Image scanning reconstruction method of heart and medical image device

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of image scanning reconstruction method of heart and medical image equipment, it is related to image reconstruction technical field.The method can the method can obtain the scanning data obtained by scanning the heart of scanning object, and based on the first image of a plurality of phase under the scanning data reconstruction obtained, automatically determine target phase from a plurality of phase, and then automatically based on the scanning sub data of the target phase under scanning data, reconstruct to obtain second image.Due to the process of obtaining scanning data to reconstruct image without electrocardiogram control, therefore, it is not necessary to set electrode sheet on the chest of scanning object before scanning the scanning object, and connect electrode sheet and electrocardiograph, so as to reduce the preparation work before scanning, effectively save the preparation time before scanning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of image reconstruction technology, and in particular to a method for image scanning and reconstruction of the heart and a medical imaging device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, computed tomography (CT) equipment can be used to scan and reconstruct the heart of a patient, obtaining a reconstructed image of the heart to assist doctors in diagnosing and treating the patient.

[0003] In related technologies, before scanning the heart, electrodes are placed on the chest of the subject, and these electrodes are connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor via ECG leads to acquire the subject's ECG signals. Then, the CT scanner can determine the expected phase of the heart based on the ECG signals acquired by the monitor and perform imaging based on the scan data acquired under the expected phase to obtain a reconstructed image of the heart. The expected phase is either near the end of systole or near the end of diastole.

[0004] However, the preparation work before cardiac scanning in related technologies is time-consuming. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a method for cardiac image scanning and reconstruction, as well as a medical imaging device. This method can solve the problem of the long preparation time required before cardiac scanning in related technologies. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] On the one hand, a method for image scanning and reconstruction of the heart is provided, the method comprising:

[0007] Acquire scan data of the heart of the subject without ECG gating;

[0008] Based on the first image of multiple phases reconstructed from the scan data, the target phase is obtained, wherein each phase is represented by a time within a preset scanning period of the scan data.

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

[0010] Optionally, based on the first image of multiple phases reconstructed from the scan data, the target phase is obtained, including:

[0011] Based on the first image of multiple phases reconstructed from the scan data, a recommended phase is determined from the multiple phases, and the smoothness of the heart's movement in the recommended phase is greater than a degree threshold;

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

[0013] Optionally, based on the first image under multiple phases reconstructed from the scan data, determining the recommended phase from the multiple phases includes:

[0014] Based on the first image under each of the aforementioned phases, the location of the coronary arteries of the heart under each of the aforementioned phases is determined;

[0015] For each phase, the position of the coronary artery in that phase is obtained, and the offset of its position in the reference phase is calculated.

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

[0017] Optionally, based on the first image under multiple phases reconstructed from the scan data, determining the recommended phase from the multiple phases includes:

[0018] Based on the first image under each of the aforementioned phases, the location of the myocardial tissue of the heart under each of the aforementioned phases is determined;

[0019] For each phase, the position of the myocardial tissue in that phase is obtained, relative to its position in a reference phase;

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

[0021] Optionally, based on the first image under multiple phases reconstructed from the scan data, determining the recommended phase from the multiple phases includes:

[0022] Based on the first image under each of the said phases, the volume of the heart under each of the said phases is determined;

[0023] For each phase, the volume of the heart in that phase is obtained, compared to the change in volume in a reference phase;

[0024] Based on the changes under the multiple phases, the recommended phase is determined from the multiple phases.

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

[0026] Optionally, the method further includes:

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

[0028] The heart rate is used to determine the heartbeat cycle of the scanned object;

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

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

[0031] Based on the scan sub-data of the recommended phase in the scan data, a third image of the recommended phase is reconstructed.

[0032] Display the third image;

[0033] If it is determined that the quality of the third image does not meet the quality requirements, then multiple alternative phases are obtained based on the recommended phase.

[0034] Based on the fourth image under each of the candidate phases, the target phase is determined from the plurality of candidate phases;

[0035] The recommended period is the midpoint of the plurality of candidate periods. Any two adjacent candidate periods are spaced apart by a second duration. The earliest candidate period is spaced apart from the recommended period, and the latest candidate period is spaced apart from the recommended period by a third duration. The third duration is less than half the duration of the preset scanning period.

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

[0037] Display multiple of the fourth images;

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

[0039] Optionally, based on the scan sub-data of the target phase in the scan data, a second image of the target phase is reconstructed, including:

[0040] The scanned sub-data under the target phase is reconstructed using a motion-compensated reconstruction method to obtain a second image under the target phase.

[0041] On the other hand, a medical imaging device is provided, the medical imaging device including a processor; the processor is used for:

[0042] Acquire scan data of the heart of the subject without ECG gating;

[0043] Based on the first image of multiple phases reconstructed from the scan data, the target phase is obtained, wherein each phase is represented by a time within a preset scanning period of the scan data.

