Heart image scanning reconstruction method and medical imaging equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a heart image scanning reconstruction method and medical imaging equipment, and relates to the technical field of image reconstruction. According to the method, under the condition of centerless electric gating, scanning data obtained by scanning the heart of a scanned object is obtained, first images under multiple phases are reconstructed based on the scanning data, and a target phase is automatically determined from the multiple phases. And then automatically reconstructing to obtain a second image based on the scanning sub-data in the target phase in the scanning data. Since electrocardiogram gating is not needed in the process from scanning data acquisition to image reconstruction, an electrode slice does not need to be arranged on the chest of the scanned object and the electrode slice and an electrocardiogram monitor do not need to be connected before the scanned object is scanned, preparation work before scanning is reduced, and preparation time before scanning is effectively saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of image reconstruction technology, and in particular to a cardiac image scanning and reconstruction method and medical imaging equipment. Background Art

[0002] Currently, a computed tomography (CT) device can be used to scan and image the heart of a scanned object to obtain a reconstructed image of the heart to assist doctors in diagnosing and treating the scanned object.

[0003] In the related art, before scanning the heart of the scanned object, it is necessary to first set electrodes on the chest of the scanned object, and connect the electrodes to the ECG monitor through ECG wires so that the ECG monitor can collect the ECG signal of the scanned object. Then, the CT device can determine the expected phase of the heart based on the ECG signal collected by the ECG monitor, and build an image based on the scan data collected under the expected phase to obtain a reconstructed image of the heart. The expected phase is the phase near the end of the heart's contraction, or the phase near the end of the heart's diastole.

[0004] However, the preparation work before the heart scan in the related art takes a long time. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present application provides a cardiac image scanning and reconstruction method and medical imaging equipment, which can solve the problem that the preparation work before cardiac scanning in the related art takes a long time. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] In one aspect, a method for scanning and reconstructing a heart image is provided, the method comprising:

[0007] Acquiring scan data obtained by scanning the heart of the scanned object without ECG gating;

[0008] Acquire a target phase based on a first image of a plurality of phases reconstructed from the scan data, wherein each phase is represented by a time within a preset scan period of the scan data;

[0009] Based on the scan sub-data in the target phase in the scan data, a second image in the target phase is reconstructed.

[0010] Optionally, acquiring a target phase based on the first images of the plurality of phases reconstructed from the scan data includes:

[0011] Based on the first images in the plurality of phases reconstructed from the scan data, determining a recommended phase from the plurality of phases, wherein the degree of gentle movement of the heart in the recommended phase is greater than a degree threshold;

[0012] Based on the recommended phase, a target phase is obtained.

[0013] Optionally, determining a recommended phase from the plurality of phases based on the first images in the plurality of phases reconstructed from the scan data comprises:

[0014] Determining the position of the coronary arteries of the heart in each of the phases based on the first images in each of the phases;

[0015] For each phase, obtaining a position of the coronary artery in the phase and an offset compared to the position in a reference phase;

[0016] Based on the offsets under the multiple phases, a recommended phase is determined from the multiple phases.

[0017] Optionally, determining a recommended phase from the plurality of phases based on the first images in the plurality of phases reconstructed from the scan data comprises:

[0018] Determining the position of the myocardial tissue of the heart in each of the phases based on the first image in each of the phases;

[0019] For each phase, obtaining the position of the myocardial tissue in the phase and the offset compared with the position in the reference phase;

[0020] Based on the offsets under the multiple phases, a recommended phase is determined from the multiple phases.

[0021] Optionally, determining a recommended phase from the plurality of phases based on the first images in the plurality of phases reconstructed from the scan data comprises:

[0022] determining the volume of the heart in each of the phases based on the first image in each of the phases;

[0023] For each phase, obtaining a volume of the heart in the phase, compared with a change in the volume in a reference phase;

[0024] Based on the amount of change in the multiple phases, the recommended phase is determined from the multiple phases.

[0025] Optionally, the interval duration between any two adjacent phases includes a first duration, and the first duration is determined based on the heartbeat cycle of the scanned object.

[0026] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0027] Acquiring the heart rate of the scanned object;

[0028] determining a heartbeat cycle of the scanned subject based on the heart rate;

[0029] The first duration is determined based on the heart cycle, and the first duration is positively correlated with the heart cycle.

[0030] Optionally, obtaining a target phase based on the recommended phase includes:

[0031] reconstructing a third image at the recommended phase based on the scan sub-data at the recommended phase in the scan data;

[0032] displaying the third image;

[0033] If it is determined that the quality of the third image does not meet the quality requirement, acquiring a plurality of candidate phases based on the recommended phase;

[0034] determining a target phase from the plurality of candidate phases based on the fourth image in each of the candidate phases;

[0035] Among them, the recommended phase is the midpoint of the multiple alternative phases, any two adjacent alternative phases are separated by a second duration, and the earliest alternative phase and the recommended phase, as well as the latest alternative phase and the recommended phase are separated by a third duration, and the third duration is less than half of the duration of the preset scanning period.

[0036] Optionally, determining a target phase from the plurality of candidate phases based on the fourth image in each of the candidate phases includes:

[0037] displaying a plurality of said fourth images;

[0038] In response to a selection operation on a target fourth image among the plurality of fourth images, the candidate phase corresponding to the target fourth image is determined as a target phase.

[0039] Optionally, reconstructing a second image at the target phase based on the scan sub-data at the target phase in the scan data includes:

[0040] The scanned sub-data in the target phase are reconstructed by a motion-compensated reconstruction method to obtain a second image in the target phase.

