JPH0928701A - X-ray radiographing diagnostic system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an X-ray radiographing diagnostic system enabling accurate and rapid diagnosis without causing displacements in the positional relationship between a position on the body surface of a reagent projected and indicated by a projector and an index displayed on a TV monitor. SOLUTION: An X-ray tube 1 and an image intensifier 2 are supported by a support arm in a state of opposing to each other, and laser projectors 8a, 8b are fixedly set on the X-ray tube 1 side (or on the image intensifier 2 side). On an X-ray radiographing diagnostic system constituted so as to display on a TV monitor 10 a visible light image received by the image intensifier 2, by providing a collimator 11 with an index S made of a high X-ray absorption rate material on the side of the fixedly set laser projectors 8a, 8b, the positional relationship between the collimator 11 and the laser projectors 8a, 8b can be maintained constant even if the support arm 3 is deviated.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention observes an X-ray fluoroscopic image of a region of interest of a subject displayed on a television monitor to grasp the position of the region of interest, and to detect the position of the region of interest. X is used for diagnosis and treatment such as inserting a biopsy needle into the subject or opening a hole for inserting a bone fracture treatment bolt using the irradiation position of visible light projected on the body surface of the specimen as a mark. The present invention relates to a fluoroscopic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for matching the positional relationship between a position projected and displayed on a body surface of a subject by a light projector and a positioning index displayed on a television monitor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to insert a biopsy needle or the like into a region of interest of a subject while seeing through the region of interest of the subject with an X-ray, a position corresponding to a substantially central axis in the X-ray irradiation direction is placed on the body of the subject. An X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus having a projector for projecting and displaying light on the surface is used. The schematic configuration of this type of X-ray fluoroscopic diagnosis apparatus will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a transport type X
FIG. 7 is an overall front view of the fluoroscopic diagnosis apparatus, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a main part.

In the transport type X-ray fluoroscopic diagnostic apparatus shown in FIG. 6, a C-shaped support arm 3 for supporting the X-ray tube 1 and the image intensifier 2 in an opposed state is mounted on a transport carriage 4. It is configured. A control box 5 accommodating a high voltage generator and the like is mounted on the carrier vehicle 4, and a support base 6 is mounted thereon so as to be able to move up and down. A holding mechanism 7 is attached to the support base 6 so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis. The support arm 3 is attached to the holding mechanism 7.
Is movably held in the circumferential direction.

Referring to FIG. The X-ray tube 1 is fixedly provided with two laser projectors 8a and 8b for projecting and displaying on the body surface of the subject M a position corresponding to a substantially central axis A in the X-ray irradiation direction. The laser projectors 8a and 8b respectively irradiate linear visible light beams which are substantially orthogonal to each other, and the intersection B of the two linear visible light beams and the central axis A in the X-ray irradiation direction substantially coincide with each other by the alignment described later. There is.

The image intensifier 2 is connected to a television monitor 10 via a television camera 9. X
The X-rays emitted from the radiation tube 1 pass through the subject M and enter the image intensifier 2. The transmitted X-ray image is converted into a visible light image by the image intensifier 2. The visible light image is captured by the TV camera 9,
The perspective image is displayed on the television monitor 10.

On the television monitor 10, an index 10a is attached in advance at a position corresponding to the central axis A in the X-ray irradiation direction (substantially the center of the monitor). The laser projectors 8a, 8a, 8a
The intersection B of the linear visible light emitted from b and the television monitor 6
The upper index 10a (specifically, the intersection of the index 10a) is matched.

