X-ray diagnostic device, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide an X-ray diagnostic device, a control method, and a program capable of avoiding inappropriate compression of a portion of a subject by a compression cylinder.SOLUTION: An X-ray diagnostic device of an embodiment includes a compression cylinder and a control part. The compression cylinder compresses a portion of a subject lying on a bed. The control part controls the compression cylinder on the basis of an X-ray image collected before or during compression by the compression cylinder.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In upper gastrointestinal examinations and the like performed using X-ray diagnostic equipment, a subject is given barium, and then a compression tube is used to compress the barium-filled stomach, and images of the stomach's body, gastric angle, pyloric antrum, pylorus, and other areas are taken. When compressing the subject using a compression tube in this manner, it is necessary to ensure the subject's safety by preventing excessive pressure from being applied to the subject. Conventional X-ray diagnostic equipment is designed so that the compression tube's compression force does not exceed a specified value (e.g., 80 N). Techniques have also been proposed that detect the compression tube's compression force and automatically set the compression force according to the subject's conditions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-299329 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional X-ray diagnostic devices, it is possible to limit the compression force applied by the compression unit. However, even if the compression force is appropriately limited, if the compression unit accidentally applies pressure to an unintended area (e.g., a bone), the subject may feel pain or even suffer an injury such as a fracture.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to prevent the compression tube from compressing an inappropriate part of a subject. However, the problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the embodiment includes a compression unit and a control unit. The compression unit compresses a part of a subject placed on a bed. The control unit controls the compression unit based on X-ray images acquired before or during compression by the compression unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing how imaging is performed in a standing position in the X-ray irradiation device 10 according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first example of the positional relationship between a bone region RA and a compression region PA in an X-ray image according to the embodiment (the bone region is not included in the compression region). [Figure 4B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of the positional relationship between the bone region RA and the compression region PA in the X-ray image according to the embodiment (the bone region is included in the compression region). [Figure 4C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of the positional relationship between the bone region RA and the compression region PA in the X-ray image according to the embodiment (a small amount of the bone region is included in the compression region). [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing (before compression) of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing (during compression) of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An X-ray diagnostic apparatus, a control method, and a program according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0009] <Outline configuration> First, a schematic configuration of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 includes, for example, an X-ray irradiator 10 for irradiating X-rays onto a subject H, and a console device 20 for controlling the operation of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1. The X-ray irradiator 10 includes, for example, an X-ray tube 11, an irradiation range limiter 12, an X-ray detector 13, a bed 14, a compression unit 15, a compression unit support mechanism 16, an X-ray tube stand 17, a movement support mechanism 18, and a rotation support mechanism 19. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 is capable of imaging the subject H in a supine position where the subject H lies on the bed 14 as shown in FIG. 1, and in a standing position where the subject H stands along the bed 14 as shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, when the subject H is photographed in an upright position, the direction from the X-ray tube 11 toward the X-ray detector 13 (X-ray irradiation direction) and horizontal to the floor surface is defined as the Z-axis direction, the direction perpendicular to the floor surface is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction and horizontal to the floor surface is defined as the X-axis direction.

[0010] The X-ray tube 11 generates X-rays using a high voltage supplied from a high voltage generator (not shown). The X-rays emitted by the X-ray tube 11 pass through the subject H and are detected by the X-ray detector 13.

[0011] The irradiation range limiter 12 is provided in front of the X-ray tube 11, between the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 13. For example, the irradiation range limiter 12 is provided in front of the X-ray emission window of the X-ray tube 11. The irradiation range limiter 12 is also called an X-ray adjustable diaphragm. The irradiation range limiter 12 limits the X-ray irradiation range so that the X-rays emitted by the X-ray tube 11 are not irradiated onto any area other than the area to be imaged that an operator such as a technician or doctor desires.

[0012] The X-ray detector 13 detects X-rays emitted by the X-ray tube 11 and transmitted through the subject H. The X-ray detector 13 is also called a flat panel detector (FPD). The X-ray detector 13 is disposed opposite the X-ray tube 11. The X-ray detector 13 has a plurality of X-ray detection elements arranged two-dimensionally around the focal point of the X-ray tube 11. The X-ray detector 13 is movable on the XY plane according to the region of the subject H to be examined. The X-ray detector 13 generates image data in which the magnitude of the energy of the X-rays reaching each detection element is expressed as a digital value. The X-ray detector 13 outputs the generated image data to a console device 20, which will be described later.