[0041] In another aspect, a medical imaging device is provided, the medical imaging device comprising a processor; the processor is configured to:

[0042] Acquiring scan data obtained by scanning the heart of the scanned object without ECG gating;

[0043] Acquire a target phase based on a first image of a plurality of phases reconstructed from the scan data, wherein each phase is represented by a time within a preset scan period of the scan data;

[0044] Based on the scan sub-data in the target phase in the scan data, a second image in the target phase is reconstructed.

[0045] On the other hand, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method for image scanning and reconstruction of the heart as described in the above aspects is implemented.

[0046] On the other hand, a computer program product is provided, which includes a computer program or computer instructions, and when the computer program or the computer instructions are executed by a processor, the method for image scanning and reconstruction of the heart as described in the above aspects is implemented.

[0047] The beneficial effects of the method provided in this application include at least:

[0048] The present application provides a method for scanning and reconstructing a heart image and a medical imaging device. The method can obtain scanning data obtained by scanning the heart of a scanned object without ECG gating, and reconstruct a first image under multiple phases based on the scanning data, automatically determine a target phase from multiple phases, and then automatically reconstruct a second image based on the scanning sub-data under the target phase in the scanning data. Since ECG gating is not required in the process from obtaining scanning data to reconstructing images, it is also unnecessary to set electrodes on the chest of the scanned object and connect the electrodes to the ECG monitor before scanning the scanned object, thereby reducing the preparation work before scanning. On the one hand, it effectively saves the preparation time before scanning, and then gains precious time for the subsequent treatment of the scanned object; on the other hand, it makes the scanning imaging of the heart not only applicable to the scene where the ECG signal of the scanned object can be accurately collected, but also applicable to the scene where the ECG signal of the scanned object is relatively weak, the scanned object cannot be set with electrodes, and the electrodes cannot be set firmly, thereby effectively broadening the scope of application of heart scanning imaging.

[0049] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be given in part in the description below, and in part will become apparent from the description below, or will be learned through the practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a cardiac image scanning and reconstruction method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 2is a flow chart of another cardiac image scanning and reconstruction method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 3 This is a flow chart of a method for obtaining a target phase based on a recommended phase provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of a medical imaging device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Embodiments of the present application are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the present application, and should not be construed as limiting the present application.

[0055] The embodiment of the present application provides a method for scanning and reconstructing a heart image, which is applied to a medical imaging device. Optionally, the medical imaging device may be a CT device or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. Figure 1 , the method comprising:

[0056] Step 101 : Acquire scan data obtained by scanning the heart of a scan object without ECG gating.

[0057] Among them, no ECG gating means: the ECG signal of the scanned object is not required during the scanning process, that is, the scanning control does not rely on ECG gating. Accordingly, in the case of no ECG gating, there is no need to set electrodes for the scanned object, or connect ECG wires. Therefore, it can be used in special scenarios such as emergency rescue, where electrodes cannot be set, where electrodes cannot be set firmly, and where ECG signals are weak, and has a wide range of applications.

[0058] The actual scanning duration of the scan data is greater than or equal to a preset duration, and the preset duration is at least greater than half a heartbeat cycle of the scanned object's heart, or half of the RR interval. The preset duration may be preset before scanning. Optionally, the preset duration at least covers a time point or an adjacent time point at the end of diastole or end of systole.

[0059] Step 102: Obtain a target phase based on a first image of multiple phases reconstructed from the scan data.

[0060] Among them, each phase in the multiple phases can be characterized by the moment included in the preset scanning period of the scanning data, and the moment used to characterize any two phases is different. The duration of the preset scanning period is the preset duration mentioned above. The moment used to characterize the target phase can be the middle time point of the actual scanning sub-period of the scanning sub-data under the target phase. The duration of the actual scanning sub-period can be pre-stored by the medical imaging device and depends on the performance of the medical imaging device. For example, assuming that the medical imaging device is a CT device, the duration of the actual scanning sub-period can be the duration used by the CT device to scan the heart once using a tomography mode.

[0061] In the embodiment of the present application, the medical imaging device may obtain the target phase in multiple ways based on the first image of multiple phases reconstructed from the scan data. The embodiment of the present application takes the following two optional implementation methods as examples to exemplarily illustrate the process of the medical imaging device obtaining the target phase:

[0062] In a first optional implementation, the medical imaging device can reconstruct the first image at each phase of the heart based on the scan data. Then, the medical imaging device can determine a recommended phase from multiple phases based on the first images at multiple phases, and then obtain a target phase based on the recommended phase. The degree of smoothness of the heart movement at the recommended phase of the scanned object is greater than a degree threshold. That is, the recommended phase is a phase in which the heart movement is relatively smooth among multiple phases.

[0063] In a second optional implementation, after the medical imaging device obtains the first image in each phase of the heart based on the scan data, it can display the first image in each phase. The staff can then determine the quality (such as clarity) of each first image by viewing the first image. Then, the medical imaging device can respond to the staff's selection operation for the target first image among the multiple first images, and determine the phase corresponding to the target first image as the target phase. The target first image can be the preview image with the best quality selected by the staff. Multiple phases correspond one-to-one to multiple first images.

[0064] It can be understood that in the first optional implementation, the first image is a three-dimensional image of the heart. The data used to reconstruct the three-dimensional image can be the scan sub-data under the corresponding phase. In the second optional implementation, the first image is a preview image of the heart, and the preview image can be a three-dimensional image of the heart. Alternatively, the preview image can be a slice image of the heart. The data used to reconstruct the slice image can be part of the scan sub-data under the corresponding phase. In this way, the efficiency of the medical imaging device in displaying each preview image can be improved, and the amount of calculation of the medical imaging device can be reduced.

[0065] Step 103: reconstruct a second image at the target phase based on the scan sub-data at the target phase in the scan data.

[0066] After the medical imaging device acquires the target phase, it can reconstruct the scan sub-data under the target phase in the scan data, thereby obtaining a second image under the recommended phase, wherein the second image is a three-dimensional image of the heart.

