WO2003103490A1

WO2003103490A1 - Medical image diagnostic apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2003103490A1
Application number: PCT/JP2003/006995
Authority: WO
Inventors: 仲本　秀和; 渡部　滋; 小村　和美; 飯塚　千賀子; 永尾　尚子; 高橋　哲彦
Original assignee: 株式会社日立メディコ
Priority date: 2002-06-05
Filing date: 2003-06-03
Publication date: 2003-12-18

Abstract

A medical image diagnostic apparatus such as an MRI apparatus wherein the access start position, the target position and direction can be displayed in a real space when a treatment tool such as a puncture needle accesses an organism. Cross-sections of a subject (1) created at least in two axial directions out of orthogonal three axial directions are displayed on display means (20), and an arbitrary position such as a target position of a tumor is selected with reference to the cross-sections. From the selected arbitrary position, the coordinate positions in the real space are calculated. The application positions and directions of the laser beams emitted from an X-direction display laser beam applicator (21x), a y-direction display laser applicator (21y), and a z-direction laser beam applicator (21z) are so controlled that the laser beams point the calculated coordinate positions.

Description

Specification

Technical field

The present invention relates to a medical image diagnostic apparatus that acquires and displays a cross-sectional image of a subject, and particularly when performing surgery or treatment, easily identifies an actual position on the subject by referring to the obtained cross-sectional image, The present invention relates to a medical image diagnostic apparatus that can be performed quickly and accurately. Background art

Medical image diagnostic devices such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray CT are also used during surgery and treatment. In particular, it is said that the MR I device is called an “International MRI / Intraoperative MRI (I-MRI)”.

During such surgery or treatment, the role of the medical image diagnostic apparatus is to obtain a tomographic image of the subject in real time to grasp the area to be operated or treated, monitor the area, or guide the instrument. In particular, when puncturing or inserting tubules, it is necessary to quickly and accurately specify the insertion start position, target position, and insertion direction while acquiring a cross-sectional image and monitoring the lesion.

In many cases, the existence of a lesion is grasped after an actual cross-sectional image is acquired.Therefore, it is necessary to grasp the position of the corresponding cross-section or lesion on the subject from the photographed cross-sectional image. Become.

Conventionally, there are some known methods for simply specifying an imaging section. For example, USP-5365927 and USP-6026315 have proposed a method in which an imaging section is specified in advance by irradiation light from a projector or a method in which an imaging section is specified by a section indicating device operated by an operator. .

In the case of the irradiation light from the projector, since the irradiation light is adjusted to the desired cross-sectional position and then the subject is inserted into the medical image diagnostic device, the positioning of the imaging cross-section is easily performed. It is mounted on the diagnostic device.

In addition, USP-5365927 emits light to the pointer which is a fault plane indicating device. A diode is provided to detect the device pointed by the pointer with an infrared camera, or to provide a pointer at the end of an arm with a sensor at the joint, and to detect the position of the pointer based on the angle of the joint of the arm. Based on this, the position of the imaging surface is automatically adjusted.

USP-620626315 automatically determines and images the designated tomographic plane using two infrared cameras and a pointer with three reflecting spheres. However, in the above-mentioned known technique, it is not considered to grasp the position of a corresponding cross section or a lesion on an actual subject from a captured cross-sectional image. Disclosure of the invention

An object of the present invention is to enable an operator to easily and quickly and accurately specify an actual position on a subject when performing surgery or treatment on the subject using a medical image diagnostic apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

Image acquisition means for acquiring a cross-sectional image of the subject,

A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: display means for displaying the acquired cross-sectional image; irradiation position selecting means for selecting a desired position in the cross-sectional image displayed on the display means;

At least one or more light beam irradiating means arranged around the subject and irradiating a light beam on the body surface of the subject,

Irradiation control means for controlling the light beam irradiation means based on information from the irradiation position selection means.

This makes it possible to irradiate the light beam onto the object simply by selecting a desired position on the cross-sectional image of the object. The position of the lesion can be easily grasped.

According to a preferred embodiment, the irradiation control means includes: a coordinate position calculating means for calculating a coordinate position in the real space of the subject corresponding to a desired position selected by the irradiation position selecting means. The light beam illuminator based on information from the coordinate position calculating means so that the light beam indicates a coordinate position of the subject in real space. Control the firing means.

According to this, since the coordinate position in the real space of the subject corresponding to the desired position selected on the cross-sectional image of the subject is indicated by the light beam, the operator can easily determine the position to be operated or treated. Will be able to grasp quickly and accurately.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment, the medical image diagnostic apparatus has a surface facing the subject, and the light beam irradiation means is arranged on the facing surface.

According to this, the correspondence between the desired position on the cross-sectional image and the actual position of the subject in the real space can be easily set, and the setting can be maintained, so that the irradiation of the light beam can be performed accurately. It can be carried out. In addition, since there is no obstacle between the light beam irradiation means and the subject, light beam irradiation can be easily performed.

According to a preferred embodiment, the light beam irradiation means is arranged on a support table arranged around the medical image diagnostic apparatus.

According to this, it is possible to irradiate the subject over a wide range, and it is possible to complement the light beam irradiating means arranged on the surface of the medical image diagnostic apparatus facing the subject.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one pair of the light beam irradiating means is provided, and the light beam irradiating means is opposed to both sides of the subject from different directions with the subject interposed therebetween.

