Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080212857 | Method for post-processing a three-dimensional image data set of vessel structure - The invention relates to a method for post-processing a 3D image data set of a vessel structure of a human or animal body, in which a 2D DSA (Digital Subtraction Angiography) of the vessel structure is recorded and registered with the 3D image data set. The 2D DSA is compared with a corresponding projection image computed from the 3D data set and this is changed, e.g. by changing the segmentation parameters, to adapt it to the 2D DSA. This enables the outstanding local resolution of the 2D DSA to be used for improving the 3D image data set. | 09-04-2008 |
20080212858 | Method for image registration processes and X-ray angiography system - Registration of preoperatively acquired MRI images of soft parts to intraoperatively acquired X-ray images of soft parts is not possible. The invention shows a way of nevertheless using such preoperatively acquired images for superimposition with 2D projections of the soft parts, taking an indirect route via 3D/3D registration of images of the spinal column. For this purpose, 3D image data sets of the spinal column must be obtained separately on the one hand using MRI and on the other using the X-ray imaging system so that the 3D/3D registration produces a mapping rule which then also applies to the preoperatively acquired images of the soft part if the soft part images and the spinal images are acquired without intervening change in the patient position in the MRI scanner. | 09-04-2008 |
20080234575 | Method and device for making correction information available - The invention relates to a method and a device for making correction information for correcting a guidance direction of an instrument. Based on a current position of the tip of the instrument and the current guidance direction of the instrument and the position of a target point in an object, a first straight line indicating the current guidance direction and a second straight line defined by the tip of the instrument and the target point in the object are determined. The second straight line intersects the first straight line and indicates the desired guidance direction. Based on the position of the first and second straight lines relative to one another, a digital item of correction information is specified, wherein the correction image has a correction diagram located in a plane in the perspective of the current guidance direction of the instrument. | 09-25-2008 |
20080273784 | Image system for retaining contrast when merging image data - The invention relates to a method for the joint of registering, archiving, contrast-retaining merging, and visualizing of 2D x-ray images and reconstructed 2D projections or 3D views of generated image data in minimally invasive medical interventions or operations performed under x-ray control on internal organs, areas of tissue, lesions, or pathological structures in a patient's body. A first image and the image data of a second image being mixed over the first image are mutually linked, co-registered, and merged using an alpha-channel-based mixing technique, whereby the color values or gray-scale values of the individual pixels of the first image are prior to being mixed-over with the segmented foreground of the second image brightened through the application of a color-value or gray-scale-value for compensating or lessening the reduction in contrast that occurs during mix-over in the first image before being displayed graphically on a monitor terminal. | 11-06-2008 |
20090069672 | Device localization and guidance - An apparatus and method is described for determining the location of a object inside a patient. Three dimensional image data of the patient is obtained by an imaging modality such as a C-arm X-ray device. The same or another imaging modality may be used to obtain projection radiographic images, having a coordinate system that can be registered with respect to that of the three dimensional image. The location of one or more features of a medical treatment device such as a needle or a catheter introduced into the imaging filed of view is determined either by an operator or by image analysis, in at least two projection radiographic images, and the position of the feature located in the three-dimensional volume. The projection on a radiographic image of a vector joining a first and a second position is used to assist in guiding the medical treatment device inside of the patient. | 03-12-2009 |
20090088830 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTRAOPERATIVE GUIDANCE OF STENT PLACEMENT DURING ENDOVASCULAR INTERVENTIONS - A method for guiding stent deployment during an endovascular procedure includes providing a virtual stent model of a real stent that specifies a length, diameter, shape, and placement of the real stent. The method further includes projecting the virtual stent model onto a 2-dimensional (2D) DSA image of a target lesion, manipulating a stent deployment mechanism to navigate the stent to the target lesion while simultaneously acquiring real-time 2D fluoroscopic images of the stent navigation, and overlaying each fluoroscopic image on the 2D DSA image having the projected virtual stent model image, where the 2D fluoroscopic images are acquired from a C-arm mounted X-ray apparatus, and updating the projection of the virtual stent model onto the fluoroscopic images whenever a new fluoroscopic image is acquired or whenever the C-arm is moved, where the stent is aligned with the virtual stent model by aligning stent end markers with virtual end markers. | 04-02-2009 |