[0067] In summary, the embodiment of the present application provides a method for scanning and reconstructing a cardiac image, which can obtain scanning data obtained by scanning the heart of a scanned object without ECG gating, and reconstruct a first image under multiple phases based on the scanning data, automatically determine a target phase from multiple phases, and then automatically reconstruct a second image based on the scanning sub-data under the target phase in the scanning data. Since ECG gating is not required in the process from obtaining scanning data to reconstructing images, it is also unnecessary to set electrodes on the chest of the scanned object and connect the electrodes to the ECG monitor before scanning the scanned object, thereby reducing the preparation work before scanning. On the one hand, it effectively saves the preparation time before scanning, and then gains precious time for the subsequent treatment of the scanned object; on the other hand, it makes the scanning imaging of the heart not only applicable to the scene where the ECG signal of the scanned object can be accurately collected, but also applicable to the scene where the ECG signal of the scanned object is relatively weak, the scanned object cannot be set with electrodes, and the electrodes cannot be set firmly, thereby effectively broadening the scope of application of cardiac scanning imaging.

[0068] This embodiment of the application takes the second optional implementation method described above as an example to exemplarily illustrate the method for scanning and reconstructing a heart image provided by the embodiment of the application. This method can be applied to medical imaging equipment. Figure 2 , the method may include:

[0069] Step 201 : Acquire scan data obtained by scanning the heart of a scanned object without ECG gating.

[0070] Among them, no ECG gating means: the ECG signal of the scanned object is not required during the scanning process, that is, the scanning control does not rely on ECG gating. The actual scanning time of the scan data is greater than or equal to the preset time, and the preset time is at least greater than half of the heart cycle of the heart. In this way, it can be ensured that the scan sub-data under each phase of the heart can be collected. Correspondingly, the first image under multiple phases obtained by reconstruction can cover the entire heartbeat cycle of the heart, so as to reflect the changes in the movement state of the heart with the change of the phase. For example, the preset time can be 750 milliseconds (ms).

[0071] Before scanning the scanned object, the staff needs to set the scan parameters without setting electrodes on the chest of the scanned object. The scan parameters include at least: a scan protocol and a preset duration. Accordingly, the medical imaging device can obtain the scan parameters for this scan in response to the staff's operation of setting the scan parameters. Afterwards, the medical imaging device can respond to the scan start instruction and scan the heart of the scanned object according to the set scan protocol until the preset duration is met to obtain the scan data.

[0072] The scan start instruction may be triggered by a staff member touching a scan button of the medical imaging device. The scan button may be a virtual button or a physical button.

[0073] It is understandable that if the scanning protocol is a calcification integration protocol, the medical imaging device can immediately scan the heart of the scanned object in response to the scan start instruction. If the scanning protocol is a coronary artery (abbreviated as coronary) CT angiography (computed tomography angiography, CTA) protocol, the medical imaging device can track the concentration of the contrast agent in the heart and start scanning the heart after the concentration reaches the concentration threshold for a time greater than the first delay time. Alternatively, the medical imaging device can scan the heart of the scanned object after the acquisition time of the scan start instruction is greater than the second delay time. The second delay time and the first delay time can both be pre-stored by the medical imaging device, and the second delay time is greater than the first delay time.

[0074] It can be seen that the method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to scanning scenarios where the ECG signal of the scanned object is not required during the scanning process, that is, scanning scenarios that do not rely on ECG gating for scanning control. In addition, since there is no need to set electrodes for the scanned object and connect ECG wires, it can be applied to special scenarios such as emergency rescue, where electrodes cannot be set, where electrodes cannot be set firmly, and where ECG signals are weak, and the scope of application is wide. In addition, since there is no need to wait until the heart reaches the expected scanning phase (i.e., the phase near the end of diastole or the phase near the end of systole) before scanning, the scanning speed is faster.

[0075] Step 202: reconstruct a first image of the heart in each of a plurality of phases based on the scan data of the heart of the scanned object.

[0076] In the embodiment of the present application, each phase in the plurality of phases is represented by a time period included in a preset scanning period of the scanned object. For each phase, the medical imaging device can obtain scanning sub-data of the phase from the scanning data, and then reconstruct an image based on the scanning sub-data to obtain a first image of the phase.

[0077] Wherein, each first image is a three-dimensional image. The moment used to characterize each phase can be the middle time point of the actual scanning sub-period of the scanning sub-data under the phase. The actual scanning sub-periods of the scanning sub-data under multiple phases are continuous in time. And the duration of the actual scanning sub-periods of the scanning sub-data under any two phases is equal. The duration can be pre-stored by the medical imaging device and depends on the performance of the medical imaging device.

[0078] It is understandable that, since the method provided in the embodiment of the present application is applied to a scanning scenario without ECG gating, it is impossible to obtain the ECG signal, and then it is impossible to characterize the phase of image reconstruction by the delay time relative to the R peak of the ECG signal, that is, it is impossible to obtain the correspondence between the heartbeat cycle of the heart during scanning and the scan data. Therefore, the moment within the preset scanning period is used to characterize the phase of the heart. That is, the difference between each phase in the embodiment of the present application and the starting moment of the preset scanning period is within [0, TotalScanTime]. The TotalScanTime is a preset duration.

[0079] Since multiple first images can reflect the changes in the movement state of the heart as the phases change, in the absence of an ECG signal, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application can reconstruct the first image of the heart in each phase based on the scanning data of the heart of the scanned object, so as to determine the recommended phase in which the heart movement is relatively smooth based on the first images in multiple phases.

[0080] Optionally, in the order of time from early to late, the interval between any two adjacent phases includes the first duration. Among the multiple phases, the interval between a pair of adjacent phases may be greater than the interval between another pair of adjacent phases. That is, the intervals between multiple adjacent periods may be different.