According to this, it becomes possible to irradiate the light beam from both sides of the subject, and it becomes possible to irradiate the light beam to a position which cannot be illuminated because it is hidden from one side. In puncturing, the user can simultaneously specify the puncturing start position, the target position, and the puncturing direction.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment, the medical image diagnostic apparatus includes: a pair of static magnetic field generating means vertically arranged across a measurement space for inserting and measuring the subject; In the case of a vertical magnetic field type magnetic resonance imaging apparatus having at least one or more columns for supporting the upper static magnetic field generating means across the outer edge of the generating means,

A pair of the light beam irradiating means disposed on the surface of the upper static magnetic field generating means facing the upper surface of the subject, facing the body axis of the subject with the measurement space interposed therebetween; The column is positioned on the surface of the column, which is located in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the body axis of the subject, facing the side surface of the subject, or on the support table arranged in the horizontal direction, and sandwiches the subject. A pair of the light beam irradiating means arranged facing each other,

And a pair of the light beam irradiating means arranged on the support pedestal which is opposed to the subject in the body axis direction of the subject.

According to this, in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, the arrangement of the light beam irradiating means becomes appropriate, and the irradiation of the light beam to the subject can be accurately performed not only during imaging but also during the operation in which the operator is in close proximity to the subject. And can be easily performed.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment, when the medical image diagnostic apparatus is an X-ray CT apparatus including a gantry for inserting and measuring the subject in a center space, A pair of the light beam irradiating means disposed on opposite sides of the gantry and on both sides in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the body axis of the subject with the subject interposed therebetween;

A pair of the light beam irradiating means arranged on the surface of the gantry facing the upper surface of the subject, on the upper side in the vertical direction perpendicular to the body axis of the subject, and on both the front and back surfaces of the gantry When,

A pair of the light beam irradiating means disposed on the support table, which is disposed to face the subject in the body axis direction with the subject interposed therebetween.

According to this, in the X-ray CT apparatus, the arrangement of the light beam irradiating means becomes appropriate, and the irradiation of the light beam to the subject is performed not only during the imaging but also during the operation in which the operator is close to the subject. Can be carried out easily and easily.

According to a preferred embodiment, the light beam irradiating means includes a light beam emitting means and a moving / rotating means for moving or rotating the light beam emitting means, and the irradiation controlling means includes a light beam emitting means and a light rotating means. And controlling the moving and rotating means.

According to this, the light beam irradiating means can be moved and rotated flexibly, so that the irradiable range of the light beam can be further expanded.

According to a preferred embodiment, the plurality of light beams are linearly separated on the body surface of the subject, and the plurality of light beams are irradiated so as to intersect at the coordinate position of the subject. You. According to this, since the intersection of X-ray spectroscopy can be clearly recognized, the irradiation position of the light beam can be easily and quickly grasped.

According to a preferred embodiment, the light beam is spot light on the body surface of the subject.

According to this, the number of positions that can be indicated on the subject can be increased, so that more information can be simultaneously displayed on the subject by the light beam.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment, any one of the spot lights is irradiated so as to indicate the puncturing start position, and the spot light facing the spot light is irradiated to a position where the puncturing direction can be grasped, The irradiation control means is controlled so that the depth to be punctured by another spot light can be predicted.

According to this, since the puncture start position, the target position, and the puncture direction can be quickly and accurately grasped, the time until the start of surgery or treatment and the number of trial and error can be reduced. .

Also, according to a preferred embodiment,

Part designation means for designating a part to be imaged on the cross-sectional image displayed on the display means;

A cross-section position calculating unit configured to calculate position information of a plurality of cross sections orthogonal to each other based on a site specified by the site specifying unit;

Means for executing an imaging sequence of a plurality of cross sections orthogonal to each other, based on the position information calculated by the cross section position calculation means,

A plurality of cross-sectional images captured in the imaging sequence are displayed on the display. According to this, it is possible to always display a plurality of cross-sectional images including a desired part and orthogonal to each other, so that the desired part can be displayed on the cross-sectional image in accordance with the progress of surgery or treatment. While monitoring both on the actual subject, guidance on the next operation and procedure can be easily performed.

According to a preferred embodiment, a cross section including the part to be imaged is a cross section passing through one point or one straight line or one point and one straight line input by the part specifying means.

According to this, it is easy to specify a cross section including a desired part, so that the Following the progress, it is easy to obtain a plurality of cross-sectional images including a desired part and orthogonal to each other.

According to a preferred embodiment, there is provided a medical image diagnostic apparatus including: an image acquisition unit configured to acquire a cross-sectional image of a subject; and a display unit configured to display the acquired cross-sectional image.

Region designation means for designating a region to be imaged on the cross-sectional image displayed on the display means;

A section position calculating unit that calculates position information of a plurality of cross sections orthogonal to each other based on the part specified by the part specifying unit;

Means for executing an imaging sequence of the plurality of cross sections orthogonal to each other, based on position information issued by the cross section position calculation means,

A cross-sectional image captured in the imaging sequence is displayed on the display unit.

According to this, it is possible to always display a plurality of cross sections orthogonal to each other, including the desired site, and thus to monitor the cross section image of the desired site in accordance with the progress of the surgery or treatment. It can be done easily.

