JP7296654B2 - Injection protocol generation device, injection device and imaging device including the generation device, injection protocol generation method, and injection protocol generation program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a contrast agent injection protocol generation device, an injection device and an imaging device including the generation device, an injection protocol generation method, and an injection protocol generation program.

In recent years, when imaging a subject as a subject, it is desired to generate a contrast medium injection protocol that allows a user to obtain a desired range of pixel values. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an injection device that includes a generation device that generates an injection protocol that maintains a predetermined range of pixel values for a predetermined duration, and an injection head that injects a contrast agent according to the generated injection protocol. is disclosed.

Further, Patent Literature 2 discloses a simulator that predicts temporal changes in pixel values in tissue of a subject. This simulator is equipped with a prediction unit that predicts changes over time in pixel values in each of a plurality of compartments that divide the tissue along the direction of blood flow, based on subject information, an injection protocol, and tissue information. there is

WO2016/021185 WO2016/084373

Therefore, it is desired to generate an injection protocol that takes into account the results of a simulation performed by a highly accurate prediction simulator.

In order to solve the above problems, the generation device of the present invention includes: a region information acquisition unit that acquires region information of a selected region selected by a user; a target value acquisition unit that acquires a target pixel value of the selected region; a simulation unit for obtaining a predicted pixel value by simulating changes in the pixel value of the selected site over time using the information and an initial injection protocol; satisfies a target condition, and determines the initial injection protocol as a final injection protocol when the target condition is satisfied, wherein the protocol generation unit determines whether the target condition is If not satisfied, cause the simulation unit to repeat re-simulation until the target condition is satisfied, and if the target condition is satisfied by the re-simulation, the injection protocol used for the re-simulation as the final injection protocol. It is characterized by determining.

Thereby, the injection protocol can be generated in consideration of the simulation result by the simulation unit.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment, given by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic diagram of an imaging system; FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an injection device according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. Fig. 10 is a flow chart for explaining a method of generating an injection protocol; 4 is a flowchart for explaining a simulation method; 4 is a flowchart for explaining a re-simulation method; 7 is a graph showing a time density curve during re-simulation; FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an imaging system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

Exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of components described in the following embodiments are arbitrary and can be changed according to the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied or various conditions. Also, unless otherwise stated, the scope of the invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described below.

Unless otherwise specified, the term "contrast agent" includes both a contrast agent alone and a drug solution containing other solvents, additives, and the like in addition to the contrast agent. The term pixel value also includes the CT value of an imaging region, the sum or average value of CT values of pixels included in a region of interest (ROI), or the SD value (standard deviation value) of the region of interest. This region of interest may be preset or the user may select the region of interest.

As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging system 100 includes an injection device 2 that injects a contrast agent, and an imaging device 3 that is wired or wirelessly connected to the injection device 2 and captures an image of 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, There are various medical imaging devices such as MR angiography devices, ultrasonic diagnostic devices, and blood vessel imaging devices. A CT apparatus will be described below.

The imaging device 3 has an imaging unit 31 that images a subject according to an imaging plan, and a control device 32 that controls the imaging device 3 as a whole. This imaging plan includes information such as the imaging site, effective tube voltage, model name, manufacturer name, imaging time, tube voltage, imaging range, rotational 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. In addition, the control device 32 can communicate with the imaging unit 31, the injection device 2, and the server (external storage device) by wire or wirelessly.

The imaging unit 31 has a bed, an X-ray source that irradiates a subject, who is a subject, with X-rays, and an X-ray detector that detects X-rays that have passed through the subject. The imaging unit 31 irradiates the subject with X-rays and back-projects the inside of the subject's body based on the X-rays that have passed through the subject, thereby capturing a fluoroscopic image of the subject. Alternatively, the imaging unit 31 may take images using radio waves or ultrasonic waves.

The imaging device 3 also has a display 33 as a display unit. This display 33 is connected to the control device 32 and displays the input state, setting state, imaging result, and various information of the device. Alternatively, the control device 32 and the display 33 can be constructed integrally. Furthermore, the imaging device 3 has a user interface such as a keyboard as the input unit 34 . The user can input drug solution information, imaging information, subject information and/or imaging conditions from the input unit 34 to the imaging device 3 .

The injection device 2 injects a medical solution filled in a syringe, such as physiological saline and various contrast media, into a subject. This injection protocol includes at least injection rate and injection time. In addition, the injection protocol may contain information regarding injection conditions such as injection rate acceleration, injection volume, injection timing, contrast agent concentration and injection pressure. The injection device 2 also has an injection head 21 for injecting a contrast agent according to a final injection protocol, which will be described later. A syringe filled with a chemical solution is mounted on the injection head 21 . 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 functions as a generation device that generates a contrast medium injection protocol. The console 23 includes a touch panel 26 functioning as an input display unit, and can communicate with the injection head 21 and the imaging device 3 by wire or wirelessly. The touch panel 26 displays the injection protocol, input status of the device, setting status, injection results, and various information. Instead of the touch panel 26, 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 console 23, the injection device 2 has a control device connected to the injection head 21, and a display unit (for example, a touch panel display) connected to the control device and displaying the injection status of the liquid medicine. good too. This controller also functions as an infusion protocol generator. Also, the injection head 21 and the control device can be configured integrally with the stand 22 . Furthermore, a suspension member may be provided in place of the stand 22, and the injection head 21 may be suspended from the ceiling via the suspension member.

Moreover, the injection device 2 may have a remote control device (for example, a hand switch) for remotely controlling the injection head 21 . This remote control device can remotely control the injection head 21 to start or stop injection. Additionally, the injection device 2 may have a power source or battery. This power supply or battery can be provided either in the injection head 21 or in the controller, or it can be provided separately therefrom.

The injection head 21 has a syringe holder on which a syringe is mounted, and also incorporates a driving mechanism for pushing out the liquid medicine in the syringe according to the injection protocol. The injection head 21 also has an operation section 212 for inputting the operation of the driving mechanism. The operation unit 212 is provided with, for example, a drive mechanism forward button, a drive mechanism reverse button, and a final confirmation button. Furthermore, the injection head 21 may be provided with a head display for displaying injection conditions, injection status, device input status, setting status, and various injection results.