20090180676 | Method for creating image recordings relating to the blood vessel system of a patient using a variable-position detector of a digital subtraction angiography facility and associated facility - Method for creating image recordings of blood vessel system of a patient, comprising: after administering contrast agent an image recording is created in a first image recording region of a first position of a detector, the diffusion of the contrast agent is observed to determine a current diffusion position; the position of the detector is changed to a second position as a function of the current diffusion position; an image recording of a second image recording region of the second position of the detector is created; and a part of an image recording in the first position extending in the region between the current diffusion position and the end of the first image recording region and recorded without contrast agent is used as a mask to evaluate a locationally correlated part, recorded with contrast agent, of the image recording in the second position for digital subtraction angiography. | 07-16-2009 |
20090198124 | WORKFLOW TO ENHANCE A TRANSJUGULAR INTRAHEPATIC PORTOSYSTEMIC SHUNT PROCEDURE - A method and appertaining system are provided for performing an image-assisted subject procedure. The method comprises obtaining at least a first and a second 2D projected image of a 3D subject from a first angle and a second angle. A user selects at least a first point and a second point in each of the first and second 2D images, and the system calculates 3D positions of the first point and the second point based on the selected points in the 3D images and the first and second angles. The, a 3D line is calculated between the first and second points. A further projected 2D image is created that includes the calculated 3D position of at least one of: a) one of the points; and b) the line. The subject procedure is then subsequently performed utilizing the further projected 2D image as a guide. | 08-06-2009 |
20090214440 | Method and device for examining a biological tissue - The invention relates to a method and a device for analyzing a biological tissue, whereby a luminescence light of a luminescence substance is detected. The aim of the invention is to increase the precision and reliability of the analysis. To this end, a permutation symmetry imbalance is generated in the tissue by a magnetic field, the permutation symmetry imbalance is modified at a pre-determined location by a magnetic alternating field, and the luminescence light is detected according to the pre-determined location. | 08-27-2009 |
20090274271 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTING A GUIDANCE MODE FOR PERFORMING A PERCUTANEOUS PROCEDURE - A system and method are disclosed for planning a percutaneous procedure and for guiding an instrument to engage a target within a patient's body. A patient 3-dimensional image data set is provided, within which a user defines an instrument trajectory, for example, by selecting a skin entry point and a target point. A line, or “planned path,” is generated between the points. The system determines whether the path can be targeted so the optical axis of the movable arm coincides with the path so that a laser can be used for instrument guidance. Alternatively, the user can determine whether planned path can be targeted so that the C-arm can be made to coincide with the path so that the extension of the path is projected onto the detector, using x-ray radiation. If neither laser guidance or x-ray guidance can be used, the physician is prompted to re-plan the path so that at least x-ray radiation guidance can be used. Once the desired guidance method is selected, the puncture instrument is guided along the planned path to engage the target. | 11-05-2009 |
20090281452 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A MEDICAL PROCEDURE USING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY - A system and method for planning and performing a percutaneous medical procedure is described. A three dimensional data set of a patient is registered with respect to a patient position and an interventional apparatus, which may be a C-arm X-ray device. A target within the patient is identified in the image data, and a skin entry point chosen for planning the procedure. The image data set is processed so as to compute a two dimensional fluoroscopic overlay image upon which the target and the skin entry point are displayed. The angulation of the volumetric representation of the C-arm is controlled so as to plan the guiding path for an interventional device, and the planning attempts to achieve one of a bull's eye orientation or a generalized bull's orientation. The interventional device is aligned with the guiding axis to perform the procedure, which may be monitored using X-ray progression views. | 11-12-2009 |