According to a preferred embodiment, the section including the part to be imaged is a section passing through one point or one straight line or one point and one straight line input by the input means.

According to this, since it is easy to specify a cross section including a desired portion, it is easy to obtain a plurality of cross-sectional images including the desired portion and orthogonal to each other, following the progress of surgery or treatment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an overall schematic configuration diagram of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an overall schematic layout perspective view of the optical display.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the arrangement of a laser irradiator for X-direction display.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of the arrangement of a laser irradiator for Y-direction display.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the arrangement of a laser irradiator for Z-direction display.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram of the irradiation control function of the laser irradiation device. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for displaying a target site during an operation according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing laser irradiation light whose irradiation position is controlled based on an arbitrary cross section selected on the display screen shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the display screen of the display according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing laser irradiation light whose irradiation position and irradiation direction are controlled based on an arbitrary cross section selected on the display screen shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of the arrangement of the laser irradiator according to the second embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front of the CT apparatus.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view of the arrangement of the laser irradiator according to the second embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the side of the CT device.

FIG. 14 is an operation flowchart according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of an orthogonal cross-sectional view obtained by the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an operation flowchart in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of an orthogonal cross-sectional view obtained by the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is an operation flowchart in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory view of an orthogonal sectional view obtained by the fifth embodiment of the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the medical image diagnostic apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall schematic configuration diagram of a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, and is an example in which the present invention is applied to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (MRI apparatus).

An MRI device measures the nuclear spin density distribution, relaxation time distribution, etc. at a desired examination site in a subject using the NMR phenomenon, and displays an arbitrary cross section of the subject as an image based on the measurement results. is there.

In FIG. 1, the MRI apparatus includes a static magnetic field generating magnet 2, a gradient magnetic field generating system 3, It comprises a communication system 5, a reception system 6, a signal processing system 7, a central processing unit (CPU) 8, and an optical display 21.

The static magnetic field generating magnet 2 generates a uniform static magnetic field around the subject 1 in the body axis direction or in a direction orthogonal to the body axis, and generates a permanent magnet type, a normal conduction type, or a superconducting type magnetic field. Consisting of means.

In the magnetic field space surrounded by the static magnetic field generating magnet 2, a gradient magnetic field coil 9 of the gradient magnetic field generating system 3, a high frequency coil 14a of the transmitting system 5, and a high frequency coil 14b of the receiving system 6 are provided.

The gradient magnetic field generation system 3 includes a gradient magnetic field coil 9 wound in three axial directions of X, ,, and Z, and a gradient magnetic field power supply 10 for driving the respective gradient magnetic field coils 9. Then, the gradient magnetic field generating system 3 drives the gradient magnetic field power supplies 10 of the respective gradient magnetic field coils in accordance with instructions from the sequencer 4 to generate gradient magnetic fields G x in the three axes of X, Y and Ζ. , G y, G. Is applied to the subject 1.

The slice plane for the subject 1 can be set by how to apply the gradient magnetic field.

The sequencer 4 repeatedly applies a high-frequency magnetic field pulse signal causing a nuclear magnetic resonance to the nuclei of the atoms constituting the living tissue of the subject 1 in a predetermined pulse sequence.

The sequencer 4 operates under the control of the CPU 8 and sends various commands necessary for overnight collection of tomographic images of the subject 1 to the transmission system 5, the gradient magnetic field generation system 3, and the reception system 6. '

The transmission system 5 irradiates a high-frequency magnetic field under the control of the sequencer 4 to cause the nuclei of the atoms constituting the living tissue of the subject 1 to cause NMR.

The transmission system 5 includes a high-frequency oscillator 11, a modulator 12, a high-frequency amplifier 13, and a high-frequency coil 14a on the transmission side.

In the transmission system 5, the high-frequency pulse output from the high-frequency oscillator 11 is amplitude-modulated by the modulator 12 in accordance with a command from the sequencer 4, and the high-frequency pulse subjected to the amplitude modulation is amplified by the high-frequency amplifier 13. Then, the amplified high-frequency pulse is supplied to a high-frequency coil 14a arranged close to the subject 1. Thus, the subject 1 is irradiated with the electromagnetic wave.

The receiving system 6 detects an echo signal (NMR signal) emitted from the subject 1 by NMR of nuclei of living tissue. The receiving system 6 includes a high-frequency coil 14 b on the receiving side arranged close to the subject 1, an amplifier 15, a quadrature detector 16, and an AZD converter 17.

The echo signal detected by the high-frequency coil 14 b on the receiving side is input to the A / D converter 17 via the amplifier 15 and the quadrature phase detector 16, converted into a digital signal, and further converted from the sequencer 4. These are collected as two series of collected data sampled by the quadrature detector 16 at the timing according to the instruction. Then, the collected data is sent to the signal processing system 7.

The signal processing system 7 includes a CPU 8, a recording device such as a magnetic disk 18 and a magnetic tape 19, and a display 20 such as a CRT. The signal processing system 7 performs Fourier transform, correction coefficient calculation, and image reconstruction processing on the signal from the receiving system 6 by the CPU, and performs signal calculation on the signal intensity distribution of an arbitrary cross section and a plurality of signals. The obtained distribution is imaged and displayed on the display 20.

