Injection system, control method, and control program

Abstract

To provide a user with convenience.SOLUTION: An injection system includes an injection device that injects a contrast medium according to an injection protocol, and a display that displays a simulation result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an injection system having a display unit that displays a simulation result. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an injection device that includes a generating device that generates an injection protocol for a contrast agent. The generating device has an imaging condition acquiring unit that acquires at least one of pixel values ​​and duration information, and a protocol generating unit that generates an injection protocol based on the acquired pixel values ​​or duration. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 021185 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a need for an injection system that provides greater convenience to the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, an injection system as one example of the present invention includes an injection device that injects a contrast agent according to an injection protocol, and a display unit that displays a simulation result.

[0006] This provides convenience to the user.

[0007] Further characteristics of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an injection system. [Diagram 2] 11 is a setting screen displayed on a display unit. [Diagram 3] 1 is a simulation screen displayed on a display unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of components described in the following embodiments are arbitrary and can be changed according to the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied or various conditions. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described below.

[0010] Unless otherwise specified, the term contrast agent includes both the contrast agent alone and a drug solution containing a contrast agent plus other solvents and additives. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the term pixel value includes the CT value of an imaging site that has been imaged, the sum or average of the CT values ​​of pixels included in a region of interest (ROI), or the SD value (standard deviation value) of the region of interest. Furthermore, the pixel value includes a value obtained by subtracting a value of an imaging site that has not been imaged (for example, the CT value of an imaging site in a simple CT) from these values. The region of interest is set in advance, or the user can select the region of interest.

[0011] [First embodiment] 1, which is a schematic diagram of the injection system 120 and the imaging system 130, the injection system 120 including a simulator (not shown) will be described. In this embodiment, at least one of the injection system 120 and the imaging system 130 includes a simulator that predicts changes in pixel values ​​over time in the tissue of a subject.

[0012] 1, injection system 120 includes injection head 20, which is an example of an injection device that injects a contrast agent according to an injection protocol, and touch panel 26, which is an example of a display unit that displays simulation results. Injection head 20 injects medicinal liquids, such as physiological saline and various contrast agents, filled in a syringe into a subject. Injection system 120 also includes stand 22 that holds injection head 20, and console 23 that is connected to injection head 20 by wire or wirelessly.

[0013] The console 23 functions as a control device for controlling the injection head 20, and also functions as a simulator for predicting changes in pixel values ​​over time. Alternatively, the injection system 120 may further include an external device that functions as the simulator and is connected to the injection head 20 by wire or wirelessly. The console 23 also includes a touch panel 26 that functions as a display unit and an input unit, and can communicate with the injection head 20 and the imaging device 30 by wire or wirelessly. The touch panel 26 can display the injection protocol, the input state of the device, the setting state, the injection result, various information, and the like. The user can also input the drug solution information, the injection protocol, the tissue information, the subject information, and the target values ​​(the target pixel value and the target duration that is the duration for which the target pixel value is maintained) by using the touch panel 26. Alternatively, the injection system 120 may include a display as a display unit and a keyboard as an input unit instead of the touch panel 26.

[0014] Furthermore, instead of console 23, injection system 120 may have a control device connected to injection head 20, and a display unit (e.g., a touch panel) connected to the control device and displaying the injection status of the medicinal liquid. In this case, the control device functions as a simulator that predicts changes in pixel values ​​over time. In addition, injection head 20 and the control device can be configured integrally with stand 22. Furthermore, a hanging member can be provided instead of stand 22, and injection head 20 can be suspended from the ceiling via the hanging member.

[0015] Injection head 20 may also have a remote control device (e.g., a hand switch or foot switch) for remotely controlling injection head 20. This remote control device can remotely control injection head 20 to start or stop injection. Injection head 20 may also have a power source or battery. This power source or battery can be provided in either injection head 20 or the control device, or can be provided separately from these.

[0016] The injection head 20 includes a syringe holder on which a syringe filled with a liquid medicine is mounted, and a drive mechanism for pushing out the liquid medicine in the syringe according to an injection protocol. The injection head 20 also includes an operation unit 28 for inputting the operation of the drive mechanism. The operation unit 28 includes, for example, a forward button for the drive mechanism, a backward button for the drive mechanism, and a final confirmation button. The injection head 20 may also include a head display on which the injection conditions, the injection status, the input status of the device, the setting status, and various injection results are displayed. For example, the head display is installed on the side of the injection head 20 or is built into the injection head 20. The head display may also be a touch panel type display that can be operated by the user. In this case, the head display may display the screens shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, and the user can input each piece of information from the displayed screen.