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

[0045] In another aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the cardiac image scanning and reconstruction method as described above.

[0046] In another aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising a computer program or computer instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the cardiac image scanning reconstruction method as described above.

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

[0048] This application provides a method for cardiac image scanning and reconstruction, as well as a medical imaging device. This method can acquire scan data from a heart scan without ECG gating, and reconstruct a first image with multiple phases based on this scan data. It then automatically determines a target phase from these phases and automatically reconstructs a second image based on the scan sub-data of that target phase in the scan data. Since ECG gating is not required during the process from acquiring scan data to reconstructing the image, there is no need to place electrodes on the chest of the scanned subject before scanning, nor to connect the electrodes to an ECG monitor. This reduces pre-scan preparation work, effectively saving preparation time and thus providing valuable time for subsequent treatment. Furthermore, this method expands the applicability of cardiac imaging beyond scenarios where accurate ECG signal acquisition is possible; it also applies to scenarios where the ECG signal is weak, electrodes cannot be placed, or electrodes cannot be securely attached.

[0049] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of an image scanning and reconstruction method for the heart provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 2This is a flowchart of another cardiac image scanning and reconstruction method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0052] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a method for obtaining a target phase based on a recommended phase, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0053] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a medical imaging device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

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

[0055] This application provides a method for image scanning and reconstruction of the heart, which is applied to a medical imaging device. Optionally, the medical imaging device can be a CT scanner or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. See also Figure 1 The method includes:

[0056] Step 101: Without ECG gating, acquire scan data obtained from scanning the heart of the subject.

[0057] Among them, "no ECG gating" means that the scanning process does not require the ECG signal of the scanned object, that is, it does not rely on ECG gating for scanning control. Accordingly, in the case of no ECG gating, there is no need to set up electrode pads for the scanned object or connect ECG leads. Therefore, it can be used in special scenarios such as emergency rescue, where it is impossible to set up electrode pads, where the electrode pads cannot be set up securely, and where the ECG signal is weak, and its application range is relatively wide.

[0058] The actual scan duration of the scan data is greater than or equal to a preset duration, which is at least greater than half a heartbeat cycle of the scanned object, or half of the RR interval. This preset duration can be set before the scan. Optionally, the preset duration may cover at least the end-diastolic or end-systolic time point or a nearby time point.

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

[0060] Each of the multiple phases can be represented by a time segment included in a preset scanning period of the scan data, and the times used to represent any two phases are different. The duration of this preset scanning period is the preset duration mentioned above. The time used to represent the target phase can be the midpoint of the actual scanning sub-period of the scan data under the target phase. The duration of this actual scanning sub-period can be pre-stored by the medical imaging equipment and depends on the performance of the medical imaging equipment. For example, assuming the medical imaging equipment is a CT scanner, the duration of this actual scanning sub-period can be the time taken for the CT scanner to perform one scan of the heart using tomographic scanning mode.

[0061] In this embodiment of the application, the medical imaging device obtains the target phase from the first image under multiple phases reconstructed from the scan data in various ways. This embodiment of the application uses the following two optional implementation methods as examples to illustrate the process of the medical imaging device obtaining the target phase:

[0062] In a first alternative implementation, the medical imaging device can reconstruct first images of the heart at various phases based on the scan data. Then, based on the first images at multiple phases, the medical imaging device can determine a recommended phase from among the multiple phases, and subsequently obtain the target phase based on the recommended phase. Specifically, the heart's motion smoothness at the recommended phase is greater than a threshold value. That is, the recommended phase is the one with relatively smooth cardiac motion among the multiple phases.

[0063] In the second alternative implementation, the medical imaging device, based on scan data, obtains first images of the heart at various phases and displays them. The operator can then determine the quality (e.g., sharpness) of each first image by reviewing it. Then, in response to the operator's selection of a target first image from among the multiple first images, the medical imaging device identifies the phase corresponding to that target first image as the target phase. The target first image can be the best-quality preview image selected by the operator. Multiple phases correspond one-to-one with multiple first images.

[0064] Understandably, in the first optional implementation, the first image is a three-dimensional image of the heart. The data used to reconstruct this three-dimensional image can be scan sub-data from the corresponding phase. In the second optional implementation, the first image is a preview image of the heart, which 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 partial data from the scan sub-data from the corresponding phase. This improves the efficiency of the medical imaging equipment in displaying various preview images and reduces the computational load on the medical imaging equipment.

[0065] Step 103: Based on the scan sub-data of the target phase in the scan data, reconstruct the second image of the target phase.

[0066] Once the medical imaging equipment acquires the target phase, it can reconstruct the image from the scan data at that target phase, thereby obtaining a second image at the recommended phase. This second image is a three-dimensional image of the heart.

