X-ray diagnostic device and control method thereof

Abstract

To provide an X-ray diagnostic device capable of controlling an imaging device on the basis of a motion of a subject, a catheter, a bed device, or the like, by addition of an inexpensive device.SOLUTION: An X-ray diagnostic device according to an embodiment includes: an imaging device including an X-ray tube that irradiates a subject with an X-ray, an X-ray detector that detects the X-ray transmitted through the subject, and a photodetector that detects infrared light; and an imaging control unit for controlling the imaging device on the basis of a position of the infrared light detected by the photodetector.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an X-ray diagnostic apparatus and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, it has become common to diagnose and treat targeted diseases by inserting thin medical devices into blood vessels while viewing inside a subject using an X-ray diagnostic device equipped with a C-arm, Ω-arm, etc. When a catheter is used as one such medical device, for example, there are some devices that directly control the catheter using a magnet embedded in the tip of the catheter and an external magnetic field generator, and also control an imaging device that captures images of the subject to automatically follow the movement of the catheter.

[0003] There is also an X-ray diagnostic device that combines a magnetic field sensor at the tip of the catheter with a magnetic field generator placed under the subject in a supine position to detect the position of the catheter by measuring the magnetic field, and then automatically causes an imaging device that images the subject based on the detected catheter position to follow the movement of the catheter.

[0004] However, in any of these X-ray diagnostic devices, it is necessary to additionally provide dedicated devices such as a magnetic field generator and a magnetic field sensor. This leads to increased manufacturing costs and increased installation space not only for the X-ray diagnostic device but also for the entire X-ray diagnostic system composed of such an X-ray diagnostic device and a medical device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2006-521860 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to provide an X-ray diagnostic apparatus capable of controlling an imaging device based on the movement of a subject, a catheter, a bed device, etc., by adding an inexpensive device. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment includes an imaging device having an X-ray tube that irradiates an object with X-rays, an X-ray detector that detects the X-rays that have passed through the object, and a photodetector that detects infrared light, and an imaging control unit that controls the imaging device based on the position of the infrared light detected by the photodetector. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing functions executed by a processing circuit included in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 shows an overall perspective view of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an OCT catheter device used in combination with the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the principle by which an imaging control function of a processing circuit determines the position of a catheter tip using a photodetector included in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment (before movement). [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the principle by which the imaging control function of the processing circuit determines the position of the tip of the catheter using a photodetector included in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment (after movement). [Figure 7]5 is a diagram showing a flowchart for explaining a tracking control process executed by an imaging control function in a processing circuit of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a biological tissue monitor used in combination with an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to a second embodiment is attached to a subject. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a state in which a subject with a biological tissue monitor attached to his / her head is lying in a supine position on a bed device in an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to a second embodiment (before movement). [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a state in which a subject with a biological tissue monitor attached to his / her head is lying in a supine position on a bed apparatus in an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to a second embodiment (after movement). [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic state in which a light source unit is provided on a bed device on which a subject lies in a supine position in an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to a third embodiment (before movement). [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic state in which a light source unit is provided on a bed device on which a subject lies in a supine position in an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to a third embodiment (after movement). [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to a fourth embodiment in which a photodetector is arranged on an X-ray tube in addition to an X-ray detector. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to a fourth embodiment in which a photodetector is not provided in an X-ray detector, but is provided in an X-ray tube. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to a fourth embodiment in which a photodetector is disposed on each of an X-ray detector, an X-ray tube, and an arm. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to a fourth embodiment in which a photodetector is provided on each of the X-ray detector and the arm, and no photodetector is provided on the X-ray tube. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to a fourth embodiment in which a photodetector is provided on each of the X-ray tube and the arm, but no photodetector is provided on the X-ray detector. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a tracking control process executed by an imaging control function in a processing circuit of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram partially illustrating an X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to a fifth embodiment in which a photodetector is disposed in each of the X-ray tube, the X-ray detector, and the arm (the angle of the arm at which the weighting of the detection result of infrared light detected by the photodetector provided in the X-ray detector is equivalent to the weighting of the detection result of infrared light detected by the photodetector provided in the arm). [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram partially illustrating an X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to a fifth embodiment in which a photodetector is disposed in each of the X-ray tube, the X-ray detector, and the arm (the angle of the arm that weights the detection result of infrared light detected by the photodetector provided in the X-ray detector more than the detection result of infrared light detected by the other photodetectors). [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the configuration of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which an opening of a cylindrical gantry device in an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to a sixth embodiment is outside the top plate of a bed device on which a subject lies. [Diagram 23] FIG. 13 is a plan layout diagram showing a state in which an opening of a cylindrical gantry device in an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the sixth embodiment is outside the top plate of a bed device on which a subject lies. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which the top plate of a bed device on which a subject lies is inserted into an opening of a cylindrical gantry device in an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to a sixth embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a plan layout diagram showing a state in which the top plate of a bed device on which a subject lies is inserted into an opening of a cylindrical gantry device in an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the configuration of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which an opening of a cylindrical gantry device in an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to a seventh embodiment is outside the top plate of a bed device on which a subject lies. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a plan layout diagram showing a state in which an opening of a cylindrical gantry device in an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to a seventh embodiment is located outside the top plate of a bed device on which a subject lies. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which a top plate of a bed device on which a subject lies is inserted into an opening of a cylindrical gantry device in an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to a seventh embodiment. [Diagram 30] FIG. 13 is a plan layout diagram showing a state in which the top plate of a bed device on which a subject lies is inserted into an opening of a cylindrical gantry device in an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to a seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus and a control method thereof according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be given only when necessary.

[0010] [First embodiment] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. In the following, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 for circulatory system having a C-arm will be described as an example, but the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 may be another type of X-ray imaging device such as a general-purpose X-ray diagnostic apparatus or an X-ray TV bed device.

[0011] 1, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is configured to include an imaging device 3, a bed device 5, a drive unit 7, an operation unit 9, an X-ray high voltage device 11, a processing circuit 25, a memory circuit 27, a display unit 29, and an input interface 31. For ease of explanation, in the following explanation, the longitudinal direction of the bed device 5 is appropriately defined as the y-axis, the vertical direction as the z-axis, and the direction perpendicular to the y-axis and z-axis as the x-axis.

[0012] The imaging device 3 includes an X-ray tube holding unit 19, an X-ray detector 21, and a holding device 23. The X-ray tube holding unit 19 holds an X-ray tube 13 that irradiates X-rays to a subject P, and an X-ray aperture 15 that narrows the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 13. The X-ray aperture 15 is covered with an aperture cover 17.