When the contrast medium is injected, an accessory such as an extension tube is connected to the tip of the syringe mounted on the injection head 21 . Then, when the injection preparation is completed, the user presses the final confirmation button of the operation unit 212 . Thereby, the injection head 21 waits in a state in which injection can be started. When the injection is started, the contrast agent pushed out from the syringe is injected into the subject's body through the extension tube.

Also, the injection head 21 can be equipped with a prefilled syringe having a data carrier such as an RFID chip, an IC tag, or a bar code, and various syringes. The injection head 21 incorporates a reader 213 (FIG. 2) that reads the data carrier attached to the syringe. This data carrier stores information (medicine information) related to the drug. The liquid medicine information includes product ID, product name, chemical classification, ingredients contained, contrast agent concentration, viscosity, expiry date, syringe capacity, syringe pressure resistance, cylinder inner diameter, piston stroke, lot number, and the like.

The injection device 2 can receive information from a server (external storage device) (not shown), and can also transmit information to the server. The imaging device 3 can also receive information from the server and can also transmit information to the server. This server is, for example, RIS (Radiology Information System), PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System), and HIS (Hospital Information System).

The server stores inspection orders in advance. This examination order includes subject information (object information) and information on examination contents (examination information). Subject information includes subject's weight, lean body mass, circulating blood volume, subject number (subject ID), name, gender, date of birth, age, height, blood volume, body surface area, disease, heart rate, and cardiac output. , hemoglobin level (g/dL), blood flow rate, subject's illness, history of side effects, and creatinine level. Further, the examination information includes an examination number (examination ID), examination site, examination date and time, drug solution type, drug solution name, imaging information (information about the imaging site), and the like. The server can also store information about imaging results such as image data transmitted from the imaging device 3 and information about injection results transmitted from the injection device 2 . It should be noted that an external imaging system or imaging workstation can also be used to operate the injection device 2 and imaging device 3 .

[First embodiment]
Next, referring to FIG. 2, the injection device 2 including the injection protocol generation device will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of injection device 2 .

As shown in Figure 2, the injection device 2 comprises a console 23 that functions as a generator. The console 23 has a storage unit 24 that stores control programs. The storage unit 24 has a RAM (Random Access Memory) that is a system work memory for operating the control unit 25 of the injection device 2, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs or system software, or a hard disk drive.

The storage unit 24 stores formulas for calculating the initial injection protocol and initial conditions. This initial injection protocol is an injection protocol calculated from initial conditions and a predetermined formula. For example, the initial conditions are injection time, standard body weight, amount of contrast medium per body weight (e.g., amount of iodine per body weight), and amount of used contrast medium per unit weight of contrast medium per unit time (e.g., body weight iodine amount used per unit).

The console 23 has a control section 25 such as a CPU for controlling the entire injection device 2 including the injection head 21, and a touch panel 26 as an input display section. A user can input a predetermined command or information via the touch panel 26 . Furthermore, the console 23 is provided with a simulation unit 15 that uses site information of the selected site and the initial injection protocol to simulate temporal changes in pixel values of the selected site to obtain predicted pixel values. The simulation unit 15 is a CPU or the like, and can simulate temporal changes in pixel values in consideration of part information. Note that the simulation unit 15 can also be provided in the control unit 25 .

The control unit 25 executes various processes according to the programs installed in the storage unit 24 . As a result, each part is logically realized as various functions. Alternatively, the control unit 25 can 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. can also The control unit 25 also includes a liquid medicine information acquisition unit 11 that acquires liquid medicine information, and a subject information acquisition unit 12 that acquires subject information.

The control unit 25 also includes a part information acquisition unit 13 that acquires the part information of the selected part selected by the user, and a target value acquisition part 14 that acquires the target pixel value of the selected part. For example, the site information of the selected site is information that can specify the site (range) selected as the imaging target, such as the name of the imaging method or the distance from the injection site to the selected site. A target pixel value is a desired pixel value required for imaging a selected site, and can be set in advance for each selected site or input from the touch panel 26 by the user. The target value acquiring unit 14 can further acquire the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the target pixel value and the target duration of the target pixel value. The target duration is the desired time for maintaining the target pixel value, and can be set in advance for each selected region or input by the user via the touch panel 26 .

The control unit 25 also includes a protocol generation unit 16 that compares the predicted pixel value with the target pixel value and determines whether the predicted pixel value satisfies the target condition. This protocol generator 16 determines the initial injection protocol as the final injection protocol when the target condition is satisfied. Then, the control unit 25 controls the injection head 21 to inject the liquid medicine according to the final injection protocol. If the target condition is not satisfied, the protocol generation unit 16 causes the simulation unit 15 to repeat re-simulation until the target condition is satisfied. Then, if the re-simulation satisfies the target condition, the protocol generation unit 16 determines the injection protocol used for the re-simulation as the final injection protocol.

The contrast agent injection protocol generation program installed in the storage unit 24 includes the generation device 23 that generates the injection protocol, the region information acquisition unit 13 that acquires region information of the selected region selected by the user, the target pixel value of the selected region A simulation unit 15 that obtains a predicted pixel value by simulating the temporal change of the pixel value of the selected site using the site information and the initial injection protocol, and the predicted pixel value as the target pixel value and determines whether or not the predicted pixel value satisfies the target condition, and if the target condition is satisfied, it functions as a protocol generator 16 that determines the initial injection protocol as the final injection protocol. If the target condition is not satisfied, the protocol generation unit 16 causes the simulation unit 15 to repeat re-simulation until the target condition is satisfied. is determined as the final injection protocol. The infusion protocol generation program is stored on a computer readable recording medium.

[Generation method of injection protocol]
A method of generating an injection protocol will now be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method of generating an injection protocol.

The user mounts the syringe on the injection head 21 after turning on the power supply of the injection device 2 . Then, the reading unit 213 of the injection head 21 reads the liquid medicine information (for example, product ID and contrast agent concentration) and sends it to the liquid medicine information acquisition unit 11 . Then, the liquid medicine information acquisition unit 11 acquires the liquid medicine information read by the reading unit 213 (S101). Alternatively, the liquid medicine information acquisition unit 11 can also acquire liquid medicine information from the imaging device 3 or an external storage device. The medicinal solution information acquisition unit 11 can also acquire medicinal solution information input by the user via the touch panel 26 .