[0081] Alternatively, any two adjacent phases are separated by the first time length, that is, the intervals between any two adjacent phases are equal. For example, the earliest phase may be the start time of a preset scanning period, and the next phase may be separated from the start time by the first time length.

[0082] The first duration may be an empirical value determined by a doctor, for example, the first duration may be 50 ms or 30 ms. Using an empirical value as the first duration may be applicable to a scenario where the heart rate of the scanned object cannot be obtained.

[0083] Alternatively, the first duration can be determined based on the heart cycle of the scanned object. In this way, it can be ensured that the multiple first images can more accurately reflect the changes in the movement state of the heart as the phase changes, thereby ensuring that the accuracy of the recommended phase determined by the medical imaging device is high. In addition, since the first duration is determined based on the heart cycle of the scanned object, the total number of multiple phases can be effectively reduced while ensuring that the accuracy of the determined recommended phase is high, thereby improving the efficiency of determining the recommended phase.

[0084] It should be understood that the interval length between any two adjacent phases refers to: the interval length between the moments used to characterize any two adjacent phases.

[0085] In an embodiment of the present application, the medical imaging device can obtain the heart rate of the scanned object and determine the heartbeat cycle of the scanned object based on the heart rate. Then, the medical imaging device can determine a first duration based on the heartbeat cycle. The first duration is positively correlated with the heartbeat cycle. For example, the medical imaging device can divide the heartbeat cycle into N sub-cycles and determine the length of each sub-cycle as the first duration. Wherein, N is an integer greater than 1, and N is an empirical value. For example, N can be 20.

[0086] It is understandable that the heart rate may be an empirical value determined by a doctor. Alternatively, the medical imaging device may establish a communication connection with a heart rate acquisition device. The heart rate acquisition device may acquire the heart rate of the scanned object and send the acquired heart rate to the medical imaging device. Optionally, the heart rate acquisition device may be a finger pulse clamp or an electrocardiograph, etc.

[0087] It should be understood that, since the medical imaging device needs to reconstruct the first image in each phase, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application places high demands on the image reconstruction capability and post-processing function of the medical imaging device.

[0088] Step 203: Determine a recommended phase from the multiple phases based on the first images in the multiple phases.

[0089] The degree of smoothness of the heart movement of the scanned object in the recommended phase is greater than the degree threshold. That is, the recommended phase is a phase in which the heart movement is relatively smooth among the multiple phases. In this way, it can be ensured that the second image obtained by subsequent reconstruction has fewer motion artifacts and higher image quality.

[0090] In the embodiment of the present application, the volume of the heart changes during the beating process. Moreover, in a relatively gentle phase, the change in the volume of the heart is small. Therefore, in an optional implementation, the process of the medical imaging device determining the recommended phase from multiple phases based on the first image in multiple phases may include:

[0091] Step A1: determining the volume of the heart of the scanned object in each phase based on the first image in each phase.

[0092] For each first image, the medical imaging device can identify the area where the heart is located from the first image, and then determine the position of the area in the first image, and the volume of the heart of the scanned object in the phase corresponding to the first image, thereby obtaining the volume of the heart in each phase.

[0093] Step A2: For each phase, obtain the change in the volume of the heart in this phase compared with the volume in a reference phase.

[0094] Among them, the change amount can be the absolute value of the difference between the volume in the phase and the volume in the reference phase. The reference phase can be variable, for example, the reference phase is the previous phase of each phase. That is, the medical imaging device can obtain the change in the volume of the heart in each phase compared to the volume in the previous phase. Alternatively, the reference phase can be fixed, for example, the reference phase can be any phase among multiple phases, such as the first phase among multiple phases.

[0095] It is understandable that the medical imaging device can simultaneously determine the volume of the heart in each phase, compared to the change in volume in the reference phase. Alternatively, the medical imaging device can traverse multiple phases, and for each traversed phase, the medical imaging device can obtain the volume of the heart in the phase, compared to the change in volume in the reference phase.

[0096] Step A3: Based on the amount of change under multiple phases, determine the recommended phase from multiple phases.

[0097] The change amount in each phase refers to the change amount of the volume of the heart in this phase compared with the volume in the reference phase.

[0098] In an embodiment of the present application, for a scenario where the reference phase is the previous phase of each phase, the medical imaging device can determine the recommended phase based on the two phases to which the smallest change amount belongs. Specifically, after the medical imaging device obtains the change amounts of multiple volumes, it can compare the sizes of the multiple change amounts to determine the smallest change amount from the multiple change amounts. Then, the medical imaging device can determine the two adjacent phases to which the smallest change amount belongs, and determine the recommended phase based on the two phases.

[0099] For example, the medical imaging device can directly determine the mean of the two phases as the recommended phase. That is, the moment used to characterize the recommended phase is the mean of the moments used to characterize the two phases. Alternatively, the medical imaging device can determine the recommended phase as the product of the mean and the first coefficient. The first coefficient can be pre-stored by the medical imaging device, for example, it can be 0.99.

[0100] For the scenario where the reference phase is any phase among multiple phases, the medical imaging device can determine the difference in the amount of change between each two adjacent phases, and determine the recommended phase based on the two phases to which the smallest difference belongs. Among them, the implementation process of the medical imaging device determining the recommended phase based on the two phases to which the smallest difference belongs can refer to the relevant implementation process of determining the recommended phase based on the two adjacent phases to which the smallest amount of change belongs, and the embodiments of the present application will not be repeated here.

[0101] The heart includes coronary arteries and myocardial tissue. When the volume of the heart changes, the position of the contour of the myocardial tissue and the position of the coronary arteries will change. Therefore, in another optional implementation, if the scanning protocol used to scan the heart is a coronary CTA protocol, the process of the medical imaging device determining the recommended phase from multiple phases may include:

[0102] Step B1: Based on each first image, determine the position of the coronary artery of the heart in each phase.

