Picker International, Inc.

Darrell M Smith

Carl J Brunnett

Hugh T Morgan

Kenneth L Freeman

John J Barni

Gary A Kaufmann

A multi-modality diagnostic imaging system includes a first imaging subsystem (A), such as a computed tomographic (CT) system, for performing a first imaging procedure on a subject. A second imaging subsystem (B), such as a nuclear medicine system (NUC), performs a second imaging procedure on a subject. The second imaging subsystem (B) is remote from the first imaging system (A). A patient couch (,) supports a subject. A patient transfer subsystem (C) transfers a patient couch (,) between the first imaging subsystem (A) and the second imaging subsystem (B). The first and second imaging subsystems (A, B) can be operated concurrently to perform different imaging procedures on different subjects supported by separate patient couches. Data generated by the first imaging subsystem (A) can be used to correct emission data generated by the second imaging subsystem (B).

Separate and combined multi-modality diagnostic imaging system

A radiation source which generates a radiation cone-beam (14) and a two-dimensional radiation detector are spiralled continuously around and longitudinally relative to an imaging volume. Image data from the two-dimensional display is reconstructed (30.sub.1, 30.sub.2, . . . 30.sub.n) into a volumetric, physiological image stored in a subject memory (32). During an interventional surgical procedure with a surgical instrument (42), the x-ray source is gated to operate intermittently, e.g., at 60.degree. angular intervals, at a reduced radiation intensity by an x-ray tube control (40). The additional data is reconstructed into a three-dimensional image representation of the surgical instrument and stored in an instrument memory (34). An operator image selection processor (60) causes data retrieval circuits (62a, 62b) to retrieve like slices or other image representations from the subject and instrument memories. The retrieved data is combined (64) such that a resultant human-readable display (68) shows the instrument superimposed on the anatomical image. The surgical instrument volumetric image is continuously updated such that the display represents a real time display of the surgical instrument illustrating its advancement through the imaging region.

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Cleveland Hts., OH, United States of America

Darrell M Smith