[0013] The holding device 23 includes an arm for supporting the X-ray tube holding unit 19 including the X-ray tube 13 and the image receiving unit 40 including the X-ray detector 21. That is, the X-ray tube 13 of the X-ray tube holding unit 19 and the X-ray detector 21 of the image receiving unit 40 are supported by the arm included in the holding device 23. In this embodiment, the supporting arm included in the holding device 23 is C-shaped, and the support arm having such a shape is represented as a C-shaped arm 23a. Note that the C-shaped arm 23a is an example of an arm included in the imaging device 3 to support the X-ray tube holding unit 19 and the image receiving unit 40, and the arm 23a may have another shape, such as an Ω arm. That is, the shape of the arm 23a included in the imaging device 3 may be any shape as long as it can support the X-ray tube holding unit 19 and the image receiving unit 40.

[0014] The X-ray tube 13 is a vacuum tube that generates X-rays by irradiating thermoelectrons from a cathode (filament) to an anode (target) by application of high voltage and supply of filament current from the X-ray high voltage device 11. In the X-ray tube 13, X-rays are generated by collision of thermoelectrons with the target.

[0015] The X-ray tube 13 may be, for example, a rotating anode type X-ray tube that generates X-rays by irradiating a rotating anode with thermoelectrons. Note that the type of the X-ray tube 13 is not limited to the rotating anode type, and any type of X-ray tube may be used.

[0016] The X-ray aperture 15 is provided in front of the X-ray irradiation window in the X-ray tube 13. The X-ray aperture 15 has four aperture blades made of metal plates such as lead. The aperture blades are driven by a driving device (not shown) in accordance with a region of interest input by the operator via the operation unit 9 or the input interface 31.

[0017] The X-ray aperture 15 adjusts the area where X-rays are blocked to any size by sliding these aperture blades with a driving device. With the adjusted aperture blades, the X-ray aperture 15 blocks X-rays outside the opening area. In this way, the X-ray aperture 15 narrows down the X-rays generated by the X-ray tube 13 so that they are irradiated onto the area of ​​interest of the subject P, thereby suppressing unnecessary exposure of the subject P.

[0018] The aperture cover 17 is a cover for covering the X-ray aperture 15. In the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the X-ray aperture 15 is covered with the aperture cover 17, so that the distance between the operator or the subject P and the X-ray tube 13 does not become less than a certain value.

[0019] The X-ray detector 21 detects X-rays generated by the X-ray tube 13 in the X-ray tube holding unit 19. The X-ray detector 21 is, for example, a flat panel detector (FPD). The FPD has multiple semiconductor detection elements. There are two types of semiconductor detection elements: a direct conversion type that directly converts X-rays into an electrical signal, and an indirect conversion type that converts X-rays into light using a phosphor and then converts the light into an electrical signal. Either type may be used for the FPD. The surface on which the multiple semiconductor elements in the X-ray detector 21 are arranged becomes the X-ray image receiving surface.

[0020] Electrical signals generated by the semiconductor detection elements in response to incidence of X-rays are output to an analog to digital converter (A / D converter) (not shown). The A / D converter converts the electrical signals into digital data. The A / D converter outputs the digital data to the processing circuit 25.

[0021] In this embodiment, the X-ray detector 21 is provided with a photodetector 24 that detects infrared light. More specifically, the photodetector 24 having a function of detecting infrared light is disposed near the X-ray detector 21. For example, in this embodiment, the photodetector 24 is attached to the cover of the X-ray detector 21. Note that, in this embodiment, infrared light should be interpreted as including near-infrared light, which has a relatively short wavelength among infrared light, far-infrared light, which has a relatively long wavelength, and intermediate infrared light, which is intermediate between them. In the example of FIG. 1, the X-ray detector 21 and the photodetector 24 constitute an image receiving unit 40.

[0022] A top board 5a supporting the subject P is provided on the upper surface of the bed device 5. The top board 5a of the bed device 5 is provided between the X-ray tube 13 and the X-ray detector 21, and supports the subject P. The bed device 5 is also provided with an operation unit 9 for operating the imaging device 3 and the bed device 5. Based on an instruction regarding the operation from the operation unit 9, the drive unit 7 moves the imaging device 3 and the bed device 5. The drive unit 7 includes an image receiving unit movement unit 71, an arm movement unit 73, a top board movement unit 75, and an X-ray tube holder movement unit 77.

[0023] The image receiving unit moving unit 71 is a mechanism for moving the image receiving unit 40, the arm moving unit 73 is a mechanism for moving the arm 23a of the holding device 23, the tabletop moving unit 75 is a mechanism for moving the tabletop 5a of the bed device 5, and the X-ray tube holding unit moving unit 77 is a mechanism for moving the X-ray tube holding unit 19. These mechanisms of the drive unit 7 constitute the moving mechanism in this embodiment.

[0024] The X-ray high voltage device 11 has electric circuits such as a transformer and a rectifier, a high voltage generator, and an X-ray control device. The high voltage generator generates a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube 13 and a filament current to be supplied to the X-ray tube 13. The X-ray control device controls the output voltage according to the X-rays irradiated by the X-ray tube 13.

[0025] The X-ray high voltage device 11 may be, for example, a transformer type or an inverter type. The X-ray high voltage device 11 may be provided in the holding device 23 or may be provided at a location other than the holding device 23.

[0026] The processing circuitry 25 controls the overall operation of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 in response to electrical signals related to input operations output from the operation unit 9 or the input interface 31. The processing circuitry 25 has, as hardware resources, processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0027] In this embodiment, various processing functions executed in the processing circuitry 25 are stored in the memory circuitry 27 in the form of programs executable by a computer. The processing circuitry 25 is a processor that realizes a function corresponding to each program by reading and executing the programs from the memory circuitry 27. In other words, each circuit in a state in which each program has been read has a function corresponding to the read program.

[0028] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing functions executed by the processing circuitry 25 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, in this embodiment, the processing circuitry 25 realizes a basic control function 251, an image generation function 252, a display function 253, and an imaging control function 254 by a processor that executes a program loaded in a memory.

[0029] The basic control function 251 performs overall control of this X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1. In particular, in this embodiment, it controls the driving of the drive unit 7 to control the positions and attitudes of the holding device 23, the X-ray tube holding unit 19, and the image receiving unit 40. The processing circuitry 25 that executes the basic control function 251 corresponds to the basic control unit in this embodiment.

[0030] The image generating function 252 acquires, as data, an electric signal based on the X-rays detected by the X-ray detector 21 of the image receiving unit 40, and generates an X-ray image as a captured image. The captured image generated by the image generating function 252 is stored, for example, in the memory circuitry 27. The display function 253 displays the captured image generated by the image generating function 252 and the captured image stored in the memory circuitry 27 on, for example, the display 291 of the display unit 29.

[0031] Although details will be described later, the imaging control function 254 controls the imaging device 3 based on the position of the infrared light detected by the photodetector 24. That is, the imaging control function 254 detects the infrared light with the photodetector 24, and calculates the position of the light-emitting device that emitted the infrared light based on the detection result. Then, the imaging control function 254 controls the position of the imaging device 3 based on this calculated position of the light-emitting device.

