Medical Devices and Procedures

Abstract

The present invention is entitled a medical device and a program. In order to provide a technique for managing the dose index of a body part in a range to be imaged on a body part-by-body part basis, the present invention provides an X-ray CT device, the device comprising: an image generation unit (51) for generating a scout image (10) of a patient; a definition unit (52) for defining a range to be imaged (11) in the scout image (10); a segmentation unit (53) for segmenting the range to be imaged (11) into two body parts; an identification unit (54) for identifying which of the body parts (12) included in the human body each of the two body parts corresponds to; and a calculation unit (55) for calculating the dose index of each of the two body parts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical device for acquiring images of a patient using radiation and a procedure applied to the medical device. Background Art

[0002] An X-ray CT apparatus is known as an apparatus for non-invasively imaging a patient and is installed in various medical institutions because it can acquire an image of a patient in a short period of time.

[0003] Once a patient is scanned by an X-ray CT device and the imaging of the patient is completed, a dose report including information about the patient's exposure (dose index) is created. The X-ray CT device sends the dose report to a server. The server receives the dose report and manages it.

[0004] The radiologist can download the dose report from the server to the operation console of the X-ray CT device as needed, even after the patient is imaged. Therefore, the radiologist can confirm the patient's exposure in the past imaging based on the dose report. In addition, in the case where the patient has undergone more than one X-ray CT imaging in the past, the radiologist can also confirm the patient's exposure in the X-ray CT imaging performed in the past on a per-diagnosis basis based on the dose report, and thus can identify the time domain tracking of the patient's exposure. In addition, by confirming the patient's exposure, a rough estimate of the exposure that the patient is allowed to undergo in the current imaging can be known.

[0005] Therefore, managing the dose reports created when a patient is imaged on a session-by-session basis is important to image the patient with appropriate imaging conditions.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Publication of Japanese Patent Application KOKAI No. 2015-43972

[0007] When imaging a patient, before performing a scan, a radiological technician specifies a range to be imaged in the patient's body. The range to be imaged generally and often includes more than one body part. For example, a radiological technician may sometimes specify a range to be imaged including the head and neck, and may specify a range to be imaged including the chest and abdomen at other times. In such cases, dose indices for multiple body parts are recorded in a dose report, which are included in the range to be imaged as if they were one body part. However, the exposure effect of the range to be imaged is not actually the same among the body parts included in the range to be imaged, and is often different between each body part included in the range to be imaged. Therefore, it is desirable to manage the dose index of the entire range to be imaged, and it is also desirable to manage the dose index of the body parts included in the range to be imaged one by one. However, in the case where multiple body parts are included in the range to be imaged, the problem is that, although conventional dose reports enable people to understand the dose index of the entire range to be imaged, it is not possible to allow people to understand the dose index of the body parts included in the range to be imaged one by one.

[0008] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a technique with which the dose index of body parts included in a range to be imaged can be managed on a body part by body part basis. Summary of the invention

[0009] This summary introduces concepts that are described in more detail in the detailed description. It should not be used to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor should it be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] In its first aspect, the present invention is a medical device comprising:

[0011] an image generating device for generating an image of at least a portion of a patient;

[0012] A limiting device, the limiting device limiting the range to be imaged in the image;

[0013] A segmentation device, the segmentation device is used to segment the range to be imaged into multiple body parts;

[0014] identification means for identifying which one of the body parts included in the human body each of the plurality of body parts corresponds to; and

[0015] A calculation device is used to calculate a dose index for each of the plurality of body parts.

[0016] In a second aspect thereof, the present invention is a program for causing a processor to:

[0017] an image generation process that generates an image of at least a portion of a patient;

[0018] A process of limiting a range to be imaged in the image;

[0019] Segmentation processing of segmenting the to-be-imaged range into a plurality of body parts;

[0020] an identification process of identifying which one of the body parts included in the human body each of the plurality of body parts corresponds to; and

[0021] A calculation process is provided for calculating a dose index for each of the plurality of body parts.

[0022] In its third aspect, the present invention is a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium provided in a medical device for acquiring patient images, wherein the medium stores one or more processor-executable instructions, which when executed by the processor, result in the execution of actions including:

[0023] (a) generating an image of at least a portion of a patient;

[0024] (b) limiting the range to be imaged in the image;

[0025] (c) dividing the range to be imaged into a plurality of body parts;

[0026] (d) identifying which of the body parts included in the human body each of the plurality of body parts corresponds to; and

[0027] (e) calculating a dose index for each of the plurality of body parts.