[0017] When the contrast medium is injected, an attachment such as an extension tube is connected to the tip of the syringe mounted on injection head 20. Then, when preparation for injection is complete, the user presses the final confirmation button on operation unit 28. This causes injection head 20 to wait in a state in which injection can begin. When injection begins, the contrast medium pushed out of the syringe is injected into the subject's body via the extension tube.

[0018] In addition, the injection head 20 can be equipped with a pre-filled syringe having a data carrier such as an RFID chip, an IC tag, or a barcode, and various other syringes. Therefore, the injection head 20 is equipped with a reading unit that reads the data carrier attached to the syringe. The data carrier stores drug information related to the drug solution. Furthermore, the injection head 20 may have three or more syringe holders, or may have only one syringe holder.

[0019] Injection head 20 can receive information from a server (external storage device) (not shown) and can also transmit information to the server. Imaging device 30 of imaging system 130 can also receive information from a server and can also transmit information to the server. This server is, for example, a Radiology Information System (RIS), a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), or a Hospital Information System (HIS).

[0020] The server stores an examination order in advance. The examination order includes subject information on the subject and examination information on the examination content. The server can also store information on the imaging results, such as image data transmitted from the imaging device 30, and information on the injection results transmitted from the injection head 20. An external image inspection system or an image creation workstation can also be used to operate the injection head 20 and the imaging device 30.

[0021] The imaging system 130 includes an injection head 20 that injects a contrast agent, and a medical imaging device 30 that is connected to the injection head 20 by wire or wirelessly and captures an image of a subject. Examples of the imaging device 30 include various medical imaging devices such as an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device, a CT (Computed Tomography) device, an angio imaging device, a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) device, a SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) device, a CT angio device, an MR angio device, an ultrasound diagnostic device, and a blood vessel imaging device. An example in which the imaging system 130 includes a CT device will be described below.

[0022] The imaging device 30 has an imaging section 31 that images a subject according to an imaging plan, and a control device 32 that controls the entire imaging device 30. The imaging plan includes, for example, an imaging site, an effective tube voltage, a model name, a manufacturer name, an imaging time, a tube voltage, an imaging range, a rotation speed, a helical pitch, an exposure time, a dose, and an imaging method. The control device 32 controls the imaging section 31 to image the subject according to the imaging plan. Furthermore, the control device 32 also functions as a simulator that predicts changes in pixel values ​​over time. The control device 32 can communicate with the imaging section 31, the injection head 20, and a server (external storage device) by wire or wirelessly. The simulator may perform a more accurate simulation by further considering information included in the imaging plan.

[0023] The imaging unit 31 has a bed, an X-ray source that irradiates the subject with X-rays, and an X-ray detector that detects the X-rays that have passed through the subject. The imaging unit 31 irradiates the subject with X-rays and captures a perspective image of the subject by back-projecting the inside of the subject based on the X-rays that have passed through the subject.

[0024] The imaging device 30 has a display 33 that functions as a display unit that displays the simulation results. This display 33 is connected to the control device 32, and displays the input state, setting state, imaging results, and various information of the device. Alternatively, the control device 32 and the display 33 can be configured integrally. Furthermore, the imaging device 30 has a user interface 34 such as a keyboard that functions as an input unit. A user can input information including drug solution information, injection protocol, tissue information, subject information, target values, and the like to the imaging device 30 from the user interface 34.

[0025] [Simulator] A simulator (perfusion simulator) that predicts changes in pixel values ​​over time in the tissue of a subject will be described below. In the following, an example will be described in which at least one of the injection system 120 and the imaging system 130 includes a simulator that simulates changes in pixel values ​​over time in an examination site. However, when the simulator is provided externally, the injection system 120 and the imaging system 130 do not need to include a prediction unit. In this case, the simulation results by the prediction unit are acquired by a result acquisition unit of the injection system 120 and the imaging system 130. This result acquisition unit may be included in the control device 32 or the control unit of the console 23.

[0026] The control device 32 or console 23 functioning as a simulator includes a control unit consisting of a CPU or the like, and a storage unit (memory) that stores a control program. This control unit controls each unit of the simulator according to the control program stored in the storage unit. The control unit also includes a result acquisition unit, a prediction unit, a subject information acquisition unit, a protocol acquisition unit, a tissue information acquisition unit, a drug solution information acquisition unit, and an examination information acquisition unit. The control unit also includes a target value acquisition unit. However, these multiple functional units may be provided externally, in which case the control unit includes only some of the multiple functional units.