Further, the signal processing system 7 has a function of performing difference processing and weighting on image data as a function of the CPU 8. These processes are performed on the data obtained by performing measurement in the MRI apparatus. Means for selecting and setting these processes are provided as input means of the CPU 8.

Further, the display 20 has a function of displaying a difference image or a cumulatively added image in place of or in addition to a normal image, corresponding to the function of the signal processing system 7.

The operation unit 24 is a keyboard 2 for performing operations such as setting various parameters and setting the imaging section.

5 and mouse 26. ,

Next, an optical display 21 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

2 to 5 are explanatory views of the arrangement position of the optical display (light beam irradiating means) 21. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the entire arrangement, and FIGS. It is a figure.

The optical display 21 is a predetermined site in the subject 1 (for example, a target such as a tumor). Is indicated by a plurality of laser irradiation lights, and a puncture start position, a target position, and a direction at the time of puncturing the living body with the puncture needle are displayed in a real space.

The optical display 21 includes a pair of x-direction display laser radiators 21 x such as a He—Ne laser, a pair of y-direction display laser radiators 21 y, and a pair of z Direction display laser irradiator 21z and these laser irradiators 21x to 21z move and rotate in the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction. Rotating means 22 x, 22 y, and 22 z.

Each laser irradiator is moved and rotated by moving and rotating means so that the laser irradiation light indicated by the dotted line can display three axes of a three-axis cross-section arbitrarily defined by GUI described later. It has become.

Note that the moving and rotating means 22 x, 22 y, and 22 z are such that each of the laser irradiators 21 x, 21 y, and 21 z displays the above three axes as a reference for the patient 1. Fixed in place.

In other words, in FIG. 2, the static magnetic field generating magnets 2 are arranged vertically above and below the subject 1 across the measurement space where the subject 1 is placed, and the upper surface of the static magnetic field generating magnet 2 on the subject 1 A pair of X-direction display lasers 21 X is arranged on a surface facing the side (opposing surface). The MRI apparatus also has two columns that support the outer edge (both ends) of the static magnetic field generating magnet 2 and face each other. These two columns have a laser irradiator 21 for y-direction display. y is located. Further, a laser irradiator 21 z for z-direction display is arranged on the support base 29.

Further, in FIG. 2, only the moving / rotating means 22 y is shown, but moving / rotating means 22 x and 22 y having the same configuration are also arranged.

The reason that the laser irradiators 2 lx, 21 y, and 21 z are paired is that the light beam can be irradiated from both sides of the subject 1, so that it can be hidden from one side and cannot be irradiated. This is also for irradiating a light beam. In addition, in puncturing, the puncturing start position, the target position, and the puncturing direction can be simultaneously specified. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the arrangement of two laser irradiators 21 X.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the pair of laser irradiators 21 x and 2 lx are arranged along the Y-axis direction (the body axis direction of the subject 1) and across the measurement space. , Facing each other So that it is arranged on the static magnetic field generating magnet 2. The pair of laser irradiators 2 lx and 2 lx are arranged so as to irradiate a laser beam and irradiate them in opposite directions. A section line 23 X corresponding to the section is formed.

The broken line indicates the irradiation locus of the laser beam. Also, in FIG. 3B, one of the two columns supporting the static magnetic field generating magnet 2 is omitted for convenience of illustration.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of the arrangement of two laser irradiators 21y. FIG. 4C is a view of the patient 1 as viewed from the foot direction.

As shown in FIG. 4 (C), the pair of laser irradiators 21 y and 21 y measure a support located along the X-axis direction (horizontal direction perpendicular to the body axis of the subject 1). They are arranged on the space side surface (the surface facing the side surface of the subject 1 (opposing surface)) so as to face each other.

These laser irradiators 21 y and 21 y are arranged so as to irradiate a laser along the X-axis direction and to irradiate the laser beams in opposite directions. Then, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a section line 23y corresponding to the coronal section is formed.

4 (A) shows the case where the whole body of the patient 1 is irradiated, and FIG. 4 (B) shows the case where the patient 1 is partially irradiated.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the arrangement of two laser irradiators 21z and 21z.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the pair of laser irradiators 21z and 21z are positioned along the Y-axis direction (the body axis direction of the subject 1) and measured. It is placed on the support bases 29 and 29 that are opposed to each other across the space (with the subject 1 in between).

These laser irradiators 21z and 21z irradiate laser along the Y-axis direction, irradiate them in opposite directions, and scan in the Y-axis direction while irradiating laser light. A section line 23 z corresponding to the sagittal section is formed.

Next, a method of irradiating a display screen and a predetermined portion in a subject (patient 1) with laser irradiation light using the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of laser irradiation control using an X-axis laser irradiator as an example. The image displayed on the display means 20 is irradiated by the irradiation position selecting means (operation unit) 24 as described later. When the irradiation position is selected, the selected irradiation position is calculated by the coordinate position calculation means of the irradiation control means 8 in the real space. Then, the irradiation control means 8 controls the light beam irradiation means 21 and the moving / rotating means 22x, 22y, 22z so that the light beam irradiation means 21 which is a laser irradiator irradiates the calculated coordinate position. I do.