Then, the medicinal solution information acquisition unit 11 temporarily stores the acquired medicinal solution information in the storage unit 24 . At the same time, the control unit 25 causes the touch panel 26 to display the product name and contrast medium concentration (iodine content) based on the liquid medicine information. At this time, the control unit 25 causes the touch panel 26 to display an image representing each part of the subject or the name of each part as the body segment for part selection (S102).

Subsequently, the user selects a desired site (for example, aorta) from the body segments displayed on the touch panel 26 (S103). Then, the part information acquisition unit 13 acquires the part information of the selected part (for example, the name of the selected part) via the touch panel 26 . Then, the part information acquisition unit 13 causes the storage unit 24 to temporarily store the acquired part information. Alternatively, the region information acquisition unit 13 may acquire region information from the imaging device 3, the injection device 2, or an external storage device.

The storage unit 24 stores, as part information, the number of compartments in each part (the number of divided compartments of blood vessels and organs), the volume of each part (volume of vascular lumens), the volume of capillaries, the volume of extracellular fluid cavities, and per unit tissue. blood flow rate (blood flow velocity), contrast medium seepage rate at each site (capillary permeable surface area), contrast medium seepage back rate at each site (capillary permeable surface area), and native pixel value at each site may be stored in advance. The storage unit 24 can associate this part information with the selected part.

The protocol generation unit 16 reads the formula for calculating the initial injection protocol and the initial conditions from the storage unit 24 . Then, the protocol generator 16 generates an initial injection protocol from the formula and initial conditions (S104). Subsequently, the protocol generation unit 16 causes the storage unit 24 to store the initial injection protocol. This initial injection protocol includes, for example, injection rate (mL/sec) and injection time (sec). In addition, the initial injection protocol includes injection method, contrast medium injection site, injection amount, injection timing, contrast medium concentration, injection pressure, presence/absence of boost injection of contrast medium, saline injection speed, and saline injection time. , increase or decrease infusion rate, and infusion tube volume.

As an example, the protocol generator 16 generates an initial injection protocol based on the standard body weight, injection time, amount of contrast medium per body weight (or amount of contrast medium used per body weight), contrast medium concentration, and other information as follows: demand.

Assuming that the standard body weight is W (kg), the amount of contrast medium per body weight is I (mgI/kg), and the contrast medium concentration is CM (mgI/ml), the protocol generator 16 calculates the total injection amount of contrast medium SUM (ml ) is calculated by the following formula 1.
SUM=W×I/CM (calculation formula 1)

Alternatively, when the amount of contrast medium used per body weight is UIO (mgI/kg/sec) and the injection time is T (sec), the protocol generation unit 16 calculates the total injection amount SUM of the contrast medium by the following formula 2: You can also ask.
SUM=W×(UIO/CM)×T (calculation formula 2)

Next, the protocol generation unit 16 obtains the injection rate SV (mL/sec) by the following formula 3.
SV=SUM/T (calculation formula 3)

[simulation]
Returning to FIG. 3, the simulation unit 15 uses the site information of the selected site and the initial injection protocol to simulate changes in pixel values over time for each of a plurality of compartments obtained by dividing the selected site along the blood flow direction. (S105).

Here, the simulation method will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flow chart explaining the simulation method.

The protocol generation unit 16 acquires the part information from the storage unit 24 and determines whether or not the simulation unit 15 can simulate (S201). That is, the protocol generation unit 16 refers to a comparison table (comparison table) stored in advance in the storage unit 24 to determine whether the simulation unit 15 can simulate the selected part indicated by the part information.

For example, in the comparison table, the aorta is set as a simulatable region, and the pancreas is set as a non-simulatable region. The protocol generation unit 16 determines that the simulation is possible when the selected site indicated by the site information is the aorta. Then, when determining that the simulation is possible (YES in S201), the protocol generation unit 16 causes the simulation unit 15 to start the simulation.

Then, the simulation unit 15 acquires subject information (for example, standard weight) included in the initial conditions from the storage unit 24 (S202). Also, the simulation unit 15 acquires the initial injection protocol (for example, injection rate and injection time) generated by the protocol generation unit 16 from the storage unit 24 (S203). Furthermore, the simulation unit 15 acquires part information (for example, the name of the selected part) from the storage unit 24 (S204).

Alternatively, the simulation unit 15 may directly acquire subject information from the subject information acquisition unit 12 . Also, the simulation unit 15 may acquire the initial injection protocol input by the user from the touch panel 26 , or may acquire the initial injection protocol from the protocol generation unit 16 , the external storage device, or the injection device 2 . Furthermore, the simulation unit 15 may directly acquire the part information from the part information acquisition unit 13 . Note that the order in which information is acquired by the simulation unit 15 can be changed as appropriate.

Subsequently, the simulation unit 15 uses the initial injection protocol and the site information to predict changes in pixel values over time for each of a plurality of compartments obtained by dividing the selected site along the blood flow direction (S205). After the simulation is finished, the simulation unit 15 causes the storage unit 24 to store the predicted pixel value of each compartment in the selected part for each time in association with the selected part. At this time, the simulation unit 15 can cause the storage unit 24 to store a predicted pixel value at a predetermined point in time or a predicted pixel value that changes within a predetermined period of time.

On the other hand, if the selected part indicated by the part information is, for example, the pancreas, the protocol generation unit 16 determines that the simulation is impossible. Then, when it is determined that the simulation is impossible (NO in S201), the protocol generation unit 16 refers to the comparison table and sets preset related parts as selected parts (S206). For example, in the comparison table, the aorta is set as the relevant part of the pancreas. Subsequently, the protocol generation unit 16 causes the storage unit 24 to store the name of the related region (for example, aorta) as region information, and causes the simulation unit 15 to start the simulation.

The simulation unit 15 acquires subject information (S207), acquires the initial injection protocol (S208), and acquires site information (name of the related site) from the storage unit 24 (S209). Subsequently, the simulation unit 15 uses the information of the related part associated with the part information to simulate the temporal change of the pixel value of the related part (S210). After the simulation is finished, the simulation unit 15 associates the predicted pixel values with the related parts and stores them in the storage unit 24 . Then, the protocol generation unit 16 applies a predetermined correction to the predicted pixel value of the related part read from the storage unit 24 (S211), and stores the corrected predicted pixel value in the storage unit 24 in association with the selected part. For example, the protocol generating unit 16 doubles the predicted pixel value of the related part and stores it in the storage unit 24 as the predicted pixel value of the selected part.