[0032] The basic control function 251, the image generation function 252, the display function 253, and the imaging control function 254 are not limited to being realized by a single processing circuit. A processing circuit may be configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and the basic control function 251, the image generation function 252, the display function 253, and the imaging control function 254 may be realized by each processor executing a program.

[0033] 1 again, the storage circuitry 27 is a circuit generally called a memory, and is configured with a storage device such as an HDD (Hard disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an integrated circuit storage device, etc., which stores various information. The storage circuitry 27 stores, for example, projection data and image data, stores data on the position and angle of the arm 23a of the support device 23 and the position and angle of the tabletop 5a of the bed device 5, and stores programs corresponding to various functions that are read out and executed by the processing circuitry 25.

[0034] The storage circuit 27 may be a drive device that reads and writes various information between a portable storage medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a flash memory, or a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), in addition to an HDD or SSD. The storage area of ​​the storage circuit 27 may be in an external storage device connected via a network.

[0035] The display unit 29 is composed of a display 291 that displays medical images, etc., an internal circuit that supplies a display signal to the display 291, and peripheral circuits such as connectors and cables that connect the display 291 and the internal circuit. The internal circuit generates display data by superimposing additional information such as subject information and projection data generation conditions on image data. Next, the internal circuit performs D / A conversion on the obtained display data.

[0036] The internal circuitry displays the display data, which has been subjected to these conversions, as a medical image on the display 291. In addition, the display unit 29 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) and the like for receiving various operations from the operator.

[0037] As the display 291, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, an organic electroluminescence display (OLED), a plasma display, or any other arbitrary display can be used as appropriate.

[0038] In addition, the display 291 may be a device that is assumed to be fixedly installed, called a desktop type, or may be a portable tablet terminal or the like that is capable of wireless communication with the processing circuit 25.

[0039] The input interface 31 accepts various input operations from the operator, converts the accepted input operations into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuit 25. For example, the input interface 31 accepts from the operator operations for operating the imaging device 3 and the bed device 5, X-ray conditions related to the generation of X-rays, conditions related to image processing executed by the image generating function 252, and the like.

[0040] As the input interface 31, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a switch, a button, a joystick, a foot switch, a touchpad, a touch panel display, etc. can be appropriately used. The input interface 31 is provided, for example, in the holding device 23. Furthermore, when the input interface 31 is configured as a touchpad or a touch panel, it may be provided integrally with the display 291 in the display unit 29. In other words, the display 291 may have the function of the input interface 31.

[0041] In this embodiment, the input interface 31 is not limited to being equipped with physical operation parts such as a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, touch pad, and touch panel display.

[0042] For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device body and outputs the electrical signal to the processing circuit 25 is also included in the examples of the input interface 31. Note that the input interface 31 may be configured as a tablet terminal or the like capable of wireless communication with the processing circuit 25.

[0043] Next, the configuration of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows an overall perspective view of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, an X-ray tube holding unit 19 is provided at one end of an arm 23a in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1, and an image receiving unit 40 is provided at the other end. The X-ray tube holding unit 19 and the image receiving unit 40 are arranged opposite each other, and the arm 23a is configured to hold them in a fixed position.

[0044] Furthermore, a rail is provided on the back or side of arm 23a, and arm 23a is slidably held by being clamped by connection part 50 provided on fixed arm 52. Fixed arm 52 is supported by a fulcrum 54, and is fixed to a base 56 fixed to the ceiling, for example. Arm 23a can move independently in directions C, D, and E shown in FIG. 3 in order to place X-ray tube holder 19 and image receptor 40 at predetermined positions.

[0045] In this embodiment, the photodetector 24 is provided, for example, in the X-ray detector 21 in the imaging device 3. In other words, the imaging device 3 of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is configured to include the X-ray tube 13, the X-ray detector 21, and the photodetector 24. The position at which the photodetector 24 is disposed in the X-ray detector 21 can be arbitrary, but in this embodiment, for example, the photodetector 24 is disposed inside the image receiving unit 40. This is considered not to interfere with the operation of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 or the procedure on the subject P.

[0046] The bed device 5 is configured to include a tabletop 5a on which the subject P is placed, and a stand 5b that supports the tabletop 5a. The tabletop 5a is movable in the vertical and horizontal directions, so that the subject P is appropriately positioned between the X-ray tube holder 19 and the image receiving unit 40.

[0047] 1 and 2, these rotational and movement operations in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 are realized by the basic control function 251 of the processing circuitry 25 controlling the driving of the drive unit 7. Furthermore, these rotational and movement operations may be automatically performed by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 based on settings, or may be performed based on an operation input by an operator to the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 via the input interface 31.

[0048] An OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) catheter device is a medical device used in combination with the X-ray diagnostic device 1 described above. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of an OCT catheter device 80 used in combination with the X-ray diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment. The OCT catheter device 80 shown in Fig. 4 generates near-infrared light in a device body 82, conveys the near-infrared light using a fiber cable in a catheter 84, and radiates the near-infrared light from a catheter tip 86. Then, the reflected light of the radiated near-infrared light is detected by a probe at the catheter tip 86, and the reflected light is measured by the device body 82, thereby making it possible to analyze a tissue cross section of a subject P into which a catheter 84 has been inserted at high resolution.

[0049] The OCT catheter device 80 is used, for example, to insert a catheter 84 into a blood vessel of a subject P and observe a tissue cross section of the blood vessel. In this embodiment, the OCT catheter device 80 and the above-mentioned X-ray diagnostic device 1 constitute an X-ray diagnostic system. In this X-ray diagnostic system, the photodetector 24 detects near-infrared light emitted from the catheter tip 86, and the imaging control function 254 of the processing circuit 25 controls the imaging device 3 based on the position of the near-infrared light detected by the photodetector 24. Specifically, the imaging device 3 is moved so as to follow the movement of the catheter tip 86, so that the position of the catheter tip 86 is continuously imaged by the imaging device 3. For this reason, the catheter tip 86 of the OCT catheter device 80 constitutes a light-emitting device inserted into the body of the subject P in this embodiment.

[0050] 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the principle of the imaging control function 254 of the processing circuit 25 determining the position of the catheter tip 86 using the photodetector 24 in this embodiment. The position of the catheter tip 86 is, in essence, the radiation position of the near-infrared light, and in Figs. 5 and 6, the radiation position of the near-infrared light before movement is represented by Em1, and the radiation position of the near-infrared light after movement is represented by Em2. In addition, Fig. 5 shows the positional relationship between the photodetector 24 and the radiation positions Em1 and Em2 of the near-infrared light in the xz plane of the X-ray diagnostic device 1, and Fig. 6 shows the positional relationship between the photodetector 24 and the radiation positions Em1 and Em2 of the near-infrared light in the xy plane of the X-ray diagnostic device 1.