[0067] In summary, this application provides a method for cardiac image scanning and reconstruction. This method can acquire scan data from a heart scan of a subject without ECG gating, and reconstruct a first image with multiple phases based on this scan data. It then automatically determines a target phase from these phases and automatically reconstructs a second image based on the scan sub-data of that target phase in the scan data. Since ECG gating is not required during the process from acquiring scan data to reconstructing the image, it eliminates the need to place electrodes on the chest of the subject before scanning and connect the electrodes to an ECG monitor. This reduces pre-scan preparation time, effectively saving valuable time for subsequent treatment. Furthermore, this method expands the applicability of cardiac imaging not only to scenarios where accurate ECG signals can be acquired, but also to scenarios where the ECG signal is weak, electrodes cannot be placed, or electrodes cannot be securely attached.

[0068] This application embodiment uses the second optional implementation described above as an example to illustrate the cardiac image scanning and reconstruction method provided in this application embodiment. This method can be applied to medical imaging equipment. See also... Figure 2 The method may include:

[0069] Step 201: Without ECG gating, acquire scan data obtained from scanning the heart of the subject.

[0070] In this context, "no ECG gating" means that the scanning process does not require the ECG signal of the object being scanned, i.e., it does not rely on ECG gating for scanning control. The actual scanning duration of this data is greater than or equal to a preset duration, which is at least greater than half a cardiac cycle of the heart. This ensures that scan sub-data at each phase of the heart can be acquired. Consequently, the reconstructed first images at multiple phases can cover the entire cardiac cycle, thus reflecting the changes in the heart's motion state as the phases change. For example, the preset duration can be 750 milliseconds (ms).

[0071] Before scanning a subject, the operator needs to set the scanning parameters without placing electrodes on the subject's chest. These scanning parameters include at least a scanning protocol and a preset duration. Accordingly, the medical imaging equipment can acquire the scanning parameters in response to the operator's setting. Then, in response to a scan start command, the medical imaging equipment can scan the subject's heart according to the set scanning protocol until the preset duration is met, thus obtaining the scan data.

[0072] The scan start command can be triggered by a staff member touching the scan button on the medical imaging equipment. The scan button can be a virtual button or a physical button.

[0073] Understandably, if the scanning protocol is a calcium integration protocol, the medical imaging equipment can immediately scan the heart upon receiving the scan start command. If the scanning protocol is a coronary angiography (CTA) protocol, the medical imaging equipment can track the concentration of contrast agent in the heart and begin scanning the heart after the time it takes for the concentration to reach a threshold is greater than a first delay. Alternatively, the medical imaging equipment can scan the heart after the time it takes for the scan start command to be received is greater than a second delay. Both the second and first delay durations can be pre-stored by the medical imaging equipment, and the second delay duration is greater than the first delay duration.

[0074] Therefore, the method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to scanning scenarios where the ECG signal of the scanned object is not required during the scanning process, i.e., scanning scenarios that do not rely on ECG gating for scanning control. Furthermore, since there is no need to set electrode pads for the scanned object or connect ECG leads, it is applicable to special scenarios such as emergency rescue, situations where electrode pads cannot be set, situations where electrode pads cannot be set securely, and situations where the ECG signal is weak, thus having a wide range of applications. In addition, since it is not necessary to wait for the heart to reach the expected scanning phase (i.e., the phase near end-diastole or end-systole) before scanning, the scanning speed is faster.

[0075] Step 202: Based on the scanning data of the heart of the scanned object, reconstruct the first image of the heart in each phase of multiple phases.

[0076] In the embodiments of this application, each of the multiple phases is characterized by the time period included in the preset scanning time of the scanned object. For each phase, the medical imaging device can obtain the scan sub-data of that phase from the scan data, and then perform image reconstruction based on the scan sub-data to obtain the first image of that phase.

[0077] Each first image is a three-dimensional image. The time used to characterize each phase can be the midpoint of the actual scanning sub-segment of the scan data under that phase. The actual scanning sub-segments of the scan data under multiple phases are temporally continuous. Furthermore, the duration of the actual scanning sub-segments of the scan data under any two phases is equal. This duration can be pre-stored by the medical imaging equipment and depends on the performance of the medical imaging equipment.

[0078] It is understood that, since the method provided in this application embodiment is applied to a scanning scenario without ECG gating, it is impossible to obtain ECG signals, and therefore it is impossible to characterize the phase of image reconstruction using the delay time of the R-peak relative to the ECG signal, i.e., it is impossible to obtain the correspondence between the heart's beating cycle during scanning and the scanning data. Therefore, the phase of the heart is characterized by the time within a preset scanning period. That is, the difference between each phase in this application embodiment and the start time of the preset scanning period is within [0, TotalScanTime]. TotalScanTime is the preset duration.