Returning to the flow of FIG. 3, after the simulation, the control unit 25 acquires predicted pixel values from the storage unit 24 and displays them on the touch panel 26 (S106). Alternatively, the control unit 25 may cause the touch panel 26 to display the image of the selected part so that the selected part is displayed in a color with a density corresponding to the predicted pixel value. Also, the control unit 25 may cause the touch panel 26 to display a graph showing the time density curve predicted by the simulation.

At the same time, the control unit 25 causes the touch panel 26 to display an input screen for object information (for example, the weight of the object). After confirming the predicted pixel value, the user inputs subject information (for example, a numerical value of 60 kg as the weight of the subject) via the touch panel 26 . The subject information acquisition unit 12 acquires the input subject information and stores it in the storage unit 24 . Alternatively, the subject information acquisition unit 12 may acquire subject information from an external storage device, the imaging device 3 or the injection device 2 .

If the user does not input the target pixel value (NO in S107), the protocol generation unit 16 determines the initial injection protocol as the final injection protocol (S108) and stores it in the storage unit 24. Then, the control unit 25 causes the touch panel 26 to display the final injection protocol. On the other hand, if the user has input a target pixel value (YES in S107), the target value acquisition unit 14 acquires the input target pixel value and stores it in the storage unit 24 (S109). Then, the protocol generation unit 16 reads the predicted pixel value and the target pixel value from the storage unit 24 . Subsequently, the protocol generator 16 compares the predicted pixel value with the target pixel value and determines whether the predicted pixel value satisfies the target condition (S110).

If it is determined that the target condition is satisfied (YES in S110), the protocol generation unit 16 determines the initial injection protocol as the final injection protocol (S108) and stores it in the storage unit 24. Then, the control unit 25 causes the touch panel 26 to display the final injection protocol. After that, the user confirms the displayed injection protocol and presses the check button displayed on the touch panel 26 or the final confirmation button of the injection head 21 . As a result, preparation for injection is completed, and the injection device 2 stands by in an injection-ready state.

On the other hand, when determining that the target condition is not satisfied (NO in S110), the protocol generation unit 16 causes the simulation unit 15 to repeat re-simulation until the target condition is satisfied (S111). After the re-simulation, the simulation unit 15 stores the predicted pixel value in the storage unit 24 in association with the selected part. Then, the control unit 25 acquires the predicted pixel value from the storage unit 24 and displays it on the touch panel 26 (S112).

Before inputting the target pixel value, the user inputs or changes parameters such as the subject's weight, injection time, amount of contrast agent per body weight, amount of contrast agent used per body weight, and contrast agent concentration (eg, iodine concentration). can do. When these parameters are input or changed, the protocol generator 16 generates a new injection protocol based on the changed parameters. Then, the simulation unit 15 performs the simulation again (S105) using the new injection protocol.

[Target condition]
As an example, the protocol generator 16 determines that the target condition is satisfied when the predicted pixel value reaches the target pixel value. Then, the protocol generation unit 16 determines that the target condition is not satisfied when the predicted pixel value does not reach the target pixel value. Also, when the target pixel value includes an upper limit value and a lower limit value, the protocol generation unit 16 determines that the target condition is satisfied when the predicted pixel value is equal to or more than the lower limit value and equal to or less than the upper limit value. Then, the protocol generation unit 16 determines that the target condition is not satisfied when the predicted pixel value is less than the lower limit value or higher than the upper limit value.

The user can input the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the target pixel value via the touch panel 26 . Then, the target value acquiring unit 14 acquires the inputted upper limit value and lower limit value, and stores them in the storage unit 24 . The target value acquisition unit 14 can also acquire the upper limit value and the lower limit value based on the inputted target pixel value and part information (for example, the name of the selected part). Specifically, the upper limit value can be set to a value higher than the target pixel value within the range of pixel values for three gradations with respect to the target pixel value, based on the pixel value per gradation of the image of the selected portion. . Also, the lower limit value can be set to a value lower than the target pixel value within the range of pixel values for three gradations with respect to the target pixel value, based on the pixel value per one gradation of the image of the selected portion.

The captured image of the selected site is typically displayed in 16 shades on a viewing system or imaging workstation. Then, if there is a difference of three gradations, the user can visually distinguish between the selected part and other parts in this image. Therefore, within the range of pixel values for three gradations, it is acceptable as an image representing the same part. Here, the pixel value per gradation is set in advance for each selected portion. For example, an average pixel value (for example, 15 HU) within a region of interest in an image captured in advance can be set as the pixel value per gradation. In this case, the highest upper limit value is 45 HU higher than the target pixel value, and the lowest lower limit value is 45 HU lower than the target pixel value.

The storage unit 24 stores in advance pixel values per gradation associated with part names. Then, the target value acquisition unit 14 acquires the part information and the pixel value per gradation from the storage unit 24, and determines the upper limit value and the lower limit value that define the range of pixel values for 3 gradations with respect to the target pixel value. to get Alternatively, the target value acquisition unit 14 may acquire an upper limit value and a lower limit value that define a range of pixel values for two gradations or one gradation.

When the target value acquisition unit 14 acquires the target duration, the protocol generation unit 16 may determine that the target condition is satisfied if the target condition is maintained over the target duration. . On the other hand, the protocol generation unit 16 determines that the target condition is not satisfied when the state in which the target condition is satisfied is not maintained within the target duration. For example, suppose the target pixel value is 400 HU, the upper limit is 450 HU, the lower limit is 350 HU, and the target duration is 10 seconds. In this case, the protocol generation unit 16 determines that the target condition is satisfied when the predicted pixel value can be maintained at 450 HU or less and 350 HU or more for 10 seconds.

[Resimulation]
Re-simulation will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. FIG. 5 is a flow chart explaining the re-simulation method. FIG. 6 is a graph showing a time density curve (change in pixel value over time) predicted by re-simulation.