[0027] The control unit executes various processes in response to the control program implemented in the storage unit, whereby each unit is logically realized as a different function. Furthermore, the control unit controls the touch panel 26 or the display 33 functioning as a display unit to display at least one input field for subject information related to the subject, drug solution information related to the drug solution, and part information. If the prediction unit is provided outside the control device 32 or the console 23, the result acquisition unit of the control unit receives the simulation result from the prediction unit. Then, the control unit causes the touch panel 26 or the display 33 to display the simulation result received by the result acquisition unit.

[0028] The storage unit is a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. The storage unit has a RAM (Random Access Memory) which is a system work memory for the control unit to operate, a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs or system software, or a hard disk drive. The storage unit also stores a simulation program that causes the computer (control unit) to predict the change over time in pixel values ​​in the tissue of the subject. This simulation program can also be stored in another recording medium.

[0029] Alternatively, the control unit can control various processes according to a control program and a simulation program stored in a portable recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a CF (Compact Flash) card, or an external storage medium such as a server connected to the Internet.

[0030] The subject information acquisition unit acquires subject information related to the subject, including, for example, hemoglobin amount, weight, height, body surface area, cardiac function, heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), creatinine level, age, sex, lean body mass, body mass index, circulating blood volume, subject number (subject ID), subject's disease and side effect history, subject's name, date of birth, blood volume, and blood flow velocity.

[0031] The subject information acquisition unit also acquires subject information input by the user via touch panel 26 or user interface 34. Furthermore, the subject information acquisition unit may acquire the subject information from a storage unit or an external storage device. Examples of such external storage devices include a RIS, a PACS, an HIS, an image inspection system, and an image creation workstation. Furthermore, the subject information acquisition unit may acquire the subject information from imaging device 30 or injection head 20 shown in FIG. 1.

[0032] The protocol acquisition unit acquires an injection protocol of the liquid medicine containing the contrast agent. The protocol acquisition unit may generate and acquire the injection protocol based on the subject information acquired from the subject information acquisition unit. The protocol acquisition unit may also acquire the injection protocol input by the user via the touch panel 26 or the user interface 34. The injection protocol may include, for example, the injection time and injection rate of the liquid medicine. Furthermore, the injection protocol may include the injection method, the contrast agent injection site, the injection amount, the injection timing, the contrast agent concentration, the injection pressure, and the acceleration of the injection rate. The protocol acquisition unit may also acquire the injection protocol from the storage unit, an external storage device, or the injection head 20.

[0033] The injection protocol may include information such as the injection time and injection rate of the contrast agent, the injection time and injection rate of the saline solution, whether or not to perform a boost injection of the contrast agent, whether or not to increase or decrease the injection rate, whether or not to perform a cross injection, whether or not to perform a link speed setting, and the volume of the injection tube. This cross injection is an injection method in which the contrast agent is injected at a speed faster than the injection rate of the saline solution until a set time has elapsed from the start of injection, and then the contrast agent is injected so that the injection rate gradually decreases, and at the same time, the saline solution is injected so that the injection rate gradually increases. Moreover, the link speed setting is a setting in which the injection rates of the contrast agent and the saline solution are linked so that they are the same.

[0034] Furthermore, the protocol acquisition unit generates an injection protocol based on the input target value. The protocol acquisition unit can also generate an injection protocol corresponding to a simulation result (e.g., TDC) by the prediction unit. Furthermore, the protocol acquisition unit can also generate an injection protocol based on the examination information, the subject information, and the drug solution information. Alternatively, the protocol acquisition unit may acquire an injection protocol by reading out an injection protocol that satisfies the conditions input by the user from among the injection protocols stored in the storage unit.

[0035] The tissue information acquisition unit acquires tissue information of the subject. This tissue information includes, for example, the number of compartments in the tissue (the number of divided compartments of blood vessels and organs), the volume of the tissue (the volume of the vascular cavity), the volume of the capillaries, the volume of the extracellular fluid cavity, the blood flow rate (blood flow velocity) per unit tissue, the seepage rate of the contrast agent in the tissue (capillary permeable surface area), the seepage rate of the contrast agent in the tissue (capillary permeable surface area), and the inherent pixel value of the tissue. The number of compartments may be set to be greater for tissues with larger volumes than for tissues with smaller volumes.

[0036] The tissue information acquisition unit also acquires tissue information input by the user via touch panel 26 or user interface 34. The tissues include the heart (right and left ventricles), blood vessels, kidneys, ureters, other organs and muscles. For example, when the tissue information acquisition unit acquires the inherent pixel values ​​of the tissues, the prediction unit predicts the degree of enhancement by the contrast agent based on the inherent pixel values ​​of each tissue. The tissue information acquisition unit may also acquire the tissue information from a memory unit, an external storage device, or injection head 20.