A material having a high X-ray absorptivity (for example, a lead ball) is placed on a bed or the like on which the subject M is placed, and X-rays are irradiated.
The X-ray image is displayed on the TV monitor 10. Then, move the lead ball (or support arm 3) appropriately,
The X-ray image is set so as to come to the center of the index 10a on the television monitor 10. Since the position of the lead ball at that time is substantially on the central axis in the X-ray irradiation direction, the laser projectors 8a, 8a
The irradiation directions of the laser projectors 8a and 8b are set so that the intersection of the linear visible light irradiated from b comes on the lead ball. As a result, the intersection B of the linear visible lights of the laser projectors 8a and 8b and the index 10a on the television monitor 10 correspond in position. As described above, the two laser projectors 8
If the central axis A in the X-ray irradiation direction is projected and displayed by the intersection point B of the linear visible lights a and 8b, the X-ray irradiation is always performed regardless of the distance between the subject M and the X-ray tube 1. The central axis A of the direction and the intersection B of the linear visible light can be matched.

After that, when the subject M is irradiated with X-rays and a fluoroscopic image of the subject M is displayed on the television monitor 10, the examiner determines that the region of interest of the subject M is the index 10a on the television monitor 10. The subject M or the support arm 3 is moved so as to be located on the center. As a result, the intersection point B of the linear visible light projected on the body surface of the subject M comes to a position facing the region of interest of the subject M, and the examiner removes the biopsy needle from the intersection point B of the linear visible light. By piercing the subject M, the biopsy needle can reach the region of interest.

[0009]

However, the prior art having such a structure has the following problems. In the apparatus in which the X-ray tube 1 and the image intensifier 2 are attached to both ends of the support arm 3, the support arm 3 is considerably bent due to the weight of the X-ray tube 1 and the image intensifier 2. When the support arm 3 is rotated, the direction and the magnitude of this bending change according to the posture of the support arm 3. Therefore, the supporting seam 3
As described above, when the laser is in a specific posture, the laser projector 8
The relationship between the intersection B (the central axis A in the X-ray irradiation direction) of the linear visible light of a and 8b and the index 10a of the television monitor 10 that are aligned so as to correspond to each other is the support arm 3
The deflection of the support arm 3 due to the rotational displacement may cause a shift of up to about 10 mm on the image intensifier side. As a result, when a biopsy needle or the like is inserted into the subject M using the intersection B of the linear visible light projected and displayed on the body surface of the subject M as a mark, the biopsy needle is positioned at the region of interest of the subject M. The inconvenience of not reaching correctly occurs. Therefore, it is necessary to insert the biopsy needle again, or whenever the posture of the support arm 3 is changed, the laser projector 4
Smooth diagnosis may be hindered, such as alignment of a and 4b.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the position on the surface of the subject to be projected and displayed by the projector and the index of the television monitor are not displaced, and are accurate and quick. It is an object of the present invention to provide an X-ray fluoroscopic diagnosis apparatus that can make a diagnosis.

[0011]

The present invention has the following configuration to achieve the above object. That is, according to the present invention, an X-ray tube that irradiates an object with X-rays and an image intensifier that converts a transmitted X-ray image into a visible light image are supported by a support arm in an opposed state. On the X-ray tube side or the image intensifier side, a light projector for projecting and displaying a position corresponding to a substantially central axis in the X-ray irradiation direction on the body surface of the subject is fixed, and the image intensifier is provided. In the X-ray fluoroscopic diagnostic apparatus configured to display the visible light image obtained by the above with a TV camera and display it on a TV monitor, on the X-ray tube side or the image intensifier side where the projector is fixedly installed. It is characterized by being provided with a sighting device having an index made of a material having a high X-ray absorption rate.

[0012]

The operation of the present invention is as follows. First, X
The case where the projector and the sighting device are installed on the side of the wire tube will be described. When the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube enter the image intensifier through the sighting device, the index provided in the sighting device is displayed on the television monitor. The sighting device and the light projector are preliminarily aligned so that the index displayed on the television monitor and the position projected by the light projector on the body surface of the subject match. After that, when the support arm is changed to an arbitrary posture, the support arm is bent in accordance with the posture. If the position of the X-ray tube is now displaced, the projector and the sighting device are also displaced accordingly. That is, the position where the light is projected and displayed on the body surface of the subject and the position of the index of the sighting device are displaced while maintaining the mutual positional relationship. X due to deflection of support arm
The position of the index displayed on the television monitor is displaced due to the displacement of the line tube, but if the site of interest of the subject is aligned according to the index, the projector will be positioned on the body surface corresponding to the site of interest of the subject. Is displayed. The same applies to the case where the image intensifier is displaced due to the bending of the support arm. As a result, the examiner may insert a biopsy needle or the like at the position on the body surface of the subject indicated by the light projector regardless of the posture of the support arm.