[0103] The position of the coronary artery may refer to the coordinates of the coronary artery in a target coordinate system, such as the coordinates of the contour of the coronary artery in the target coordinate system. The target coordinate system may be an anatomical coordinate system of the scanned object, or may be a local coordinate system of the heart region.

[0104] In the embodiment of the present application, for each first image, the medical imaging device can identify the position of the coronary artery sub-image in the first image from the first image. Then, the medical imaging device can obtain the position of the coronary artery in the phase corresponding to the first image based on the conversion relationship between the image coordinate system where the first image is located and the target coordinate system.

[0105] Step B2: For each phase, obtain the position of the coronary artery in the phase and the offset compared with the position in the reference phase.

[0106] The offset may be the absolute value of the difference between the position of the coronary artery in this phase and the position of the coronary artery in the previous phase.

[0107] In an embodiment of the present application, the medical imaging device can determine the position of the coronary artery in each phase, compared with the offset of the position in the reference phase, in the following manner:

[0108] For each phase, first, the medical imaging device obtains the intersection of the first image in the phase and the first image in the reference phase to obtain an intersection image. Then, the medical imaging device can perform coronary artery identification on the overlapping area of ​​the first image in the phase that overlaps with the intersection image, thereby obtaining the first position of the coronary artery contour; and perform coronary artery identification on the overlapping area of ​​the first image in the reference phase that overlaps with the intersection image, thereby obtaining the second position of the coronary artery contour. Afterwards, the medical imaging device can make a difference between the first position and the second position, and determine the absolute value of the difference as the offset of the coronary artery from the reference phase to the position of the phase.

[0109] It is understandable that the medical imaging device can simultaneously determine the position of the coronary artery in each phase, and the offset compared to the position in the reference phase. Alternatively, the medical imaging device can traverse multiple phases, and for each traversed phase, the medical imaging device can obtain the position of the coronary artery in the phase, and the offset compared to the position in the reference phase.

[0110] Step B3: Based on the offsets under multiple phases, determine the recommended phase from multiple phases.

[0111] The offset in each phase refers to the offset of the position of the coronary artery in the phase compared with the position in the reference phase.

[0112] In an embodiment of the present application, for a scenario where the reference phase is the previous phase of each phase, the medical imaging device can determine the recommended phase based on the two adjacent phases to which the smallest offset belongs. Specifically, after the medical imaging device obtains the offsets of the positions of multiple coronary arteries, it can compare the sizes of the multiple offsets to determine the smallest offset from the multiple offsets. Then, the medical imaging device can determine the two phases to which the smallest offset belongs, and determine the recommended phase based on the two phases.

[0113] For example, the medical imaging device may directly determine the mean of the two phases as the recommended phase. Alternatively, the medical imaging device may determine the product of the mean and the second coefficient as the recommended phase. The second coefficient may be pre-stored by the medical imaging device and may be equal to the first coefficient, such as 0.99.

[0114] For the scenario where the reference phase is any phase among multiple phases, the medical imaging device can determine the difference in offset between each two adjacent phases, and determine the recommended phase based on the two phases to which the smallest difference belongs. The implementation process of the medical imaging device determining the recommended phase based on the two phases to which the smallest difference belongs can refer to the relevant implementation process of determining the recommended phase based on the two adjacent phases to which the smallest offset belongs, and the embodiments of the present application will not be repeated here.

[0115] In the embodiment of the present application, if the scanning protocol used for scanning the heart is a calcium integration scanning protocol, the process of the medical imaging device determining the recommended phase from multiple phases may include:

[0116] Step C1: determining the position of the myocardial tissue in each phase based on each first image.

[0117] The position of the myocardial tissue may be the coordinates of the myocardial tissue in the target coordinate system, such as the coordinates of the contour of the myocardial tissue in the target coordinate system.

[0118] Step C2: For each phase, obtain the position of the myocardial tissue in the phase and the offset compared with the position in the reference phase.

[0119] Step C3: Based on the offsets under multiple phases, determine the recommended phase from multiple phases.

[0120] It can be understood that the implementation process of step C2 and step C3 can refer to the relevant implementation process of steps B2 and B3, and the embodiments of the present application will not be repeated here.

[0121] Optionally, the medical imaging device can obtain at least one recommended phase from multiple phases, such as two recommended phases. One of the two recommended phases can be a phase near the end of diastole of the heart, and the other recommended phase can be a phase at the end of systole of the heart. For example, taking the method of determining the recommended phase based on the volume of the heart as an example, the medical imaging device can determine a recommended phase when the volume gradually increases, and determine a recommended phase when the volume gradually decreases.

[0122] Step 204: Based on the recommended phase, obtain the target phase.

[0123] In the examples of this application, see Figure 3 , the process of obtaining the target phase based on the recommended phase by the medical imaging device may include:

[0124] Step 2041: reconstruct a third image at the recommended phase based on the scan sub-data at the recommended phase in the scan data.

[0125] The medical imaging device can obtain the scan sub-data collected in the sub-period with the moment used to represent the recommended phase as the middle time point and the duration of the scan sub-data under each phase stored in advance from the scan data, and use the scan sub-data as the scan sub-data under the recommended phase. Then, the medical imaging device can reconstruct the scan sub-data under the recommended phase to obtain the third image under the recommended phase.

[0126] It can be understood that, compared with the reconstruction process of the first image, the reconstruction process of the second image and the third image may include: data preprocessing, data noise reduction, image correction and image post-processing, etc. It can be seen that, compared with the reconstruction process of the first image, the reconstruction process of the second image and the third image is more comprehensive, and the quality of the generated images is higher.