20090310840 | Method and apparatus for pretreatment planning of endovascular coil placement - The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for pretreatment planning endovascular coil placement, comprising steps of: a) analyzing three-dimensional data enabling visualization of a volume of interest containing at least a part of a blood vessel with an aneurysm; b) determining the centerline of the vessel; c) determining the aneurysm diameter; d) determining the aneurysm dome height; e) creating a three-dimensional surface model of the aneurysm in the vessel, using the results from the previous steps; f) estimating the volume expansion of one or more coils with the aid of said surface model; and g) visual simulating at least one according to the estimated virtual coil being to place inside the aneurysm. | 12-17-2009 |
20100240970 | METHOD FOR AN IN VIVO MEASUREMENT USING A DEVICE IMPLANTED IN A PATIENT, AND CORRESPONDING DEVICE - An embodiment of the present invention relates to a device, which can be implanted into a patient, for an in vivo measurement. In an embodiment, the device includes a catheter for guiding a sample of the patient town analysis unit in the device. A measurement result is determined in the analysis unit by analyzing the sample with the aid of a reagent. In an embodiment, the device furthermore includes an interchange chamber, with the aid of which the reagent can be removed from the device or can be inserted into the device. The interchange chamber has a connector allowing removal or insertion of the reagent while the device is implanted. | 09-23-2010 |
20100247438 | IN VITRO METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING TUMOR DISEASES - An in vitro method is for diagnosing a tumor disease in a patient. In at least one embodiment, the method includes: (i) determining an IVD marker or an IVD marker panel in at least one biological sample of a patient, wherein the IVD marker has a high sensitivity to the tumor disease, (ii) determining the proportion of patients tested positive due to an adapted reference range of the IVD marker/IVD marker panel, wherein the reference range was adapted such that the number of individuals with false negative tests, the number of individuals with false positive tests and the number of individuals ultimately needing to be subjected to imaging diagnostics to clarify false negative and false positive results are balanced in respect of one another such that tumor screening can be carried out, possibly: (iii) deciding to carry out an imaging method specific to the respective tumor disease for clarifying possible false negative and/or false positive IVD results, or (iv) repeating stages (i) and (ii) after a defined time interval, or (v) carrying out an imaging method for imaging the tumor. | 09-30-2010 |
20100292565 | MEDICAL IMAGING MEDICAL DEVICE NAVIGATION FROM AT LEAST TWO 2D PROJECTIONS FROM DIFFERENT ANGLES - In a method or system for performing an image-assisted medical procedure involving placing a medical device in a 3D human subject, at least first and second 2D projected images are obtained of the 3D subject at a respective first angle and at a respective second angle, the 3D subject having at least one of the points selected from the group consisting of a start point and an end point for guidance of the medical device. At least one of the start point and the end point are identified in each of the first and second 2D images. 3D positions of at least one of the start point and the end point are calculated. At least one of these start and end point 3D positions are overlaid as a back-projection to a live 2D image. The procedure is performed utilizing the live 2D image with at least one of the start and end points as a guide to place the medical device. The medical device may comprise, for example, a wire or a needle. | 11-18-2010 |
20100329523 | METHOD FOR COMPUTING A COLOR-CODED ANALYSIS IMAGE - A method for computing a color-coded analysis image of an examination area of an examination object from a temporal sequence of fluoroscopic images of the examination area comprising a vascular system containing arteries and/or veins is provided. An acquisition time instant has been assigned to each of the fluoroscopic images representing a given distribution of a material embolizing some of the vascular system. The fluoroscopic image spatially corresponds to an analysis image pixel by pixel. A computer receives the fluoroscopic images with a color attribute assigned to each pixel of the analysis image at an image point and a time instant. If a pixel differs from a pixel at a preceding time instant, the color attribute assumes a color attribute of the time instant and the difference. If a pixel corresponds to a background color of the analysis image, the color attribute assumes a background color. | 12-30-2010 |
20100329526 | Determination method for a reinitialization of a temporal sequence of fluoroscopic images of an examination region of an examination object - A determination method for reinitialization of a temporal sequence of fluoroscopic images of an examination region of an examination object is provided. The examination region comprises a vascular system including arteries and/or veins. An acquisition time is assigned to each of the images representing a given distribution of a substance in the examination region at the acquisition time. A computer receives the temporal sequence of the images, determines an evaluation image corresponding spatially on a pixel-by-pixel basis to the images, and calculates a differential value between a pixel of the evaluation image at a time and a pixel at a preceding time during a time characteristic of the sequence. A reinitialization of the temporal sequence of the images is performed at a specific time and thereafter the determination method is started over and/or repeated. The specific time is determined as a function of at least one previously calculated differential value. | 12-30-2010 |