[0013] The bed 14 is a platform on which the subject H is placed. The bed 14 is supported by a bed holder (not shown), and with the subject H placed on it, the height direction (Y-axis direction), the long and short axis directions of the bed 14 (Z-axis direction and X-axis direction), and the tilt angle around the X-axis are adjustable.

[0014] The compression unit 15 is a tubular member that compresses a desired region of the subject H placed on the bed 14. The compression unit 15 is connected to an X-ray tube stand 17 (moving support mechanism 18) via a compression unit support mechanism 16. The compression unit 15 can adjust the compression position (coordinate position on the XY plane) and compression force (coordinate position on the Z axis) on the subject H by driving the moving support mechanism 18 and / or the compression unit support mechanism 16 in response to operations by the operator. For example, by driving the moving support mechanism 18 and / or the compression unit support mechanism 16, the compression unit 15 sets the compression position on the XY coordinate plane shown in FIG. 1 and compresses a desired region (e.g., the stomach) of the subject H.

[0015] The X-ray tube stand 17 is a support mechanism that supports the X-ray tube 11 and the irradiation range limiter 12 (X-ray adjustable diaphragm), and is connected to one end of the compression unit support mechanism 16. One end of the X-ray tube stand 17 is connected to the X-ray detector 13. The X-ray tube stand 17 supports the X-ray tube 11 and the irradiation range limiter 12 and the X-ray detector 13 so that they face each other across the bed 14. The X-ray tube stand 17 also supports the compression unit 15 and the compression unit support mechanism 16 so that the compression unit 15 can compress the desired part of the subject H.

[0016] The moving support mechanism 18 supports the imaging system (X-ray tube 11, irradiation range limiter 12, and X-ray detector 13) so that it can move along the long axis or short axis direction of the bed 14 under the control of the console device 20. For example, when an imaging method such as long-length imaging in which the imaging system is moved to image the subject H is instructed by the console device 20, the moving support mechanism 18 moves the imaging system along the long axis direction of the bed 14 in accordance with the imaging timing of the instructed imaging method.

[0017] The rotation support mechanism 19 supports the moving support mechanism 18, including the X-ray tube 11 and the irradiation range limiter 12, and the bed 14 so that they can rotate (rise and fall) around the short axis (Z axis) of the bed 14. For example, the rotation support mechanism 19 rotates the imaging system (X-ray tube 11, irradiation range limiter 12, and X-ray detector 13) and the bed 14 around the rotation axis in response to instructions from the console device 20. The rotation angle of the bed 14 around the rotation axis is, for example, 0° when the bed 14 is in a horizontal position, and 90° when the bed 14 is rotated to a position parallel to the vertical direction. In the horizontal position, the longitudinal direction of the bed 14 is parallel to the Z axis, and the lateral direction is parallel to the X axis. The Y axis, which is perpendicular to the Z axis and the X axis, is also parallel to the vertical direction. Hereinafter, the position of the bed 14 where the rotation angle is 90°, as shown in FIG. 2, will be referred to as the upright position. That is, when the bed 14 is positioned such that the rotation angle is 90°, the subject H supported by the bed 14 is in an upright position.

[0018] The moving support mechanism 18 and the rotating support mechanism 19 may support the X-ray tube 11, the irradiation range limiter 12, the X-ray detector 13, and the bed 14 so that they can move along three orthogonal axes (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis) shown in Fig. 1. For example, the moving support mechanism 18 supports the X-ray tube 11, the irradiation range limiter 12, the X-ray detector 13, etc. so that the distance between the focal point of X-ray generation in the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 13 (source image distance (SID))) can be changed.

[0019] The moving support mechanism 18 and the rotating support mechanism 19 each include a driving unit (not shown). The driving unit drives the moving support mechanism 18 and the rotating support mechanism 19 under the control of the console device 20. For example, the driving unit drives the rotating support mechanism 19 to rotate it about a rotation axis. As a result, each component, such as the bed 14, is rotated about the rotation axis. For example, when an instruction to place the bed 14 in an upright position is input to the console device 20, the driving unit drives the rotating support mechanism 19 to rotate the bed 14 to the angle (90°) corresponding to the upright position. Furthermore, when an instruction to move the imaging system is input to the console device 20, the driving unit drives the rotating support mechanism 19 to move the imaging system along the Z-axis direction.

[0020] <Functional configuration> Next, a functional configuration of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 includes, for example, an X-ray irradiator 10 and a console device 20.