Further, the irradiation method of the subject 1 will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 7, first, a tomographic image of the subject 1 is captured by a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (step 101). Subsequently, after image processing by MPR (Mu 1 ti -P 1 aner Rec struction on), MIP (Maximum Int en sity project on), VOLUME rent, RING (Vo lme Rend eri ng), etc., the display 20 is displayed. Display three-axis images (eg, a cross-sectional image (axial image) orthogonal to the body axis of the subject 1, a coronal image (coronal cross-sectional image), and a sagittal image (sagittal cross-sectional image) orthogonal to the axial image) (step 102). Here, Fig. 8 is an example of a display screen of the display 20 that displays the above-described three-axis image, etc. In Fig. 8, the display unit 201 of the four divided display units 201 to 204 includes: An axial image is displayed, a coronal image is displayed on the display unit 202. A sagittal image is displayed on the display unit 203, and a real-time image such as a fluoroscopy is displayed on the display unit 204.

Also, on the display units 201 to 203, dotted lines 206 to 208 which can be freely moved by a drag keyboard 25 using the mouse 26 are displayed.

These dotted lines 206 to 208, mouse 26, and keyboard 25 are used as tools (irradiation position selecting means 24) for selecting an arbitrary cross section.

Returning to Fig. 7, the operator (user) operates the tool to select an arbitrary cross section (3 axes) (steps 103 and 104). As the arbitrary cross section, for example, a cross section including a puncture start position by a puncture needle and a desired site (such as a tumor) in a living body is selected.

Then, based on the arbitrary section selected by the user (each section defined in the GUI), Then, the coordinate position calculation means automatically calculates the coordinate position in the real space of the three-axis orthogonal point (the desired part) and the three-axis direction, and indicates the coordinate position from the three-axis direction using laser irradiation light. The necessary position information is transmitted to the moving and rotating means 22 x, 22 y, and 22 z of the optical display 21 (step 105).

The moving and rotating means 22 x, 22 y, and 22 z are laser radiators 21 x, y for X-direction display of the optical display 21 for displaying three axes based on the transmitted positional information. Move the laser irradiator 21 for y-direction display and the laser irradiator 21 for z-direction display (step 106).

When the user irradiates the laser irradiation light (by turning on the light display 21) according to the user's intention (the ONZOFF function of the light display 21), the solid line 205 shown in FIG. As shown in (1), the laser irradiation light is irradiated on the body surface of the subject (Step 107). The laser irradiation light emitted from each laser irradiator 21 x to 21 z is assisted, and the subject 1 is subjected to processing / surgery (puncture, incision, etc.) according to the purpose (Step 1). 0 8).

In the laser irradiation light emitted from each of the laser irradiators 2 lx to 21 z, only the spot light on the subject 1 can be viewed, and in this embodiment, five spot lights can be viewed. And any one of the spot lights indicates a puncture start position by the puncture needle.

In addition, the puncturing direction can be grasped from the position of the spot light facing the spot light indicating the puncturing start position. Further, the user can predict the position of the intersection (depth to be punctured) where the laser light crosses when the laser light passes through the subject, from the positions of these spot lights.

The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus has a function of real-time imaging of a selected cross section (particularly, a cross section including a puncturing start position), and Z display. For example, a real-time image such as an MRI fluoroscopic image is provided. Is displayed on the display section 204 of the display screen of FIG.

The photographing sequence in this case is a fluoroscopy sequence such as a GrE sequence or a multi-shot EPI. In these sequences, the image can be updated every 0.5 to 4 seconds, and this real-time image can be used to monitor the puncture needle. It can be carried out.

—If you want to change the display cross section, return to step 104, where a new arbitrary cross section is selected. When the target part is changed, the process returns to step 101, a tomographic image including the target part is captured, and the above processing is repeated. This function ends when the goal is achieved by the operation support.

In the display example shown in FIG. 8, the arbitrary cross section can be selected by moving the three reference axes in parallel. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The display section 310 of the display 20 shown in FIG. It is also possible to make it possible to freely rotate the solid lines 306 to 308 on to 3303, and to select the inclination of an arbitrary cross section by these solid lines 306 to 308.

By automatically calculating the coordinate position of the desired part in the real space and the three-axis directions based on the arbitrary cross-section selected in this manner, the laser irradiation light is obtained as shown by the solid line 305 in FIG. The subject can be irradiated.

The optical display 21 is not limited to one using a He—Ne laser, but may be one using other light emitting means (light emitting diode or the like) that emits light harmless to the human body. In the first embodiment, the operator is instructed to select a measurement sequence in advance.However, when continuously acquiring data, the operator can change the sequence and settings even during measurement depending on the target region and conditions. It also has a mechanism to change freely.

In addition, in the above description, the case where two-dimensional measurement data is used as the basic measurement data has been described. However, even with three-dimensional measurement data, any type of data can be obtained in the same manner, and the same effect can be obtained. Can be

Further, in the first embodiment, an arbitrary cross section including a predetermined part is selected using a three-axis image, but an arbitrary cross section may be selected using a two-axis image. As described above, according to the MRI apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention, a treatment tool such as a puncture needle can be obtained simply by selecting a desired position of general affairs on a cross-sectional image display screen of a subject. The start position, target position, and direction of access to the inside of a living body can be displayed in real space using a light beam, and the position of the corresponding cross section or lesion can be easily grasped on the actual subject. Can be. The surgeon can be assisted. Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to an X-ray CT apparatus.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of the arrangement of the laser irradiator according to the second embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front of the X-ray CT apparatus, and FIG. 13 is a view as viewed from the side of the X-ray CT apparatus.