20110007071 | Method for Supporting Puncture Planning in a Puncture of an Examination Object - In order to enable improved and faster performance of punctures, a method is provided for technically supporting guidance to a target during a puncture of an examination object. A 3D data set of a body volume of the examination object that is to be treated is segmented. A puncture target is marked in the segmented 3D data set. The available puncture sites are assessed in terms of their suitability as insertion points on the basis of the information obtained through the segmentation. | 01-13-2011 |
20110046455 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR EXAMINING A PARTICULAR TISSUE VOLUME IN A BODY, AND A METHOD AND A DEVICE FOR SEGMENTING THE PARTICULAR TISSUE VOLUME - A tip of an elongate device is navigated into a particular tissue volume in order to examine the particular tissue volume in a body and part of the tissue volume is analyzed in real-time by way of a biosensor. In at least one embodiment, in the process, either the biosensor can be arranged on the tip of the device or the device includes a catheter, by which a substance to be analyzed is transported out of the tissue volume from the tip to the biosensor arranged at the proximal end of the catheter. | 02-24-2011 |
20110046893 | METHOD FOR NORMALIZING THE RESULTS OF AN IN-VITRO ANALYTICAL METHOD - A method is disclosed for normalizing the results of an in-vitro analytical method for one or more diagnostically and/or prognostically relevant substances in an organism (biomarker) or one or more substances supplied to an organism from the outside. In at least one embodiment of the method a) one or more concentration values of the substance(s) in an organism, said concentration value(s) being obtained in an in-vitro analytical method is (are) provided, b) data obtained from an imaging study of the same organism are provided, c) from the data according to b), one or more quantitative values are determined as imaging value(s), d) from the values according to a) and c), one or more diagnostic parameters are determined by relating the values according to a) and c) to one another, and also to the use of this method for the type-correct dosage finding of drugs and for the in-vitro diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring the course of a disease. In addition, at least one embodiment of the invention relates to a program for a data processing system which, when carried out in a suitable computer system, carries out the above method, and also to an electronically readable data carrier having electronically readable control information stored thereon, which control information is configured in such a manner that they carry out the above method when a suitable data carrier is used in a suitable computer system. | 02-24-2011 |
20110048433 | Method for forming an interventional aid with the aid of self-organizing nanorobots consisting of catoms and associated system unit - A method for forming at least a part of a preferably endovascular interventional aid with the aid of self-organizing nanorobots consisting of catoms and an associated system are provided. A form of the required interventional aid is determined from at least one 3D image data record of a target region. The determined form is converted to a readable and executable program code for the respective catoms of the nanorobots and is transferred to a storage unit. The program code is executed which prompts self-organization of the previously unstructured catoms to form the required interventional aid according to the previously determined form. | 03-03-2011 |
20110064189 | Method and System for Needle Tracking in Fluoroscopic Image Sequences - A method and system for tracking a needle in a fluoroscopic image sequence is disclosed. In order to track a needle in a fluoroscopic image sequence, the needle is initialized in a first frame of the fluoroscopic image sequence. Needle segments are detected in each subsequent frame of the fluoroscopic image sequence, and the needle is detected in each frame of the fluoroscopic image by tracking the needle from a previous frame of the fluoroscopic image sequence based on the detected needle segments in the current frame. | 03-17-2011 |
20110235876 | Method and Device for Automatically Adapting a Reference Image - A method and a device for reference image adapting in the field of fluoroscopy-controlled interventional repair of abdominal aortic aneurisms on angiography systems are proposed. Displacements which can be brought about as a result of introducing instruments, such as when a stent is deployed in an aorta, are automatically corrected. It is also possible to correct such displacements which initially cannot be perceived in the image due to the angle of view. | 09-29-2011 |
