifically, the protocol generation unit 16 reads one injection protocol corresponding to the input pixel value and duration from the four injection protocols shown in Table 1 below.

  Table 1 shows the injection protocol when a contrast medium having an iodine content of 300 mg/mL was used, the body weight of the subject was set to 60 kg, and the imaging site was set to the coronary artery. In addition, in each of the first phase, the second phase, and the third phase, the injection is started at the maximum injection speed, and the injection is ended at the minimum injection speed. Further, in each phase, the injection rate is linearly decreased from the start of injection to the end of injection. Then, at the end of the infusion, a flush with saline is performed. With this flash, the contrast agent can be pushed from the puncture portion to the imaging site. The physiological saline injection rate may be increased or decreased.

  With reference to Table 1 and FIG. 7, the injection protocol A'when the imaging condition (pixel value 350HU and duration 10 seconds) corresponding to the time density curve A is input will be described. FIG. 7 is a graph showing the injection protocol in Table 1, in which the vertical axis represents the injection rate (ml/sec) and the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time (seconds) from the start of the injection.

  In the injection protocol A′ of FIG. 6, in the first phase immediately after the start of the injection, the injection is started at an injection rate of 4.0 ml/sec. Then, the injection speed is gradually reduced, and the first phase is completed at an injection speed of 3.5 ml/sec. In addition, in the second phase following the first phase, the injection is started from the injection rate of 3.4 ml/sec. Then, the injection speed is gradually reduced, and the first phase is completed at the injection speed of 3.1 ml/sec.

  Similarly, in the first phase immediately after the start of the injection of the injection protocol B′ when the imaging condition (pixel value 350HU and duration 15 seconds) corresponding to the time density curve B in FIG. 6 is input, the injection speed is 5. Start the injection at 0 ml/sec. Then, the injection speed is gradually reduced, and the first phase is completed at the injection speed of 4.0 ml/sec. In addition, in the second phase following the first phase, the injection is started at an injection rate of 3.0 ml/sec. Then, the injection speed is gradually reduced, and the second phase is completed at the injection speed of 2.8 ml/sec. Further, in the third phase following the second phase, the injection is started from the injection rate of 2.5 ml/sec. Then, the injection speed is gradually reduced, and the third phase is completed at the injection speed of 2.2 ml/sec.

  Similarly, in the injection protocol C′ when the imaging conditions (pixel value 400HU and duration 10 seconds) corresponding to the time density curve C in FIG. 6 are input, the injection speed 5 is set in the first phase immediately after the start of injection. Start the injection at 0.0 ml/sec. Then, the injection speed is gradually reduced, and the first phase is completed at the injection speed of 4.3 ml/sec. In addition, in the second phase following the first phase, the injection is started from the injection speed of 3.8 ml/sec. Then, the injection speed is gradually reduced, and the second phase is completed at the injection speed of 3.5 ml/sec.

  Similarly, in the injection protocol D′ when the imaging condition (pixel value 400HU and duration 15 seconds) corresponding to the time density curve D in FIG. 6 is input, the injection speed 5 is set in the first phase immediately after the start of injection. Start the injection at 0.0 ml/sec. Then, the injection speed is gradually reduced, and the first phase is completed at the injection speed of 4.2 ml/sec. In addition, in the second phase following the first phase, the injection is started at an injection rate of 3.7 ml/sec. Then, the injection speed is gradually reduced, and the second phase is completed at the injection speed of 3.4 ml/sec.

As described above, the protocol generation unit 16 includes the first phase in which the injection rate linearly decreases at the first decrease rate, and the second phase following the first phase, and the second phase smaller than the first decrease rate. And a second phase in which the infusion rate decreases linearly with a decreasing rate of. Note that the rate of change of the injection speed that gradually decreases (hereinafter referred to as the decrease rate) is V ₁ at the start injection speed, V ₂ at the end injection speed, and Q at the injection amount. obtained by the V ₁ -V ₂₎ / Q.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the deceleration is slower in the second phase than in the first phase. That is, the reduction rate in the first phase is higher than the reduction rate in the second phase. Specifically, in the injection protocol A′, the reduction rate in the first phase is 0.05 and the reduction rate in the second phase is about 0.004.

  Similarly, in the injection protocol B', the reduction rate in the first phase is 0.04, and the reduction rate in the second phase is about 0.003. The reduction rate in the third phase of the injection protocol B'is 0.012. In addition, in the injection protocol C′, the reduction rate in the first phase is 0.028, and the reduction rate in the second phase is about 0.004. Further, in the injection protocol D′, the reduction rate in the first phase is 0.032, and the reduction rate in the second phase is about 0.003.

