1062 results about "Ct imaging" patented technology

A method of and system for locating a targeted region in a patient uses a CT imaging subsystem and a radiotherapy subsystem arranged so the targeted region can be imaged with the imaging system and treated with a beam of therapeutic X-ray radiation using a radiotherapy subsystem. The beam of therapeutic X-rays is in a plane that is substantially fixed relative to, and preferably coplanar with, a slice plane of the CT imaging subsystem so that the targeted region can be imaged during a planning phase, and imaged and exposed to the therapeutic X-rays during the treatment phase without the necessity of moving the patient.

A system and method for estimating vascular flow using CT imaging include a computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to acquire a first set of data comprising anatomical information of an imaging subject, the anatomical information comprises information of at least one vessel. The instructions further cause the computer to process the anatomical information to generate an image volume comprising the at least one vessel, generate hemodynamic information based on the image volume, and acquire a second set of data of the imaging subject. The computer is also caused to generate an image comprising the hemodynamic information in combination with a visualization based on the second set of data.

The present invention discloses a method for performing CT imaging on a region of interest of an object under examination, comprising: acquiring the CT projection data of the region of interest; acquiring the CT projection data of region B; selecting a group of PI line segments covering the region of interest, and calculating the reconstruction image value for each PI line segment in the group; and combining the reconstruction image values in all the PI line segments to obtain the image of the region of interest. The present invention further discloses a CT imaging device using this method and a data processor therein. Since the 2D / 3D slice image of the region of interest can be exactly reconstructed and obtained as long as the X-ray beam covers the region of interest and the region B, it is possible to use a small-sized detector to perform CT imaging on the region of interest at any position of a large-sized object, which reduces to a great extent the radiation dose of the X-ray during the CT scanning.

A multispectral X-ray imaging system uses a wideband source and filtration assembly to select for M sets of spectral data. Spectral characteristics may be dynamically adjusted in synchrony with scan excursions where an X-ray source, detector array, or body may be moved relative to one another in acquiring T sets of measurement data. The system may be used in projection imaging and / or CT imaging. Processed image data, such as a CT reconstructed image, may be decomposed onto basis functions for analytical processing of multispectral image data to facilitate computer assisted diagnostics. The system may perform this diagnostic function in medical applications and / or security applications.

A computed tomography (CT) imaging system is disclosed. The CT imaging system may be used in a multi-modality imaging context or other context. In one embodiment, the CT imaging system provides for both fast rotation of the rotating X-ray source and detection components and low dose of X-rays generated by the source providing several clinical and economic benefits such as low dose and sufficient image quality and no or insignificant investment in room shielding associated with diagnostic CT dose.

A method for reconstructing a high quality image from undersampled image data is provided. The image reconstruction method is applicable to a number of different imaging modalities. Specifically, the present invention provides an image reconstruction method that incorporates an appropriate prior image into the image reconstruction process. Thus, one aspect of the present invention is to provide an image reconstruction method that requires less number of data samples to reconstruct an accurate reconstruction of a desired image than previous methods, such as, compressed sensing. Another aspect of the invention is to provide an image reconstruction method that produces a time series of desired images indicative of a higher temporal resolution than is ordinarily achievable with the imaging system. For example, cardiac phase images can be produced with high temporal resolution (e.g., 20 milliseconds) using a CT imaging system with a slow gantry rotation speed.

Real-time, enhanced imaging of remote areas, too minute for CT imaging, is made possible through a probe having a radiopaque tip as well as radiopaque volume markers. When deployed, the markers outline the space containing the tip such that both the tip and the volume containing the tip are viewable on a fluoroscope. This device may be used in conjunction with or independently of 3-D volumes created from CT scans and 3-D tip sensors.

A general imaging scheme is proposed for applications of CBCT. The approach provides a superior CBCT image quality by effective scatter correction and noise reduction. Specifically, in its implementation of CBCT imaging for radiation therapy, the proposed approach achieves an accurate patient setup using a partially blocked CBCT with a significantly reduced radiation dose. The image quality improvement due to the proposed scatter correction and noise reduction also makes CBCT-based dose calculation a viable solution to adaptive treatment planning.

Two-dimensional or three-dimensional, time-resolved CT frame images are acquired during a dynamic study of a subject. A composite image is produced and this is used to reconstruct each CT frame image by weighting the backprojection of each projection view acquired for that image frame by the corresponding value in the composite image. This weighted backprojection enables artifact-free image frames to be produced with far fewer projection views of the subject. The composite image may be reconstructed from views acquired separately, or it may be produced by combining views acquired during the course of the dynamic study.

