Siemens Medical Solutions Usa, Inc.

George F Kramp

John Baumgart

Gary S Martucci

An image data subtraction system suitable for use in Angiography or other medical procedure enhances vessel visualization. An imaging system subtracts data representing a first mask image from data representing temporally sequential individual images of patient vessels to provide first digitally subtracted images. The sequential individual images encompass introduction of a contrast agent. An image processor automatically, processes the data representing the first digitally subtracted images to identify a first image indicating presence of the contrast agent and a second image preceding the first image by determining a measure representing a net presence of contrast agent in an individual digitally subtracted image. The second image is substantially exclusive of an indication of presence of the contrast agent. The image processor automatically, selects the second image as a second mask image and subtracts data representing the second mask image from the data representing images of the temporally sequential individual images to provide second digitally subtracted images. A user interface presents the second digitally subtracted images for display while the patient is undergoing a medical procedure.

Automated image data subtraction system suitable for use in angiography

A system for selecting a zoom size of an anatomical image for display includes an image detector having a pre-defined field of view defining a maximum and minimum analog zoom fields of view corresponding to maximum and minimum analog zoom settings for at least one anatomical image; an image display displaying the anatomical image within the pre-defined field of view; a processing unit providing a selection of at least one anatomical image; and a network configured to interface the detector with the processing unit and the image display with the processing unit. The system enables establishment of at least one intervening selectable zoom setting corresponding to an intervening selectable zoom field of view between the maximum and minimum analog zoom fields of view, thereby establishing a first user profile. A second user profile overriding the first user profile can be established. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

System and method for establishing zoom settings for display of an anatomical image

An image data subtraction system suitable for use in Angiography or other medical procedure enhances vessel visualization. The system comprises an imaging system for acquiring, during a medical procedure, data representing multiple temporally sequential individual images of vessels of a portion of patient anatomy. The sequential individual images encompass introduction of a contrast agent. An image processor automatically processes the data representing the multiple temporally sequential individual images to identify a first image indicating presence of the contrast agent and a second image preceding the first image by comparing a difference between measures representative of luminance content of the first and second image, with a threshold. The second image is substantially exclusive of an indication of presence of the contrast agent. The image processor, in response to the difference exceeding the threshold, automatically selects the second image as a mask image and subtracts data representing the mask image from data representing images of the temporally sequential individual images to remove background image detail and emphasize vessel structure in providing processed image data for display. A user interface presents the processed image data for display while the patient is undergoing the medical procedure.

Image data subtraction system suitable for use in angiography

A C-arm X-ray system includes synchronized ECG gating for enhanced cardiac soft-tissue imaging. The system includes an X-ray source disposed on a C-arm for rotation in a circular path about a patient and configured to release X-ray radiation synchronously with an ECG-gating signal, an X-ray image sensor disposed on the C-arm in a fixed opposing position to the X-ray source and configured to rotate with the source and receive the X-ray radiation and an ECG unit for acquiring ECG data from the patient. The system also includes a digital image acquisition processor arranged in communication with the X-ray source, X-ray image sensor and ECG unit for acquiring 2D projection images at predetermined C-arm angulations in the presence of the ECG-gating signal and an image processor arranged in communication with the digital image acquisition processor to receive and process the series of 2D projection images and reconstruct a continuous 3D volumetric image of the patient's cardiac soft tissue therefrom. A user interface to allow user control of the C-arm system and to display the continuous 3D volumetric image.

ECG-based rotational angiography for cardiology

A method of reducing radiation exposure by panning and zooming the first acquired image rather than using continuous radiation fluoroscopy.

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Elmhurst, IL, United States of America

George F Kramp