[0051] 5 and 6, the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuit 25 calculates the distance from the photodetector 24 to the emission positions Em1, Em2 of the near-infrared light based on the intensity of the near-infrared light detected by the photodetector 24. The imaging control function 254 in the processing circuit 25 also calculates the directions of the emission positions Em1, Em2 based on the photodetector 24 based on the receiving direction of the near-infrared light detected by the photodetector 24. Then, based on these calculated distances and directions, the imaging control function 254 calculates three-dimensional spatial coordinates of the emission positions Em1, Em2 of the near-infrared light, that is, the coordinates of each of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis.

[0052] 5 and 6, since the radiation position of the near-infrared light moves from radiation position Em1 to radiation position Em2, it can be seen that the radiation position of the near-infrared light moves down on the z-axis which is the height direction, and that the radiation position of the near-infrared light moves diagonally on a plane parallel to the top board 5a in the xy plane. Based on the position of the near-infrared light thus identified, the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuit 25 controls the movement of the imaging device 3.

[0053] 7 is a diagram showing a flowchart for explaining the tracking control processing executed by the imaging control function 254 of the processing circuitry 25 of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the processing circuitry 25 reads out and executes a tracking control processing program stored in, for example, the storage circuitry 27, thereby realizing the imaging control function 254 in this processing circuitry 25. Moreover, this tracking control processing is a processing whose execution is started, for example, when the operator of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 instructs the start of tracking control via, for example, the input interface 31.

[0054] 7, the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuit 25 of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 detects infrared light using the photodetector 24 (step S10). In this embodiment, the photodetector 24 detects infrared light emitted from the catheter tip 86 of the OCT catheter device 80.

[0055] Next, the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuit 25 of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 calculates the position of the infrared light detected by the photodetector 24 (step S12). Specifically, as described above, the imaging control function 254 calculates the distance to the infrared light emitted from the catheter tip 86 and its direction, and identifies the emission position of the infrared light emitted from the catheter tip 86.

[0056] Next, the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuit 25 of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 controls the imaging device 3 based on the position of the infrared light calculated in step S12 (step S14). Specifically, the imaging control function 254 determines the amount of movement of the imaging device 3 based on the identified radiation position of the infrared light. This amount of movement of the imaging device 3 is calculated so that the relative positional relationship between the position of the infrared light and the photodetector 24 is maintained.

[0057] In this embodiment, the imaging device 3 moves in a tracking manner by controlling the movement of the imaging device 3 so that the position of the catheter tip 86 of the OCT catheter device 80 does not deviate from the detection range of the X-ray detector 21 of the imaging device 3. Therefore, the operator of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 can concentrate on the treatment for the subject P without being bothered by the movement operation of the imaging device 3.

[0058] After the process of step S14, the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuit 25 of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 returns to the above-mentioned step S10, and the process is repeated from the detection of infrared light by the photodetector 24.

[0059] As described above, according to the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the infrared light emitted from the catheter tip 86 of the OCT catheter device 80 is detected by the photodetector 24, the radiation position of the infrared light is identified, and the movement of the imaging device 3 is controlled in accordance with the movement of the radiation position of the infrared light, so that it is possible to automatically maintain a state in which the catheter tip 86 is included in an X-ray image generated based on the X-rays detected by the X-ray detector 21 of the imaging device 3. This reduces the operational burden of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 when moving the catheter tip 86 of the OCT catheter device 80 inside the body of the subject P.

[0060] Furthermore, tracking control of the imaging device 3 can be achieved by additionally providing a photodetector 24 for detecting infrared light emitted from the catheter tip 86 in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1. In general, the photodetector 24 for detecting infrared light is relatively inexpensive, and there is no need to additionally provide expensive devices such as a magnetic field generator or magnetic field sensor as in the prior art. This allows for reduced manufacturing costs for the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 and the X-ray diagnostic system including such an X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1.

[0061] In this embodiment, the thin medical device inserted into the subject is described as an example in which the OCT catheter device 80 is used, but the medical device as the light-emitting device is not limited to the OCT catheter device 80. For example, the medical device may be a catheter device in which a balloon, a stent, or a rotablator is attached to the tip of the catheter. In this case, for example, a light source that emits infrared light is additionally provided at the tip of the catheter in the catheter device. Then, the X-ray diagnostic device 1 detects the radiation position of the infrared light emitted from this light source with the photodetector 24, and controls the movement of the imaging device 3 to follow the radiation position of the infrared light, thereby allowing the imaging device 3 to automatically follow the movement of the catheter.

[0062] Furthermore, the medical device is not limited to a catheter, and may be any type of device that is inserted into the body of the subject P and emits infrared light. For example, the medical device may be a guidewire for guiding a catheter to a diagnostic or treatment target site in a blood vessel. In this case, a light source that emits infrared light is additionally provided at the tip of the guidewire. Then, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 detects the radiation position of the infrared light emitted from this light source with the photodetector 24, and controls the movement of the imaging device 3 to follow the radiation position of the infrared light, thereby allowing the imaging device 3 to automatically follow the movement of the guidewire.

[0063] Second Embodiment In the above-described first embodiment, an example has been described in which the OCT catheter apparatus 80, which is a medical device, is used as a light-emitting device that emits infrared light and is combined with the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1, but such a light-emitting device that emits infrared light is not limited to the OCT catheter apparatus 80. In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which a biological tissue monitor attached to a subject P is used as a light-emitting device that emits infrared light and is combined with the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1.

[0064] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a biological tissue monitor 90 is attached to a subject P. In this embodiment, the biological tissue monitor 90 is an example of a light-emitting device that emits infrared light and is attached to the subject P. Fig. 8 illustrates an example in which a ring-shaped biological tissue monitor 90 is attached to the head of the subject P.

[0065] In general, the biological tissue monitor 90 is a device that is attached to the head or thigh of the subject P and uses near-infrared rays to measure the hemoglobin concentration in the body tissue. By measuring the hemoglobin concentration, the oxygen concentration in the body tissue can be measured, and the device is used for research on brain function and evaluation of the movement of muscle tissue. In this embodiment, the biological tissue monitor 90 and the X-ray diagnostic device 1 constitute an X-ray diagnostic system.

[0066] 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams showing a state in which a subject P with a biological tissue monitor 90 attached to his / her head is lying in a supine position on a bed apparatus 5. For example, Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a state before the bed apparatus 5 is moved, and Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a state after the bed apparatus 5 is moved.

[0067] 9 and 10, the bed device 5 has a tabletop 5a movably mounted on the upper part of a table 5b. In this embodiment, the tabletop 5a is configured to be movable along the y-axis direction. For example, the operator can move the tabletop 5a in the positive and negative directions of the y-axis by operating the operating unit 9.

[0068] Optionally, a bed mat 5c may be inserted between the table top 5a and the subject P. The bed mat 5c is made of, for example, an elastic material, and improves the comfort of the subject P when lying on the table top 5a.