  By the way, according to the study by the present inventors, when the injection rate is linearly decreased in the first phase and then maintained constant in the second phase, the time required to reach the peak of the pixel value is short. It is known that the pixel value decreases in a long time after reaching the peak. That is, the time density curve rises steeply until it reaches a peak, and then gently falls. Therefore, since the pixel value reaches the peak in the first half of the duration, it is necessary to set the peak pixel value high in order to maintain the desired pixel value for a long time. As a result, the pixel value at the peak greatly exceeds the desired pixel value.

  On the other hand, when the injection speed is linearly decreased with a large decrease rate in the first phase and then the injection speed is linearly decreased with a small decrease rate in the second phase, it takes a long time to reach the peak of the pixel value. It was found that the pixel value decreased in a short time after reaching the peak. That is, the time density curve rises steeply, then gradually rises until it reaches the peak, and then steeply falls after reaching the peak. In other words, the timing at which the pixel value reaches the peak can be delayed. Therefore, since the pixel value reaches the peak in the second half of the duration, even if the desired pixel value is maintained for a long time, the peak pixel value does not greatly exceed the desired pixel value.

  In addition, in the first phase and the second phase, the injection protocol that linearly decreases the injection speed includes an injection protocol that linearly decreases and an injection protocol that linearly decreases. Moreover, the number of phases is not limited to two or three, and may be four or more.

  According to the invention according to the first embodiment described above, an injection protocol capable of obtaining a pixel value in a range desired by an operator can be generated. Also, an injection protocol can be created that can sustain a desired range of pixel values for the duration entered by the operator. With this, a substantially trapezoidal time density curve can be realized, so that it is possible to prevent the pixel value from having a large peak and the pixel value at the peak greatly exceeding the desired pixel value.

  Further, since the input time density curve can be realized, it is possible to set the arrival time until the desired pixel value is reached. For example, by inputting a time density curve that reaches the pixel value of 400 HU 13 seconds after the start of injection, the arrival time can be made constant even when the subject changes.

  Further, the operator can grasp the arrival time when the imaged region reaches a desired pixel value without using the bolus tracking method (Prep). Therefore, the scan time can be shortened, and the radiation dose to the subject can be reduced.

  The protocol generation unit 16 first searches for the injection protocol corresponding to the pixel value input from the storage unit 24, and then reads the injection protocol corresponding to the input duration from the searched injection protocols. May generate an injection protocol. In this case, the protocol generation unit 16 searches the storage unit 24 for the injection protocol associated with the pixel value closest to the input pixel value. Next, the protocol generation unit 16 searches the plurality of injection protocols included in the search result for the injection protocol associated with the duration closest to the input duration.

  Thus, by first searching for the injection protocol associated with the pixel value, the pixel value obtained by the searched injection protocol can be most closely approximated to the desired pixel value. That is, when the injection protocol associated with the duration is searched first, even if the pixel value within the predetermined range can be obtained from the desired pixel value, the injection protocol that obtains the closest pixel value is excluded from the search result. there is a possibility. However, such a possibility can be ruled out by first searching the injection protocol associated with the pixel value.

[Second Embodiment]
Subsequently, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. In the second embodiment, a plurality of pixel values or a plurality of durations can be set. In the description of the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described, the same reference numerals will be given to the components described in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. Except as otherwise noted, the components designated by the same reference numerals have substantially the same operations and functions, and the same operational effects.

  FIG. 8 is a graph showing a time density curve obtained by combining a first time density curve E having a pixel value of 300 HU and a duration of 15 seconds and a second time density curve F having a pixel value of 300 HU and a duration of 10 seconds. In FIG. 8, the vertical axis represents the pixel value (HU) and the horizontal axis represents the time (seconds) from the start of injection. Further, in FIG. 9, the vertical axis represents the injection speed (ml/sec), and the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time (seconds) from the start of the injection.

  In the first time density curve E, the pixel value within a predetermined range from the pixel value 300HU is maintained for 15 seconds from 16 seconds to 30 seconds after the start of injection. Further, in the second time density curve F, the pixel value within the predetermined range larger than the pixel value 300HU is maintained for 10 seconds from 62 seconds to 72 seconds after the start of the injection.

  Also in the second embodiment, for example, a pixel value of 400 HU and a duration of 15 seconds are set as initial settings. Then, when changing the initial settings, the operator operates the touch panel 26 to input 300 HU as the pixel value and 10 seconds and 15 seconds as the plurality of durations. Then, the imaging condition acquisition unit 14 acquires the information of at least one of the input pixel value and duration as the imaging condition via the touch panel 26 as an input unit.

  The protocol generator 16 generates an injection protocol based on the acquired pixel value or the acquired duration. Specifically, the protocol generation unit 16 generates an injection protocol by reading the injection protocol corresponding to the input changed pixel value or duration from the storage unit 24. This ends the generation of the injection protocol.

