General Electric Company

Ge Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC

Fazle Ali

Jiang Hsieh

Shawn P Faessler

Robert F Senzig

Holly A McDaniel

Stanley Haim Fox

David Matthew Deaven

Christopher Joseph Mussack

Steven Christopher Davis

Richard Andrew Valiga

Girish Saligram

Aleksandar Zavaljevski

Shawn Patrick Faessler

Alexsandar Zavaljevski

A CT Fluoro system which, in one embodiment, includes an integrated controller, image reconstruction algorithms for increasing the speed of image display, and an enhanced image display, is described. The integrated controller enables the radiologist to maintain control of the system throughout the fluoro scan. The image reconstruction algorithms are generally directed to increasing the image frame rate or reducing image artifacts, or both, in the CT fluoro scan. The image display generally provides enhanced images and control to the radiologist during a scan procedure.

Computed tomography fluoroscopy system

Gantry control panel

An apparatus and method that allows an operator to initiate a prep delay sequence from an area adjacent a patient table are provided for use with x-ray emitting scanners. An operator is allowed to maintain continued focus on a patient to be scanned and closely monitor the patient during the injection sequence. Overall scan time is reduced by decreasing the number of times the operator must travel between the operator console and the patient table. Risk to prolonged radiation exposure is thereby reduced. Ultimately, the present invention allows for better quality patient care, faster scan times and overall increased throughput, reduced repetitive tasks for the operators, reduced risk of x-ray exposure to operators, and, in some circumstances, eliminating the need for multiple operators.

In-room start scan sequence control and method of imaging using same

A computed tomography system includes an x-ray source, an x-ray detector aligned with the x-ray source, a processor coupled to the x-ray detector, and a display for displaying reconstructed images. The processor is programmed to perform at least one of: generating a partially reconstructed image for display on the display; dynamically reformatting images for display on the display; communicating the partially reconstructed image, the reformatted images, or data associated with the system to a remote facility.

Apparatus and methods for displaying computed tomography fluoroscopy images including data transfer provided over a network

A CT Fluoro System display which includes apparatus and methods for facilitating effective performance of an interventional procedure. The apparatus and methods are generally referred to herein as partial image display, dynamic image reformation, in-room control, flat panel display, in-room display, and magnification. More particularly, an important performance parameter for a CT Fluoro System is the time to first image. Accordingly, and to reduce the time to first image, a partially reconstructed image can be displayed. In addition to fast image reconstruction, it sometimes is necessary to examine a needle position from different orientations, i.e., views. Accordingly, the present display provides dynamic image reformation wherein axial images are displayed at a very high rate and the operator may reformat the axial images and display the reformatted images in real time. Further, and to provide additional functionality and convenience for an operator, an in-room, or convenient, control including a 'reverse and forward' play command button, 'save' (or capture), 'grid display', and 'preset window/levels' functions is provided. By enabling an operator to perform these functions with the remote unit, the system is believed to be easier to use and useful information to the operator in an easily understandable format. Also, and to provide improved display, a flat panel display may be utilized. A user interface for use with the display includes a CT/i Interventional control, three message areas (hierarchical and designated as message area #1, message area #2, and message area #3), and an image control. Also, image magnification can be performed.

Apparatus and method for displaying computed tomography fluoroscopy

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Brookfield, WI, United States of America

Fazle Ali