[0028] Since the range to be imaged is divided into a plurality of body parts, the range to be imaged can be divided into a plurality of body parts each of which should undergo dose index management. The dose index of the body parts in the divided range to be imaged is then calculated body part by body part. Therefore, even when the range to be imaged includes a plurality of body parts each of which should undergo dose index management, the dose index can be determined body part by body part. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a medical information management system 100 including medical devices in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 is a diagram schematically showing an external view of an X-ray CT apparatus.

[0031] Figure 3 It is a block diagram of an X-ray CT system.

[0032] Figure 4 It is a functional block diagram of an X-ray CT device.

[0033] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a process for managing a patient's dose index.

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a scout image.

[0035] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the range to be imaged 11 in the main scan.

[0036] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a to-be-imaged range 11 divided into two body parts (chest and abdomen).

[0037] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of modification of the position of the line L2.

[0038] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram showing a candidate list displayed in the detection image 10 .

[0039] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram showing the scout image 10 after the radiological technician 8 has selected the chest.

[0040] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram showing the scout image 10 after the radiological technician 8 has selected the abdomen.

[0041] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a displayed dosage report.

[0042] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the dose report 13 showing numerical values ​​of fields for the chest and abdomen.

[0043] Fig.15 is a diagram showing an example of an abbreviation table. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a medical information management system 100 including medical devices in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] The system 100 includes a plurality of modes M1 to Ma. The plurality of modes M1 to Ma include radiation-based modes (such as X-ray CT devices and PET-CT devices) for diagnosing and / or treating patients and non-radiation-based modes (such as MRI devices) for diagnosing patients.

[0047] The system 100 also has a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) 101. The PACS 101 receives data of images and the like acquired in a relevant mode via a communication network 102 and archives the received data. The PACS 101 also transmits archived data via the communication network 102 as needed.

[0048] In addition, the system 100 has a plurality of workstations W1 to Wb. These workstations W1 to Wb are, for example, workstations used in a hospital information system (HIS), a radiology information system (RIS), a clinical information system (CIS), a cardiovascular information system (CVIS), a library information system (LIS), an electronic medical record (EMR) system, and / or any other image and information management system, as well as workstations used by radiologists in image examination work.

[0049] Thus, the system 100 is constructed as described above. Next, an example of the configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus, which is also an example of these modes, will be described.

[0050] Figure 2 The external view of an X-ray CT apparatus is schematically shown.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the X-ray CT device 1 includes a gantry 2 , a workbench 4 and an operation console 6 .

[0052] The gantry 2 and the workbench 4 are installed in the scanning room R1, and the operation console 6 is installed in the operation room R2.

[0053] Figure 3 It is a block diagram of an X-ray CT system.

[0054] The gantry 2 has a hole 21 for forming a space through which the patient 40 can move.

[0055] The gantry 2 also has an X-ray tube 22, an aperture 23, a collimator 24, an X-ray detector 25, a data acquisition system 26, a rotating part 27, a high-voltage power supply 28, an aperture driving device 29, a rotating part driving device 30, a GT (gantry worktable) control part 31, etc.

[0056] The X-ray tube 22 , the aperture 23 , the collimator 24 , the X-ray detector 25 and the data acquisition system 26 are mounted on a rotating part 27 .

[0057] The X-ray tube 22 and the X-ray detector 25 are arranged facing each other so as to sandwich the hole 21 of the gantry 2 .

[0058] The aperture 23 is provided between the X-ray tube 22 and the hole 21. The aperture 23 shapes the X-rays emitted from the X-ray focus of the X-ray tube 22 toward the X-ray detector 25 into a fan beam or a cone beam.

[0059] The X-ray detector 25 detects X-rays passing through the patient 40 .

[0060] The collimator 24 is provided on a side of the X-ray entrance opposite to the X-ray detector 25 for removing scattered X-rays.

[0061] The high voltage power supply 28 supplies high voltage and current to the X-ray tube 22 .

[0062] The hole driving device 29 drives the hole 23 to modify the shape of its opening.

[0063] The rotating portion driving device 30 rotationally drives the rotating portion 27 .

[0064] The GT control section 31 controls several devices and sections in the gantry 2, the driving device 43, and the like.

[0065] The table 4 has a support 41, a support support base 42, and a driving device 43. The support 41 is used to support the patient 40 being imaged. The support support base 42 is used to movably support the support 41 in the y direction and the z direction. The driving device 43 is used to drive the support 41 and the support support base 42. Here, the direction of the body axis of the patient 40 is defined as the z direction, the vertical direction is defined as the y direction, and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the z direction and the y direction is defined as the x direction.