20120022366 | REGISTRATION OF AORTA TO PATIENT VIA TWO 2D IMAGES FOR PLACEMENT OF A STENT - In a method for visualizing placement of a stent in an aorta of a patient with reduced use of contrast agent, a 3D volume image of the aorta of the patient is provided from a CT scan before placing the stent. An angiography system with a C-arm is provided to take 2D images of the patient. A computer is provided having registration software for registering the 3D volume image and 2D images taken by the angiography system. A first segmentation is performed on the 3D volume image to segment the aorta from remaining parts of the 3D image. A second segmentation is performed using the first segmentation on the 3D volume image to segment a bony structure of the patient from remaining parts of the 3D volume image. A first 2D image of the aorta is obtained from a first direction with use of a contrast agent. A second 2D image is obtained from a second direction but without use of contrast agent. The segmented aorta in the 3D volume image is registered to the C-arm to create a registered 3D volume image by registering the first 2D image to the segmented aorta and registering the second 2D image to the segmented bony structure. The stent is placed in the aorta while observing on the angiography system a third continuous 2D image taken by the angiography system superimposed on the registered 3D volume image. | 01-26-2012 |
20120078602 | METHOD FOR PREDICTING ANEURYSM GROWTH - A method for predicting aneurysm growth based on CFD simulations derived from at least two angiography recordings is proposed. A first 3-D recording of the aneurysm is recorded at a first time and a first vascular geometry is determined for simulating a first CFD simulation. A second 3-D recording is recorded at a second time and a second vascular geometry is determined for simulating a second CFD simulation. The two 3-D recordings are registered and a local growth rate is determined from the two 3-D recordings. The local growth rate is correlated between the two vascular geometries with hemodynamically derived parameters from the first CFD simulation. A future vascular geometry and/or a future local growth rate is predicted based on the correlation parameters, the hemodynamic parameters from the second CFD simulation and the second vascular geometry. | 03-29-2012 |
20120082363 | Method for Displaying a Vessel of a Particular Biological Subject - A method for displaying a vessel of a particular biological subject is proposed. The particular object is inserted into the vessel. The deformation of the vessel is predicted by an inserted object on the basis of experience. This experience is quantified by assigning values to particular parameters, the parameters providing information concerning characteristics of the patient, characteristics of his/her vessel and information about the interventional instrument inserted. | 04-05-2012 |
20120089003 | 2D3D OVERLAY ON A CPR BASIS FOR ANEURYSM REPAIR - In a method for a fluoroscopy controlled insertion of a stent into a curved aorta of a patient for aneurysm repair, a 3D volume image is obtained of the patient's aorta at the aneurysm. By knowing a registration of the 3D volume image to a C-arm of an angiographic system and projection geometry of the angiography system, the 3D volume images are projected atomically correct to a 2D fluoroscopy image of the angiography system. For the 2D3D overlay, the 3D volume image is displayed as a curved planar reconstruction in which the 2D fluoroscopy image and the 3D volume image are warped around a curved center line of the patient's curved aorta or around a curved guide instrument center line to correct for the curvature of the aorta so that the previously curved aorta center line or curved center line of the guide instrument turns into a straight line. The 2D3D overlay is used to visualize the insertion of the stent. | 04-12-2012 |
20120238871 | Angiography system for the angiographic examination of a patient and angiographic examination method - An angiography system for angiographic examination of a patient is provided. The system has an x-ray emitter and an x-ray image detector attached to the ends of a C-arm, a patient support couch, a system control unit, an image system and a monitor. The system control unit generates a mask image that detects a reference image, effects a registration of the reference image to the C-arm, whereby if necessary a segmentation of the examination object is implemented in the reference image, contrasts image regions lying inside of the segmentation in order to generate a mask image, and subtracts the mask image from fluoroscopy live images acquired by the angiography system without contrast agent in order to form a roadmap image. The image system effects a reproduction of the roadmap images on the monitor. | 09-20-2012 |
20120250964 | Angiography system for angiographic examination of an object under examination and angiographic examination method - An angiography system for angiographic examination or treatment of an organ, vascular system or other regions of an object of a patient is proposed. The system has an x-ray source and an x-ray image detector disposed at ends of a C-arm, a patient support table, a system control unit, an image system, and a monitor. The object contains two details hiding each other in the x-ray images depending on angulation of the C-arm. The system control unit has a device that detects a 3D dataset of the object registered to the C-arm and detects the information about a course of the object. The device calculates a desired and/or optimum angulation of the C-arm from the detected information and transfers the calculated angulation to the system control unit for adjusting the C-arm to the angulation. | 10-04-2012 |