The protocol generation unit 16 changes the parameters to generate a new injection protocol during re-simulation (when it is determined that the target conditions are not satisfied) (S301). Then, the protocol generation unit 16 generates a new injection protocol based on the changed parameters (S302) and stores it in the storage unit 24. Specifically, the protocol generator 16 increases or decreases the amount of contrast medium per body weight. The protocol generation unit 16 then generates a new injection protocol using the increased or decreased amount of contrast medium per body weight.

Alternatively, the protocol generator 16 may increase or decrease the weight of the subject. The protocol generator 16 then generates a new injection protocol using the increased or decreased body weight of the subject. Note that the amount of contrast medium per body weight is calculated based on the body weight of the subject. Therefore, there is an advantage that recalculation of the contrast agent amount per body weight is unnecessary when changing the contrast medium amount per body weight, compared to changing the body weight.

Then, the simulation unit 15 performs re-simulation using the new injection protocol. That is, the simulation unit 15 acquires subject information (such as the weight of the subject) from the storage unit 24 (S303). Also, the simulation unit 15 acquires the new injection protocol (for example, injection rate and injection time) generated by the protocol generation unit 16 from the storage unit 24 (S304). Furthermore, the simulation unit 15 acquires part information (for example, the name of the selected part) from the storage unit 24 (S305).

Subsequently, the simulation unit 15 uses the new injection protocol and site information to predict changes over time in pixel values for each of a plurality of compartments obtained by dividing the selected site along the blood flow direction (S306). . After the simulation is finished, the simulation unit 15 causes the storage unit 24 to store the predicted pixel value of each compartment in the selected part for each time in association with the selected part. Then, the protocol generation unit 16 reads the predicted pixel value and the target pixel value from the storage unit 24, compares them, and determines whether the predicted pixel value satisfies the target condition (S307).

If it is determined that the target condition is satisfied (YES in S307), the process returns to the main flow (FIG. 3). Then, the control unit 25 acquires the predicted pixel value from the storage unit 24 and displays it on the touch panel 26 (S112). On the other hand, when determining that the target condition is not satisfied (NO in S307), the protocol generation unit 16 causes the simulation unit 15 to repeat the re-simulation.

[Example of re-simulation]
When determining that the target condition is satisfied, the protocol generation unit 16 determines whether the predicted pixel value is higher or lower than the target pixel value (or its upper limit value or lower limit value). Then, if the predicted pixel value is higher than the target pixel value or the upper limit value, the protocol generation unit 16 reduces the contrast medium amount per body weight or the body weight of the subject to generate a new injection protocol.

For example, in FIG. 6, assume that the target pixel value is 400 HU, the upper limit is 450 HU, the lower limit is 350 HU, and the target duration is 10 seconds. In this case, the target condition is satisfied if the predicted pixel value falls within the shaded allowable range. The protocol generation unit 16 changes the contrast medium amount per body weight from 600 mgI/kg to 580 mgI/kg, and generates a new injection protocol using the changed contrast medium amount per body weight. Then, the simulation unit 15 performs the first re-simulation using the new injection protocol.

A predicted pixel value predicted by the first re-simulation is indicated by a solid line 580 in FIG. At this time, the predicted pixel value is not maintained within the allowable range over the target duration of 10 seconds. Therefore, the protocol generation unit 16 determines that the target condition is not satisfied, and changes the contrast agent amount per body weight from 580 mgI/kg to 560 mgI/kg. The simulation unit 15 then performs a second re-simulation using the new injection protocol.

A predicted pixel value predicted by the second re-simulation is indicated by a dashed-dotted line 560 in FIG. At this time, the predicted pixel value is not maintained within the allowable range over the target duration of 10 seconds. Therefore, the protocol generation unit 16 determines that the target condition is not satisfied, and changes the contrast agent amount per body weight from 560 mgI/kg to 540 mgI/kg. The simulation unit 15 then performs a third re-simulation using the new injection protocol.

Predicted pixel values predicted by the third re-simulation are indicated by dotted line 540 in FIG. At this time, the predicted pixel value is maintained within the allowable range over the target duration of 10 seconds. Therefore, the protocol generator 16 determines that the target condition is satisfied, and the process returns to the main flow. The protocol generator 16 then determines the new injection protocol used in the third re-simulation as the final injection protocol.

On the other hand, if the predicted pixel value is lower than the target pixel value or its lower limit, the protocol generation unit 16 increases the amount of contrast medium per body weight or body weight of the subject and generates a new injection protocol. For example, the protocol generation unit 16 changes the contrast medium amount per body weight from 420 mgI/kg to 440 mgI/kg, and generates a new injection protocol using the changed contrast medium amount per body weight. Then, the simulation unit 15 performs the first re-simulation using the new injection protocol.

A predicted pixel value predicted by the first re-simulation is indicated by a solid line 440 in FIG. At this time, the predicted pixel value is not maintained within the allowable range over the target duration of 10 seconds. Therefore, the protocol generation unit 16 determines that the target condition is not satisfied, and changes the contrast agent amount per body weight from 440 mgI/kg to 460 mgI/kg. The simulation unit 15 then performs a second re-simulation using the new injection protocol.

A predicted pixel value predicted by the second re-simulation is indicated by a dashed-dotted line 460 in FIG. At this time, the predicted pixel value is not maintained within the allowable range over the target duration of 10 seconds. Therefore, the protocol generation unit 16 determines that the target condition is not satisfied, and changes the contrast agent amount per body weight from 460 mgI/kg to 480 mgI/kg. The simulation unit 15 then performs a third re-simulation using the new injection protocol.

Predicted pixel values predicted by the third re-simulation are indicated by dotted line 480 in FIG. At this time, the predicted pixel value is maintained within the allowable range over the target duration of 10 seconds. Therefore, the protocol generator 16 determines that the target condition is satisfied, and the process returns to the main flow. The protocol generator 16 then determines the new injection protocol used in the third re-simulation as the final injection protocol.