[0066] The operation console 6 has an input device 61 , a display device 62 , a storage device 63 , a processing device 64 and the like.

[0067] The input device 61 includes a keyboard and a pointing device, etc., and is used to accept command input and / or information input by the radiological technician and perform several operations. The display device 62 is used to display visual information, including images, etc., and is, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display), an organic EL (electroluminescence) display, etc.

[0068] The storage device 63 stores programs used by the processor to perform several types of processing. The storage device 63 also stores several types of data, several types of files, etc. The storage device 63 has an HDD (hard disk drive), a DRAM (dynamic random access memory), a ROM (read-only memory), etc. The storage device 63 may include a portable storage medium 90 such as a CD (compact disk), a DVD (digital versatile disk), etc.

[0069] The processing device 64 is used to perform image reconstruction processing based on the data of the patient 40 acquired by the gantry 2, and to perform several other types of calculations. The processing device 64 has one or more processors that perform several types of processing corresponding to the programs stored in the storage device 63.

[0070] Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is configured as described above.

[0071] One of the characteristic functions of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 in this embodiment is to create a dose report for a patient. Therefore, some of the functions that the X-ray CT apparatus 1 has that are particularly related to the creation of a patient dose report will be described below.

[0072] Figure 4 It is a functional block diagram of an X-ray CT device.

[0073] The X-ray CT apparatus is configured to perform the following functions 51 to 56:

[0074] The image generation section 51 performs processing for generating a CT image of a patient based on data acquired by scanning.

[0075] The to-be-imaged range limiting section 52 performs processing for limiting the to-be-imaged range within the patient's body.

[0076] The segmentation section 53 performs processing for segmenting the range to be imaged defined by the range to be imaged defining section 52 into a plurality of body parts. The segmentation section 53 performs processing such as fixing a line for segmenting the range to be imaged into a plurality of body parts. This line will be discussed later.

[0077] The recognition section 54 recognizes which of the body parts included in the human body each body part included in the range to be imaged corresponds to. The recognition section 54 can recognize the body part by, for example, selecting the body part included in the range to be imaged from a list representing the body parts included in the human body. The list will be discussed later.

[0078] The calculation section 55 calculates, body-part by body-part, the values ​​of the fields required in the dose report (eg, the scanning range and the dose index) of the body parts included in the range to be imaged.

[0079] The report creation section 56 creates a dose report based on the numerical values ​​calculated by the calculation section 55 .

[0080] The storage device 63 stores a program representing the processing of the above-mentioned functional blocks. The storage device 63 may be a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium in which one or more processor-executable instructions are stored. When executed by the processor, the one or more instructions cause a plurality of operations to be performed, including the following (a) to (f):

[0081] (a) generating an image of at least a portion of a patient (image generating section 51);

[0082] (b) limiting the range to be imaged in the image (the range to be imaged limiting part 52);

[0083] (c) dividing the range to be imaged into a plurality of body parts (segmentation part 53);

[0084] (d) identifying which one of the body parts included in the human body each of the plurality of body parts corresponds to (identifying section 54); and

[0085] (e) calculating a dose index for each of a plurality of body parts (calculating section 55); and

[0086] (f) Creating a dose report including the calculated dose index (report creation section 56).

[0087] Note that a processor in any other device (e.g., display device) in the operation console 6 may execute the above functional blocks instead of the processor in the processing device 64. In addition, a processor included in the gantry 2 or the workbench 4 may execute all or part of the processing of the above functional blocks.

[0088] The X-ray CT apparatus is configured to perform the above-mentioned functions.

[0089] Figure 1 The illustrated medical information management system 100 is capable of managing the patient dose index acquired by each mode as the dose index of the entire range to be imaged, and furthermore as the dose index of the body part in the range to be imaged, body part by body part. The method used by the system 100 to manage the dose index will now be described below. Although the following will describe an example of management of the patient dose index using an X-ray CT apparatus as a mode, the present invention is applicable to the following case: using any other irradiation-based mode other than the X-ray CT apparatus (e.g., a general X-ray imaging apparatus for imaging a chest, etc., a mammography imaging apparatus for imaging a breast, an angiography imaging apparatus for angiography imaging, a PET-CT apparatus, or a SPECT-CT apparatus).

[0090] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a process for managing a patient's dose index.