[0127] Optionally, the medical imaging device may directly reconstruct the scan sub-data under the recommended phase to obtain a third image under the recommended phase.

[0128] Alternatively, the medical imaging device may reconstruct the scan sub-data at the recommended phase by a motion-compensated reconstruction method to obtain a third image at the recommended phase, thereby eliminating motion artifacts in the third image and ensuring a high quality of the third image.

[0129] Step 2042: Display the third image.

[0130] After the medical imaging device obtains the third image, it can display the third image for the staff to view.

[0131] Step 2043: Determine whether the third image meets the quality requirement.

[0132] In an embodiment of the present application, the staff can view the third image to determine whether the third image meets the quality requirements. The medical imaging device displays a preview image control. If the staff determines that the third image does not meet the quality requirements, the preview image control can be touched, otherwise the preview image control will not be touched. Correspondingly, if the medical imaging device does not receive a touch operation for the preview image control, it can be determined that the quality of the third image meets the quality requirements, and then step 2044 can be executed. If the medical imaging device receives a touch operation for the preview image control, it can be determined that the quality of the third image does not meet the quality requirements, and then step 2045 can be executed.

[0133] Step 2044: determine the recommended phase as the target phase, and determine the third image as the second image.

[0134] If the medical imaging device determines that the third image meets the quality requirements, the recommended phase may be determined as the target phase, and the third image may be determined as the second image.

[0135] Step 2045: Based on the recommended phase, obtain multiple alternative phases.

[0136] In an embodiment of the present application, if the medical imaging device determines that the quality of the third image does not meet the quality requirements, it can be determined that the quality of the third image does not meet the quality requirements, and then multiple alternative phases can be obtained based on the recommended phase.

[0137] Among them, the moment used to characterize each alternative phase is within the preset scanning period. The recommended phase is the middle point of multiple alternative phases, and any two adjacent alternative phases are separated by a second duration. The second duration is less than or equal to the first duration. In addition, the earliest alternative phase and the recommended phase, as well as the latest alternative phase and the recommended phase are separated by a third duration. The third duration can be obtained by the medical imaging device in response to the input operation of the staff, and the third duration is less than half of the duration of the preset scanning period. For example, the third duration can be 150ms.

[0138] That is to say, when the third image is not ideal, the medical imaging device can take the recommended phase as the midpoint, expand the third duration to both sides, obtain a smaller phase range, and determine the target phase within the phase range. Accordingly, the multiple candidate phases may include: n first candidate phases and n second candidate phases, where n is an integer greater than 1. Each first candidate phase is earlier than the recommended phase, and each second candidate phase is later than the recommended phase.

[0139] Optionally, the second duration may be shorter than the first duration. In this way, a target phase with a smoother cardiac motion can be determined from a plurality of candidate phases within a phase range near the recommended phase.

[0140] It should be understood that any two adjacent candidate phases are separated by a second time period, which means that the time intervals used to characterize any two adjacent candidate phases are separated by a second time period.

[0141] Step 2046: Determine a target phase from among multiple candidate phases based on the fourth image in each candidate phase.

[0142] In the embodiment of the present application, the medical imaging device may acquire the fourth image in each candidate phase based on the scan data. Then, the medical imaging device may determine the target phase from the plurality of candidate phases based on the fourth image in each candidate phase.

[0143] In an optional implementation, the medical imaging device may display a plurality of fourth images for the staff to determine a target fourth image whose quality is higher than a quality threshold, i.e., a higher quality. Then, the medical imaging device may, in response to a selection operation for a target fourth image from the plurality of fourth images, determine the candidate phase corresponding to the target fourth image as the target phase.

[0144] In another optional implementation, if the second duration is shorter than the first duration, the medical imaging device may refer to the above-mentioned method of determining the recommended phase from multiple phases, and automatically determine the target phase from multiple alternative phases.

[0145] It is understandable that the fourth image in each candidate phase may be a three-dimensional image of the heart, or a slice image of the heart. The process of obtaining the fourth image by the medical imaging device may refer to the relevant implementation process of obtaining the preview image described above, and the present embodiment of the application will not be repeated here.

[0146] Step 205: reconstruct a second image at the target phase based on the scan sub-data at the target phase in the scan data.

[0147] In the embodiment of the present application, if the medical imaging device uses the recommended phase as the target phase, the third image under the recommended phase can be directly determined as the second image without executing step 205. If the medical imaging device determines the target phase from multiple candidate phases, step 205 can be executed after determining the target phase.

[0148] Optionally, the medical imaging device may directly reconstruct the scan sub-data at the target phase to obtain a second image at the target phase.

[0149] Alternatively, the medical imaging device can reconstruct the scanned sub-data at the target phase by a motion-compensated reconstruction method to obtain a second image at the target phase, thereby eliminating motion artifacts in the second image and preventing the motion artifacts from affecting the diagnostic value of the second image.

[0150] It should be understood that the medical imaging device has a motion compensation function. When setting scanning parameters, the staff can select the motion compensation function option displayed by the medical imaging device. Accordingly, in response to the selection operation of the motion compensation function option, the medical imaging device can enable the motion compensation function during the image reconstruction based on the scan sub-data in the target phase to obtain a second image after motion compensation processing.

[0151] It is understandable that the order of the steps of the cardiac image scanning and reconstruction method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be appropriately adjusted, and the steps can be increased or decreased accordingly according to the situation. For example, step 202 and step 203 can be deleted according to the situation. Any technician familiar with the technical field can easily think of a change within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and it should be included in the protection scope of this application, so it will not be repeated.