[0037] The liquid medicine information acquiring unit acquires, for example, information on the contrast medium and physiological saline as the liquid medicine information related to the liquid medicine. This liquid medicine information acquiring unit acquires the liquid medicine information input by the user via the touch panel 26 or the user interface 34. The liquid medicine information includes, for example, the amount of iodine, the viscosity, the osmotic pressure ratio, the amount of contrast medium, the amount of physiological saline, the product ID, the product name, the chemical classification, the contained components, the concentration, the expiration date, the syringe capacity, the syringe pressure resistance, the cylinder inner diameter, the piston stroke, and the lot number. Alternatively, the liquid medicine information acquiring unit may acquire the liquid medicine information from a storage unit, an external storage device, or the injection head 20. Furthermore, the liquid medicine information acquiring unit may acquire the liquid medicine information from a reading unit built into the injection head 20. This reading unit reads the liquid medicine information from a data carrier attached to a syringe mounted on the injection head 20.

[0038] The examination information acquisition unit acquires, as information related to the examination, particularly area information that identifies the examination area. The user can input examination information from the touch panel 26 or the user interface 34. This examination information includes, for example, area information that identifies the examination area to be imaged, pressure limit, amount of iodine used, tube voltage (kV), examination number (examination ID), examination date and time, type of liquid medicine, and name of liquid medicine. This area information is information that can identify the area (range) selected as the imaging target. For example, the area information includes the name of the examination area, the name of the imaging method, and the distance from the injection site of the liquid medicine to the examination area.

[0039] The target value acquisition unit acquires a target value (at least one of a target pixel value and a target duration). This target value acquisition unit can acquire a target value input by the user via touch panel 26 or user interface 34. Alternatively, the target value acquisition unit may acquire a pre-stored target value from a memory unit, an external storage device, or injection head 20. The control unit causes touch panel 26 or user interface 34 to display an injection protocol corresponding to a simulation result that reaches the target value acquired by the target value acquisition unit. This injection protocol is acquired by the protocol acquisition unit.

[0040] The prediction unit generates a simulation result. As an example, the prediction unit generates a time density curve (hereinafter, also referred to as "TDC" (Time Density Curve)) showing the change in pixel value over time as a simulation result. The prediction unit also simulates the change in pixel value of the tissue of the subject over time. That is, the prediction unit simulates the change in pixel value of each tissue of the subject over time based on the acquired subject information, injection protocol, drug solution information, and examination information. Furthermore, the prediction unit obtains a predicted duration during which a predetermined pixel value, for example, a target pixel value, is maintained. After the simulation, the prediction unit may store the pixel value of each compartment for each time in the storage unit in association with each tissue.

[0041] As an example, the prediction unit receives body weight or lean body weight as subject information from the subject information acquisition unit. The protocol acquisition unit generates an injection protocol based on the subject information, the drug solution information, and the examination information, and passes it to the prediction unit. For example, the protocol acquisition unit calculates the injection time and injection rate of the contrast agent and the physiological saline based on the examination site, the subject's body weight, and the amount of iodine in the contrast agent. The prediction unit then simulates the change in pixel value over time in the subject's tissue in each of a plurality of compartments obtained by dividing the subject's tissue along the blood flow direction. This simulation is performed based on the subject information, the injection protocol, and the tissue information. As a result, the prediction unit generates a TDC indicating the change in pixel value over time in the examination site as a simulation result.

[0042] Furthermore, the prediction unit acquires, from the subject information acquisition unit, the subject information, such as hemoglobin amount (g / dL), weight (kg), height (cm), cardiac function (%), heart rate (bpm), and body surface area (m 2), cardiac output (L / min), and eGFR. This allows the prediction unit to perform a more accurate high-precision simulation based on more information. As a result, for example, an image with higher image quality can be captured or a three-dimensional image can be created to perform a surgery simulation or to determine a treatment plan. Alternatively, the prediction unit may calculate at least one of the body surface area, cardiac output, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. For example, the body surface area can be calculated by the Fujimoto formula, the Dubois formula, or the Shintani formula based on the weight and height. The cardiac output can be calculated based on the body surface area, cardiac function, and heart rate. The eGFR can be calculated based on the creatinine value, age, and sex.

[0043] The result acquisition unit acquires, for example, a TDC, which is a change in pixel value over time in the test region, as a simulation result. If the control unit includes a prediction unit, the result acquisition unit acquires the simulation result from the prediction unit. Alternatively, the result acquisition unit may acquire the simulation result from an external simulator.

[0044] When the prediction unit is provided externally, the injection system 120 or the imaging system 130 includes a subject information acquisition unit, a drug solution information acquisition unit, an examination information acquisition unit, and a target value acquisition unit, and the prediction unit can receive necessary information from each of these units. Then, the result acquisition unit of the injection system 120 or the imaging system 130 acquires the simulation result from the external prediction unit. That is, each unit of the injection system 120 or the imaging system 130 and the external prediction unit work together to function as a simulator.