[0079] Since multiple first images can reflect the changes in the heart's motion state as the phase changes, the method provided in this application embodiment can reconstruct the first images of the heart under each phase based on the scan data of the heart of the scanned object in the absence of an electrocardiogram signal, so as to determine the recommended phase with relatively smooth heart motion based on the first images under multiple phases.

[0080] Optionally, the interval between any two adjacent periods, arranged in chronological order from earliest to latest, includes the first duration. Among multiple periods, the interval between one pair of adjacent periods can be longer than the interval between another pair of adjacent periods. That is, the intervals between multiple adjacent periods can be unequal.

[0081] Alternatively, any two adjacent phases can be spaced apart by a first duration. That is, the interval between any two adjacent phases is equal. For example, the earliest phase can be the start time of a preset scanning period, and the next phase can be spaced apart from that start time by the first duration.

[0082] The initial duration can be an empirical value determined by the doctor, such as 50ms or 30ms. Using an empirical value as the initial duration is suitable for scenarios where the heart rate of the scanned object cannot be obtained.

[0083] Alternatively, the first duration can be determined based on the heart rate cycle of the scanned object. This ensures that multiple first images can accurately reflect the changes in the heart's motion state as the phase changes, thus ensuring high accuracy of the recommended phase determined by the medical imaging equipment. Furthermore, since the first duration is determined based on the heart rate cycle of the scanned object, the total number of phases can be effectively reduced while ensuring high accuracy of the determined recommended phase, thereby improving the efficiency of recommended phase determination.

[0084] It should be understood that the interval between any two adjacent phases refers to the interval between any two adjacent phases.

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

[0086] Understandably, this heart rate could be an empirical value determined by a doctor. Alternatively, the medical imaging equipment could establish a communication connection with a heart rate acquisition device. This heart rate acquisition device could acquire the heart rate of the scanned subject and send the acquired heart rate to the medical imaging equipment. Optionally, this heart rate acquisition device could be a finger pulse clip or an electrocardiograph, etc.

[0087] It should be understood that, since medical imaging equipment needs to reconstruct the first image under each phase, the method provided in this application embodiment has high requirements for the image reconstruction capability and post-processing function of the medical imaging equipment.

[0088] Step 203: Based on the first image under multiple phases, determine the recommended phase from the multiple phases.

[0089] Specifically, the recommended phase in which the heart of the scanned subject exhibits a smoother cardiac motion than a threshold is specified. This recommended phase represents the phase with the smoothest cardiac motion among multiple phases. This ensures fewer motion artifacts and higher image quality in the subsequently reconstructed second image.

[0090] In this embodiment, the volume of the heart changes during beating. Furthermore, the change in heart volume is smaller during relatively flat phases. Therefore, in one optional implementation, the process by which the medical imaging device determines a recommended phase from multiple phases based on first images of multiple phases may include:

[0091] Step A1: Based on the first image at each phase, determine the volume of the heart of the scanned object at each phase.

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

[0093] Step A2: For each phase, obtain the change in heart volume in that phase compared to the volume in the reference phase.

[0094] The change can be the absolute value of the difference between the volume in the current phase and the volume in the reference phase. The reference phase can be variable, for example, it can be the phase preceding each current phase. That is, the medical imaging equipment can acquire the change in the heart's volume in each phase compared to the volume in the previous phase. Alternatively, the reference phase can be fixed, for example, it can be any phase among multiple phases, such as the first phase among multiple phases.

[0095] Understandably, medical imaging equipment can simultaneously determine the volume of the heart at various phases, comparing it to the volume change at a reference phase. Alternatively, the medical imaging equipment can traverse multiple phases, and for each phase traversed, it can acquire the volume of the heart at that phase, comparing it to the volume change at the reference phase.

[0096] Step A3: Based on the changes in multiple phases, determine the recommended phase from among the multiple phases.

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

[0098] In this embodiment, for scenarios where the reference phase is the preceding phase of each phase, the medical imaging device can determine the recommended phase based on the two phases to which the smallest change belongs. Specifically, after obtaining multiple volume changes, the medical imaging device can compare the magnitudes of these multiple changes to determine the smallest change. Then, the medical imaging device can determine the two adjacent phases to which the smallest change belongs and determine the recommended phase based on these two phases.

[0099] For example, medical imaging equipment can directly determine the recommended phase by averaging the two phases. That is, the time used to characterize the recommended phase is the average of the times used to characterize the two phases. Alternatively, the medical imaging equipment can determine the recommended phase by multiplying the average by a first coefficient. This first coefficient can be pre-stored by the medical imaging equipment, for example, it can be 0.99.