[0021] The X-ray irradiator 10 includes, for example, an X-ray tube 11, an irradiation range limiter 12, an X-ray detector 13, a bed 14, a compression unit 15, a compression unit support mechanism 16, an X-ray tube stand 17, a moving support mechanism 18, a rotating support mechanism 19, a sensor S, and a control circuit C. The sensor S is a device for measuring the compression force (presence or absence of compression) with which the compression unit 15 compresses the subject H. The sensor S is, for example, a sensor for measuring the amount of deflection of the compression unit support mechanism 16, a pressure sensor provided on the contact surface of the compression unit 15 with the subject H to measure the contact pressure, or a sensor for measuring the torque of a motor (not shown) that drives the compression unit support mechanism 16 (or the moving support mechanism 18). The control circuit C controls the operation of the X-ray irradiator 10 in accordance with control instructions from a console device 20.

[0022] The console device 20 includes, for example, a memory 21, a display 22, an input interface 23, a network connection circuit 24, and a processing circuit 25. In this embodiment, the console device 20 is described as being separate from the X-ray irradiator 10, but the X-ray irradiator 10 may include some or all of the components of the console device 20.

[0023] The memory 21 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. The memory 21 stores, for example, image data output by the X-ray detector 13, X-ray images, position data of the compression unit 15, measurement data of the compression force of the compression unit 15, information about the subject H, imaging conditions, etc. These data may be stored in an external memory with which the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 can communicate, instead of (or in addition to) the memory 21. The external memory is controlled by a cloud server that manages the external memory, for example, by the cloud server receiving a read / write request.

[0024] The display 22 displays various types of information. For example, the display 22 displays an X-ray image generated by the processing circuitry 25, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) image that accepts operations related to the compression unit 15 and various other operations, and the like. The display 22 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, or the like. The display 22 may be provided in the X-ray irradiation device 10. The display 22 may be a desktop type, or may be a display device (for example, a tablet terminal) that can communicate wirelessly with the console device 20.

[0025] The input interface 23 accepts various input operations by the operator and outputs an electrical signal indicating the content of the accepted input operation to the processing circuit 25. For example, the input interface 23 accepts input operations such as the operating conditions of the compression unit 15 (operating conditions of the movement support mechanism 18, operating conditions of the rotation support mechanism 19), fluoroscopy instructions, fluoroscopy conditions, imaging instructions, imaging conditions, etc. For example, the input interface 23 is realized by a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, drag ball, switch, button, joystick, lever, microphone, etc. The input interface 23 includes an X-ray fluoroscopy switch and an X-ray imaging switch. The X-ray fluoroscopy switch and the X-ray imaging switch are examples of an "X-ray exposure switch."

[0026] The input interface 23 may be provided in the X-ray irradiation device 10. The input interface 23 may also be realized by a display device (e.g., a tablet terminal) capable of wireless communication with the console device 20. In this specification, the input interface is not limited to an interface having physical operation components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an example of the input interface also includes 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 and outputs this electrical signal to a control circuit.

[0027] The network connection circuit 24 includes, for example, a network card having a printed circuit board, a wireless communication module, etc. The network connection circuit 24 implements an information communication protocol according to the type of the network to be connected.

[0028] The processing circuitry 25 controls the overall operation of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 and the operation of the X-ray irradiator 10 including the compression unit 15. The processing circuitry 25 executes, for example, a system control function 301, an image reconstruction function 302, an acquisition function 303, a detection function 304, a determination function 305, a compression unit control function 306, and a display control function 307. These components are realized, for example, by a hardware processor (computer) executing a program (software) stored in the memory 21. The hardware processor refers to circuitry such as a CPU, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD) or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA)).

[0029] Instead of storing a program in memory 21, the program may be directly embedded in the circuit of the hardware processor. In this case, the hardware processor realizes its functions by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. The hardware processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit, but may be configured as a single hardware processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize each function. Furthermore, multiple components may be integrated into a single hardware processor to realize each function.

[0030] Each component of the console device 20 or the processing circuitry 25 may be distributed and realized by multiple pieces of hardware. The processing circuitry 25 may not be a component of the console device 20, but may be realized by a processing device capable of communicating with the console device 20. The processing device is, for example, a workstation connected to one X-ray diagnostic apparatus, or a device (for example, a cloud server) connected to multiple X-ray diagnostic apparatuses and collectively executing processing equivalent to that of the processing circuitry 25 described below.

[0031] The system control function 301 controls various functions of the processing circuit 25 based on the input operation received by the input interface 23 .