[0045] [Prediction of temporal changes in pixel values] An example of a simulation by the prediction unit will be described below. Each tissue of the subject is divided into a plurality of compartments along the blood flow direction according to the number of divided compartments of the tissue acquired from the tissue information acquisition unit. The prediction unit divides the volume of the tissue including the compartment to be predicted, the capillary volume of the tissue, and the extracellular fluid space volume of the tissue by the number of divided compartments to predict the change in pixel value over time for each compartment.

[0046] The tissues of the subject include the right ventricle, aorta, vein, artery, brain (head), upper limbs, myocardium (myocardium dominated by the right coronary artery, myocardium dominated by the anterior descending artery, and myocardium dominated by the circumflex artery), lung, liver, stomach, spleen, pancreas, intestine, kidney, ureter, lower limbs, left ventricle, ascending aorta, descending aorta, and abdominal aorta. The contrast medium injected from the upper limb vein moves to each organ via the right ventricle, lung, left ventricle, and aorta (ascending aorta, descending aorta), and then reaches the right ventricle via the vein. The contrast medium injected into the body is discharged from the body via the kidney and ureter.

[0047] The prediction unit uses a differential equation such as the following Equation 1 to obtain the change in pixel value in each tissue (blood vessel and organ) as a function of time. Here, the concentration of the contrast agent flowing into the compartment is C1, the concentration of the contrast agent flowing out of the compartment is C2, the volume of the compartment is V, and the blood flow rate (blood flow velocity) per unit tissue in the compartment is Q.

[0048]

number

[0049] Furthermore, in order to obtain changes in pixel values ​​in tissues other than the right ventricle, the left ventricle, and blood vessels, the prediction unit takes into consideration the seepage speed when the contrast agent permeates from the capillaries to the extracellular fluid space and the seepage back speed when the contrast agent permeates from the extracellular fluid space to the capillaries. For this reason, the prediction unit uses differential equations such as the following formulas 2 and 3. Here, the volume of the extracellular fluid space is Vec, the concentration of the contrast agent in the extracellular fluid space is Cec, the volume of the capillaries is Viv, the concentration of the contrast agent in the capillaries is Civ, the seepage speed is PS1, and the seepage back speed is PS2.

[0050]

number

[0051]

number

[0052] The prediction unit solves the differential equation to obtain the time elapsed from the start of injection and the change in pixel value (contrast agent concentration) as a function of time. Furthermore, the prediction unit may calculate the amount of contrast agent discharged based on a predetermined discharge rate and perform a simulation by subtracting the discharged amount from the contrast agent in the capillaries of the kidney. In this way, a simulation is performed in which a portion of the contrast agent that has reached the kidney is subtracted from the total amount of contrast agent in the entire body (in the plasma). By simulating the discharge of the contrast agent, the total amount of contrast agent in the entire body decreases over time, making it possible to perform a more accurate simulation.

[0053] When the simulation is completed, the prediction unit sequentially stores the simulation results in the storage unit. The simulation results include a TDC indicating the change over time of pixel values ​​in the examination region, and may also include information on pixel values ​​at each time associated with tissue. Then, the control unit displays the TDC on the touch panel 26 or the display 33. Alternatively, the prediction unit may perform the simulation using a prediction method described in Japanese Patent No. 3553968.

[0054] [Settings screen] 2 and 3, a setting screen that is displayed first on the display unit and a simulation screen that can be displayed later on the display unit will be described. In the following, an example in which the console 23 functions as a simulator and the touch panel 26 functions as a display unit will be described.

[0055] The input screen in FIG. 2 is a setting screen for inputting various settings. A check button 11 is displayed in the upper right corner of this setting screen, which the user selects when the user has completed the settings and finished checking. In addition, a liquid medicine information input field 12 is displayed to the left of the check button 11. In the example of FIG. 2, the product name of the contrast medium and the iodine content of the contrast medium of 300 mg / mL are input as the liquid medicine information. In addition, the amount of liquid medicine filled in the syringe mounted on the injection head 20 is displayed below the check button 11. In the example of FIG. 2, it is shown that the amount of contrast medium filled in the contrast medium syringe is 140 mL, and the amount of saline filled in the saline syringe is 130 mL.