[0100] For scenarios where the reference phase is any one of multiple phases, the medical imaging device can determine the difference in the amount of change between any two adjacent phases, and determine the recommended phase based on the two phases to which the smallest difference belongs. The process by which the medical imaging device determines the recommended phase based on the two phases to which the smallest difference belongs can be referenced from the relevant implementation process of determining the recommended phase based on the two adjacent phases to which the smallest change belongs; therefore, this embodiment will not be elaborated upon here.

[0101] The heart comprises coronary arteries and myocardial tissue. Changes in the heart's volume can alter the position of the myocardial tissue's outline and the location of the coronary arteries. Therefore, in an alternative implementation where the scanning protocol used for cardiac scanning is a coronary CTA protocol, the process by which the medical imaging equipment determines the recommended phase from multiple phases may include:

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

[0103] The location of the coronary artery can refer to its coordinates in the target coordinate system, such as the coordinates of the coronary artery's outline in the target coordinate system. This target coordinate system can be the anatomical coordinate system of the scanned object or a local coordinate system of the cardiac region.

[0104] In this embodiment, for each first image, the medical imaging device can identify the position of the coronary artery sub-image within the first image. Then, based on the transformation relationship between the image coordinate system of the first image and the target coordinate system, the medical imaging device can obtain the position of the coronary artery in the corresponding phase of the first image.

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

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

[0107] In this embodiment of the application, the medical imaging device can determine the position of the coronary artery in each phase, relative to its position in a reference phase, in the following manner:

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

[0109] Understandably, medical imaging equipment can simultaneously determine the position of the coronary artery in each phase, and the offset compared to its position in a reference phase. Alternatively, the medical imaging equipment can traverse multiple phases, and for each phase traversed, it can obtain the position of the coronary artery in that phase, and the offset compared to its position in a reference phase.

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

[0111] The offset in each phase refers to the offset of the coronary artery's position in that phase compared to its position in the reference phase.

[0112] In this embodiment, for scenarios where the reference phase is the preceding 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 obtaining the offsets of multiple coronary artery positions, the medical imaging device can compare the magnitudes of the multiple offsets to determine the smallest offset. Then, the medical imaging device can determine the two phases to which the smallest offset belongs and determine the recommended phase based on these two phases.

[0113] For example, medical imaging equipment can directly determine the recommended phase by averaging the two phases. Alternatively, the medical imaging equipment can determine the recommended phase by multiplying the average of the average with a second coefficient. This second coefficient can be pre-stored by the medical imaging equipment and can be equal to the first coefficient, for example, it can be 0.99.

[0114] For scenarios where the reference phase is any one of multiple phases, the medical imaging device can determine the difference in offset between any two adjacent phases, and determine the recommended phase based on the two phases to which the smallest difference belongs. The process by which the medical imaging device determines the recommended phase based on the two adjacent phases to which the smallest difference belongs can be referenced from the relevant implementation process of determining the recommended phase based on the two adjacent phases to which the smallest offset belongs; therefore, this embodiment will not be elaborated upon here.

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

[0116] Step C1: Based on each first image, determine the location of the myocardial tissue in each phase.

[0117] The location of the myocardial tissue can be its coordinates in the target coordinate system, such as the coordinates of the myocardial tissue's outline in the target coordinate system.

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

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

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

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

[0122] Step 204: Obtain the target period based on the recommended period.

[0123] In the embodiments of this application, see Figure 3 The process of acquiring a target phase based on a recommended phase using medical imaging equipment may include:

[0124] Step 2041: Based on the scan sub-data of the recommended phase in the scan data, reconstruct the third image of the recommended phase.

[0125] Medical imaging equipment can extract scan sub-data from scan data, taking the time point representing the recommended phase as the intermediate time point and the duration as the pre-stored scan sub-data for each phase. This scan sub-data is then used as the scan sub-data for the recommended phase. The medical imaging equipment can then perform image reconstruction on this scan sub-data to obtain a third image for the recommended phase.

[0126] Understandably, compared to the reconstruction process of the first image, the reconstruction processes of the second and third images may include data preprocessing, data noise reduction, image correction, and image post-processing. Therefore, compared to the reconstruction process of the first image, the reconstruction processes of the second and third images are more comprehensive, resulting in higher quality images.

[0127] Optionally, the medical imaging equipment can directly reconstruct the images from the scan data at the recommended time phase to obtain a third image at the recommended time phase.

[0128] Alternatively, medical imaging equipment can reconstruct the scan data at the recommended timeframe using motion-compensated reconstruction methods to obtain a third image at the recommended timeframe. This eliminates motion artifacts in the third image, ensuring high image quality.

[0129] Step 2042: Display the third image.

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

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

[0132] In this embodiment, the operator can view the third image to determine whether it meets the quality requirements. The medical imaging device displays a preview imaging control. If the operator determines that the third image does not meet the quality requirements, they can touch the preview imaging control; otherwise, they will not touch it. Accordingly, if the medical imaging device does not receive a touch operation on the preview imaging control, it can determine 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 on the preview imaging control, it can determine 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 equipment determines that the third image meets the quality requirements, the recommended phase can be designated as the target phase, and the third image can be designated as the second image.