Alternatively, the protocol generator 16 may determine, as the final injection protocol, the injection protocol that uses the least amount of contrast medium among the injection protocols used in multiple re-simulations. For example, assume that the protocol generator 16 changes the contrast agent amount per body weight from 600 mgI/kg to 580 mgI/kg in the first re-simulation. After that, the protocol generation unit 16 decreases the contrast medium amount per body weight by 20 mgI/kg, and repeats re-simulation until the contrast medium amount per body weight reaches 460 mgI/kg. Then, the protocol generator 16 determines, as the final injection protocol, the injection protocol used in the re-simulation performed with the contrast agent amount of 480 mgI/kg per body weight as the injection protocol that satisfies the target conditions and uses the least amount. .

Further, the protocol generation unit 16 selects the injection protocol that has the smallest difference between the target pixel value and the predicted pixel value over the target duration from among the plurality of injection protocols used in the re-simulations that are similarly performed multiple times. It may be determined as an injection protocol. For example, in FIG. 6, the results of a re-simulation performed at a contrast agent dose of 520 mgI/kg body weight (indicated by the dashed-double-dotted line 520) show the largest difference between the target pixel value and the predicted pixel value over the target duration. Less is. Therefore, the protocol generation unit 16 determines the injection protocol used in the re-simulation performed with the contrast agent amount of 520 mgI/kg per body weight as the final injection protocol as the injection protocol that satisfies the target conditions and has the smallest difference.

The increase/decrease amount of the parameter in each re-simulation is predetermined for each selected part. For example, if the liver is selected, the amount of contrast agent per body weight can be increased or decreased by 20 mgI/kg for each re-simulation. That is, the re-simulation is repeated by increasing or decreasing by 20 mgI/kg until the predicted pixel value satisfies the target condition.

For example, increasing the amount of contrast agent per body weight relative to the initial condition lengthens the injection time or increases the amount of contrast agent injected per unit time (eg, injection rate). If the amount of contrast medium per body weight is reduced compared to the initial condition, the injection time is shortened or the amount of contrast medium injected per unit time is reduced. Furthermore, when diluting the contrast medium with physiological saline and injecting it, the injection amount of the contrast medium per unit time can be increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing the dilution rate in the injection protocol.

According to the first embodiment described above, the injection protocol can be generated in consideration of the simulation result by the simulation unit. Therefore, the injection protocol can be generated after confirming the simulation results in advance. As a result, imaging can be performed with a more appropriate amount of injection, and the burden on the subject can be reduced. Also, an injection protocol can be generated that achieves the range of pixel values desired by the user. Additionally, existing simulation methods can be used to generate injection protocols.

During the re-simulation, the protocol generation unit 16 may generate a new injection protocol by reading one injection protocol out of a plurality of injection protocols pre-stored in the storage unit 24 . In this case, storage unit 24 stores a plurality of injection protocols generated using changed parameters.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the first embodiment, the injection device 2 has an injection protocol generation device, but in the second embodiment, the imaging device 3 has a generation device. In addition, in the description of the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals will be assigned to the constituent elements described in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. Components with the same reference numerals have substantially the same operations and functions, and have substantially the same effects, unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an imaging system 200 comprising an imaging device 3 and an injection device 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7 , the injection device 2 includes an injection head 21 for injecting a liquid medicine and a console 23 . The console 23 has a control section 25 such as a CPU for controlling the entire injection device 2 including the injection head 21, and a touch panel 26 as an input display section.

The imaging device 3 has a display 33 as a display unit, an input unit 34, an injection protocol generation device 323 (for example, a CPU), and a storage unit 324 that stores an injection protocol generation program. The storage unit 324 has a RAM that is a system work memory for the generation device 323 to operate, a ROM that stores programs or system software, or a hard disk drive. The storage unit 324 also stores a formula for calculating the initial injection protocol and initial conditions.

The generation device 323 executes various processes corresponding to the programs installed in the storage unit 324 . As a result, each part is logically realized as various functions. Alternatively, the generation device 323 can also control various processes according to programs stored in a portable recording medium or an external storage medium. The generation device 323 also includes a liquid medicine information acquisition unit 311 that acquires liquid medicine information, and a subject information acquisition unit 312 that acquires subject information.

The generation device 323 also includes a part information acquisition unit 313 that acquires part information of the selected part selected by the user, and a target value acquisition part 314 that acquires the target pixel value of the selected part. Furthermore, the generating device 323 includes a simulation unit 315 that simulates temporal changes in pixel values of the selected site using the site information of the selected site and the initial injection protocol to obtain predicted pixel values. The simulation unit 315 can also simulate temporal changes in pixel values in consideration of part information.

The generator 323 also includes a protocol generator 316 that compares the predicted pixel value with the target pixel value and determines whether the predicted pixel value satisfies the target condition. The protocol generator 316 determines the initial injection protocol as the final injection protocol if the target conditions are met. Then, the controller 25 of the injection device 2 acquires the final injection protocol from the protocol generator 316 . After that, the controller 25 controls the injection head 21 to inject the liquid medicine according to the final injection protocol.

If the target condition is not satisfied, the protocol generation unit 316 causes the simulation unit 315 to repeat the re-simulation until the target condition is satisfied. Then, if the re-simulation satisfies the target condition, the protocol generator 316 determines the injection protocol used for the re-simulation as the final injection protocol.

Also in the second embodiment, an injection protocol is generated in the same manner as in the first embodiment. That is, the user selects a desired part from the input section 34 . Then, the part information acquisition unit 313 acquires the part information of the selected part via the input unit 34 . Then, part information acquiring section 313 temporarily stores the acquired part information in storage section 324 .

The protocol generation unit 316 reads the formula for calculating the initial injection protocol and the initial conditions from the storage unit 324 and generates the initial injection protocol. Subsequently, the protocol generator 316 causes the storage 324 to store the initial injection protocol. Then, the simulation unit 315 uses the site information of the selected site and the initial injection protocol to simulate temporal changes in the pixel values of the selected site.

After the simulation is finished, the simulation unit 315 causes the storage unit 324 to store the predicted pixel value of each compartment in the selected site for each time in association with the selected site. The generation device 323 acquires the predicted pixel value from the storage unit 324 and causes the display 33 to display it. After confirming the predicted pixel value, the user inputs subject information via the input unit 34 . The subject information acquisition unit 312 acquires the input subject information and stores it in the storage unit 324 .