[0091] At step ST1, the radiological technician 8 calls the patient 40 to enter the scanning room R1 and has the patient 40 lie on the table 4. The radiological technician 8 also sets imaging conditions for the patient 40 (eg, tube voltage, tube current, exposure time).

[0092] At step ST2, after the imaging conditions in the X-ray CT apparatus are set, a scout scan is performed. The data collected by the scout scan is transmitted from the gantry 2 to the processing device 64 in the operation console 6 (see Figure 3 The processor in the processing device 64 performs image reconstruction processing based on the data collected by the scout scan to generate a scout image. The processor in the processing device 64 performs the processing of generating a scout image through the function of the image generating section 51 (see Figure 4 ).

[0093] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a scout image.

[0094] Scout scans typically provide scout images in axial, sagittal, and coronal sections. Figure 6 A scout image 10 in a coronal cross section is shown as an example of a scout image. The scout image 10 is stored in the storage device 63 (see Figure 3 ). After performing the detection scan, the process goes to step ST3.

[0095] At step ST3, the radiological technician 8 specifies the range to be imaged in the main scan (see Figure 7 ).

[0096] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the range to be imaged 11 in the main scan.

[0097] The radiologic technician 8 uses the input device 61 (see Figure 3 ) performs an operation for specifying the range to be imaged. The input device 61 inputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the radiological technician 8. In response to the input of the operation signal from the input device 61, the processor in the processing device 64 performs a process of defining the range to be imaged 11 in the scout image 10. The processor in the processing device 64 also instructs the display device 62 (see Figure 3 ) displays the to-be-imaged range 11. The display device 62 displays the to-be-imaged range 11 on the detection image 10. Figure 7 , the range to be imaged 11 is shown as a range defined by four sides 11a to 11d surrounding a region including the chest and abdomen. The length of the range to be imaged 11 in the z direction is set to z1. The processor in the processing device 64 performs processing to define the range to be imaged through the function of the range to be imaged defining section 52 (see Figure 4 ).

[0098] When the radiological technician 8 wishes to adjust the position of the range to be imaged 11 or its length in the z direction (body axis direction), etc., he / she uses the input device 61 to perform an operation for adjusting the range to be imaged 11. The operation of adjusting the position of the range to be imaged 11 may involve, for example, the radiological technician 8 moving the cursor to the range to be imaged 11 and dragging the mouse. The operation of adjusting the length of the range to be imaged 11 in the z direction may involve, for example, the radiological technician 8 moving the cursor to the side 11c of the range to be imaged 11 and dragging the mouse.

[0099] When the radiological technician 8 has adjusted the range to be imaged 11, the display device 62 displays the adjusted range to be imaged 11 on the scout image 10. Therefore, the radiological technician 8 can confirm the adjusted range to be imaged 11 by observing the display device 62. The range to be imaged information of the range to be imaged 11 relative to the scout image 10 (e.g., the position of the range to be imaged 11, its length in the z direction) is stored in the storage device 63 in association with the scout image 10.

[0100] After the range to be imaged 11 is limited, the flow proceeds to step ST4.

[0101] At step ST4, the radiological technician 8 specifies the body part for which he wishes to perform dose index management. Step ST4 will now be described below. Since step ST4 includes steps ST41 and ST42, they will be described in sequence.

[0102] At step ST41 , the radiological technician 8 divides the range to be imaged 11 into a plurality of body parts for which he wishes to perform dose index management.

[0103] The radiological technician 8 performs an operation for dividing the range to be imaged 11 into a plurality of body parts for which it is desired to perform dose index management using the input device 61. Here, a case where the range to be imaged 11 is divided into two body parts (chest and abdomen) is described. Therefore, the radiological technician 8 performs an operation for dividing the range to be imaged 11 into two body parts (chest and abdomen) using the input device 61. An example of dividing the range to be imaged 11 into two body parts (chest and abdomen) will now be described below.

[0104] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a to-be-imaged range 11 divided into two body parts (chest and abdomen).

[0105] In order to divide the to-be-imaged range 11 into two body parts (chest and abdomen), the radiological technician 8 performs an operation for drawing two lines L1 and L2 on the scout image 10 using the input device 61. The operation for drawing the two lines L1 and L2 on the scout image 10 may involve, for example, an operation in which the radiological technician 8 moves a cursor to a position where he wishes to draw each of the lines L1 and L2 and performs a mouse click.