Next, the case where the projector and the sighting device are installed on the image intensifier side will be described. Also in this case, the index provided on the sighting device is displayed on the television monitor in the same manner as described above. Then, the sighting device and the light projector are aligned in advance so that the index and the position of the light projected and displayed on the body surface of the subject by the light projector are aligned with each other, and then the posture of the support arm is changed. As a result, even if the support arm bends and the image intensifier is displaced, for example, the projector and the sighting device on the image intensifier side are displaced while maintaining their positional relationship. Therefore, in this case as well, if the region of interest of the subject is aligned in accordance with the index displayed on the television monitor, the light projector projects the position on the body surface corresponding to the region of interest of the subject. It should be noted that, due to the displacement of the image intensifier, the position at which the central axis in the X-ray irradiation direction is incident on the image intensifier is relatively displaced, but the projector and the index are attached to the image intensifier side. Therefore, the index displayed on the TV monitor does not change. The same applies to the case where the X-ray tube is displaced due to the bending of the support arm.

As described above, regardless of whether the X-ray tube or the image intensifier is used, if the sighting device is installed on the side on which the light projector is mounted, no matter how the support arm is bent, the light projector is projected. Since the positional relationship between the sighting device and the sighting device does not change, the position on the body surface of the subject projected by the light projector and the position of the index displayed on the television monitor can be always matched.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, in each drawing, the portions denoted by the same reference numerals as those shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 have the same configuration as the conventional device, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an essential part of an embodiment in which a sighting device is installed on the X-ray tube side of an X-ray fluoroscopic diagnostic apparatus. In addition, here, a transport type X similar to that shown in FIG.
Although a fluoroscopic diagnostic apparatus will be described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to a stationary type or a ceiling-suspended X-ray diagnostic apparatus.

X-ray tube 1 for irradiating the subject M with X-rays
And an image intensifier 2 for converting a transmitted X-ray image into a visible light image are supported by a C-shaped support arm 3 in an opposed state. On the X-ray tube 1 side, two laser projectors 8 for irradiating visible laser light for displaying a position where the body surface of the subject M and the central axis A in the X-ray irradiation direction intersect.
a and 8b are fixed. The laser projectors 8a and 8b irradiate linear visible lights that are substantially orthogonal to each other, and are set so that the intersection B of the two linear visible lights and the central axis A in the X-ray irradiation direction substantially coincide with each other. Image Intensifier 2
A television camera 9 is attached to the television camera 9, and the television camera 9 is connected to the television monitor 10. In addition,
The index as described in FIG. 7 is not drawn on the screen of the television monitor 10.

X to which the laser projectors 8a and 8b are attached
A sighting device 11 is installed at the X-ray irradiation port portion 1 a of the ray tube 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the sighting device 11 is a cylindrical body having a diameter substantially the same as that of the X-ray irradiation port portion 1a of the X-ray tube 1, and is formed of a plastic (eg, acrylic resin) having a low X-ray absorption rate. Has been done. An index S formed by embedding a substance having a high X-ray absorptivity (for example, lead) in a cross shape is formed on one closed surface (top surface in FIG. 2) of the sighting device 11. Since the index S is displayed on the television monitor 10 by the irradiation of X-rays, it is preferable that the index S has a width that does not hinder the observation of the fluoroscopic image, for example, 0.2 to 1.0 mm. Sight 11
Screws 12 are screwed from four directions around the body of the. When the sighting device 11 is fitted into the X-ray irradiation port portion 1a of the X-ray tube 1, the mounting position of the sighting device 11 can be adjusted by changing the tightening amount of the screws 12.

