JP6710015B2 - 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. An imaging condition acquisition unit; and a protocol generation unit that generates the injection protocol based on the acquired pixel value or the acquired duration, the protocol generation unit injecting the contrast agent The injection protocol is generated to include a phase and a second phase of injecting a mixed drug solution diluted with the contrast agent.

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, the protocol generation unit diluting the contrast agent with a first phase of injecting the contrast agent. And a second phase of injecting a mixed drug solution.

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. An acquisition unit, and a protocol generation unit that generates the injection protocol based on the acquired pixel value or the acquired duration, the first phase of injecting the contrast agent, and the contrast agent diluted And a protocol generation unit that generates the injection protocol so as to include a second phase of injecting a mixed drug solution.

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. 6 is a graph showing an injection protocol. It is a graph which shows a time density curve.

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.

[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 which is connected to the injection device 2 by wire or wirelessly and which 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 angiography device, an ultrasonic diagnostic device, and a blood vessel imaging device, the CT device will be described in this 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 for injecting a contrast agent injects a drug solution filled in a syringe, such as various contrast agents and physiological saline, 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. Furthermore, the injection device 2 has 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. The console 23 also includes an input unit for inputting at least one of a pixel value and a duration, and a touch panel 26 that functions as a 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.

Also, the generation device, the input unit, and the display unit can be configured separately. For example, the infusion device 2 is connected to the infusion head 21 instead of the console 23, and a display unit (touch panel display or the like) connected to the infusion head 21 and displaying the injection state of the chemical liquid and the like. ) And may be included. 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 is provided with a first holding part 214 in which a syringe filled with a contrast agent is mounted and a syringe in which a saline solution as a drug solution (diluted drug solution) for diluting the contrast agent is loaded. 2 holding part 215. In addition, the injection head 21 has a drive mechanism (not shown) that pushes out the drug solution in the syringe mounted in the first holding unit 214 according to the injection protocol, and the drug solution in the syringe mounted in the second holding unit 215 according to the injection protocol. And a drive mechanism (not shown) for pushing out.

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 are provided. doing. The head display 211 can be omitted. The head display 211 can also be used as the operation unit 212 by being configured with a touch panel or the like.

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 liquid medicine is injected, a mixing tube or the like is connected to the tip of the syringe mounted on the injection head 21. Then, when the preparation for injection such as connection of the mixing 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. After that, the drug solution extruded from the syringe is injected into the body of the subject through a mixing tube or the like. This mixing tube functions as a mixer for the contrast agent and the diluted chemical solution. An example of such a mixer is "SPIRAL FLOW (registered trademark)" manufactured by Nemoto Kyorindo Co., Ltd.

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 liquid 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 servers include RIS (Radiology Information System), PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems), and HIS (Hospital Information System). 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, blood flow velocity, body surface area, subject's disease. , Side effect history, creatinine level, heart rate, and cardiac output. 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.

Next, 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 is a graph showing an injection protocol according to this embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a graph showing time density curves according to this embodiment and a comparative example.

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. In addition, the control unit 25 performs various operations according to programs stored in a portable recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a CF (Compact Flash) card, or an external storage medium such as a server on the Internet. The processing can also be controlled.

The control unit 25 includes a drug solution information acquisition unit 11 that acquires drug solution information regarding 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, and an input unit. The imaging condition acquisition unit 14 that acquires information on at least one of the pixel value and the duration via the display control unit 15 that controls the display unit 26, and the injection protocol based on the acquired pixel value or the acquired duration. And a protocol generation unit 16 that generates Then, as will be described later, the protocol generation unit 16 generates an injection protocol so as to include a first phase of injecting a contrast agent and a second phase of injecting a mixed drug solution in which the contrast agent is diluted. 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.

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 a generating device as a computer to generate an injection protocol of 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.

That is, this program causes the generation device 23 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 imaging that acquires the information of at least one of the pixel value and the duration. A condition acquisition unit 14 and a protocol generation unit 16 that generates an injection protocol based on the acquired pixel value or the acquired duration, the first phase of injecting a contrast agent, and a mixed drug solution in which the contrast agent is diluted. And a second phase for injecting the injection protocol. 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 causes the touch panel 26 to display the product name based on the product ID, the iodine content, and the like.

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 for subject information and the like (S13).

Then, the operator inputs subject information (for example, the weight of the subject) via the touch panel 26. 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).