[0032] The image reconstruction function 302 performs various processes on the image data output by the X-ray detector 13 to generate an X-ray image to be displayed on the display 22. For example, the image reconstruction function 302 performs various correction processes and image processing using existing image synthesis techniques on the image data to generate an X-ray image.

[0033] The acquisition function 303 acquires image data output by the X-ray detector 13, operation instructions for the compression unit 15 (compression unit support mechanism 16), the movement support mechanism 18, and the rotation support mechanism 19 input by the operator via the input interface 23, and the like. The acquisition function 303 is an example of an "acquisition unit."

[0034] The detection function 304 detects bone regions of the subject H by analyzing the image data output by the X-ray detector 13 or the X-ray image generated by the image reconstruction function 302. The bone regions are, for example, rib regions. The detection function 304 detects bone regions of the subject H using any method such as segmentation using machine learning technology. For example, the detection function 304 detects bone regions of the subject H from the collected X-ray images of the subject H using a machine learning model that detects object regions in X-ray images (for example, a machine learning model that is a U-Net for semantic segmentation). The detection function 304 is an example of a "detection unit." The image data output by the X-ray detector 13 and / or the X-ray image generated by the image reconstruction function 302 are an example of an "X-ray image."

[0035] The determination function 305 determines whether or not the compression area on the subject H compressed by the compression unit 15 includes a bone area of ​​the subject H. The compression area is identified based on operation information of the compression unit 15 (compression unit support mechanism 16) and / or the mobile support mechanism 18. The bone area is identified based on image analysis of the X-ray image. The determination function 305 is an example of a "determination unit."

[0036] The compression unit control function 306 controls the operation of the compression unit 15 (compression unit support mechanism 16). Based on operation instructions input by the operator via the input interface 23, the compression unit control function 306 controls the compression position of the compression unit 15 (coordinate position on the XY plane in FIG. 1 ) and the compression force of the compression unit 15 (pressing position of the compression unit 15 in the Z-axis direction in FIG. 1 ). Based on the determination result by the determination function 305, the compression unit control function 306 also controls the compression unit 15 by driving the movement support mechanism 18 and / or the compression unit support mechanism 16.

[0037] The compression unit control function 306 is an example of a "controller." The compression unit control function 306 controls the compression unit 15 based on X-ray images collected before or during compression by the compression unit 15. When the compression area on the subject H compressed by the compression unit 15 includes a bone region of the subject H, the compression unit control function 306 controls the drive of the movement support mechanism 18 and / or the compression unit support mechanism 16 to prevent the compression unit 15 from further compressing, reduce the compression force of the compression unit 15, or retract the compression unit 15. The compression unit control function 306 controls the compression force of the compression unit 15, for example, to allow only extremely low compression pressures below a predetermined threshold (e.g., 10 N). The compression unit control function 306 controls the compression position and compression force of the compression unit 15 while accepting input via the input interface 23 (X-ray irradiation switch), when an operation is performed on the compression unit 15, when pressure is detected by a sensor S provided on the compression unit 15, or while pressure is being detected by the sensor S.

[0038] The display control function 307 controls the display 22 to display various information. For example, the display control function 307 causes the display 22 to display an X-ray image generated by the processing circuit, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) image that accepts operations related to the compression unit 15 and various other operations, and the like.

[0039] <Positional relationship between bone area and compression area> (1) Example where the bone area is not included in the compression area Next, the positional relationship between the bone region and the compression region on the subject H will be described. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a first example of the positional relationship between the bone region RA and the compression region PA in an X-ray image (the bone region is not included in the compression region). The bone region RA is an area identified based on analysis of the X-ray image and corresponds to the ribs of the subject H. The compression region PA is identified based on operation information (coordinate position on the XY plane in the case of a standing position) of the mobile support mechanism 18 and / or the compression unit support mechanism 16, and is a circular area corresponding to the compression surface of the compression unit 15. In this example, the bone region RA is not included in the compression region PA. In this case, even if the compression unit 15 performs compression under these conditions, there is no risk of compressing the bones of the subject H. Therefore, it can be determined that there is no problem in starting or continuing compression by the compression unit 15.

[0040] (2) Example of compression area including bone area FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a second example of the positional relationship between the bone region RA and the compression region PA in an X-ray image (the bone region is included in the compression region). In this example, the compression region PA overlaps with part of the ribs (the lower ribs). In other words, the bone region RA is included in the compression region PA. In this case, compression by the compression unit 15 would compress the bones of the subject H. For this reason, it can be determined that compression by the compression unit 15 should not be started or continued. The compression unit control function 306 controls the movement support mechanism 18 and / or the compression unit support mechanism 16 to reduce the compression force of the compression unit 15 or to retract the compression unit 15 so that the compression unit 15 does not apply further pressure.