[0069] When the table 5a is moved in the y-axis direction by the panning operation of the bed device 5, the subject P lying on the table 5a and the biological tissue monitor 90 also move in the y-axis direction accordingly. Theoretically, the movement amount of the table 5a, the movement amount of the subject P, and the movement amount of the biological tissue monitor 90 are substantially the same. Therefore, the movement amount between the emission position Em1 of the near-infrared light of the biological tissue monitor 90 shown in Fig. 9 and the emission position Em2 of the near-infrared light of the biological tissue monitor 90 shown in Fig. 10 is equal to the movement amount of the subject P.

[0070] Therefore, in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the imaging device 3 is controlled to move so as to follow the movement of the position of the infrared light detected by the photodetector 24, so that even if the subject P moves due to the movement of the top board 5a, the imaging device 3 can continue to image the target site of the subject P. Particularly in this embodiment, the imaging device 3 can be automatically continued to image the target site of the subject P by the imaging device 3 by moving the imaging device 3 in the y-axis direction by the same amount as the movement amount of the radiation position of the infrared light. In other words, by moving the imaging device 3 so that the relative positional relationship between the radiation position of the near-infrared light of the biological tissue monitor 90 and the position of the photodetector 24 is maintained, the X-ray detector 21 can detect the X-rays transmitted through the subject P and continue to capture the X-ray image of the target site of the subject P.

[0071] 7 is executed by the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuit 25. That is, the X-ray diagnostic system including the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is equivalent to the X-ray diagnostic system according to the first embodiment, except that the light emitting device that emits infrared light is replaced from the OCT catheter apparatus 80 to a biological tissue monitor 90.

[0072] As described above, according to the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the infrared light emitted from the biological tissue monitor 90 is detected by the photodetector 24, the radiation position of the infrared light is identified, and the movement of the imaging device 3 is controlled in accordance with the movement of the radiation position of the infrared light, so that it is possible to maintain a state in which the target site is included in the X-ray image generated based on the X-rays detected by the X-ray detector 21 of the imaging device 3. This reduces the operational burden of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 on the operator when moving the subject P lying on the tabletop 5a by operating the tabletop 5a.

[0073] Also in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, tracking control of the imaging device 3 can be achieved by additionally providing a photodetector 24 for detecting infrared light emitted from the biological tissue monitor 90, thereby making it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 and the X-ray diagnostic system including such an X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1.

[0074] Third Embodiment In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the biological tissue monitor 90, which is a light-emitting device that emits infrared light and is combined with the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1, is attached to the subject P, but such a light-emitting device may be attached at any position. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which a light source unit that emits infrared light is used as such a light-emitting device and this light source unit is attached to the bed apparatus 5.

[0075] 11 and 12 are schematic diagrams showing a state where a light source unit 100 that emits near-infrared light, which is a type of infrared light, is provided on a bed apparatus 5 on which a subject P lies in a supine position. For example, Fig. 11 shows a state before the bed apparatus 5 moves, and corresponds to Fig. 9 in the second embodiment described above. Fig. 12 shows a state after the bed apparatus 5 moves, and corresponds to Fig. 10 in the second embodiment described above.

[0076] The bed apparatus 5 is configured to include a movable tabletop 5a provided on a table 5b and an optional bed mat 5c, as in the second embodiment. However, this embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that a light source unit 100, which is a light emitting device, is provided on the bed apparatus 5, not on the subject P. Therefore, in this embodiment, the light source unit 100 and the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 constitute an X-ray diagnostic system.

[0077] The light source unit 100 may be provided at any position on the bed apparatus 5 as long as it moves with the movement of the subject P. In other words, the light source unit 100 can be provided at any position that follows the movement of the bed apparatus 5 on which the subject P lies. For example, the light source unit 100 may be provided at any position on the tabletop 5a, or, if a bed mat 5c is present, at any position on the bed mat 5c. In the example shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the light source unit 100 is provided on the bed mat 5c above the head of the subject P.

[0078] The light source unit 100 may be installed in the bed apparatus 5 whenever an operator needs it, or may be fixedly installed in advance in the bed apparatus 5. When the light source unit 100 is fixedly installed in the bed apparatus 5, an on / off switch for the light source unit 100 may be provided so that the light emission of the light source unit 100 can be stopped when it is not needed.

[0079] When the table 5a is moved in the y-axis direction by the panning operation of the bed device 5, the subject P lying on the table 5a and the light source unit 100 also move in the y-axis direction accordingly. Theoretically, the movement amount of the table 5a, the movement amount of the subject P, and the movement amount of the light source unit 100 are substantially the same. Therefore, the movement amount between the emission position Em1 of the near-infrared light of the biological tissue monitor 90 shown in Fig. 11 and the emission position Em2 of the near-infrared light of the biological tissue monitor 90 shown in Fig. 12 is equal to the movement amount of the subject P.

[0080] Therefore, in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the imaging device 3 is controlled to move so as to follow the movement of the position of the infrared light detected by the photodetector 24, so that even if the subject P moves due to the movement of the top board 5a, the imaging device 3 can continue to image the target part of the subject P. In particular, in this embodiment, the imaging device 3 can be moved in the y-axis direction by the same amount as the movement amount of the radiation position of the infrared light, so that the imaging device 3 can automatically continue to image the target part of the subject P. In other words, by moving the imaging device 3 so that the relative positional relationship between the radiation position of the near-infrared light of the light source unit 100 and the position of the photodetector 24 is maintained, the X-ray detector 21 can detect the X-rays transmitted through the subject P and continue to capture the X-ray image of the target part of the subject P.

[0081] 7 is executed by the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuit 25. That is, an X-ray diagnostic system including the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is equivalent to the X-ray diagnostic system according to the first embodiment, except that the light emitting device that emits infrared light is replaced from the OCT catheter apparatus 80 to the light source unit 100, and is equivalent to the X-ray diagnostic system according to the second embodiment, except that the light emitting device that emits infrared light is replaced from the biological tissue monitor 90 to the light source unit 100.

[0082] As described above, according to the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the infrared light emitted from the light source unit 100 is detected by the photodetector 24, the radiation position of the infrared light is identified, and the movement of the imaging device 3 is controlled in accordance with the movement of the radiation position of the infrared light, so that it is possible to maintain a state in which the target site is included in the X-ray image generated based on the X-rays detected by the X-ray detector 21 of the imaging device 3. This reduces the operational burden of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 on the operator when moving the subject P lying on the tabletop 5a by operating the tabletop 5a.

[0083] In particular, in this embodiment, tracking control of the imaging device 3 can be achieved simply by providing the light source unit 100 on the bed device 5 of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1, and therefore the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 can be used in various X-ray imaging applications.

[0084] Also, in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, tracking control of the imaging device 3 can be achieved by additionally providing a photodetector 24 that detects infrared light emitted from the light source unit 100, thereby making it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 and the X-ray diagnostic system including such an X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1.