That is, the touch panel 26 as a display unit displays the pixel value (HU) and the duration (seconds) corresponding to the initial setting, and the time density curve. At the same time, the display control unit 15 causes the touch panel 26 to display at least one of the injection speed and the injection amount of the contrast agent together with the time density curve. 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. The initial setting can be obtained in advance by experiments or the like.

If it is not necessary to change the setting (NO in S17), the generation of the injection protocol ends. After that, the operator presses the check button displayed on the touch panel 26 or the final confirmation button of the injection head 21. 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 time through the touch panel 26, or selects the pixel value and/or the duration time displayed on the touch panel 26. To do. The operator can input the duration by moving the bar extending in the vertical direction of the time density curve displayed on the touch panel 26. The operator can also move the peak portion of the time density curve displayed on the touch panel 26 up and down to input the pixel value.

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 on the touch panel 26 as a display unit. Then, the touch panel 26 as a display unit displays a time density curve 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.

The display control unit 15 may enlarge and display the time density curve when the operator touches the time density curve. The operator can also operate the bar or peak portion of the magnified time density curve to enter the duration or pixel value. Note that either the bar or the peak portion may be changed stepwise.

The imaging condition acquisition unit 14 acquires information on at least one of the input pixel value and duration as an imaging condition 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).

For example, the storage unit 24 corresponds to at least a predetermined pixel value or a predetermined duration (a predetermined time density curve) for each of the drug solution information (product ID), the imaging information (imaging site), and the subject information (weight). Remember multiple injection protocols. 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.

Here, the generation of the injection protocol will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. First, an operator who changes the initial setting inputs a desired pixel value or duration as an imaging condition via the touch panel 26. Then, the protocol generation unit 16 generates an injection protocol including a first phase of injecting a contrast agent and a second phase of injecting a mixed drug solution in which the contrast agent is diluted. Specifically, the protocol generation unit 16 reads the injection protocol corresponding to the input pixel value or duration from the storage unit 24. For example, when the operator inputs a pixel value of 450 HU and a duration of 10 seconds, the protocol generator 16 selects the injection protocol corresponding to the input pixel value and duration from among the plurality of injection protocols stored in the storage 24. Read out.

An example of an injection protocol generated in this way is shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, the vertical axis represents the injection rate (ml/sec) and the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time (seconds) from the start of the injection. The solid line indicates the injection rate of the contrast agent, and the dotted line indicates the injection rate of the mixed drug solution. It should be noted that FIG. 4 shows an injection protocol when a contrast agent having an iodine content of 300 mg/mL is selected, the weight of the subject is set to 60 kg, and the imaging site is set to the coronary artery.

According to the injection protocol shown in FIG. 4, in the first phase 0 to 12 seconds after the start of injection, only the contrast agent is injected at an injection rate of 3.80 ml/sec. In the second phase, which is 12 to 25 seconds after the start of injection, the mixed drug solution of the contrast agent and physiological saline (diluted drug solution) is injected at an injection rate of 3.80 ml/sec. Therefore, in the second phase, the contrast medium is injected at an injection rate of 3.04 ml/sec and the physiological saline is injected at an injection rate of 0.76 ml/sec.

That is, the protocol generation unit 16 generates the injection protocol so that the injection speed of the mixed drug solution in the second phase becomes the same as the injection speed of the contrast agent in the first phase. Therefore, in the second phase, the protocol generation unit 16 generates the injection protocol so that the contrast agent and the diluted chemical liquid are simultaneously injected. As a result, the protocol generation unit 16 determines that the sum of the injection amount of the contrast agent per unit time in the second phase and the injection amount of the diluted drug solution per unit time is the injection amount of the contrast agent per unit time in the first phase. The infusion protocol is generated so that it is the same as the volume and the infusion rate of the drug solution is constant within each phase.

As a result, the pixel value decreases in the phase (second phase) of injecting the diluted low-contrast contrast agent (mixed drug solution). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the peak of the pixel value from deviating from the desired range and maintain the desired pixel value for a predetermined time. In this embodiment, physiological saline is used as the diluting drug solution, but other drug solutions such as anti-cancer agent or infusion solution may be used. Further, instead of simultaneously injecting the contrast agent and the diluted chemical solution, a mixed chemical solution containing a low-concentration contrast agent previously diluted with the diluted chemical solution may be prepared and injected.