In this second embodiment, the irradiation control means and method of the laser irradiator are the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11 in the first embodiment. Description is omitted.

In FIGS. 12 and 13, the X-ray CT apparatus includes a gantry 27 for inserting the subject 1 into the center gap and measuring it.

The pair of Y-direction display laser irradiators 28 y and 28 y are arranged on the surface of the gantry 27 facing the side surface of the subject 1 disposed in the gap of the gantry 27, and The subject 1 is arranged to face each other on both sides in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the body axis of the subject 1 with the subject 1 interposed therebetween.

In addition, the pair of X-direction display laser irradiators 28 x and 28 x are provided on the surface of the gantry 27 facing the upper surface of the subject 1 arranged in the gap of the gantry 27, and The upper side of the gantry 27 perpendicular to the body axis 1 is on both sides of the gantry 27 (the back surface of the gantry 27 in Fig. 12 and the left and right sides of the gantry 27 in Fig. 13). Are located.

Further, a pair of laser irradiators for z-direction display 28 z and 28 z are arranged to face each other across the subject 1 in the body axis direction of the subject 1 placed in the gap of the gantry 27. The supporting bases 29 and 29 are arranged.

The subject 1 is irradiated with laser light by these laser irradiators 28x, 28y, and 28z in the same manner as in FIGS.

As described above, according to the X-ray CT apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention, the access start position, the target position, and the direction at the time of accessing the inside of the living body with a treatment tool such as a puncture needle are set in the real space. Above can be displayed by the light beam, and the surgeon can be assisted.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The third embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to an MRI apparatus. Note that the description of the third embodiment is omitted because the overall configuration of the MRI apparatus is the same as the example shown in FIG. However, in the third embodiment, the optical display 21 shown in FIG. 1 is not always necessary.

The position and angle of the imaging section by the MRI apparatus are controlled by the static magnetic field strength Bo and the gradient magnetic field strengths Gx, Gy, Gz applied to the subject 1 and the frequency fo of the transmitted high frequency. For example, the resonance frequency of proton nuclei at a static magnetic field strength of 0.3 T is 12.8 MHz.If a gradient magnetic field with a strength of 5 mT / m is generated in the slice direction at this time, if the high frequency is 12.8 MHz, A cross section at the position of the center of the magnetic field can be imaged, and if the frequency is shifted from 12.8 MHz to 1067 Hz, a cross section 5 mm away from the center of the magnetic field can be imaged as determined by the following equation (1). ,

(1067 [Hz] /12.8 [MHz] * 0.3 [Τ]) / 5 [niT / m] = 5 (1) FIG. 14 shows a repetition of the MRI apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Is shown in a flowchart.

In FIG. 14, first, MR imaging is performed (step 200), and the measured MR image is displayed (step 201). The imaging position in step 200 may be a position determined by any conventional method or a magnetic field center.

Next, one point of interest is designated on the displayed image with the mouse 26 or the like (step 202). The point of interest is, for example, a tumor to be imaged, or a tip region of a puncture needle or a surgical instrument, and two or three cross sections including this one point and orthogonal to each other are imaged (step 203).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, when a point of interest 301 on the TRS cross section 300 imaged in step 200 is specified, three cross sections orthogonal to this are the imaging axes x 'and y of the TRS cross section 300. The SAG section 302 and the COR section 303 orthogonal to ', z', and the TRS section at the same position as the reference image.

Alternatively, a SAG section, a COR section, and a TRS section which are orthogonal to the device axes X, Y, Ζ may be used (not shown).

In FIG. 15, when it is desired to image a section including the puncture layer 304, the TRS section 300 and the COR section 303 have high importance, and the SAG section 302 has low importance. T JP03 / 06995

1 7 May be determined. There is also a method of performing puncturing mainly with an image of a TRS section 300, and occasionally checking with an image of a COR section 303 or an SAG section 302. In such a case, any one of the three orthogonal cross sections may be imaged in order to improve the time resolution.

As a method for selecting an imaging section, a section selection button 305 is provided next to the display image, and an image of the section selected here is taken. The cross-section selection button 3 05 should be visually recognizable, such as highlighting the selected cross-section, so that the mouse 26 can be selected with one click and released with two clicks. It is configured so that selection and change of cross section can be easily performed. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the transversal section and the coronal section are selected.

In this way, two or three orthogonal cross-sections are imaged, and a point of interest is further designated in one of the two or three images displayed as a result, and two orthogonal or three cross-sections including the one point are designated. Steps 201 to 203 are repeated so that three sections are imaged.

As a result, even when the subject moves, or when the position of the puncture / surgical instrument changes, this position can be easily followed.

The third embodiment of the present invention is particularly effective during fluoroscopic imaging, and can repeat Steps 201 to 203 without interrupting imaging. When a point of interest is specified, the computer (CPU) 8 calculates the position, and calculates the high-frequency and gradient magnetic field strengths G x, G y, and G according to the calculated position. Is calculated, and the sequencer 4 is controlled.