[0135] Step 2045: Based on the recommended period, obtain multiple alternative periods.

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

[0137] The time used to characterize each candidate phase falls within a preset scanning time period. The recommended phase is the midpoint of the multiple candidate phases, and any two adjacent candidate phases are separated by a second duration. This second duration is less than or equal to the first duration. Furthermore, a third duration is spaced between the earliest candidate phase and the recommended phase, and between the latest candidate phase and the recommended phase. This third duration can be acquired by the medical imaging equipment in response to the operator's input, and it is less than half the duration of the preset scanning time period. For example, the third duration could be 150 ms.

[0138] In other words, when the third image is not ideal, the medical imaging equipment can use the recommended phase as the midpoint and extend the third duration to both sides to obtain a smaller phase range, and determine the target phase within this range. Accordingly, these multiple candidate phases can 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 can be shorter than the first duration. In this way, a target phase with smoother cardiac motion can be determined from multiple alternative phases within a phase range near the recommended phase.

[0140] It should be understood that the second time interval between any two adjacent candidate periods refers to the second time interval used to characterize the time interval between any two adjacent candidate periods.

[0141] Step 2046: Based on the fourth image under each candidate phase, determine the target phase from multiple candidate phases.

[0142] In this embodiment of the application, the medical imaging device can acquire a fourth image under each candidate phase based on scan data. Then, the medical imaging device can determine the target phase from multiple candidate phases based on the fourth image under each candidate phase.

[0143] In one alternative implementation, the medical imaging device can display multiple fourth images for an operator to identify a target fourth image whose quality exceeds a quality threshold, i.e., of higher quality. Then, in response to a selection operation of the target fourth image among the multiple fourth images, the medical imaging device can determine the candidate phase corresponding to the target fourth image as the target phase.

[0144] In another alternative implementation, if the second duration is less than the first duration, the medical imaging device can refer to the above method of determining the recommended duration from multiple durations and automatically determine the target duration from multiple candidate durations.

[0145] It is understood that the fourth image in each alternative phase can be a three-dimensional image of the heart or a slice image of the heart. Furthermore, the process by which the medical imaging equipment acquires the fourth image can refer to the relevant implementation process for acquiring the preview image described above, and will not be repeated here in the embodiments of this application.

[0146] Step 205: Based on the scan sub-data of the target phase in the scan data, reconstruct the second image of the target phase.

[0147] In this embodiment, if the medical imaging device uses the recommended phase as the target phase, it can directly determine the third image under the recommended phase as the second image without performing step 205. If the medical imaging device determines the target phase from multiple candidate phases, it can perform step 205 after determining the target phase.

[0148] Optionally, the medical imaging equipment can directly reconstruct the image from the scan data at the target phase to obtain a second image at the target phase.

[0149] Alternatively, medical imaging equipment can reconstruct the scan data at the target phase using motion-compensated reconstruction methods to obtain a second image at the target phase. This eliminates motion artifacts in the second image, preventing them from affecting its diagnostic value.

[0150] It should be understood that medical imaging equipment has motion compensation capabilities. During the setting of scanning parameters, staff can select the motion compensation option displayed on the medical imaging equipment. Correspondingly, in response to the selection of the motion compensation option, the medical imaging equipment can activate the motion compensation function during image reconstruction based on the scan sub-data of the target phase, thereby obtaining a motion-compensated second image.

[0151] It is understood that the order of steps in the cardiac image scanning and reconstruction method provided in this application embodiment can be appropriately adjusted, and steps can be added or removed as needed. For example, steps 202 and 203 can be deleted as appropriate. Any variations that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the protection scope of this application, and therefore will not be elaborated further.

[0152] In summary, this application provides a method for cardiac image scanning and reconstruction. This method can acquire scan data from a heart scan of a subject without ECG gating, and reconstruct a first image with multiple phases based on this scan data. It then automatically determines a target phase from these phases and automatically reconstructs a second image based on the scan sub-data of that target phase in the scan data. Since ECG gating is not required during the process from acquiring scan data to reconstructing the image, it eliminates the need to place electrodes on the chest of the subject before scanning and connect the electrodes to an ECG monitor. This reduces pre-scan preparation time, effectively saving valuable time for subsequent treatment. Furthermore, this method expands the applicability of cardiac imaging not only to scenarios where accurate ECG signals can be acquired, but also to scenarios where the ECG signal is weak, electrodes cannot be placed, or electrodes cannot be securely attached.