[0056] Below the liquid filling amount, a first examination information input field 16A is displayed for inputting part of the examination information. In the example of FIG. 2, the amount of iodine used in the contrast medium of 600 mgl / kg and the pressure limit of 300 PSI are input in the first examination information input field 16A. Below the first examination information input field 16A, a reduced TDC is displayed in a result display field 15A showing the simulation result. In the reduced TDC displayed in the result display field 15A, the horizontal axis corresponds to the elapsed time (sec) from the start of injection, and the vertical axis corresponds to the pixel value (HU). In this way, the TDC can be confirmed on the setting screen, which provides convenience to the user.

[0057] A protocol input field 14 for inputting an injection protocol is displayed on the left side of the result display field 15A. In the protocol input field 14, the user can input at least one of the following information: the injection rate, the injection amount, the injection time, and the injection start timing of the liquid medicine. In the protocol input field 14, the input injection protocol is shown by a graph whose horizontal axis indicates the elapsed time from the start of injection. In the injection protocol of the example of FIG. 2, after the start of injection, 90 ml (i.e., 30 sec) of contrast medium is injected at an injection rate of 3.0 mL / sec. Then, after the injection of the contrast medium (i.e., 30 sec has elapsed from the start of injection), 45 ml (i.e., 15 sec) of saline is injected at an injection rate of 3.0 mL / sec. Alternatively, the input injection protocol may be shown by a graph whose vertical axis indicates the injection rate or the injection amount.

[0058] An image of a subject is displayed below the drug solution information input field 12, and a second examination information input field 16B is displayed below the image. The user selects an examination site from among multiple tissue names displayed in the second examination information input field 16B. In the example of FIG. 2, the liver is selected as the examination site from among the liver and kidneys. Alternatively, the site information may be input so that the examination site is selected from the image of the subject. In addition, a subject information input field 17 is displayed below the second examination information input field 16B. The user inputs the weight of the subject in the second examination information input field 16B. In the example of FIG. 2, a weight of 60 kg is input as the subject information.

[0059] When the user wants to input a target value or check the details of the simulation result, the user touches and selects the result display field 15A. When the result display field 15A is selected, the simulation screen shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. Instead of or in addition to the result display field 15A, a display button for displaying the simulation screen may be displayed on the setting screen. On the displayed simulation screen, the TDC showing the simulation result is displayed larger than on the setting screen. Also on the simulation screen, the check button 11, the drug solution filling amount, the first test information input field 16A, the second test information input field 16B, and the subject information input field 17 are displayed. Note that the first test information input field 16A, the second test information input field 16B, and the subject information input field 17 may accept changes to the input contents by the user's re-input, or may not accept the changes.

[0060] At the bottom left of the simulation screen, an enlarged TDC is displayed in a result display field 15B. The control unit causes this enlarged TDC to display a pixel value input field 18A for inputting a target pixel value as a target value, and a duration input field 18B for inputting a target duration as a target value. In the example of FIG. 3, a target pixel value of 400 HU and a target duration of 4 sec are input. Note that a preset target value is displayed before the user inputs it, and the preset target value is stored in the storage unit. This allows the simulation result to be displayed even if the user does not input a target value. The control unit may cause only a scale to be displayed instead of the preset target value.

[0061] Furthermore, the enlarged TDC displays a timing display field 18C showing the recommended imaging timing. This imaging timing is predicted by the control unit from the simulation result and displayed on the touch panel 26. In the example of FIG. 3, the imaging timing is shown as a range between a start time when 20 seconds have passed since the start of injection and an end time when 25 seconds have passed since the start of injection, sandwiched between two vertical bars. This imaging timing is obtained by prediction by the control unit so as to match the range from when the target pixel value is reached to before it falls below the target pixel value. Alternatively, the start time may be matched with the time when the target pixel value is reached, and the end time may be matched with the time when the predicted pixel value matches the target pixel value again minus the imaging time (for example, 1 sec). This makes it possible to show the range in which the target pixel value is exceeded throughout the imaging period as the imaging timing.

[0062] A change button 19 for confirming the input or change of the target value is displayed above the result display field 15B. After inputting and confirming the target value, the user selects the change button 19. When the user inputs the target value, the prediction unit performs a resimulation and generates a simulation result that reaches the input target pixel value or target duration. The result acquisition unit again acquires the generated simulation result from the prediction unit. For example, in the resimulation, the injection protocol is changed so that a TDC that reaches the input target value is generated, and a simulation is performed based on the changed injection protocol. However, if there is no need to change the injection protocol, a simulation is performed based on the already set injection protocol.

[0063] When the user wishes to confirm the injection protocol used in the re-simulation or to change the input values, the user selects the weight input button 13, for example. This causes the control unit to re-display the setting screen shown in FIG. 2. On the setting screen, the user can confirm the injection protocol and change the input values ​​by re-inputting. Alternatively, the control unit may display a pop-up of the simulation screen so that it is superimposed on the setting screen. In this case, the user can touch the setting screen to bring it to the front.