[0085] [Fourth embodiment] In the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the above-mentioned first to third embodiments, one photodetector 24 is arranged in the imaging device 3, but multiple photodetectors 24 may be arranged in the imaging device 3, and the radiation position of infrared light may be calculated using the detection result of any one of the multiple photodetectors 24. Hereinafter, an embodiment in which multiple photodetectors 24 are arranged in the imaging device 3 in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the above-mentioned first to third embodiments will be described as a fourth embodiment.

[0086] 13 is a diagram showing a schematic example in which a photodetector 24 is disposed not only in the X-ray detector 21 but also in the X-ray tube 13. By providing the photodetector 24 in the X-ray tube 13 in this way, even in a usage mode of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 in which the X-ray tube 13 is positioned above the subject P, the radiation position of the infrared light can be detected with high accuracy by using the photodetector 24 provided in the X-ray tube 13.

[0087] That is, in this case, the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuit 25 selectively switches and uses the photodetector 24 that detects infrared light according to the angle of the arm 23a. This is because the photodetector 24 arranged on the X-ray tube 13 located above the subject P is in a positional relationship where there is no obstacle between the subject P and the photodetector 24. From the other perspective, when the photodetector 24 is located below the top board 5a of the bed device 5 on which the subject P lies, the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuit 25 uses the infrared light detected by the other photodetector 24 to control the imaging device 3.

[0088] That is, when the radiation position of infrared light is detected by the photodetector 24 provided in the X-ray detector 21 below the subject P, the infrared light is at least infrared light that has passed through the tabletop 5a. However, the tabletop 5a is an obstacle to the infrared light, and the intensity of the infrared light detected by the X-ray detector 21 may not be sufficient. In such a positional relationship, the position can be specified with higher accuracy by detecting the infrared light using the photodetector 24 located above the subject P and calculating the radiation position of the infrared light, than by detecting the infrared light using the photodetector 24 located below the subject P and calculating the radiation position of the infrared light.

[0089] In this embodiment, depending on the usage mode of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1, the photodetector 24 may be arranged in the X-ray tube 13 instead of in the X-ray detector 21, as shown in Fig. 14. That is, the photodetector 24 can be arranged in at least one of the X-ray tube 13 and the X-ray detector 21.

[0090] Furthermore, the photodetector 24 can be disposed on the arm 23a. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example in which the photodetector 24 is disposed on each of the X-ray detector 21 and the X-ray tube 13, and also on the arm 23a. In the example of Fig. 15, the photodetector 24 is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the arm 23a, so that even in a usage mode of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 in which the arm 23a is positioned above the subject P, the radiation position of the infrared light can be detected with high accuracy by using the photodetector 24 disposed on the arm 23a.

[0091] Specifically, when the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 is used in such a manner that the X-ray tube 13 and the X-ray detector 21 are located to the side of the subject P and the arm 23a is located above the subject P, the infrared light is detected using the photodetector 24 arranged on the arm 23a, and the radiation position of the infrared light is calculated. The arm 23a of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 is at such an angle, for example, when imaging the coronary arteries by coronary angiography (CAG) using the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1, imaging the circumflex artery (RAO CAU (rear-air-audio-caudal)) with the artery facing forward. In the case of such an angle of the arm 23a, the radiation position of the infrared light can be calculated with higher accuracy by detecting the infrared light using the photodetector 24 arranged on the arm 23a than by detecting the infrared light using the photodetector 24 arranged on the X-ray tube 13 or the X-ray detector 21.

[0092] This is because the photodetector 24 arranged on the arm 23a is positioned such that there is no obstacle between the subject P and the photodetector 24. From the other perspective, when the photodetector 24 is located below the top board 5a of the bed device 5 on which the subject P lies or when the photodetector 24 is located to the side of the subject P, the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuit 25 can be considered to use infrared light detected by the other photodetector 24 to control the imaging device 3. That is, in this embodiment, the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuit 25 selectively switches and uses the photodetector 24 that detects infrared light according to the angle of the arm 23a.

[0093] In this embodiment, depending on the usage mode of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1, one of the photodetector 24 arranged in the X-ray tube 13 and the photodetector 24 arranged in the X-ray detector 21 can be omitted. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 16, the photodetector 24 can be arranged in each of the X-ray detector 21 and the arm 23a, and the photodetector 24 can be not arranged in the X-ray tube 13. Also, as shown in Fig. 17, the photodetector 24 can be arranged in each of the X-ray tube 13 and the arm 23a, and the photodetector 24 can be not arranged in the X-ray detector 21. In other words, the photodetector 24 can be arranged in at least one of the X-ray tube 13 and the X-ray detector 21, and on the inner peripheral surface of the arm 23a.

[0094] Fifth embodiment In the above-described fourth embodiment, the imaging device 3 is controlled using infrared light detected by the most suitable photodetector 24 that has no obstacle between the subject P and the photodetector 24 among the multiple photodetectors 24 provided in the imaging device 3, but it is also possible to control the imaging device 3 using the detection results of infrared light detected by the multiple photodetectors 24. An embodiment in which the radiation position of infrared light is calculated using the multiple photodetectors 24 in this way to control the imaging device 3 will be described as the fifth embodiment.

[0095] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a flowchart for explaining the tracking control processing executed by the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuitry 25 of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 7 in the above-mentioned first embodiment. In this embodiment as well, the processing circuitry 25 reads out and executes a tracking control processing program stored in, for example, the storage circuitry 27, thereby realizing the imaging control function 254. Also, like the above-mentioned first embodiment, the tracking control processing is started when, for example, the operator of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 instructs the start of tracking control via, for example, the input interface 31.

[0096] However, in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, after the multiple photodetectors 24 detect infrared light in step S10, a process of calculating weightings is executed (step S20). Specifically, the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuitry 25 calculates weightings for the detection results of infrared light by the multiple photodetectors 24 in step S10.

[0097] For example, in this embodiment, the weighting of the detection results of infrared light detected by the multiple photodetectors 24 can be changed according to the angle of the arm 23a included in the imaging device 3. That is, since the basic control function 251 in the processing circuit 25 controls the angle of the arm 23a, the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuit 25 can naturally grasp the angle of the arm 23a. Therefore, the weighting of the detection results of infrared light detected by the photodetectors 24 is determined based on the angle of the arm 23a.

[0098] Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram partially showing the X-ray diagnostic device 1 in which the photodetector 24 is disposed on each of the X-ray tube 13, the X-ray detector 21, and the arm 23a. When the arm 23a is controlled to the angle shown in Fig. 19, the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuit 25 can, for example, weight the detection result of infrared light detected by the photodetector 24 provided on the X-ray detector 21 located above the tabletop 5a to the same weight as the detection result of infrared light detected by the photodetector 24 provided on the arm 23a also located above the tabletop 5a. In this case, the weight of the detection result of infrared light detected by the photodetector 24 provided on the X-ray tube 13 located below the tabletop 5a is zero.