[0106] In response to the input of the operation signal from the input device 61, the processor in the processing device 64 fixes the lines L1 and L2 for dividing the range to be imaged 11 into two body parts (chest and abdomen). The processor in the processing device 64 also instructs the display device 62 to display the fixed lines L1 and L2. Therefore, the display device 62 displays the lines L1 and L2 for dividing the range to be imaged 11 into two body parts (chest and abdomen) on the detection image 10. The processor in the processing device 64 performs the processing of fixing the lines L1 and L2 through the function of the dividing part 53 (see Figure 4 ).

[0107] In the present embodiment, the range to be imaged 11 is divided into two body parts (chest and abdomen) by positioning the lines L1 and L2 at the upper end of the chest and the upper end of the abdomen, respectively.

[0108] Therefore, in Figure 8 , a region 11e surrounded by the line L1, the sides 11b and 11d outlining the to-be-imaged range 11, and the line L2 represents the chest. In addition, a region 11f surrounded by the line L2 and the sides 11b, 11c, and 11d outlining the to-be-imaged range 11 represents the abdomen. The length of the region 11e in the z direction is z2, and the length of the region 11f in the z direction is z3.

[0109] When the radiological technician 8 wishes to modify the position of the line L1 or L2 dividing the to-be-imaged range 11, the position of the line L1 or L2 may be manually modified using a mouse or the like (see Fig. 9 ).

[0110] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of modification of the position of the line L2.

[0111] The line L2 before modification is indicated by a dotted line, and the line L2 after modification is indicated by a solid line.

[0112] In the case where the radiological technician 8 wishes to adjust the position of the line L2 displayed on the scout image 10, he uses the input device 61 to perform an operation for adjusting the position of the line L2. The radiological technician 8 can move the line L2 to the desired position by performing an operation such as moving the cursor onto the line L2 and dragging the mouse. The display device 62 displays the modified line L2 on the scout image 10. Therefore, in the case where the initial fixed position (dashed line) of the line L2 is not suitable for dividing the range to be imaged 11 into the chest and the abdomen, the radiological technician 8 can easily modify the position of the line L2 to a position suitable for dividing the range to be imaged 11 into the chest and the abdomen.

[0113] After the lines L1 and L2 are fixed, the flow proceeds to step ST42.

[0114] At step ST42, which of the body parts that the human body has corresponds to the body part represented by the region 11e and the body part represented by the region 11f is identified.

[0115] An example of the identification method will now be described below.

[0116] The radiologic technician 8 first uses the input device 61 to perform an operation for displaying the candidate body part represented by the area 11e on the detection image 10. The operation may involve, for example, the radiologic technician 8 moving the cursor to the line L1 and performing a mouse click. The input device 61 inputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the radiologic technician 8. In response to the operation signal input from the input device 61, the processor in the processing device 64 instructs the display device 62 to display the candidate body part represented by the area 11e. In response to the instruction, the display device 62 loads a candidate list representing the candidate body parts stored in the storage device 63, and displays the loaded candidate list on the detection image 10 (see Fig.10 ).

[0117] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram showing a candidate list displayed in the detection image 10 .

[0118] The candidate list includes a plurality of candidate items 12. The plurality of candidate items 12 may be displayed in the form of a drop-down menu, for example. Fig.10 , the body parts included in the human body are classified into nine body parts ("head", "eye", "neck", "shoulder", "chest", "abdomen", "lumbar spine", "pelvis" and "limbs"), and these body parts are displayed as a plurality of candidate items 12. However, the plurality of candidate items 12 is not limited to Fig.10The human body may be divided into more than the above nine body parts to obtain ten or more body parts as a plurality of candidate items 12. On the contrary, the human body may be divided into less than nine body parts to obtain eight or less body parts as a plurality of candidate items 12.

[0119] In order to identify which of the multiple candidates 12 the body part of area 11e corresponds to, the radiologic technician 8 selects the body part corresponding to the body part of area 11e from the multiple candidates 12. In order to make this selection, the radiologic technician 8 uses the input device 61 to perform an operation for selecting "chest" from the multiple candidates 12. The operation may involve, for example, the radiologic technician 8 moving a cursor to a portion of the multiple candidates 12 that displays "chest" and performing an operation of a mouse click. The input device 61 inputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the radiologic technician 8. In response to the input of the operation signal from the input device 61, the processor in the processing device 64 selects "chest" from the multiple candidates 12. The processor in the processing device 64 also instructs the display device 62 to display only "chest" from the multiple candidates 12. Therefore, the display device 62 may display "chest" in the vicinity of the line L1, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 As shown. By observing Fig.11 The image is displayed on the display device 62, and the radiological technician 8 can recognize that "chest" has been selected as the body part of the region 11e. Body part information indicating the fact that the region 11e is the chest is stored in the storage device 63. The processor in the processing device 64 can perform the process of selecting "chest" from the plurality of candidates 12 by the function of the recognition part 54 (see Figure 4 ).