In addition, the protocol generation unit 16 determines whether the injection speed of the contrast agent in the first phase and the injection speed of the mixed drug solution in the second phase are the same as or higher than the blood flow speed of the subject (for example, 1.75 ml/sec). It is preferable to generate the injection protocol so that it is fast. Thereby, for example, a desired pixel value can be maintained for a predetermined time while maintaining the same infusion rate as the blood flow rate. In particular, by generating the injection protocol so that the injection speed is the same as the blood flow speed of the subject, it is possible to prevent the contrast agent from being excessively diluted with blood. The blood flow velocity of the subject can be the average blood flow velocity (blood flow rate per unit time) for one minute from the injection site of the drug solution to the imaging site.

The protocol generation unit 16 can acquire the blood flow velocity input by the operator from the input unit. Further, the protocol generation unit 16 may acquire the blood flow velocity by calculation. For example, blood flow velocity can be determined by dividing the upper extremity blood volume for 1 minute by 60 seconds. Furthermore, the protocol generation unit 16 may acquire the blood flow velocity from the storage unit 24 or an external measurement device (blood flow meter or the like).

Further, the protocol generation unit 16 may generate the injection protocol based on the dilution rate input by the operator from the input unit. For example, when a dilution rate of 20% is input, the protocol generation unit 16 sets the ratio of the injection amount of the contrast agent and the diluted chemical solution in the mixed chemical solution per unit time to satisfy the relationship of 8:2. The injection rates of the contrast agent and the diluted drug solution may be set.

The protocol generation unit 16 preferably generates the injection protocol so that the second phase follows the first phase. As a result, the duration for which the desired pixel value is maintained can be extended. The protocol generation unit 16 can also generate an injection protocol so that three or more phases are continuous. For example, the protocol generation unit 16 performs the injection protocol such that the first phase of injecting the contrast agent is followed by the second phase of injecting the mixed drug solution, and further the second phase is followed by the third phase of injecting physiological saline. Can also be generated. Further, the protocol generator 16 may also generate an injection protocol such that the first phase follows the second phase. For example, the protocol generation unit 16 sets the injection protocol such that the second phase of injecting the mixed drug solution is followed by the first phase of injecting the contrast agent, and further the third phase of injecting the mixed drug solution is continued after the first phase. It can also be generated.

FIG. 5 shows a time density curve A when injected according to the injection protocol shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, the vertical axis represents the pixel value (HU), and the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time (seconds) from the start of injection. For comparison, a time density curve B according to a comparative example in which only the contrast agent is injected at an injection rate of 3.80 ml/sec in the phase of 0 to 25 seconds after the start of injection is also shown in FIG. ..

In the time density curve A of FIG. 5, the pixel value in the range of 450 HU to plus or minus 50 HU is maintained for 10 seconds from 17 seconds to 27 seconds after the start of injection. Thus, the injection protocol according to the present embodiment can maintain the pixel value within a predetermined range for a desired duration. On the other hand, in the time density curve B according to the comparative example, the peak pixel value exceeds 500 HU, and the pixel value in the range of plus or minus 50 HU cannot be maintained.

According to the invention according to the present embodiment described above, it is possible to generate the injection protocol that can obtain the pixel value in the range desired by the operator. 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. In addition, as the predetermined range in which a desired pixel value is maintained, a range of plus or minus 50 HU is preferable, and a range of plus 50 HU is more preferable.

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 a pixel value of 450 HU 17 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.

[Modification]
In the above-described embodiment, the injection device 2 has a built-in injection protocol generation device. However, the medical imaging device 3 that images a subject may include the generation device. In this case, the control device 32 of the imaging device 3 includes an injection protocol generation device. Then, the generation device includes a drug solution information acquisition unit 11 that acquires drug solution information, an imaging information acquisition unit 12 that acquires information on an imaging site, a subject information acquisition unit 13 that acquires subject information, a pixel value and a duration. The imaging condition acquisition unit 14 that acquires at least one of the imaging conditions, and the protocol generation unit 16 that generates the injection protocol based on the acquired pixel value or the acquired duration.

Then, the protocol generation unit 16 generates the injection protocol by reading the injection protocol from the storage unit 24. On the other hand, the injection device 2 receives the injection protocol generated by the generation device of the imaging device 3 from the imaging device 3, and injects the contrast agent and the mixed drug solution according to the received injection protocol.

Further, the protocol generation unit 16 of the above-described embodiment may 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 speed or the injection time in order to increase the injection amount of the contrast agent. Conversely, 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 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. In addition, the above-described embodiment and each modification can be appropriately combined without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, the injection device 2 or the imaging system 100 can also transmit and store information regarding the injection result (injection history) to an external storage device such as RIS, PACS, and HIS via a network.