Two-dimensional or three-dimensional, time-resolved CT frame images are acquired during a dynamic study of a subject. A composite image is produced and this is used to reconstruct each CT frame image by weighting the backprojection of each projection view acquired for that image frame by the corresponding value in the composite image. This weighted backprojection enables artifact-free image frames to be produced with far fewer projection views of the subject. The composite image may be reconstructed from views acquired separately, or it may be produced by combining views acquired during the course of the dynamic study.

A diagnostic imaging system, which can be a mobile or stationary surgical CT imaging system or an MRI system, comprises an internal airflow cooling system that includes an air intake opening and an air outtake opening that are positioned near the ground and direct air flow away from the sterile surgical field.

An X-ray tomographic imaging apparatus includes an X-ray and a direct conversion type of detector. The X-ray tube and the detector are supported by the support means so as to be rotatable along curved orbits mutually independently. Under instructions from a computer, scans and image reconstruction are performed. The X-ray tube and the detector are moved along the orbits mutually independently so that X-ray beams are always transmitted through a desired tomographic plane of an object at desired angles. Acquired frame data are used to produce a panoramic image of the plane, while the frame data and the panoramic image are used to produce a tomographic image in which structural components of the object are optically focused and distortions caused due to differences in X-ray paths are suppressed. The apparatus can be used as devices for dental, medical diagnosis and nondestructive inspection, and can have a CT imaging function.

The invention provides novel Compton camera detector designs and systems for enhanced radiographic imaging with integrated detector systems which incorporate Compton and nuclear medicine imaging, PET imaging and x-ray CT imaging capabilities. Compton camera detector designs employ one or more layers of detector modules comprised of edge-on or face-on detectors or a combination of edge-on and face-on detectors which may employ gas, scintillator, semiconductor, low temperature (such as Ge and superconductor) and structured detectors. Detectors may implement tracking capabilities and may operate in a non-coincidence or coincidence detection mode.

An x-ray source (32) for performing energy discrimination within an imaging system (10) includes a cathode-emitting device (82) emitting electrons and an anode (81) that has a target (80) whereupon the electrons impinge to generate an x-ray beam (93) with multiple x-ray quantity energy peaks (116 and 120). A method of performing energy discrimination in the imaging system (10) includes emitting the electrons. The x-ray beam (93) with the x-ray quantity energy peaks (116 and 120) is generated. The x-ray beam (93) is directed through an object (44) and is received. An x-ray image having multiple energy differentiable characteristics is generated in response to the x-ray beam (93).

The present invention is a directed to a CT detector for a CT imaging system that incorporates a segmented optical coupler between a photodiode array and a scintillator array. The segmented optical coupler also operates as a light collimator which improves the light collection efficiency of the photodiode array. The segmented optical coupler is defined by a series of reflector elements that collectively form a plurality of open cells. The open cells form light transmission cavities and facilitate the collimation of light from a scintillator to a photodiode. The cavities may be filled with optical epoxy for sealing to the photodiode array.

A CT imaging system includes a two-dimensional detector array and an x-ray source that both revolve around the subject during a scan. The x-ray source produces a cone beam of x-rays and the focal point of this cone beam is electrically moved to different locations along the z-axis to increase the z-axis extent of the ROI that can be imaged without patient table movement. Different focal point scan patterns are described for a variety of different clinical applications.

Various configurations for scatter reduction and control are provided for CT imaging. These configurations include an imaging system having a stationary detector extending generally around a portion of an imaging volume and a distributed X-ray source placed proximal to the stationary detector for radiating an X-ray beam toward the stationary detector. A scatter control system is further provided that is configured to adaptively operate in cooperation with the stationary detector and the distributed X-ray source to focally align collimator septa contained therein to the X-ray beam at a given focal point and to provide X-ray beam scatter control.

A technique is provided for automatically identifying regions of bone or other structural regions within a reconstructed CT volume data set. The technique identifies and labels regions within the data set and computes various statistics for the regions. A rule-based classifier processes the statistics to classify each region. Incidental connections between disparate regions are eliminated. A structure mask, such as a bone mask, is then constructed after exclusion of regions of interest, such as a vascular map. The structure mask may then be used to construct a volume rendering free of the structure, such as bone-free.

A CT imaging system includes a rotatable gantry having an opening to receive an object to be scanned, a first x-ray emission source attached to the rotatable gantry and configured to emit x-rays toward the object, and a second x-ray emission source attached to the rotatable gantry and configured to emit x-rays toward the object. A first detector is configured to receive x-rays that emit from the first x-ray emission source, and a second detector configured to receive x-rays that emit from the second x-ray emission source. A first portion of the first detector is configured to operate in an integration mode and a first portion of the second detector is configured to operate in at least a photon-counting mode.