  Here, the storage unit 24 stores the injection protocol shown in the following Table 2 in addition to the injection protocol of the first embodiment. Then, the protocol generation unit 16 reads this injection protocol as the injection protocol corresponding to the input pixel value and duration. In addition, Table 2 shows an injection protocol when a contrast medium having an iodine content of 300 mg/mL is used, the weight of the subject is set to 60 kg, and the imaging site is set to the hepatic artery and the portal vein (hepatic portal vein). ing. The first time density curve E corresponds to the hepatic artery, and the second time density curve F corresponds to the portal vein.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the first injection protocol E′ according to the second embodiment, the reduction rate in the first phase is 0.04 and the reduction rate in the second phase is about 0.008. .. The third phase is an interval, and the contrast agent is injected at a constant injection rate. Then, in the second injection protocol F′, the reduction rate in the fourth phase is about 0.107, and the reduction rate in the fifth phase is about 0.003. That is, the injection protocol according to the second embodiment includes the first injection protocol E′ including the first and second phases corresponding to the first time density curve E, and the fourth and fourth injection protocols E′ corresponding to the second time density curve F. The second injection protocol F′ including 5 phases is generated by being coupled via the interval (third phase).

  According to the invention according to the second embodiment described above, it is possible to photograph a plurality of imaged regions with a single examination. For example, the hepatic artery can be imaged 16 to 30 seconds after the start of injection, and the portal vein can be imaged 62 to 72 seconds after the start of injection. Further, by adjusting the injection start timing of the third phase, the pixel values of a plurality of imaging regions can be made to reach the desired pixel values at the same time. Thereby, for example, the hepatic artery and the portal vein can be simultaneously imaged.

  The invention according to the second embodiment can also generate an injection protocol capable of obtaining the pixel value in the range desired by the operator. It is also possible to create an injection protocol that can sustain this desired range of pixel values for the duration entered by the operator. With this, a substantially trapezoidal time density curve can be realized, so that it is possible to prevent the pixel value from having a large peak and the pixel value at the peak greatly exceeding the desired pixel value.

  Further, since the input time density curve can be realized, it is possible to set the arrival time until the desired pixel value is reached. Furthermore, since the scan time can be shortened, the radiation dose to the subject can be reduced.

  In the second embodiment, a very small amount of contrast agent is injected at intervals. However, in the interval, the injection of the contrast agent can be stopped. Further, the number of communication protocols to be combined is not limited to two. An injection protocol may be created that combines three or more injection protocols that include multiple phases.

[Modification]
The protocol generation unit 16 can also correct the generated injection protocol based on the correction information received by the control unit 25. This correction information includes information about the amount of iodine per body weight for each imaging region, subject information such as the subject's heart rate and stroke volume, the manufacturer of the imaging device, the imaging method, the tube voltage, and the number of rows. The operator can input this correction information via the touch panel 26. In addition, the control unit 25 can acquire the correction information from the external server or the imaging device 3.

  When the operator inputs the stroke volume of the subject as the correction information, the control unit 25 receives the stroke volume via the touch panel 26 as the input unit. Then, when the stroke volume is equal to or larger than the predetermined volume, the protocol generation unit 16 corrects the injection protocol so as to increase the injection rate or the injection time in order to increase the injection amount of the contrast agent. On the contrary, when the stroke volume is less than the predetermined volume, the protocol generation unit 16 corrects the injection protocol so as to reduce the injection rate or the injection time in order to reduce the injection amount of the contrast agent.

  Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above exemplary embodiments. The present invention includes inventions modified within a range not departing from the present invention and inventions equivalent to the present invention. Further, the above-described respective embodiments and respective modified examples can be appropriately combined without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  For example, the injection device 2 or the imaging system 100 may provide information regarding an injection result (injection history) to an external device such as a RIS (Radiology Information System), a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems), and a HIS (Hospital Information System) via a network. It can also be transmitted to a storage device and stored.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the injection device 2 has a built-in injection protocol generation device. However, the imaging device 3 may include the generation device. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the injection device 2 includes an injection head 21 for injecting a drug solution and a console 23. The console 23 has a touch panel 26 as a display/input unit and a display control unit 15 that controls the touch panel 26 as a display unit.

  On the other hand, the imaging device 3 includes an injection protocol generation device 423. Then, the generation device 423 includes the drug solution information acquisition unit 411 that acquires the drug solution information, the imaging information acquisition unit 412 that acquires the information of the imaging site, the object information acquisition unit 413 that acquires the object information, the pixel value and the duration. An imaging condition acquisition unit 414 that acquires at least one of the imaging conditions, and a protocol generation unit 416 that generates an injection protocol based on the acquired pixel value or the acquired duration. Then, the protocol generation unit 416 can generate the injection protocol by reading the injection protocol from the storage unit 424. The injection device 2 receives the injection protocol generated by the generation device 423 from the imaging device 3, and injects a contrast agent according to the received injection protocol.