[0153] This application also provides a medical imaging device, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 The medical imaging device 300 includes a processor 301. The processor 301 is capable of:

[0154] Acquire scan data of the heart of the subject without ECG gating;

[0155] Based on the first image of multiple phases reconstructed from the scan data, the target phase is obtained, wherein each phase is represented by a time within a preset scanning period of the scan data.

[0156] Based on the scan sub-data of the target phase in the scan data, the second image of the target phase is reconstructed.

[0157] Optionally, the processor 301 can be used for:

[0158] Based on the first image of multiple phases reconstructed from the scan data, a recommended phase is determined from the multiple phases, and the degree of smoothness of cardiac motion in the recommended phase is greater than the degree threshold.

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

[0160] Optionally, the processor 301 can be used for:

[0161] Based on the first image at each phase, the location of the coronary arteries in the heart at each phase is determined;

[0162] For each phase, obtain the position of the coronary artery in the phase and its offset compared to the position in the reference phase;

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

[0164] Optionally, the processor 301 can be used for:

[0165] Based on the first image at each phase, the location of the cardiac myocardium at each phase is determined;

[0166] For each phase, obtain the position of the myocardial tissue in the phase, and the offset of its position in the reference phase;

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

[0168] Optionally, the processor 301 can be used for:

[0169] Based on the first image at each phase, the volume of the heart at each phase is determined;

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

[0171] Based on the changes in multiple phases, the recommended phase is determined from among the multiple phases.

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

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

[0174] Get the heart rate of the scanned object;

[0175] Determine the heart rate cycle of the scanned object based on 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 can be used for:

[0178] Based on the scan sub-data of the recommended phase in the scan data, the third image of the recommended phase is reconstructed;

[0179] Display the third image;

[0180] If it is determined that the quality of the third image does not meet the quality requirements, then multiple alternative phases are obtained based on the recommended phase.

[0181] Based on the fourth image under each candidate phase, the target phase is determined from multiple candidate phases;

[0182] The recommended phase is the midpoint of multiple candidate phases. Any two adjacent candidate phases are separated by a second duration. The earliest candidate phase is separated from the recommended phase, and the latest candidate phase is separated from the recommended phase by a third duration. The third duration is less than half the duration of the preset scanning period.

[0183] Optionally, the processor 301 can be used for:

[0184] Display multiple fourth images;

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

[0186] Optionally, the processor 301 can be used for:

[0187] The scan data under the target phase is reconstructed using a motion-compensated reconstruction method to obtain the second image under the target phase.

[0188] In summary, this application provides a medical imaging device that can acquire scan data from scanning the heart of a subject without ECG gating. Based on this scan data, a first image is reconstructed at multiple phases. A target phase is automatically determined from these phases, and then a second image is automatically reconstructed based on the scan sub-data at that target phase. Since ECG gating is not required during the process from acquiring scan data to reconstructing the image, there is no need to place electrodes on the chest of the subject before scanning, nor to connect the electrodes to an ECG monitor. This reduces pre-scan preparation time, effectively saving valuable time for subsequent treatment. Furthermore, this allows cardiac imaging to be applied not only to scenarios where ECG signals can be accurately acquired, but also to scenarios where ECG signals are weak, electrodes cannot be placed, or electrodes cannot be securely attached, thus effectively broadening the applicability of cardiac imaging.

[0189] Please continue reading Figure 4 The medical imaging device 300 includes a processor 301 and a memory 303. The processor 301 and the memory 303 are connected, for example, via a bus 302. Optionally, the controller 300 may also include a transceiver 304. It should be noted that in practical applications, the transceiver 304 is not limited to one type, and the structure of the controller 300 does not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this 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 can implement or execute the 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 computational functions, such as including one or more microprocessor combinations, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, etc.

[0191] Bus 302 may include a pathway for transmitting information between the aforementioned components. Bus 302 may be a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus or an EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture) bus, etc. Bus 302 can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 4 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0192] The memory 303 stores a computer program corresponding to the cardiac image scanning and reconstruction method of the above embodiments of this application. This computer program is controlled and executed by the processor 301. The processor 301 executes the computer program stored in the memory 303 to implement the content shown in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0193] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the cardiac image scanning and reconstruction method provided in the above method embodiments.

[0194] This 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, they implement the cardiac image scanning and reconstruction method provided in the above method embodiments.