In addition, the generation device may be configured separately from the imaging 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 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.

2: injection device, 3: imaging device, 12: imaging information acquisition unit, 13: subject information acquisition unit, 14: imaging condition acquisition unit, 16: protocol generation unit, 21: injection head, 23: generation device, 24: storage Part, 26: touch panel, 100: imaging system, 214: first holding part, 215: second holding part

Claims (9)

An injection device for injecting a contrast agent and a mixed drug solution,
A generation device that generates an injection protocol for injecting the contrast agent and the mixed drug solution at an injection speed 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 that inputs between the pixel value and the duration time,
An injection head for injecting the contrast agent according to the injection protocol,
The generating device includes an imaging information acquiring unit that acquires information of the imaging part, the object information acquiring unit that acquires weight information of the object, information between the pixel value and the duration time via the input unit And an imaging condition acquisition unit that acquires, and a protocol generation unit that determines the injection speed based on the acquired information on the body weight of the subject and generates the injection protocol.
The protocol generation unit generates the injection protocol so as to include a first phase of injecting the contrast agent and a second phase of injecting a mixed drug solution in which the contrast agent is diluted,
The protocol generation unit acquires an average blood flow velocity from the injection site to the imaging site as a blood flow velocity of the subject, and injects the contrast agent in the first phase and the mixed drug solution in the second phase. Infusion rate and the infusion rate to maintain the obtained blood flow rate or higher. The injection head has a first holding unit in which a syringe filled with the contrast agent is mounted and a second holding unit in which a syringe filled with a drug solution for diluting the contrast agent is mounted.
The injection device according to claim 1, wherein the protocol generation unit generates the injection protocol so that the contrast agent and the drug solution are simultaneously injected in the second phase. The said protocol production|generation part produces|generates the said injection protocol so that the injection speed of the said mixed chemical|medical solution in the said 2nd phase may become the same as the injection speed of the said contrast agent in the said 1st phase. Injection device. The injection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the blood flow velocity of the subject is 1.75 milliliters per second. Equipped with a storage unit that stores multiple injection protocols,
The injection device according to claim 1, wherein the protocol generation unit generates the injection protocol by reading from the storage unit. Before Symbol decision, and the blood flow rate obtained from the server, and the blood flow rate input by an operator via the input unit, and the blood flow velocity which the protocol generator is obtained by calculation, the blood flow rate there measured by external measuring devices The injection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is based on any one of (1) to (5). A generation device for generating an injection protocol for injecting a contrast agent and a mixed drug solution at an injection rate 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 for acquiring information on the weight of the subject,
An imaging condition acquisition unit that acquires information between the pixel value and the duration time,
A protocol generation unit that determines the injection rate based on the acquired information on the body weight of the subject to generate the injection protocol,
The protocol generation unit generates the injection protocol so as to include a first phase of injecting the contrast agent and a second phase of injecting a mixed drug solution in which the contrast agent is diluted,
The protocol generation unit acquires an average blood flow velocity from the injection site to the imaging site as a blood flow velocity of the subject, and injects the contrast agent in the first phase and the mixed drug solution in the second phase. And the infusion rate of the generator for generating the infusion protocol by making the determination so as to maintain the obtained blood flow rate or higher. A medical imaging device for imaging a subject;
An imaging system comprising: the generation device according to claim 7. A program for causing a generating device to generate an injection protocol for injecting a contrast agent and a mixed drug solution at an injection speed such that a pixel value in a predetermined range is maintained for a predetermined duration in an imaging region of a subject, The program uses the generator
An imaging information acquisition unit that acquires information on the imaging region,
A subject information acquisition unit for obtaining information on the weight of the subject,
Imaging condition acquisition unit that acquires information between the pixel value and the duration time, and a protocol generator for generating the injection protocol by performing the determination of the infusion rate on the basis of the weight information of the object, wherein And functioning as a protocol generation unit that generates the injection protocol so as to include a first phase of injecting a contrast agent and a second phase of injecting a mixed drug solution in which the contrast agent is diluted,
The protocol generation unit acquires an average blood flow velocity from the injection site to the imaging site as a blood flow velocity of the subject, and injects the contrast agent in the first phase and the mixed drug solution in the second phase. And the infusion rate of the program to make the determination so as to maintain the acquired blood flow rate or higher.

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