  The generation device may be configured separately from the image pickup device 3 and the injection device 2. In this case, the generator is connected to the injection device 2 in a wired or wireless manner, and the injection device 2 receives the injection protocol generated by the external generation device. Then, the injection device 2 receives the injection protocol generated from the generation device 423 and injects the contrast agent according to the received injection protocol.

  Further, the protocol generation unit 16 can obtain the injection protocol by calculation instead of reading the injection protocol from the storage unit 24.

  In addition, the injection protocol according to each of the above-described embodiments and each modification can be used when imaging is performed such that the pixel value in a predetermined range is maintained from the aortic arch to the peripheral artery. For example, when imaging the range T from the aortic arch to the peripheral artery shown in FIG. 11 with a CT apparatus, a duration of 5 seconds to 10 seconds is required. Therefore, the operator inputs the pixel value of 400 HU and the duration of 10 seconds into the input field 312 of the touch panel 26. Then, the imaging condition acquisition unit 14 acquires the input pixel value and duration as imaging conditions. Then, the protocol generator 16 generates an injection protocol based on the acquired pixel value and duration. By using the injection protocol generated in this manner, the range from the aortic arch to the peripheral artery can be imaged so that the pixel value in the predetermined range larger than 400 HU is maintained.

  This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-159435 filed on August 5, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

2: injection device, 3: imaging device, 12: imaging information acquisition unit, 13: subject information acquisition unit, 14: imaging condition acquisition unit, 15: display control unit, 16: protocol generation unit, 21: injection head, 23: Generation device, 24: storage unit, 26: touch panel, 100: imaging system

Claims (12)

An injection device for injecting a contrast agent,
A generation device that generates information about the injection condition of the contrast agent such that a pixel value in a predetermined range is maintained for a predetermined duration in an imaging region of a subject,
An input unit for inputting at least one of the pixel value and the duration,
An injection head for injecting the contrast agent according to information on the injection condition ,
The generation device is an imaging information acquisition unit that acquires information about the imaging region, a subject information acquisition unit that acquires information about the subject, and information about at least one of the pixel value and the duration via the input unit. An injection device including: an imaging condition acquisition unit that acquires the injection condition; and an injection condition information generation unit that generates information regarding the injection condition based on the acquired pixel value or the acquired duration. The injection condition information generation unit includes a first phase in which the injection rate linearly decreases at a first reduction rate, and a second phase following the first phase, and a second phase smaller than the first reduction rate. infusion rate at a reduced rate to produce information regarding the injection conditions and a second phase that decreases linearly injection device according to claim 1. The said injection|pouring condition information production | generation part produces | generates the information regarding the said injection | pouring conditions containing the 3rd phase following the said 2nd phase and the 4th phase following the said 3rd phase via an interval. Injection device. A storage unit that stores information about a plurality of injection conditions ,
The injection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the injection condition information generation unit generates information regarding the injection condition by reading from the storage unit. The injection condition information generation unit retrieves information about an injection condition corresponding to the pixel value from the storage unit, and reads out information about an injection condition corresponding to the duration from the retrieved information about the injection condition. Item 4. The injection device according to item 4.   The injection device according to claim 1, wherein the subject information acquisition unit acquires the weight of the subject as the information of the subject. A display that displays the time density curve,
The injection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a display control unit that controls the display unit.   The injection device according to claim 7, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the time density curve in an enlarged manner when at least one of the pixel value and the duration is input.   The injection device according to claim 7, wherein the display control unit causes at least one of an injection speed and an injection amount of the contrast agent to be displayed on the display unit together with the time density curve. A generation device for generating information on a contrast agent injection condition such that a pixel value in a predetermined range is maintained for a predetermined duration in an imaging region of a subject,
An imaging information acquisition unit that acquires information on the imaging region,
A subject information acquisition unit that acquires information about the subject,
An imaging condition acquisition unit that acquires information on at least one of the pixel value and the duration,
An injection condition information generation unit that generates information regarding the injection condition based on the acquired pixel value or the acquired duration. A medical imaging device for imaging a subject;
An imaging system comprising: the generating device according to claim 10. A program for causing a generating device to generate information regarding an injection condition of a contrast agent such that a pixel value in a predetermined range is maintained for a predetermined duration in an imaging region of a subject, the program comprising:
An imaging information acquisition unit that acquires information on the imaging region,
A subject information acquisition unit that acquires information about the subject,
An imaging condition acquisition unit that acquires information on at least one of the pixel value and the duration, and injection condition information generation that generates information regarding the injection condition based on the acquired pixel value or the acquired duration. A program that functions as a department.