[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 embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (such as a computer-based system, a processor-included system, or other system that can fetch and execute instructions from, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device). For the purposes of this specification, "computer-readable medium" can be any means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transmit programs for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable media include: an electrical connection having one or more wires (electronic device), a portable computer disk drive (magnetic device), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable and editable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), fiber optic devices, and portable optical disc read-only memory (CDROM). Alternatively, the computer-readable medium may be paper or other suitable media on which the program can be printed, since the program can be obtained electronically, for example, by optically scanning the paper or other medium, followed by editing, interpreting, or otherwise processing as necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0196] It should be understood that various parts of this application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented using software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented in hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented using any one or a combination of the following techniques known in the art: discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having suitable combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0197] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0198] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0199] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0200] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for image scanning and reconstruction of the heart, characterized in that, The method includes: In the absence of ECG gating, scan data obtained by scanning the heart of the scanned object is acquired. The actual scan 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. The absence of ECG gating means that the ECG signal of the scanned object is not required during the scan process. Based on the first image of multiple phases reconstructed from the scan data, the target phase is obtained, wherein each phase is represented by a time within a preset scanning period of the scan data. Based on the scan sub-data of the target phase in the scan data, a second image of the target phase is reconstructed. The second image is used to assist in diagnosis. The actual scan sub-time periods of the scan sub-data of multiple phases are continuous in time. Based on the first image of multiple phases reconstructed from the scan data, the target phase is obtained, including: Based on the first image of multiple phases reconstructed from the scan data, a recommended phase is determined from the multiple phases, and the smoothness of the heart's movement in the recommended phase is greater than a degree threshold; Based on the recommended period, obtain the target period; Obtaining a target phase based on the recommended phase includes: reconstructing a third image under the recommended phase based on the scan sub-data under 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 requirements, then obtaining multiple alternative phases based on the recommended phase; and determining the target phase from the multiple alternative phases based on the fourth images under each of the alternative phases. The recommended period is the midpoint of the plurality of candidate periods. Any two adjacent candidate periods are spaced apart by a second duration. The earliest candidate period is spaced apart from the recommended period, and the latest candidate period is spaced apart from the recommended period by a third duration. The third duration is less than half the duration of the preset scanning period.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Based on the first image under multiple phases reconstructed from the scan data, the recommended phase is determined from the multiple phases, including: Based on the first image under each of the aforementioned phases, the location of the coronary arteries of the heart under each of the aforementioned phases is determined; For each phase, the position of the coronary artery in that phase is obtained, and the offset of its position in the reference phase is calculated. Based on the offsets under the multiple phases, a recommended phase is determined from the multiple phases.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Based on the first image under multiple phases reconstructed from the scan data, the recommended phase is determined from the multiple phases, including: Based on the first image under each of the aforementioned phases, the location of the myocardial tissue of the heart under each of the aforementioned phases is determined; For each phase, the position of the myocardial tissue in that phase is obtained, relative to its 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 1, characterized in that, Based on the first image under multiple phases reconstructed from the scan data, the recommended phase is determined from the multiple phases, including: Based on the first image under each of the said phases, the volume of the heart under each of the said phases is determined; For each phase, the volume of the heart in that phase is obtained, compared to the change in volume in a reference phase; Based on the changes under the multiple phases, the recommended phase is determined from the multiple phases.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The interval between any two adjacent phases includes a first duration, which is determined based on the heart rate cycle of the scanned object.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain the heart rate of the scanned object; The heart rate is used to determine the heartbeat cycle of the scanned object; The first duration is determined based on the heartbeat cycle, and the first duration is positively correlated with the heartbeat cycle.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Based on the fourth image under each of the candidate phases, the target phase is determined from the plurality of candidate phases, including: Display multiple of the fourth images; In response to a selection operation for a target fourth image among a plurality of said fourth images, the candidate phase corresponding to the target fourth image is determined as the target phase.

8. A medical imaging device, characterized in that, The medical imaging device includes a processor; the processor is used for: In the absence of ECG gating, scan data obtained by scanning the heart of the scanned object is acquired. The actual scan 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. The absence of ECG gating means that the ECG signal of the scanned object is not required during the scan process. Based on the first image of multiple phases reconstructed from the scan data, the target phase is obtained, wherein each phase is represented by a time within a preset scanning period of the scan data. Based on the scan sub-data of the target phase in the scan data, a second image of the target phase is reconstructed. The second image is used to assist in diagnosis. The actual scan sub-time periods of the scan sub-data of multiple phases are continuous in time. Based on the first image of multiple phases reconstructed from the scan data, the target phase is obtained, including: Based on the first image of multiple phases reconstructed from the scan data, a recommended phase is determined from the multiple phases, and the smoothness of the heart's movement in the recommended phase is greater than a degree threshold; Based on the recommended period, obtain the target period; Obtaining a target phase based on the recommended phase includes: reconstructing a third image under the recommended phase based on the scan sub-data under 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 requirements, then obtaining multiple alternative phases based on the recommended phase; and determining the target phase from the multiple alternative phases based on the fourth images under each of the alternative phases. The recommended period is the midpoint of the plurality of candidate periods. Any two adjacent candidate periods are spaced apart by a second duration. The earliest candidate period is spaced apart from the recommended period, and the latest candidate period is spaced apart from the recommended period by a third duration. The third duration is less than half the duration of the preset scanning period.

9. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

10. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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