[0064] The control unit may display a switching button on the simulation screen or the setting screen. As an example, a screen displaying a normal simulation mode in which a small amount of information can be input and a screen displaying a high-precision simulation mode in which a large amount of information can be input may be switched in response to selection of the switching button. In the high-precision simulation mode, the prediction unit performs a high-precision simulation based on more information. Then, the control unit displays an injection protocol corresponding to the simulation result generated based on more information on the touch panel 26.

[0065] In this case, the result acquisition unit acquires a simulation result generated based on normal information in the normal simulation mode. Furthermore, the result acquisition unit acquires a simulation result generated based on more information than normal in the high-precision simulation mode. The high-precision simulation mode may be executed by an external device connected to the console 23. The result acquisition unit receives the simulation result from the external device, and the console 23 and the external device work together to function as a functionally integrated simulator. Alternatively, a screen displaying a normal simulation mode in which a large amount of information can be input and a screen displaying a high-speed simulation mode in which a small amount of information can be input may be switched according to the selection of a switching button. In the high-speed simulation mode, the prediction unit can generate a simulation result faster based on less information.

[0066] [Input flow] When the user loads a syringe after turning on the power of injection head 20, the reading unit of injection head 20 reads the medicinal liquid information (e.g., product ID) and sends it to the control unit. Then, the medicinal liquid information acquisition unit of the control unit acquires the medicinal liquid information read by the reading unit. The control unit also displays the product name and iodine content, etc. based on the product ID in medicinal liquid information input field 12. Furthermore, the medicinal liquid information acquisition unit may acquire the product name entered by the user in medicinal liquid information input field 12 as medicinal liquid information. The medicinal liquid information acquisition unit temporarily stores the acquired product ID or product name in the memory unit as medicinal liquid information.

[0067] Then, the user inputs the subject's weight as subject information in the subject information input field 17. Then, the subject information acquisition unit acquires the subject's weight as subject information and temporarily stores it in the memory unit. Also, the control unit displays the weight in the subject information input field 17. Next, the user inputs a pressure limit and an amount of iodine used in the first test information input field 16A. Then, the test information acquisition unit acquires the input pressure limit and amount of iodine used as test information and temporarily stores it in the memory unit. Alternatively, the amount of iodine used may be calculated by the control unit based on the subject's weight and automatically displayed in the first test information input field 16A.

[0068] Furthermore, the user selects and touches a desired examination site (e.g., the liver) from among the multiple sites displayed in the second examination information input field 16B. The examination information acquisition unit then acquires the input examination site as site information and temporarily stores it in the memory unit. The control unit also highlights the input examination site in the image simulating the subject and in the second examination information input field 16B. In the example of FIG. 2, the input examination site is displayed in a color different from the other sites. The order of acquisition or input of the liquid medicine information, examination information, and subject information can be changed as appropriate.

[0069] The protocol acquisition unit generates and acquires an injection rate and an injection time as an injection protocol based on the test information, the subject information, and the medicinal solution information. The protocol acquisition unit then temporarily stores the acquired injection protocol in the storage unit, and the control unit displays the injection protocol in the protocol input field 14. Alternatively, the protocol acquisition unit may acquire an injection protocol input by a user in the protocol input field 14. Furthermore, the protocol acquisition unit may acquire an injection protocol generated by an external computer.

[0070] The prediction unit performs a simulation based on the liquid medicine information, the examination information, the object information, and the injection protocol. The prediction unit then creates a TDC as a simulation result and temporarily stores it in the memory unit. The control unit displays the created TDC in the result display field 15A. Here, the memory unit stores the target pixel value for each examination site in advance. Then, the control unit superimposes and displays the provisional target pixel value on the TDC. Furthermore, the control unit superimposes and displays the duration during which the provisional target pixel value is maintained as the provisional target duration on the TDC. In the example of FIG. 2, the control unit displays a provisional target pixel value of 400 HU and a provisional target duration of 4 sec.

[0071] The user checks the display contents of the setting screen, particularly the TDC displayed in the result display field 15A, and selects the check button 11 if there are no changes. This completes preparation for injection, and the injection head 20 waits in an injection-enabled state. Alternatively, the user may press the final confirmation button of the injection head 20. When changing the information entered in the setting screen, the user re-enters the information in each input field. The protocol acquisition unit generates and acquires an injection protocol based on the changed information. The prediction unit automatically performs a simulation based on the changed information and the changed injection protocol. The prediction unit then creates a TDC again as a simulation result, and temporarily stores it in the memory unit. The control unit displays the created TDC in the result display field 15A.

