A61B6/4441

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PATIENT POSITIONING DURING RADIOTHERAPY

A system and method for patient positioning during radiotherapy. The system can include a patient support structure configured to receive a patient during a radiotherapy process using a radiotherapy source to deliver a therapy to the patient when positioned on the patient support structure, a patient positioning system configured to adjust a position of the patient support structure relative to the radiotherapy source, a flexible actuator configured to secure the patient to the patient support and adjust a position of the patient relative to the patient support, and an imaging system configured to acquire imaging data of the patient, the patient support, and the flexible actuator during the radiotherapy process.

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY GANTRY WITH PROXIMITY SWITCH FOR DETECTING A ZERO POSITION
20230046025 · 2023-02-16 · ·

In a gantry for a computed tomography device, a rotary frame is arranged on the tilt frame so that the rotary frame rotates relative to the tilt frame about an axis of rotation. The tilt frame is arranged on the support frame so that the tilt frame tilts about a tilt axis relative to the support frame, such that a tilt angle of the tilt frame relative to the support frame is changeable by a tilting movement of the tilt frame relative to the support frame about the tilt axis. The proximity switch has a proximity sensor and a reference mark, which interacts with the proximity sensor. The proximity switch is also coupled to the support frame and to the tilt frame such that the proximity switch is configured to react to an approach of the tilt angle to a reference angle.

LOCAL ENHANCEMENT FOR A MEDICAL IMAGE

The present disclosure relates to locally enhancing medical images. In accordance with certain embodiments, a method includes determining a boundary of a region of interest in a displayed medical image, overlaying the boundary on the displayed medical image, adjusting a position of a collimator of a medical imaging system based on the determined boundary, enhancing image quality of the region of interest, and displaying the enhanced region of interest within the boundary.

Interventional system

The invention relates to an interventional system comprising an introduction element (4) like a catheter for being introduced into an object (9), for instance, a person. A moving unit (2) like a robot moves the introduction element within the object, wherein a tracking image generating unit (3) generates tracking images of the introduction element within the object and wherein a controller (8) controls the tracking image generating unit depending on movement parameters of the moving unit, which are indicative of the movement, such that the tracking images show the introduction element. This control can be performed very accurately based on the known real physical movement of the introduction element such that it is not necessary to, for instance, irradiate a relatively large area of the object for ensuring that the introduction element is really captured by the tracking images, thereby allowing for a reduced radiation dose applied to the object.

Method for supporting a user, computer program product, data medium and imaging system
11576557 · 2023-02-14 · ·

A method for supporting a user, a corresponding computer program product, a corresponding data medium, and a corresponding imaging system are provided. According to the method, a three-dimensional (3D) data set depicting a target object is provided, and at least one two-dimensional (2D) image of the target object is automatically acquired. The 2D image and the 3D data set are automatically registered with each other by a 2D/3D registration. A spatial direction in which the 2D/3D registration exhibits greatest uncertainty is automatically specified. A signal for aligning an instrument that is provided for the purpose of examining the target object is then automatically generated and output as a function of the specified spatial direction in order to support the user.

Source image distance adjustable X-ray imaging apparatus

A source image distance (SID) adjustable X-ray imaging apparatus is provided. The X-ray imaging apparatus may include an arm including a first end and a second end, a first X-ray component arranged at the first end of the arm, and a second X-ray component arranged at the second end of the arm. The first X-ray component and the second X-ray component may be opposite to each other. The first X-ray component may be configured to generate X-rays or receive X-rays. The first end may include a first weight balancing mechanism. When the first X-ray component moves with respect to the first weight balancing mechanism, the SID of the X-ray imaging apparatus may change but the first weight balancing mechanism may maintain a center of gravity of the first end unchanged.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REAL-TIME VIDEO ENHANCEMENT
20230038871 · 2023-02-09 ·

A computer-implemented method is provided for improving live video quality. The method comprises: acquiring, using a medical imaging apparatus, a stream of consecutive image frames of a subject, and the stream of consecutive image frames are acquired with reduced amount of radiation dose; applying a deep learning network model to the stream of consecutive image frames to generate an image frame with improved quality; and displaying the image frame with improved quality in real-time on a display.

3D X-RAY DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A 3D X-RAY IMAGE

A 3D X-ray device including an X-ray detector, an X-ray source and a computer. The X-ray detector and the X-ray source are moved about an object volume to be recorded on movement paths with a rotation of at least 185°. A number of X-ray projection images are recorded from different directions. X-rays irradiate the object volume in one of the irradiation directions and are captured by the detector. A 3D X-ray image of the object volume is calculated from the recorded X-ray projection images by a reconstruction method. The X-ray detector is arranged asymmetrically relative to a central axis through a center of rotation of the 3D X-ray device. A first fan beam and an opposite second fan beam rotated 180° form an overlap region. At least one X-ray filter is placed between the X-ray source and the object volume for attenuating an X-ray dose inside the overlap region.

Radiation shielding apparatuses and applications thereof
11547375 · 2023-01-10 · ·

Apparatuses (devices, systems) and methods for shielding (protecting) surroundings around periphery of regions of interest located inside objects (e.g., patients) from radiation emitted by X-ray systems towards the objects. Apparatus includes: at least one radiation shield assembly including a support base connectable to an X-ray system radiation source or detector, and a plurality of radiation shield segments sequentially positioned relative to the support base, thereby forming a contiguous radiopaque screen configured for spanning around the region of interest periphery with a radiopaque screen edge opposing the object. Radiation shield segments are individually, actively controllable to extend or contract to selected lengths with respective free ends in directions away from or towards the support base(s), for locally changing contour of the radiopaque screen edge. Applicable for shielding (protecting) medical personnel, and patients, from exposure to X-ray radiation during medical interventions or/and diagnostics.

ITERATIVE DIGITAL SUBTRACTION IMAGING FRO EMOBLIZATION PROCEDURES

Method and related system (IPS) for visualizing in particular a volume of a substance during its deposition at a region of interest (ROI). A difference image is formed from a projection image and a mask image. The difference image is then analyzed to derive more accurate motion information about a motion or shape of the substance. The method or system (IPS) is capable of operating in an iterative manner. The proposed system and method can be used for processing fluoroscopic X-ray frame acquired by an imaging arrangement (100) during an embolization procedure.