If the user does not input the target pixel value, the protocol generation unit 316 determines the initial injection protocol as the final injection protocol and stores it in the storage unit 324 . On the other hand, when the user inputs a target pixel value, the target value acquisition unit 314 acquires the input target pixel value and stores it in the storage unit 324 . Then, the protocol generation unit 316 reads the predicted pixel value and the target pixel value from the storage unit 324, compares them, and determines whether the predicted pixel value satisfies the target condition.

When determining that the target condition is satisfied, the protocol generation unit 316 determines the initial injection protocol as the final injection protocol and stores it in the storage unit 324 . The generator 323 then causes the display 33 to display the final injection protocol. After that, the user confirms the displayed injection protocol and presses the check button displayed on the touch panel 26 of the injection device 2 or the final confirmation button of the injection head 21 . As a result, preparation for injection is completed, and the injection device 2 stands by in an injection-ready state.

On the other hand, when determining that the target condition is not satisfied, the protocol generation unit 316 causes the simulation unit 315 to repeat re-simulation until the target condition is satisfied. After the re-simulation, the simulation unit 315 stores the predicted pixel value in the storage unit 324 in association with the selected part. The generation device 323 then acquires the predicted pixel values from the storage unit 324 and causes the display 33 to display them together with the new injection protocol. After that, the user confirms the displayed injection protocol and presses the check button displayed on the touch panel 26 of the injection device 2 or the final confirmation button of the injection head 21 . As a result, preparation for injection is completed, and the injection device 2 stands by in an injection-ready state.

Also according to the second embodiment described above, the injection protocol can be generated in consideration of the simulation result by the simulation unit. Therefore, the injection protocol can be generated after confirming the simulation results in advance. As a result, imaging can be performed with a more appropriate amount of injection, and the burden on the subject can be reduced. Also, an injection protocol can be generated that achieves the range of pixel values desired by the user. Additionally, existing simulation methods can be used to generate injection protocols.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to each embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Inventions modified within the scope of the present invention and inventions equivalent to the present invention are also included in the present invention. Moreover, each embodiment and each modified example can be appropriately combined within a range not contrary to the present invention.

For example, the injection protocol generator can be configured separately from the imaging device 3 and the injection device 2 . In this case, the generator is wired or wirelessly connected to the injection device 2 and the injection device 2 receives the injection protocol generated by the external generator. The injection device 2 then injects the contrast medium according to the received injection protocol.

Also, the injection device 2 or the imaging system 100 can transmit and store information about injection results (injection history) to an external storage device via a network.

The protocol generator may also use the scan plan image to determine the initial injection protocol. Here, the scan planning image is also called scanography, scanogram, or scanogram, and is a fluoroscopic image obtained by imaging for positioning the patient before the main scan. This scan planning image is obtained by moving the bed without rotating the X-ray tube and detector, and imaging the patient in synchronism with the movement. As an example, the protocol generation unit acquires data of a scan plan image, and calculates a cumulative value of pixel densities in the body width direction of the subject near the selected site from the acquired scan plan image. Then, the protocol generator determines the total injection amount SUM (ml) of the contrast medium in consideration of the calculated cumulative value, and obtains the initial injection protocol based on the determined total injection amount.

It is known from experiments that the pixel value of the captured image increases when the subject is small, and the pixel value of the captured image does not increase when the subject is large. Therefore, when the subject is small, a smaller injection amount of the contrast medium is sufficient than when the subject is large. On the other hand, when the subject is large, a larger amount of injection is required than when the subject is small. Furthermore, when the subject is small, the value obtained by horizontally accumulating the pixel densities of the scan plan image is smaller than when the subject is large. On the other hand, when the subject is large, the cumulative density value is larger than when the subject is small. Therefore, by using the scan plan image, the injection amount of the contrast agent can be determined with higher accuracy according to the body type of the subject.

Further, the part information obtaining unit may obtain the volume of the selected part (the volume of the blood vessel lumen) from the scan plan image, and store it in the storage part as the part information. In this case, the simulation unit uses the volume of the selected site and the initial injection protocol to simulate changes in pixel values over time for each of a plurality of compartments obtained by dividing the selected site along the blood flow direction.

2: injection device, 3: imaging device, 13: site information acquisition unit, 14: target value acquisition unit, 15: simulation unit, 16: protocol generation unit, 21: injection head, 23: generation device, 31: imaging unit, 313: part information acquisition unit, 314: target value acquisition unit, 315: simulation unit, 316: protocol generation unit, 323: generation device

Claims (17)