[0120] Next, the radiological technician 8 specifies which body part the region 11f represents.

[0121] The body part of the region 11f can be specified by a method similar to the method of specifying the body part of the region 11e.

[0122] The radiological technician 8 displays the plurality of candidates 12 on the display device 62. Then, in order to specify which of the plurality of candidates 12 the body part of the region 11f corresponds to, the radiological technician 8 selects a body part corresponding to the body part of the region 11f from the plurality of candidates 12. Since the body part of the region 11f is the abdomen, the radiological technician 8 selects the abdomen from the plurality of candidates 12. By selecting the abdomen, “abdomen” is displayed near the line L2, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown. Therefore, the region 11f is identified as the abdomen. Then, body part information indicating the fact that the region 11f is the abdomen is stored in the storage device 63.

[0123] Thus, the body parts of the regions 11e and 11f are recognized. After the body parts are recognized, the flow goes to step ST5.

[0124] At step ST5, a main scan is performed for acquiring a CT image of the to-be-imaged range 11. After the main scan is performed, the flow proceeds to step ST6.

[0125] At step ST6, the processor in the processing device 64 creates a dose report. It is assumed here that the scan range and the dose index are determined as required fields in the dose report. The scan range and the dose index will now be briefly described below.

[0126] (About scanning range)

[0127] In the present embodiment, the processor in the processing device 64 calculates the scanning range of each body part. In the main scan, the body parts for which the scanning range should be calculated are three body parts: the body parts in the entire range to be imaged 11, and the two body parts (chest and abdomen) specified by the radiological technician 8. It is assumed here that the scanning range is defined by the length of each body part in the z direction. Therefore, the processor in the processing device 64 calculates the length of the body parts in the entire range to be imaged 11 in the z direction, the length of the chest in the z direction, and the length of the abdomen in the z direction. The length of the body parts in the entire range to be imaged 11 in the z direction can be calculated based on the length z1 of the range to be imaged 11 in the z direction specified by the radiological technician 8 (see Figure 7 The lengths of the chest and abdomen in the z direction can be calculated based on the lengths z2 and z3 of the regions 11e and 11f in the z direction, respectively (see Figure 8 The processor in the processing device 64 can perform the process of calculating the scanning range of each body part through the function of the calculation part 55 (see Figure 4 ). Although the scanning range is defined here by the length of each body part in the z direction, the scanning range may be defined by both the length of each body part in the z direction and its length in the x direction.

[0128] (About dose index)

[0129] In the present embodiment, the processor in the processing device 64 calculates the dose index of the body parts in the entire range to be imaged 11, and the dose index of the two body parts (chest and abdomen) specified by the radiological technician 8. Although the dose index may include, for example, CTDIvol (volume CTDI) and DLP (dose-length product), dose indices other than CTDIvol and DLP (e.g., EI) may be calculated. These dose indices may be calculated by known methods. The processor in the processing device 64 may perform the process of calculating the dose index of each body part through the function of the calculation part 55 (see Figure 4 ).

[0130] After calculating the scan range and the dose index, the processor in the processing device 64 creates a dose report including the scan range and the dose index. The processor in the processing device 64 can perform the process of creating a report through the function of the report creation part 56 (see Figure 4 ). After the report is created, the flow goes to step ST7.

[0131] At step ST7, the DICOM image and the dose report are sent from the X-ray CT apparatus (mode M1) to the PACS 101 (see Figure 1 ). The PACS 101 stores the images and dose reports therein.

[0132] The process then ends.

[0133] As described above, in this embodiment, the dose report is stored in the PACS 101. Therefore, the radiologist 8 can load the dose report from the PACS 101 as needed to display it on the display device 62 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 (see FIG. Fig.13 ).

[0134] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a displayed dosage report.

[0135] The dose report 13 includes information about the dose in the main scan. Fig.13 The values ​​of the fields related to the scout scan in the dose report 13 are omitted.

[0136] Fig.13 The case where two axial scans and two smart view scans have been performed as main scans is shown. The right side of these scans shows the scan range and the values ​​of the two dose indices (CTDIvol and DLP), which are included in the fields of the dose report 13. (Although the values ​​of these fields are Fig.13 ) is shown as "xxx", but actually shows the value calculated in step ST6.