When X-rays are irradiated with the sighting device 11 attached to the X-ray tube 1, an X-ray image of the index S (hereinafter referred to as an index image) is displayed on the television monitor 10 together with a perspective image of the subject M.
S'is displayed. During the operation, the subject M is aligned so that the region of interest of the subject M and the center of the index image S ′ are aligned, and thereafter, the linear visible light projected and displayed on the body surface of the subject M is displayed. Since a procedure of inserting a biopsy needle or the like with the intersection B as a mark is adopted, the center of the index image S ′ displayed on the TV monitor 10 and the light projection display on the body surface of the subject M by the laser projectors 8a and 8b. It is necessary to match the intersection point B of the generated linear visible light. Therefore, as in the case of the conventional apparatus described above, a substance having a high X-ray absorptivity (for example, a lead ball) is placed on a bed or the like on which the subject M is placed, and X-rays are irradiated, and the X-ray image P is obtained. It is displayed on the television monitor 10 together with the index image S ′. Then, the mounting position of the sighting device 11 is appropriately adjusted, and the X-ray image P is set so as to come to the center of the index image S ′ (see (a) of FIG. 3). Then, the laser projector 8 is arranged so that the intersection B of the linear visible light emitted from the laser projectors 8a and 8b is located on the lead ball.
The irradiation directions of a and 8b are set. As a result, the intersection B of the linear visible lights of the laser projectors 8a and 8b and the television monitor 10
The upper index image S'corresponds positionally.

As described above, the sighting device 11 is installed on the X-ray tube 1 to which the laser projectors 8a and 8b are fixedly installed, and the biopsy needle is inserted into the subject M after the above-mentioned alignment is performed. Fluoroscopic diagnosis is performed. The operation of the embodiment apparatus will be described below.

During the operation, the support arm 3 is set in various postures, so that the laser projectors 8a and 8b and the sighting device 11 are first set.
The posture may be different from when the position is aligned. As a result, bending occurs in a direction different from that when aligned with the support arm 3, and the central axis A in the X-ray irradiation direction is generated.
May tilt. In this embodiment, since the sighting device 11 is attached to the X-ray tube 1 side together with the laser projectors 8a and 8b, when the positional relationship between the X-ray tube 1 and the image intensifier 2 is changed, it is displayed on the television monitor 10. The position of the existing index image S ′ also changes slightly (see FIG. 3B). In addition, in FIG. 3B, the symbol Q indicates a perspective image of the region of interest of the subject M. However, the laser projector 8
Since the a and 8b and the sighting device 11 are fixedly installed on the same X-ray tube 1 side, the positional relationship between them is unchanged. As a result, the position of the intersection B of the linear visible light projected and displayed on the body surface of the subject M by the laser projectors 8a and 8b and the index S of the sighting device 11.
The position of changes with the position of each other maintained. Therefore, the examiner shifts the bed or the like on which the subject M is placed while watching the image on the television monitor 10, and
As shown in (c) of FIG.
Is aligned with the center of the index image S ', the intersection B of the linear visible light from the laser projectors 8a and 8b projects and displays the body surface corresponding to the region of interest of the subject M. As a result, the examiner can accurately insert the biopsy needle or the like into the position on the body surface of the subject M indicated by the laser projectors 8a and 8b regardless of the posture of the support arm 3. Can reach the site of interest.

[Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of the X-ray fluoroscopic diagnosis apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
In FIG. 1, the constituent parts denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 are the same constituent parts as those of the first embodiment device, and therefore detailed description thereof is omitted here. The feature of this embodiment is that the laser projectors 8a and 8b are fixedly installed on the image intensifier 2 side, and the sighting device 11 is installed on the input phosphor screen portion of the image intensifier 2. The sighting device 11 is a cylindrical body having a diameter substantially the same as that of the input phosphor screen portion of the image intensifier 2, and is made of a plastic having a low X-ray absorption rate (for example, acrylic resin) as in the first embodiment. ) And the like. On one closed surface (lower surface in FIG. 4) of the sighting device 11, there is formed an index S in which a substance having a high X-ray absorptivity (such as lead) is embedded in a cross shape. Then, similarly to the first embodiment, in this embodiment as well, the laser is so arranged that the intersection B of the linear visible light of the laser projectors 8a and 8b and the index image S'on the television monitor 10 correspond in position. The positional relationship between the projectors 8a and 8b and the sighting device 11 is adjusted.