[0099] 20, the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuit 25 can weight the detection result of infrared light detected by the photodetector 24 provided in the X-ray detector 21 located above the tabletop 5a to 8, and weight the detection result of infrared light detected by the photodetector 24 provided in the arm 23a located diagonally above the right of the tabletop 5a to 2. The detection result of infrared light detected by the photodetector 24 provided in the X-ray tube 13 located below the tabletop 5a is weighted to zero. In this way, the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuit 25 can determine the weight of the detection result of infrared light according to the angle of the arm 23a.

[0100] In the examples of Figures 19 and 20, when a photodetector 24 is located below the tabletop 5a, the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuit 25 can be configured to weight the infrared light detection result by the other photodetectors 24 more heavily than the infrared light detection result by the photodetector 24 located below the tabletop 5a.

[0101] Furthermore, in the example of Figure 20, the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuit 25 can also weight the detection results of infrared light by the photodetector 24 located in the direction directly facing the subject P more than the detection results of infrared light by the other photodetectors 24.

[0102] After calculating the weighting in step S20 in the tracking control process shown in FIG. 18, the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuit 25 executes a process of calculating the radiation position of infrared light (step S12) and a control process of the imaging device 3 (step S14), similarly to the first to fourth embodiments described above.

[0103] As described above, in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the infrared light emitted from the light source unit 100 is detected by the multiple photodetectors 24, and the radiation position of the infrared light is calculated by changing the weighting according to the angle of the arm 23a. Therefore, the movement of the imaging device 3 can be precisely controlled in accordance with the movement of the radiation position of the infrared light.

[0104] Moreover, since the weighting of the detection results of infrared light by the multiple photodetectors 24 is calculated according to the angle of the arm 23a, the radiation position of the infrared light can be calculated with higher accuracy. That is, the weighting of the detection result of infrared light by the photodetector 24 that detects infrared light with a stronger intensity is made larger than the weighting of the detection results of infrared light by the other photodetectors 24, so that the radiation position of the infrared light can be specified with higher accuracy.

[0105] Sixth Embodiment In the above-mentioned first to fifth embodiments, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 having a C-type or Ω-type arm 23a has been taken as an example to explain each embodiment, but the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 may be another type of X-ray diagnostic apparatus using X-rays. In the sixth embodiment, an embodiment will be explained using an example in which the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 is an X-ray computed tomography (CT) apparatus. Note that in the sixth embodiment described below, an example in which the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 in the third embodiment is configured as a CT apparatus will be explained, but in the first and second embodiments, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 can also be configured as a CT apparatus.

[0106] Fig. 21 is a perspective view for explaining an example of the configuration of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. As can be seen from Fig. 21, in this embodiment, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 is configured by a CT apparatus. Therefore, the imaging device 3 in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is configured by a gantry 200. This gantry 200 is an apparatus having an imaging system that irradiates X-rays onto a subject P and collects projection data from detection data of the X-rays that have passed through the subject P. In other words, the gantry 200 realizes X-ray computed tomography.

[0107] The gantry 200 houses the X-ray tube 13 and the X-ray detector 21 in each of the above-mentioned embodiments. However, in the gantry 200, the X-ray tube 13 and the X-ray detector 21 are supported facing each other by a rotating frame. That is, the gantry 200 houses the X-ray tube 13 and the X-ray detector 21 attached to a rotating frame that rotates around the subject P. Then, by rotating this rotating frame, the X-ray tube 13 and the X-ray detector 21 also rotate around the subject P, so that a three-dimensional X-ray image of the subject P can be generated.

[0108] In the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the photodetector 24 is provided on the gantry 200. For example, in the example of Fig. 21, the photodetector 24 is provided on an upper portion of the cylindrical gantry 200 on the side of the bed 5. However, the photodetector 24 may be provided at any position on the cylindrical gantry 200 as long as the infrared light emitted by the light emitting device can be detected.

[0109] 21, as in the third embodiment described above, a light source unit 100, which is a light emitting device, is provided on a bed device 5. That is, as described in FIGS. 11 and 12, also in this embodiment, the infrared light emitted by the light source unit 100 is detected by the photodetector 24, whereby the radiation position of the infrared light is calculated, and the gantry device 200, which is the imaging device 3, and the tabletop 5a can be controlled in the y-axis direction based on the position of the infrared light. For example, in this embodiment, when positioning the subject P or the tabletop 5a of the bed device 5, the gantry device 200, which is the imaging device 3, can be controlled based on the position of the infrared light detected by the photodetector 24.

[0110] 7, the position of the gantry device 200, which is the imaging device 3, is controlled. That is, the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuit 25 controls the position of the gantry device 200 in step S14.

[0111] Fig. 22 is a perspective view showing a state in which the opening of the cylindrical gantry 200 is outside the top board 5a of the bed 5 on which the subject P lies, and Fig. 23 is a plan layout diagram thereof. Meanwhile, Fig. 24 is a perspective view showing a state in which the top board 5a of the bed 5 on which the subject P lies is inserted into the opening of the cylindrical gantry 200, and Fig. 25 is a plan layout diagram thereof.

[0112] 22 to 25, in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the imaging device 3, which is the gantry device 200, is movable in the y-axis direction. That is, the gantry device 200 is movable along the y-axis in a direction toward and away from the subject P lying on the top board 5a.

[0113] For example, it is assumed that the gantry device 200 is located at the position shown in Fig. 22 and Fig. 23. In order to image the subject P, the operator operates the operation unit 9 to move the gantry device 200 in a direction approaching the subject P. At that time, the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuitry 25 can identify the position of the bed device 5 on which the subject P lies based on the position of the infrared light, and move the imaging device 3 to the position of the target part of the subject P. The state after the movement is shown in Fig. 24 and Fig. 25.

[0114] As described above, according to the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the infrared light emitted from the light source unit 100 is detected by the photodetector 24, the radiation position of the infrared light is identified, and then the gantry device 200 can be controlled based on the radiation position of the infrared light. This makes it easier for the operator of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1, which is a CT device, to perform positioning work.

[0115] In the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the accuracy of calculating the radiation position of infrared light may be improved by providing a plurality of photodetectors 24 on the gantry device 200. That is, this embodiment may be applied to the above-mentioned fourth or fifth embodiment, and the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the fourth or fifth embodiment may be configured as a CT apparatus.

[0116] Seventh embodiment In the sixth embodiment described above, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 is configured with a CT device, but the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this sixth embodiment can be configured to additionally include an imaging device 3 having a C-type or Ω-type arm 23a, as in the first to fifth embodiments described above. In other words, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first to fifth embodiments can also be configured to additionally include a gantry device 200 for a CT device.

[0117] In the following, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 in which an imaging device 3 having a C-type or Ω-type arm 23a is additionally provided to the sixth embodiment will be described as a seventh embodiment. Note that in the seventh embodiment described below, an example will be described in which the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 in the third embodiment is configured as a CT device, as in the sixth embodiment, but the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 in the first and second embodiments can also be configured as a CT device.

[0118] Fig. 26 is a perspective view for explaining an example of the configuration of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. As can be seen from Fig. 26, in this embodiment, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 includes both an imaging device 3 having an arm 23a and a gantry device 200.