[0152] In summary, the embodiment of the present application provides a method for scanning and reconstructing a cardiac image, which can obtain scanning data obtained by scanning the heart of a scanned object without ECG gating, and reconstruct a first image under multiple phases based on the scanning data, automatically determine a target phase from multiple phases, and then automatically reconstruct a second image based on the scanning sub-data under the target phase in the scanning data. Since ECG gating is not required in the process from obtaining scanning data to reconstructing images, it is also unnecessary to set electrodes on the chest of the scanned object and connect the electrodes to the ECG monitor before scanning the scanned object, thereby reducing the preparation work before scanning. On the one hand, it effectively saves the preparation time before scanning, and then gains precious time for the subsequent treatment of the scanned object; on the other hand, it makes the scanning imaging of the heart not only applicable to the scene where the ECG signal of the scanned object can be accurately collected, but also applicable to the scene where the ECG signal of the scanned object is relatively weak, the scanned object cannot be set with electrodes, and the electrodes cannot be set firmly, thereby effectively broadening the scope of application of cardiac scanning imaging.

[0153] The present application also provides a medical imaging device. Figure 4 The medical imaging device 300 includes a processor 301. The processor 301 can be used to:

[0154] Acquiring scan data obtained by scanning the heart of the scanned object without ECG gating;

[0155] Acquire a target phase based on a first image of a plurality of phases reconstructed from the scan data, wherein each phase is represented by a time within a preset scan period of the scan data;

[0156] A second image at the target phase is reconstructed based on the scan sub-data at the target phase in the scan data.

[0157] Optionally, the processor 301 may be configured to:

[0158] Determine a recommended phase from the plurality of phases based on a first image in a plurality of phases reconstructed from the scan data, wherein a degree of smooth movement of the heart in the recommended phase is greater than a degree threshold;

[0159] Based on the recommended phase, obtain the target phase.

[0160] Optionally, the processor 301 may be configured to:

[0161] Determine the position of the coronary arteries of the heart in each phase based on the first image in each phase;

[0162] For each phase, obtaining the position of the coronary artery in the phase and the offset compared with the position in the reference phase;

[0163] Based on the offsets under multiple phases, a recommended phase is determined from the multiple phases.

[0164] Optionally, the processor 301 may be configured to:

[0165] Determine the position of the myocardial tissue of the heart in each phase based on the first image in each phase;

[0166] For each phase, obtaining the position of the myocardial tissue in the phase and the offset compared with the position in the reference phase;

[0167] Based on the offsets under multiple phases, a recommended phase is determined from the multiple phases.

[0168] Optionally, the processor 301 may be configured to:

[0169] determining the volume of the heart in each phase based on the first image in each phase;

[0170] For each phase, obtaining the volume of the heart in that phase and the change in volume compared with that in a reference phase;

[0171] Based on the amount of change under multiple phases, a recommended phase is determined from the multiple phases.

[0172] Optionally, the interval duration between any two adjacent phases includes a first duration, and the first duration is determined based on a heartbeat cycle of the scanned object.

[0173] Optionally, the processor 301 may also be used for:

[0174] Obtain the scanned subject's heart rate;

[0175] determining a heartbeat cycle of the scanned subject based on the heart rate;

[0176] The first duration is determined based on the heartbeat cycle, and the first duration is positively correlated with the heartbeat cycle.

[0177] Optionally, the processor 301 may be configured to:

[0178] reconstructing a third image at the recommended phase based on the scan sub-data at the recommended phase in the scan data;

[0179] displaying a third image;

[0180] If it is determined that the quality of the third image does not meet the quality requirement, obtaining a plurality of candidate phases based on the recommended phase;

[0181] determining a target phase from a plurality of candidate phases based on the fourth image in each candidate phase;

[0182] Among them, the recommended phase is the midpoint of multiple alternative phases, any two adjacent alternative phases are separated by a second time length, and the earliest alternative phase and the recommended phase, as well as the latest alternative phase and the recommended phase are separated by a third time length, and the third time length is less than half of the length of the preset scanning period.

[0183] Optionally, the processor 301 may be configured to:

[0184] displaying a plurality of fourth images;

[0185] In response to a selection operation on a target fourth image among the plurality of fourth images, the candidate phase corresponding to the target fourth image is determined as the target phase.

[0186] Optionally, the processor 301 may be configured to:

[0187] The scanned sub-data at the target phase are reconstructed by a motion-compensated reconstruction method to obtain a second image at the target phase.

[0188] In summary, the embodiment of the present application provides a medical imaging device, which can obtain scan data obtained by scanning the heart of the scanned object without ECG gating, and reconstruct a first image under multiple phases based on the scan data, automatically determine the target phase from the multiple phases, and then automatically reconstruct the second image based on the scan sub-data under the target phase in the scan data. Since ECG gating is not required in the process from obtaining the scan data to reconstructing the image, it is also unnecessary to set electrodes on the chest of the scanned object and connect the electrodes to the ECG monitor before scanning the scanned object, thereby reducing the preparation work before scanning. On the one hand, it effectively saves the preparation time before scanning, and then gains precious time for the subsequent treatment of the scanned object; on the other hand, it makes the scanning imaging of the heart not only applicable to the scene where the ECG signal of the scanned object can be accurately collected, but also applicable to the scene where the ECG signal of the scanned object is relatively weak, the scanned object cannot be set with electrodes, and the electrodes cannot be set firmly, thereby effectively broadening the scope of application of heart scanning imaging.

[0189] Please continue to see Figure 4 , the medical imaging device 300 includes: a processor 301 and a memory 303. The processor 301 and the memory 303 are connected, such as through a bus 302. Optionally, the controller 300 may also include a transceiver 304. It should be noted that in actual applications, the transceiver 304 is not limited to one, and the structure of the controller 300 does not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0190] Processor 301 may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a general purpose processor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components or any combination thereof. It may implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. Processor 301 may also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, etc.