[0137] Therefore, the radiologist 8 can confirm the values ​​of the fields for the main scan in the dose report 13 by viewing the dose report 13. The radiologist 8 can also confirm the values ​​of the fields for the two body parts (chest and abdomen) specified by the radiologist 8 for each scan at step ST42 (see Fig.14 ).

[0138] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the dose report 13 showing numerical values ​​of fields for the chest and abdomen.

[0139] For example, in the case where the radiological technician 8 wishes to confirm the field values ​​of the chest and abdomen regarding the first axial scan performed in the main scan, he uses the input device 61 to perform an operation for loading detailed information of the first axial scan. The input device 61 inputs an operation signal according to the operation of the radiological technician 8. In response to the input of the operation signal from the input device 61, the processor in the processing device 64 instructs the display device 62 to display the detailed information of the first axial scan. In response to the instruction, the display device 62 displays the detailed information of the first axial scan in the dose report 13, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 As shown. Fig.14 , indication information "CH" and "AB" are displayed below indication information "Axial" indicating the first axial scan. "CH" is an abbreviation of "Chest" indicating chest. "AB" is an abbreviation of "Abdomen" indicating abdomen. Therefore, the radiological technician 8 can confirm the numerical value of the dose index of the entire range to be imaged 11, and further confirm the dose index of the chest and abdomen on a body part by body part basis, and thus can manage the exposure dose of the patient 40 more specifically.

[0140] It should be noted that the processor in the processing device 64 may generate an abbreviation table representing the relationship between the abbreviations and the body parts included in the dose report 13, and may include the abbreviation table in the data to be sent to the PACS 101 (see Fig.15 ).

[0141] Fig.15 is a diagram showing an example of an abbreviation table.

[0142] In Abbreviation Table 14, the abbreviations "HD", "ER", "NK", "SH", "CH", "AB", "LS", "PV", and "LE" are shown. "HD", "ER", "NK", "SH", "CH", "AB", "LS", "PV", and "LE" represent the head, eyes, neck, shoulders, chest, abdomen, lumbar spine, pelvis, and limbs, respectively.

[0143] The radiological technician 8 can confirm which body part of the patient 40 the abbreviation of the body part displayed in the dose report 13 represents by checking the abbreviation table 14 .

[0144] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and several additions, modifications, etc. may be applied.

[0145] For example, in the present embodiment, the lines L1 and L2 are used to divide the range 11 to be imaged into a plurality of body parts to be subjected to dose index management. However, the range 11 to be imaged may be divided into a plurality of body parts without using the lines L1 and L2. For example, instead of the lines L1 and L2, closed boundaries that individually surround a plurality of body parts to be subjected to dose index management may be provided, and the area surrounded by the closed boundaries may be designated as the body parts to be subjected to dose index management. A closed boundary of any shape may be used as such a boundary, and, for example, a rectangular or circular closed boundary may be used.

[0146] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in step ST3, the radiological technician 8 specifies the range to be imaged. However, which body part of the patient 40 is to be imaged is information known in advance before the examination of the patient 40 is started. Therefore, the processor in the processing device 64 may automatically define the range to be imaged, instead of the radiological technician 8 specifying the range to be imaged. The automatic definition method of the range to be imaged may be performed according to, for example, the following process including (s1) to (s3):

[0147] (s1) The processor in the processing device 64 identifies the body part to be imaged of the patient 40 in the current examination. Generally speaking, the data managed in the RIS, HIS, etc. includes data for identifying which body part of the patient 40 the body part to be imaged is. Therefore, the processor in the processing device 64 can use the data managed in the RIS or HIS to identify the body part to be imaged of the patient 40. That is, the processor in the processing device 64 can use the data managed in the RIS or HIS to understand that the chest and abdomen are the body parts to be imaged.

[0148] (s2) Next, the processor in the processing device 64 detects the body part to be imaged identified at (s1) from among the body parts rendered in the detection image 10. For the detection method, for example, a known segmentation method involving segmenting a single organ rendered in an image, etc. can be used. The processor in the processing device 64 can detect the current body part to be imaged by performing segmentation on the body part rendered in the detection image 10 and analyzing the segmented body part. It should be noted that AI technology can be used to detect the current body part to be imaged.

[0149] (s3) Finally, the processor in the processing device 64 locates the areas occupied by multiple detected body parts to be imaged (e.g., chest and abdomen) from within the human body area rendered in a CT image such as the detection image 10, and limits the range surrounding the located areas as the range to be imaged.