The control timing is after the end of the image measurement before the point of interest designation, that is, at the start of the next image capturing, and the sequencer 40 applies a high frequency and a gradient magnetic field corresponding to the new position to the subject 1.

As described above, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, by designating one point on the display screen, it is possible to select cross-sectional images that include the one point and are orthogonal to each other. It is possible to obtain cross-sectional images orthogonal to each other, provide effective information about the patient to assist the surgeon, and realize a magnetic resonance imaging device capable of shortening the operation time. it can.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the overall configuration and operation of the MRI apparatus are the same as those in the first embodiment, but the optical display 21 is not always necessary.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the MRI apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 14, first, MR imaging as a first reference image is performed (Step 400), and the measured MR image is displayed (Step 40D0).

The imaging position in step 400 may be a position determined by a conventional method or a magnetic field center.

Next, in the displayed image, the region of interest is specified by a line by dragging the mouse 26 (step 402). The region of interest is a line that is drawn as required, such as a tumor to be imaged, or a puncture needle or surgical instrument, for example, to image the planned puncture path from the tumor to the puncture needle, or to image a cross section including the puncture needle. Good.

Then, two cross sections that include this line and are orthogonal to each other are imaged (Step 403). The method of drawing a line depends on a general method. In addition to the input means such as the mouse 26 and the keyboard 25, a pen tablet or a touch panel may be used. A straight line may be automatically generated by designating two points. However, in the case of freehand, it is necessary to interpolate so as to be a straight line.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, when a straight line 501 is drawn with respect to the TRS cross-section 500 captured in step 400, as shown in FIG. A COR section 502 orthogonal to the TRS section 500 and a TRS section at the same position as the reference image.

In this way, imaging of two orthogonal cross sections is performed, a line is specified again in one of the two images displayed as a result, and two cross sections including the line are imaged. Repeat 4 0 3

As a result, even when the subject moves, or when the position of the puncture needle or the surgical instrument changes, this position can be easily followed.

The fourth embodiment is particularly effective during fluoroscopic imaging, and can repeat steps 401 to 403 without interrupting imaging. When a line is specified, the computer 8 calculates the position, calculates the high frequency, the gradient magnetic field strength G x, G v, and G z according to the position, and controls the sequencer 4. The control timing is after the end of the image measurement before designating the target part, that is, at the start of the next image capturing, and the sequencer 4 applies a high frequency and a gradient magnetic field corresponding to the new position to the subject 1.

In the fourth embodiment, the same effect as in the third embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, the fourth embodiment is different from the third embodiment in that the COR section to be imaged is not orthogonal to the imaging axes x ', y' and the apparatus axes X, Y of the TRS section 500. It is effective.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the fifth embodiment, the overall configuration and operation of the MRI apparatus are the same as those in the first embodiment, but the optical display 21 is not always necessary.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the MRI apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

In FIG. 18, first, MR imaging is performed (step 600), and the measured MR image is displayed (step 601).

The imaging position in step 600 may be a position determined by a conventional method or a magnetic field center. Next, a point of interest is designated with a dot and a line in the displayed image (step 602).

The point of interest can be designated by a point and a line.For example, the tumor to be imaged or the tip of a puncture needle or a surgical instrument may be indicated by a point, and the planned puncture needle path from the tumor to the puncture needle or the position including the puncture needle may be indicated by a line .

Then, a total of three cross-sections, one cross-section including the point and the line and two cross-sections including the target point orthogonal to the cross-section, are imaged (step 603).

The line is drawn in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, when a point 701 and a straight line 702 are specified for the TRS section 700 imaged in step 600, the three sections including these are orthogonal to the TRS section 700. A COR section 703, a TRS section at the same position as the reference image, and a SAG section 704 including a point 701 and orthogonal to the line 702.

Alternatively, the SAG section may be a section 705 orthogonal to the imaging axis x 'of the TRS section 700. In this way, three cross-sections are imaged, a point and a line are specified again in any of the three images displayed as a result, and one cross-section including the point and the line and a point of interest orthogonal to the cross-section Steps 61 to 603 are repeated so that a total of three cross sections including two cross sections including are captured.

The fifth embodiment is particularly effective during fluoroscopic imaging, and can repeat Steps 601 to 603 without interrupting imaging. When a point and a line are specified, the computer 8 calculates the position, the frequency of the high frequency and the gradient magnetic field strength G x, G y, G according to the position. The sequencer 4 applies a high frequency and a gradient magnetic field corresponding to the new position to the subject 1.

The fifth embodiment can provide the same effects as the fourth embodiment. In the fifth example, as compared with the fourth embodiment, three cross sections can be imaged by specifying points and lines. Here, the time resolution is reduced by changing the number of imaging cross-sections from two to three.

In the fifth embodiment, a click operation for recognizing the start point 7001 as the start point is unnecessary, and the start point of the line is automatically recognized as the start point 71. It can also be configured as follows.

The present invention is not limited to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and an X-ray CT apparatus, but can be applied to other medical image diagnostic apparatuses such as an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Industrial applicability

According to the present invention, an access start position, a target position, and a direction at the time of accessing a living body with a treatment instrument such as a puncture needle can be displayed in a real space by a light beam, thereby assisting an operator. be able to.