[0119] In the imaging device 3 of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the photodetector 24 is provided in the gantry 200 and also in the X-ray detector 21 of the imaging device 3. Therefore, in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 26, when the gantry 200 is moved, the radiation position of the infrared light can be identified based on the infrared light detected by the photodetector 24 provided in the gantry 200, and the gantry 200 can be controlled. Furthermore, when the imaging device 3 including the arm 23a is moved, the radiation position of the infrared light can be identified based on the infrared light detected by the photodetector 24 provided in the imaging device 3, and the imaging device 3 can be controlled.

[0120] 7, the position of the gantry device 200 is controlled, and the position of the imaging device 3 is also controlled. That is, the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuit 25 controls the positions of the gantry device 200 and the imaging device 3 in step S14.

[0121] Fig. 27 is a perspective view showing a state in which the opening of the cylindrical gantry 200 is outside the top board 5a of the bed 5 on which the subject P lies, and Fig. 28 is a plan layout diagram thereof. Meanwhile, Fig. 29 is a perspective view showing a state in which the top board 5a of the bed 5 on which the subject P lies is inserted into the opening of the cylindrical gantry 200, and Fig. 30 is a plan layout diagram thereof.

[0122] As shown in these Figures 27 to 30, in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the gantry device 200 moves in the same manner as in the sixth embodiment described above, and the imaging device 3 moves in the same manner as in the third embodiment described above.

[0123] For example, assume that the gantry device 200 is located at the position shown in Figures 27 and 28. In order to image the subject P, the operator operates the operation unit 9 to move the gantry device 200 in a direction approaching the subject P. At that time, the imaging control function 254 in the processing circuitry 25 can identify the position of the bed device 5 on which the subject P lies based on the position of the infrared light, and move the imaging device 3 to the position of the target part of the subject P. The state after the movement is shown in Figures 29 and 30.

[0124] 27 and 28, for example, the operator can use the imaging device 3 to inject a contrast agent while inserting a catheter into the subject P to perform angiography. Then, as necessary, the operator can move the gantry apparatus 200 to the position shown in Fig. 29 and 30 and then use the gantry apparatus 200 to perform CT imaging of the subject P.

[0125] As described above, according to the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the infrared light emitted from the light source unit 100 is detected by the photodetector 24, the radiation position of the infrared light is identified, and then both the gantry device 200 and the imaging device 3 can be controlled based on the radiation position of the infrared light. This not only makes it easier for the operator of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1, which is a CT device, to perform the positioning operation, but also makes it possible to control the movement of the imaging device 3 equipped with the arm 23a by following the movement of the radiation position of the infrared light.

[0126] In the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the accuracy of calculating the radiation position of infrared light may be improved by providing a plurality of photodetectors 24 on the gantry device 200. That is, this embodiment may be applied to the above-mentioned fourth or fifth embodiment, and the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the fourth or fifth embodiment may be provided with the gantry device 200 in addition to the imaging device 3.

[0127] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, by adding a relatively inexpensive device, that is, a photodetector, to an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, it is possible to control the imaging device 3 in accordance with the movements of the subject, catheter, bed device, etc.

[0128] The term "processor" used in the above description means a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). When the processor is a CPU, for example, the processor realizes a function by reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit. On the other hand, when the processor is an ASIC, for example, instead of storing a program in a memory circuit, a program is directly incorporated in the circuit of the processor. Note that each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, and may be configured as one processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function. Furthermore, the multiple components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into one processor to realize its function.

[0129] Although some embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1 X-ray diagnostic equipment 3. Imaging device 5. Sleeping device 5a Tabletop 5b table 5c Sleeping Mat 7 Drive unit 9 Control section 13 X-ray tube 19 X-ray tube holder 21 X-ray detector 23 Holding device 23a Arm 24 Photodetector 25 Processing circuit 27 Memory circuit 29 Display section 31 Input Interface 80 OCT Catheter Device 82 Device body 84 Catheter 86 Catheter tip Em1, Em2 radiation position

Claims

1. an imaging device including an X-ray tube for irradiating an object with X-rays, an X-ray detector for detecting the X-rays transmitted through the object, and a photodetector for detecting infrared light; an imaging control unit that controls the imaging device based on a position of the infrared light detected by the photodetector; An X-ray diagnostic apparatus comprising:

2. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging control unit determines an amount of movement of the imaging device based on a position of the infrared light detected by the photodetector.

3. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging control unit calculates an amount of movement of the imaging device so that a relative positional relationship between a position of the infrared light and a position of the photodetector is maintained.

4. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the photodetector is disposed in at least one of the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector.

5. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging device further comprises an arm supporting the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector.

6. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the photodetector is disposed on at least one of the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector, and on an inner peripheral surface of the arm.

7. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the imaging control unit switches and selects a photodetector used to control the imaging device in accordance with an angle of the arm.

8. 8. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the imaging control unit uses a position of infrared light detected by a photodetector that is disposed so that there is no obstacle between the subject and the photodetector, in order to control the imaging device.

9. 8. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when the photodetector is located below a top board of a bed device on which the subject lies, the imaging control unit uses a position of infrared light detected by another photodetector to control the imaging device.

10. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the imaging control unit calculates a position of the infrared light by changing weighting of the detection results of the infrared light detected by the plurality of photodetectors according to an angle of the arm.

11. 11. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, when the photodetector is located below a top plate of a bed device on which the subject lies, the imaging control unit calculates the position of the infrared light by weighting the detection result of the infrared light by another photodetector more heavily than the detection result of the infrared light by the photodetector located below the top plate of the bed device in order to control the imaging device.

12. 11. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the imaging control unit calculates a position of the infrared light by weighting a detection result of the infrared light by a photodetector located in a direction directly facing the subject more heavily than weighting a detection result of the infrared light by another photodetector.

13. 13. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light detector detects infrared light emitted from a tip of a light-emitting device inserted into the body of the subject.

14. 13. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photodetector detects infrared light emitted from a light-emitting device attached to the subject.

15. 13. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photodetector detects infrared light emitted from a light emitting device provided at a position that follows the movement of a bed apparatus on which the subject lies.

16. 2. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is a gantry device that houses the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector attached to a rotating frame that rotates around a subject in order to perform X-ray computed tomography.

17. 6. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the imaging device further comprises a gantry device that houses the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector attached to a rotating frame that rotates around a subject in order to perform X-ray computed tomography.

18. an imaging device including an X-ray tube for irradiating an object with X-rays, an X-ray detector for detecting the X-rays transmitted through the object, and a photodetector for detecting infrared light; An imaging control unit that controls the imaging device; A method for controlling an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, comprising: the photodetector detecting infrared light; a step of the imaging control unit controlling the imaging device based on a position of the infrared light detected by the photodetector; A control method for an X-ray diagnostic apparatus comprising:

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