a region information acquisition unit that acquires region information of a selected region selected by a user;
a target value acquiring unit that acquires a target pixel value of the selected part;
a simulation unit that obtains a predicted pixel value by simulating changes in pixel values of the selected site over time using the site information and the initial injection protocol of the contrast agent;
It is determined whether or not the target pixel value is satisfied by comparing the predicted pixel value obtained by the simulation with the target pixel value. a protocol generator that determines the protocol as the final injection protocol;
The protocol generation unit generates parameters related to the initial injection protocol including subject weight, injection time, amount of contrast agent per body weight, amount of contrast agent used per body weight, and contrast agent concentration before obtaining the target pixel value. When the input or change is made, the initial injection protocol is set as a new initial injection protocol to be used in the simulation, and at the time of the re- simulation , generating a new injection protocol in which the amount of contrast agent or the body weight of the subject is changed;
The generator, wherein the simulation unit performs the re-simulation using the new injection protocol. the parameter is the amount of contrast medium per body weight or the body weight of the subject ;
The protocol generation unit generates the new injection protocol including the injection time of the contrast medium or the injection amount of the contrast medium per unit time by changing the amount of contrast medium per body weight or the weight of the subject . 2. The generator of claim 1. the parameter is the amount of contrast medium per body weight,
2. The generation device according to claim 1, wherein the protocol generation unit recalculates the contrast agent amount per body weight by increasing or decreasing the body weight of the subject to generate the new injection protocol. The protocol generation unit determines whether or not a simulation result satisfies a target condition, causes the simulation unit to repeat the re-simulation when the target condition is not satisfied, and uses the target condition according to the simulation result of the re-simulation. 4. A generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, determining the injection protocol used for the re-simulation as the final injection protocol if is satisfied. The protocol generation unit determines that the target condition is satisfied when the predicted pixel value reaches the target pixel value, and determines that the target condition is not satisfied when the predicted pixel value does not reach the target pixel value. 5. The generator of claim 4, determining. The target value acquisition unit acquires an upper limit value and a lower limit value of the target pixel value,
The protocol generation unit determines that the target condition is satisfied when the predicted pixel value is equal to or greater than the lower limit and equal to or less than the upper limit, and determines that the predicted pixel value is less than the lower limit or higher than the upper limit. 5. The generator of claim 4, determining that the target condition is not met at . 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein said upper limit value and said lower limit value are within a range of pixel values corresponding to three gradations with respect to said target pixel value, based on a pixel value per gradation of said image of said selected portion. The generator described. The protocol generation unit determines whether or not the simulation unit can simulate temporal changes in pixel values of the selected site,
2. From claim 1, wherein, when the protocol generation unit determines that the simulation is impossible, the simulation unit uses the information of the related part associated with the part information to simulate the temporal change of the pixel value of the related part. 8. The generating device according to any one of 7. 9. The generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the protocol generator determines the new injection protocol based on scan plan image data. When the injection time, which is a parameter related to the initial injection protocol, is input or changed, the protocol generation unit fixes the input or changed injection time to generate the new injection protocol at the time of the re-simulation. 10. A generator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which generates a 2. The amount of increase or decrease in contrast agent amount per body weight or the amount of increase or decrease in body weight of a subject for generating said new injection protocol during said re-simulation is predetermined for each said selected site. 11. The generating device according to any one of 10 to 10 . a region information acquisition unit that acquires region information of a selected region selected by a user;
a target value acquiring unit that acquires a target pixel value of the selected part;
a simulation unit that obtains a predicted pixel value by simulating changes in pixel values of the selected site over time using the site information and the initial injection protocol of the contrast agent;
It is determined whether or not the target pixel value is satisfied by comparing the predicted pixel value obtained by the simulation with the target pixel value. a protocol generator that determines the protocol as the final injection protocol;
The protocol generation unit generates a new injection protocol in which the amount of contrast agent per body weight or the weight of the subject, which is a parameter related to the initial injection protocol or the new initial injection protocol, is changed during the re-simulation,
The simulation unit performs the re-simulation using the new injection protocol,
The generation device, wherein an amount of increase or decrease in contrast agent amount per body weight or an amount of increase or decrease in body weight of the subject for generating the new injection protocol at the time of the re-simulation is predetermined for each of the selected sites. a generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 ;
an injection head for injecting contrast media according to said final injection protocol. Acquire the site information of the selected site selected by the user,
obtaining a target pixel value of the selected portion;
When parameters related to the initial injection protocol including subject weight, injection time, amount of contrast medium per body weight, amount of contrast medium used per body weight, and contrast medium concentration are input or changed prior to the acquisition of the target pixel value. and setting the initial injection protocol as a new initial injection protocol to be used in the simulation
using the site information and the initial injection protocol or the new initial injection protocol of the contrast agent to simulate temporal changes in pixel values of the selected site to obtain predicted pixel values;
Compare the predicted pixel value obtained by the simulation with the target pixel value to determine whether the target condition is satisfied, and if not, the amount of contrast agent per body weight or the weight of the subject, which is a parameter related to the initial injection protocol Generate a new injection protocol that changes the
repeating the re-simulation using the new injection protocol;
An injection protocol generation method, wherein the injection protocol used for the re-simulation is determined as the final injection protocol. Acquire the site information of the selected site selected by the user,
obtaining a target pixel value of the selected portion;
using the site information and an initial injection protocol or a new initial injection protocol of the contrast agent to simulate temporal changes in pixel values of the selected site to obtain predicted pixel values;
Compare the predicted pixel value obtained by the simulation with the target pixel value to determine whether the target condition is satisfied, and if not, the amount of contrast agent per body weight or the weight of the subject, which is a parameter related to the initial injection protocol generating the new injection protocol with a change in
repeating the re-simulation using the new injection protocol;
determining the injection protocol used for the re-simulation as the final injection protocol;
Injection protocol generation, wherein an amount of increase/decrease in the amount of contrast agent per body weight or an amount of increase/decrease in body weight of the subject for generating the new injection protocol at the time of the re-simulation is predetermined for each of the selected sites. How . A contrast agent injection protocol generation program, a generation device for generating a final injection protocol,
a region information acquisition unit that acquires region information of a selected region selected by a user;
a target value acquisition unit that acquires a target pixel value of the selected part;
a simulation unit that uses the site information and the initial injection protocol of the contrast agent to simulate temporal changes in pixel values of the selected site to obtain predicted pixel values;
It is determined whether or not the target pixel value is satisfied by comparing the predicted pixel value obtained by the simulation with the target pixel value. functioning as a protocol generator that determines the protocol as the final injection protocol;
The protocol generation unit generates parameters related to the initial injection protocol including subject weight, injection time, amount of contrast agent per body weight, amount of contrast agent used per body weight, and contrast agent concentration before obtaining the target pixel value. When the input or change is made, the initial injection protocol is set as a new initial injection protocol to be used in the simulation, and at the time of the re- simulation , generating a new injection protocol in which the amount of contrast agent or the body weight of the subject is changed;
The injection protocol generation program, wherein the simulation unit performs the re-simulation using the new injection protocol. A contrast agent injection protocol generation program, a generation device for generating a final injection protocol,
a region information acquisition unit that acquires region information of a selected region selected by a user;
a target value acquisition unit that acquires a target pixel value of the selected part;
a simulation unit that uses the site information and the initial injection protocol of the contrast agent to simulate temporal changes in pixel values of the selected site to obtain predicted pixel values;
It is determined whether or not the target pixel value is satisfied by comparing the predicted pixel value obtained by the simulation with the target pixel value. functioning as a protocol generator that determines the protocol as the final injection protocol;
The protocol generation unit generates a new injection protocol in which the amount of contrast agent per body weight or the weight of the subject, which is a parameter related to the initial injection protocol or the new initial injection protocol, is changed during the re-simulation,
The simulation unit performs the re-simulation using the new injection protocol,
Injection protocol generation, wherein an amount of increase/decrease in the amount of contrast agent per body weight or an amount of increase/decrease in body weight of the subject for generating the new injection protocol at the time of the re-simulation is predetermined for each of the selected sites. program .

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