Method and device for determining the contour of anatomical structures in a digital X-ray-based fluoroscopic image
Inventors
König, Thomas • Hörndler, Klaus • Glasbrenner, Jens
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11771390-B2
Publication Date
2023-10-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
Medical imaging systems and methods for determining contours of anatomical structures of vessels and vessel sections for representation in X-ray-based fluoroscopic images. Methods can include capturing a mask image, recording at least one filling image including a vascular tree filled with contrast agent, subtracting the mask image from the at least one filling image to produce at least one vessel image, generating a segmented vessel image by segmenting the vascular tree filled with contrast agent in the at least one vessel image and removing from the at least one segmented vessel image such vessels and vessel sections that do not meet a threshold value, wherein the threshold value represents a function of at least one predetermined structural feature, and superimposing the at least one segmented vessel image with a live X-ray image and reproduction on a display device.
Core Innovation
The invention determines contours of anatomical structures of vessels and vessel sections for representation in an X-ray-based fluoroscopic image. It captures a mask image and records at least one filling image including a vascular tree filled with contrast agent, then subtracts the mask image from the filling image to produce at least one vessel image.
A segmented vessel image is generated by segmenting the vascular tree filled with contrast agent in the vessel image. The method removes from the segmented vessel image vessels and vessel sections having one or more dimensions smaller than a threshold value, and the threshold value is defined relative to at least one predetermined structural feature comprising a dominant vessel diameter or a largest vessel diameter in the vessel image.
The definition of the threshold value relative to the predetermined structural feature is adjustable by an operator to change a number of vessels and vessel sections displayed in the segmented vessel image. The at least one segmented vessel image is superimposed with a live X-ray image and reproduction is performed on a display device, and vessel edges may be extracted and displayed via edge detection with adaptive opacity.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim covers an X-ray fluoroscopic vessel-contouring workflow with mask capture, contrast filling subtraction to form vessel images, segmentation with removal of small vessels based on a threshold tied to a predetermined vessel-dimension structural feature, and superimposition on a live X-ray image. Operator adjustability is included to change the number of displayed vessels and vessel sections.
Mask capture and vessel image generation by subtraction
Capturing a mask image; recording at least one filling image including a vascular tree filled with contrast agent; and subtracting the mask image from the at least one filling image to produce at least one vessel image.
Segmentation with threshold-based removal relative to predetermined vessel dimension
Generating a segmented vessel image by segmenting the vascular tree filled with contrast agent in the at least one vessel image; removing from the at least one segmented vessel image vessels and vessel sections having one or more dimensions smaller than a threshold value; wherein the threshold value is defined relative to at least one predetermined structural feature comprising a dominant vessel diameter or a largest vessel diameter in the at least one vessel image.
Operator-adjustable threshold to change displayed vessel quantity
Defining the threshold value relative to the at least one structural feature is adjustable by an operator to change a number of vessels and vessel sections displayed in the segmented vessel image.
Superimposition on live X-ray for display reproduction
Superimposing the at least one segmented vessel image with a live X-ray image and reproduction on a display device.
Overall, the claim set centers on creating vessel contours from mask/filling subtraction, segmenting and pruning the contrast-filled vascular tree using a threshold tied to a predetermined dominant or largest vessel diameter, and overlaying the segmented result onto live fluoroscopy with operator adjustability controlling how many vessels and vessel sections are displayed.
Stated Advantages
Improves navigation by changing the number of vessels and vessel sections displayed while superimposing the segmented vessel image with a live X-ray image.
Avoids repeated contrast injection while preserving dynamic range.
Documented Applications
Representing contours of vessels and vessel sections for display in an X-ray-based fluoroscopic image by overlaying a segmented vessel image onto a live X-ray image.
Using angiographic C-arm system image processing and a GUI to change the predetermined structural feature/threshold to control which vessels and vessel sections are displayed.
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