Also, according to the present invention, by designating one point on the display screen, it is possible to select cross-sectional images including the one point and orthogonal to each other, so that cross-sectional images orthogonal to each other are automatically obtained by a simple operation. Can assist the surgeon in assisting the patient Provide effective information on the operation and shorten the operation time,

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A medical image diagnostic apparatus having image acquisition means (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8) for acquiring a cross-sectional image of a subject, and display means (20) for displaying the acquired cross-sectional image. And

Irradiation position selecting means (24) for selecting a desired position in the cross-sectional image displayed on the display means;

At least one or more light beam irradiating means (21, 28) arranged around the subject to irradiate a light beam on the body surface of the subject;

Irradiation control means (8) for controlling the light beam irradiation means based on information from the irradiation position selection means;

A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising:

2. The irradiation control unit according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation control unit includes a coordinate position calculation unit that calculates a coordinate position in the real space of the subject corresponding to a desired position selected by the irradiation position selection unit, A medical image diagnostic apparatus, wherein the light beam irradiating means is controlled based on information from the coordinate position calculating means so that a light beam indicates a coordinate position of the subject in real space.

3. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the medical image diagnostic apparatus has a surface facing the subject, and the light beam irradiation unit is disposed on the facing surface.

4. The medical imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the light beam irradiation means is arranged on a support (29) arranged around the medical imaging system.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one pair of the light beam irradiation means is provided, and the light beam irradiation means is disposed on both sides of the subject from different directions with the subject interposed therebetween. A medical image diagnostic apparatus characterized by the following.

6. The pair of static magnetic field generating means according to claim 5, wherein the medical image diagnostic apparatus comprises: a pair of static magnetic field generating means (3) vertically opposed to each other across a measurement space for inserting and measuring the subject; A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of a vertical magnetic field type having at least one or more columns for supporting an upper static magnetic field generating means across an outer edge of the magnetic field generating means, wherein the upper static magnetic field generating means has an upper surface of the subject. A pair of the light beam irradiating means (2 1 x), which are arranged on the surface facing to the body so as to face each other across the measurement space in the body axis direction of the subject;

A pair of the struts positioned in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the body axis of the subject, facing the side surface of the subject, or the support table arranged in the horizontal direction, A pair of said light beam irradiating means (2 1 y)

A pair of the light beam irradiating means (2 1 z) disposed on the support table opposed to the subject in the body axis direction of the subject,

A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising:

7. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the medical image diagnostic apparatus includes a gantry (27) for inserting and measuring the subject in a central space,

A pair of the light beam irradiating means (28), which are disposed on the surface of the gantry facing the side surface of the subject and on both sides in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the body axis of the subject with the subject interposed therebetween y) and

A pair of the light beam irradiation arranged on the surface of the gantry facing the upper surface of the subject, on the upper side in the vertical direction perpendicular to the body axis of the subject, and on both the front and back surfaces of the gantry Means (2 8 X) and

A pair of the light beam irradiating means (28 z) disposed on the support pedestal facing the subject in the body axis direction with the subject interposed therebetween;

A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising:

8. The light beam emitting means according to claim 1, wherein the light beam irradiating means is a light beam emitting means. (21x, 21y, 21z, 28x28y, 28z) and a moving / rotating means (22y) for moving or rotating the light beam emitting means, wherein the irradiation control means is the light beam emitting means. Medical image diagnosis characterized by controlling

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light beams are subjected to line spectroscopy (23x, 23y, 23z) on the body surface of the subject, and the plurality of light beams are provided to the subject. A medical image diagnostic apparatus, wherein the irradiation is performed so as to intersect at the coordinate position of the sample.

10. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light beam is spot light on a body surface of the subject.

11. In claim 10, any one of the spot lights is radiated so as to indicate the puncturing start position, and the spot light opposite to this spot light is radiated to a position where the puncturing direction can be grasped. A medical image diagnostic apparatus, wherein the irradiation control means is controlled so that the depth to be punctured by light can be predicted.

12. In claims 1 to 11,

Part designation means (24) for designating a part to be imaged on the cross-sectional image displayed on the display means;

A cross-section position calculation means (8) for calculating position information of a plurality of cross sections orthogonal to each other based on the specified part by the part specification means;

Means (4) for executing an imaging sequence of a plurality of cross sections orthogonal to each other based on the position information calculated by the cross section position calculation means,

A medical image diagnostic apparatus, wherein a plurality of cross-sectional images captured in the imaging sequence are displayed on the display means.

13. The cross-section including the part to be imaged according to claim 12, wherein the section passing through one point or one straight line or one point and one straight line designated by the part designation means A medical image diagnostic apparatus characterized in that:

14. Medical image diagnosis including image acquisition means (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8) for acquiring a cross-sectional image of a subject, and display means (20) for displaying the acquired cross-sectional image In the device,

A cross-section position calculating means (8) for calculating position information of a plurality of cross-sections orthogonal to each other based on the part specified by the part specifying means;

Means (4) for executing an imaging sequence of the plurality of cross sections orthogonal to each other based on the position information issued by the cross section position calculating means;

A medical image diagnostic apparatus, comprising: a cross-sectional image captured in the imaging sequence, displayed on the display means.

15. The medical system according to claim 14, wherein the cross section including the part to be imaged is a point or one straight line or a cross section passing through one point and one straight line designated by the part designation means. Diagnostic imaging device.