[0072] This allows the user to input and change each piece of information while checking the TDC on the setting screen. Alternatively, a change button may be displayed on the setting screen, and when the user selects the change button, the prediction unit may perform a simulation again in response to the user's operation. The prediction unit may also perform a simulation again when the injection protocol is changed.

[0073] When a user wishes to input a target value or enlarge the TDC to check the details of the simulation result, the user touches the result display field 15A to display the simulation screen of Fig. 3. On the simulation screen, the user inputs a target pixel value or a target duration as a target value in the pixel value input field 18A or duration input field 18B. When the user then touches and selects the change button 19, the prediction unit generates a TDC that reaches the input target value and an injection protocol corresponding to the TDC by resimulation. The protocol acquisition unit then acquires the injection protocol from the prediction unit and temporarily stores it in the storage unit.

[0074] The user then selects weight input button 13 to confirm the injection protocol. When weight input button 13 is selected, the control unit re-displays the setting screen and displays the generated injection protocol in protocol input field 14. The user checks the contents displayed on the setting screen, particularly the injection protocol displayed in protocol input field 14, and selects check button 11 if there are no changes. This completes preparation for injection, and injection head 20 waits in an injection-enabled state. If no changes are required, the user may select check button 11 on the simulation screen.

[0075] According to the invention relating to the first embodiment described above, the TDC can be confirmed when inputting various settings, thereby providing convenience to the user.

[0076] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to each embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The present invention also includes inventions that have been modified without going against the present invention, and inventions equivalent to the present invention. In addition, each embodiment and each modified form can be appropriately combined without going against the present invention.

[0077] For example, pixel value input field 18A and duration input field 18B may be displayed on the setting screen so that the target value can be input on the setting screen. The simulator may be mounted on an external computer that is connected by wire or wireless to at least one of the imaging device 30 and the injection head 20. In this case, the simulator transmits the simulation result and the optimal injection protocol corresponding to the simulation result to the imaging device 30 and the injection head 20. The result display field 15A may be a pop-up screen. In this case, when the prediction unit ends the simulation, the control unit pops up the result display field 15A so as to be superimposed on the setting screen. This allows the result display field 15A to be displayed without changing the layout of the setting screen used by the user. Therefore, an opportunity to check the TDC can be provided without changing the user's setting environment.

[0078] Furthermore, in the simulation screen shown in FIG. 3, only result display field 15B including pixel value input field 18A, duration input field 18B, and timing display field 18C, and change button 19 may be displayed. Also, a setting screen or simulation screen may be displayed on the head display of injection head 20, and information may be input immediately before injection. For example, the subject's weight or the like may be measured immediately before injection to obtain subject information, and the obtained subject information may be input. This allows a more accurate simulation to be performed based on more accurate subject information. Therefore, the user can more accurately grasp the imaging timing and obtain higher quality imaging results.

[0079] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0080] (Appendix 1) an injection device for injecting a contrast agent according to an injection protocol; a subject information acquisition unit that acquires subject information related to a subject; A liquid medicine information acquisition unit that acquires liquid medicine information related to the liquid medicine; an examination information acquisition unit that acquires part information that identifies an examination part; a result acquisition unit that acquires a change in pixel value over time in the test region as a simulation result; A display unit that displays the simulation results; a control unit that controls the display unit and causes the display unit to display at least one input field for the subject information, the medicinal solution information, and the site information.

[0081] (Appendix 2) 2. The injection system of claim 1, further comprising a prediction unit for generating the simulation results.

[0082] (Appendix 3) 3. The injection system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit predicts an imaging timing from the simulation result and causes the display unit to display the imaging timing.

[0083] (Appendix 4) 4. The injection system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display an input field for a target pixel value or a target duration.

[0084] (Appendix 5) The injection system of claim 4, wherein when the target pixel value or the target duration is input, the result acquisition unit again acquires a simulation result that reaches the target pixel value or the target duration.

[0085] (Appendix 6) The injection system of claim 4, wherein the result acquisition unit acquires simulation results generated based on normal information and simulation results generated based on more information than the normal information.

[0086] (Appendix 7) The injection system of claim 6, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display an injection protocol corresponding to a simulation result generated based on the more information.

[0087] (Appendix 8) A target value acquisition unit for acquiring a target pixel value or a target duration is further provided, An injection system described in any one of appendix 1 to 7, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display an injection protocol corresponding to a simulation result of reaching the target pixel value or the target duration acquired by the target value acquisition unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 20: injection device, 26: display unit, 33: display unit, 120: injection system

Claims

[Claim 1] an injection device for injecting a contrast agent according to an injection protocol; and a display unit for displaying the simulation results.

Images