[0150] According to the process including (s1) to (s3), the radiological technician 8 does not have to manually designate the range to be imaged, and thus the operation stress of the radiological technician 8 can be reduced.

[0151] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the radiological technician 8 manually specifies the lines L1 and L2. However, the processor in the processing device 64 may detect the body part to be imaged from the CT image such as the scout image 10, and automatically define the lines L1 and L2 based on the position information of the detected body part to be imaged.

[0152] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the radiological technician 8 selects the body part corresponding to the regions 11e and 11f from the plurality of candidates 12. However, the processor in the processing device 64 can identify which body part of the patient 40 is to be imaged from data managed in the RIS, HIS, etc., and therefore, the processor in the processing device 64 can automatically identify the body part corresponding to the regions 11e and 11f.

[0153] Furthermore, the present embodiment addresses the case where the chest and abdomen of the patient 40 are included in the range to be imaged. However, the range to be imaged is not limited to the range including the chest and abdomen, and a range including body parts other than the chest and abdomen may be limited to the range to be imaged.

[0154] The embodiments of the present disclosure shown in the drawings and described above are exemplary embodiments only and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims, including any equivalents included within the scope of the claims. Various modifications are possible and will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is intended that any combination of non-mutually exclusive features described herein is within the scope of the invention. That is, the features of the embodiments may be combined with any appropriate aspect described above, and the optional features of any one aspect may be combined with any other appropriate aspect. Similarly, the features listed in the dependent claims may be combined with non-mutually exclusive features of other dependent claims, particularly where the dependent claims are dependent on the same independent claim. In some jurisdictions that require single claim dependencies, these dependencies may have been used as a practice, but this should not be taken to mean that the features in the dependent claims are mutually exclusive.

Claims

1. A medical device, comprising: An image generation unit (51) for generating a detection image (10) of at least a portion of a patient (40); A limiting unit (52), the limiting unit being used to limit a to-be-imaged range (11) in the detection image (10) on which a main scan is to be performed; A segmentation unit (53), the segmentation unit being used to segment the to-be-imaged range (11) into a plurality of body parts for which dose index management is desired; an identification unit (54), the identification unit being used to identify which of the body parts (12) included in the human body each body part of the plurality of body parts segmented within the to-be-imaged range corresponds to; A calculation unit (55) for calculating a dose index of each of the plurality of body parts in a main scan of the range to be imaged; and A report creation unit (56) is used to create a dose report (13) including the dose index.

2. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein: The segmentation unit (53) defines lines for segmenting the to-be-imaged range (11) into the plurality of body parts.

3. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein: The recognition unit (54) selects a body part corresponding to each body part included in the to-be-imaged range (11) from a list representing the body parts (12) included in the human body.

4. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein: The body part corresponding to each of the plurality of body parts is indicated in the dose report (13) by an abbreviation (14), and The report creation unit (56) creates abbreviation information indicating a relationship between the abbreviation and the body part of the patient (40).

5. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein: The dose index includes CTDIvol (volume CTDI) and DLP (dose-length product).

6. The medical device according to claim 1, comprising: A display device (62) for displaying the to-be-imaged range (11) divided into the plurality of body parts.

7. The medical device according to claim 1, comprising: An input device (61) for inputting an operation signal corresponding to a user operation.

8. The medical device according to claim 7, wherein: In response to an operation signal input from the input device (61) according to the user's operation, the limiting unit (52) limits the to-be-imaged range (11) in the detection image (10).

9. The medical device according to claim 7, wherein: In response to input of an operation signal from the input device (61) according to an operation of the user, the segmentation unit (53) segments the to-be-imaged range (11) into the plurality of body parts.

10. The medical device according to claim 7, wherein: In response to an operation signal input from the input device (61) according to the user operation, the identification unit (54) identifies which of the body parts (12) included in the human body each of the plurality of body parts corresponds to.

11. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium provided in a medical device for acquiring an image (10) of a patient (40), wherein the medium stores one or more processor-executable instructions, and when executed by the processor, the instructions cause the execution of actions including: generating a scout image (10) of at least a portion of a patient (40); limiting a to-be-imaged range (11) in the detection image (10) on which a main scan is to be performed; Dividing the to-be-imaged range (11) into a plurality of body parts for which dose index management is desired; Identifying which of the body parts (12) included in the human body each of the plurality of body parts segmented within the to-be-imaged range corresponds to; Performing a main scan on the range to be imaged; calculating a dose index of each of the plurality of body parts in a main scan of the range to be imaged; as well as A dose report (13) is created including the dose index.

Images