The invention relates to a visual natural gas hydrate sediment mechanical property testing apparatus, belonging to the field of the measurement of basic natural gas hydrate physical properties. The visual natural gas hydrate sediment mechanical property testing apparatus mainly comprises an automatic-pressing triaxial apparatus main machine, an axial loading system, a confining pressure control system, a backpressure control system, a temperature control system, a data collection system and an X-ray CT (computed tomography) imaging system. The low-temperature high-pressure hydrate triaxial apparatus is organically combined with the X-ray CT imaging system, so that the testing on macro and micro mechanical properties of natural gas hydrate sediments can be synchronously carried out. The visual natural gas hydrate sediment mechanical property testing apparatus can simulate a stress state of a real reservoir stratum, macro and micro mechanical property data of the natural gas hydrate sediments can be acquired, the important significance on disclosing a deformation mechanism of the natural gas hydrate reservoir stratum and a triggering mechanism of geological hazards such as submarine landslide caused by the decomposition of natural gas hydrate can be realized, and an important guiding function for safely and high efficiently exploiting the natural gas hydrate can be realized.

A detector module for a CT imaging system includes a scintillator to convert x-rays to optical photons. The scintillator is optically coupled to a solid-state photomultiplier with internal gain to receive the optical photons and convert them into a corresponding electrical signal output.

A mobile CT imaging system comprising a frame; a CT imaging unit mounted to the frame, wherein the CT imaging unit is adapted to scan anatomical objects and generate images of the same; a transport mechanism mounted to the frame, wherein the transport mechanism comprises a fine movement mechanism for moving the CT imaging unit precisely, relative to the patient, during scanning; an on-board networking unit mounted to the frame, wherein the on-board networking unit is adapted to connect the CT imaging unit to a workstation, hospital PACs system or other IT network without requiring the use of conventional physical cabling during the same; and an on-board power unit mounted to the frame, wherein the on-board power unit is adapted to provide the electrical power needed to operate the CT imaging unit, transport mechanism and networking unit without requiring the use of conventional physical cabling during the same.

A method for determining a correction for beam hardening in CT images includes obtaining air scans at a plurality of kVp's, determining detection efficiencies for detector elements of the CT imaging apparatus, and estimating projection values through a combination of at least two different materials of different thicknesses. The method further includes determining a transfer function that translates the estimated projection values into ideal projection values for at least two of the different materials and storing the transfer function as the beam hardening correction for images of the CT imaging apparatus.

A method for reducing mis-registration during multiple energy scanning on computed tomographic (CT) imaging systems or multiple energy electron beam tomographic (EBT) systems includes scanning a portion of a patient including a cyclically moving body part using a multiple energy computed tomographic (CT) imaging system or multiple energy electron beam tomographic (EBT) system having at least two different energies, monitoring the cyclically moving body part, and gating the multiple energy CT imaging system or multiple energy EBT system in accordance with the monitored cyclically moving body part so that acquisitions are acquired at at least two different kVps. The data acquired at the different kVps are then utilized to generate material decomposition images of the cyclically moving body part.

A system and method provide for more accurate SPECT / CT image registration. CT data is utilized to establish a global spatial coordinate system of a common test phantom. The common test phantom is then used to obtain a set of point source nuclear images. Three-dimensional CT point source data is mapped to a two-dimensional image plane of corresponding point source data, to obtain a pair of intersecting projection cones that are used to obtain a set of detector head position correction parameters to correct detector head positioning in the CT coordinate system when obtaining SPECT projection images of the same object.

A medical examination device for CT imaging and for nuclear medical imaging is provided. The medical examination device has an essentially ring-shaped gantry with a CT imaging arrangement and a nuclear medical imaging arrangement. The gantry has an especially laterally arranged, fold-out or removable segment for creating an access opening to the interior of the gantry.

Motion artifacts and patient dose during 4D CT imaging are reduced by adaptive control of data acquisition. The respiration signal (310) and CT data acquisition (340) are linked, such that ‘bad’ data from erratic breathing cycles that cause artifacts is not acquired by pausing CT data acquisition (360) when erratic breathing is detected, and not resuming CT data acquisition until steady-state respiration is resumed. Training data is used to develop a tolerance envelope for a respiratory signal such that for erratic breathing cycles the respiratory signal is not within the tolerance envelope (330).