According to this embodiment, it is considered that the positional relationship between the X-ray tube 1 and the image intensifier 2 is deviated due to the bending of the supporting arm 3 by changing the posture of the supporting arm 3 during the operation. However, the laser projectors 8a and 8b fixed to the image integrator 2 and the sighting device 11 are moved while maintaining their positional relationship. Therefore, the subject M
There is no deviation in the positional relationship between the intersection B of the linear visible light projected and displayed on the body surface and the index image S ′ displayed on the television monitor 10. As a result, the examiner is watching TV monitor 1
If the alignment is performed so that the index image S ′ and the region of interest of the subject M coincide with each other on 0, the intersection B of the linear visible light projected and displayed on the body surface of the subject M becomes the subject M. Since it is located at the position corresponding to the region of interest, it is possible to accurately insert the biopsy needle or the like into the subject M using the intersection B of the linear visible light as a mark.

The present invention can be modified as follows. (1) FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the sighting device. This sighting device 13 is composed of two ring bodies 13 arranged above and below.
a and 13b are connected by a vertical member 13c, and the upper ring body 1
A wire-shaped member made of a material having a high X-ray absorptivity is bridged in a cross shape on 3a to form an index S. A screw 12 for fixing and position adjustment is screwed into the lower ring body 13b.

(2) The form of the index formed on the sighting device is not limited to the cross shape, but can be set arbitrarily such as a small circle.

(3) The mounting structure of the sighting device is not limited to the screw type, but a spring member or the like may be used for fitting.

(4) The sighting device does not necessarily have to be directly attached to the X-ray tube or the image integrator.
For example, it may be connected to and supported by a support arm near the X-ray tube or the image integrator.

(5) The light projector is not limited to the laser light, but may be a light source for irradiating the condensed visible light.
Further, the number of light projectors is not limited to two, and may be single or three or more.

[0029]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the X-ray tube side on which the projector for projecting visible light on the body surface of the subject is fixed, or the image intensifier. Since a sighting device having an index made of a material having a high X-ray absorption rate is installed on the side, even if the support arm bends and the positional relationship between the X-ray tube and the image intensifier is displaced, it is displayed on the TV monitor. The corresponding relationship between the displayed index image and the position projected and displayed on the body surface of the subject does not change. Therefore, regardless of the posture of the support arm, if the index image and the region of interest of the subject are aligned on the television monitor, the position of the region of interest of the subject is projected and displayed by the projector. Therefore, the diagnostic procedure such as inserting the biopsy needle into the region of interest can be performed accurately.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a main part of a first embodiment of an X-ray fluoroscopic diagnosis apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing an example of a sighting device.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which an index of the sighting device is displayed on a television monitor.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an essential part of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the sighting device.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a carrier-type X-ray fluoroscopic diagnostic apparatus according to a conventional example.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a main part of a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ... X-ray tube 2 ... Image intensifier 3 ... Support arms 8a, 8b ... Laser projector 10 ... Television monitor 11, 13 ... Sighting device S ... Index S '... Index image M ... Subject

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An X-ray tube for irradiating an object with X-rays and an image intensifier for converting a transmitted X-ray image into a visible light image are supported by a support arm in a state of being opposed to each other. On the side of the X-ray tube or the image intensifier, a light projector for projecting and displaying on the body surface of the subject a position corresponding to the approximate center axis in the X-ray irradiation direction is fixed. In an X-ray fluoroscopic diagnostic apparatus configured to display the obtained visible light image on a TV monitor and display it on a TV monitor, an X-ray is provided on the X-ray tube side or the image intensifier side on which the projector is fixed. An X-ray fluoroscopic diagnostic apparatus comprising a sighting device having an index made of a material having a high radiation absorption rate.