[0191] The bus 302 may include a path to transmit information between the above components. The bus 302 may be a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus or an EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture) bus. The bus 302 may be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 4 Only one thick line is used in the diagram, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0192] The memory 303 is used to store a computer program corresponding to the cardiac image scanning and reconstruction method of the above embodiment of the present application, and the computer program is controlled and executed by the processor 301. The processor 301 is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory 303 to implement the contents shown in the above method embodiment.

[0193] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method for image scanning and reconstruction of the heart provided in the above method embodiment is implemented.

[0194] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or computer instructions. When the computer program or computer instructions are executed by a processor, the method for image scanning and reconstruction of the heart provided in the above method embodiment is implemented.

[0195] It should be noted that the logic and / or steps represented in the flowchart or otherwise described herein, for example, can be considered as a sequenced list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, and can be specifically implemented in any computer-readable medium for use by an instruction execution system, device or apparatus (such as a computer-based system, a system including a processor, or other system that can fetch instructions from an instruction execution system, device or apparatus and execute instructions), or in combination with these instruction execution systems, devices or apparatuses. For the purpose of this specification, "computer-readable medium" can be any device that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transmit a program for use by an instruction execution system, device or apparatus, or in combination with these instruction execution systems, devices or apparatuses. More specific examples of computer-readable media (a non-exhaustive list) include the following: an electrical connection portion with one or more wirings (electronic device), a portable computer disk box (magnetic device), a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable and programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber device, and a portable compact disk read-only memory (CDROM). In addition, the computer-readable medium may even be paper or other suitable medium on which the program is printed, since the program may be obtained electronically, for example, by optically scanning the paper or other medium and then editing, interpreting or processing in other suitable ways if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0196] It should be understood that the various parts of the present application can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware or a combination thereof. In the above-mentioned embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented by software or firmware stored in a memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented by hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented by any one of the following technologies known in the art or their combination: a discrete logic circuit having a logic gate circuit for implementing a logic function for a data signal, a dedicated integrated circuit having a suitable combination of logic gate circuits, a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

[0197] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0198] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0199] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0200] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and cannot be understood as limitations on the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can change, modify, replace and modify the above embodiments within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A cardiac image scanning and reconstruction method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Acquiring scan data obtained by scanning the heart of the scanned object without ECG gating; Acquire a target phase based on a first image of a plurality of phases reconstructed from the scan data, wherein each phase is represented by a time within a preset scan period of the scan data; Based on the scan sub-data in the target phase in the scan data, a second image in the target phase is reconstructed.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Acquiring a target phase based on a first image of a plurality of phases reconstructed from the scan data, comprising: Based on the first images in the plurality of phases reconstructed from the scan data, determining a recommended phase from the plurality of phases, wherein the degree of smooth movement of the heart in the recommended phase is greater than a degree threshold; Based on the recommended phase, a target phase is obtained.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that Determining a recommended phase from the plurality of phases based on a first image in a plurality of phases reconstructed from the scan data includes: Determining the position of the coronary arteries of the heart in each of the phases based on the first images in each of the phases; For each phase, obtaining a position of the coronary artery in the phase and an offset compared to the position in a reference phase; Based on the offsets under the multiple phases, a recommended phase is determined from the multiple phases.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: Determining a recommended phase from the plurality of phases based on a first image in a plurality of phases reconstructed from the scan data includes: Determining the position of the myocardial tissue of the heart in each of the phases based on the first image in each of the phases; For each phase, obtaining the position of the myocardial tissue in the phase and the offset compared with the position in the reference phase; Based on the offsets under the multiple phases, a recommended phase is determined from the multiple phases.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: Determining a recommended phase from the plurality of phases based on a first image in a plurality of phases reconstructed from the scan data includes: determining the volume of the heart in each of the phases based on the first image in each of the phases; For each phase, obtaining a volume of the heart in the phase, compared with a change in the volume in a reference phase; Based on the amount of change in the multiple phases, the recommended phase is determined from the multiple phases.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The interval duration between any two adjacent phases includes a first duration, and the first duration is determined based on the heartbeat cycle of the scanned object.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The method further comprises: Acquiring the heart rate of the scanned object; determining a heartbeat cycle of the scanned subject based on the heart rate; The first duration is determined based on the heart cycle, and the first duration is positively correlated with the heart cycle.

8. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: Based on the recommended phase, obtaining a target phase includes: reconstructing a third image at the recommended phase based on the scan sub-data at the recommended phase in the scan data; displaying the third image; If it is determined that the quality of the third image does not meet the quality requirement, acquiring a plurality of candidate phases based on the recommended phase; determining a target phase from the plurality of candidate phases based on the fourth image in each of the candidate phases; Among them, the recommended phase is the midpoint of the multiple alternative phases, any two adjacent alternative phases are separated by a second time length, and the earliest alternative phase and the recommended phase, as well as the latest alternative phase and the recommended phase are separated by a third time length, and the third time length is less than half of the length of the preset scanning period.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that Determining a target phase from the plurality of candidate phases based on the fourth image in each of the candidate phases comprises: displaying a plurality of said fourth images; In response to a selection operation on a target fourth image among the plurality of fourth images, the candidate phase corresponding to the target fourth image is determined as a target phase.

10. A medical imaging device, characterized in that: The medical imaging device comprises a processor; the processor is used for: Acquiring scan data obtained by scanning the heart of the scanned object without ECG gating; Acquire a target phase based on a first image of a plurality of phases reconstructed from the scan data, wherein each phase is represented by a time within a preset scan period of the scan data; Based on the scan sub-data in the target phase in the scan data, a second image in the target phase is reconstructed.

11. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is implemented.

12. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises a computer program or a computer instruction, and when the computer program or the computer instruction is executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is implemented.

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