[0041] (3) Cases where the compressed area contains a small amount of bone FIG. 4C shows a third example of the positional relationship between the bone region RA and the compression region PA in an X-ray image (a small portion of the bone region is included in the compression region). In this example, the compression region PA overlaps with a portion of the ribs (lower ribs), but the area of ​​the overlapping area is small. That is, the bone region RA is included in the compression region PA by the compression unit 15 by a small amount. In this case, although compression by the compression unit 15 compresses the bones of the subject H, the impact on the subject is small, and therefore it is determined that there is no problem in starting or continuing compression by the compression unit 15. In this case, for example, the compression unit control function 306 controls the compression position and compression force of the compression unit 15 based on the comparison result (based on whether the comparison result is equal to or greater than the threshold value) of the area of ​​the bone region RA of the subject H included in the compression region PA by the compression unit 15 on the subject H (the area of ​​the overlapping area) or the ratio of the area of ​​the bone region RA of the subject H included in the compression region PA to the total area of ​​the bone region RA, with a preset threshold value. If the difference is equal to or greater than the threshold, the compression unit control function 306 controls the moving support mechanism 18 and / or the compression unit support mechanism 16 so that the compression unit 15 does not apply further pressure, so that the compression force of the compression unit 15 is reduced, or so that the compression unit 15 is retracted. On the other hand, if the difference is less than the threshold, the compression unit control function 306 controls the moving support mechanism 18 and / or the compression unit support mechanism 16 so as not to limit the pressure of the compression unit 15. Whether or not to perform such control may be determined based on a setting instruction from the operator or information about the subject (e.g., gender, age, etc.).

[0042] <Processing flow> (1) Before compression Next, a description will be given of the processing flow of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing (before compression) of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1. The flowchart shown in Fig. 5 is a stage prior to the start of X-ray diagnosis, and is started when the operator inputs an operation to set the operating conditions of the compression unit 15 via the input interface 23 with the subject H placed on the bed. Here, an upper gastrointestinal examination of the subject H will be described as an example.

[0043] First, the compression unit control function 306 tentatively determines the position of the compression unit 15 based on the instruction information for the compression position of the compression unit 15 input by the operator via the input interface 23 (step S101). While visually checking the positions of the subject H and the compression unit 15, the operator adjusts the position of the compression unit 15 so that the compression unit 15 presses against the position of the stomach of the subject H. In this way, the position of the compression unit 15 is tentatively determined.

[0044] Next, in response to a fluoroscopy instruction input by the operator via the input interface 23 (X-ray fluoroscopy switch), the system control function 301 performs control for X-ray fluoroscopy (step S103).

[0045] Next, the detection function 304 detects the bone region of the subject H by analyzing the image data output by the X-ray detector 13 as a result of the X-ray fluoroscopy or the X-ray image generated by the image reconstruction function 302 (step S105). The bone region is, for example, a rib region. The detection function 304 detects the bone region of the subject H using any method such as segmentation using machine learning technology.

[0046] Next, the determination function 305 determines whether the compression area on the subject H compressed by the compression unit 15 includes a bone region of the subject H (step S107). If it is determined that the compression area includes a bone region (step S107; YES), the display control function 307 displays a warning message on the display 22 notifying the operator that a bone region is included in the compression area (step S113). Upon confirming this warning message, the operator inputs an instruction to adjust the position of the compression unit 15 so that the compression unit 15 does not press against the bone region. In response to this adjustment instruction, the compression unit control function 306 adjusts the position of the compression unit 15 (step S115). After that, the process returns to step S107, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0047] On the other hand, if it is determined that the compression area does not include a bone region (step S107; NO), the compression unit control function 306 starts the compression process by the compression unit 15 (step S109). Here, the display control function 307 may display a normal message on the display 22 notifying the user that the compression area does not include a bone region. Thereafter, the system control function 301 performs X-ray photography in response to an imaging instruction input by the operator via the input interface 23 (X-ray photography switch) (step S111). This completes the processing of this flowchart.

[0048] In addition, when the control is set to be performed based on the comparison result between the area of ​​the overlapping area and a threshold value as described in Figure 4C, in the above step S107, the compression unit control function 306 controls the compression position and compression force of the compression unit 15 based on the comparison result (based on whether it is equal to or greater than the threshold value) of the area of ​​the bone area RA of the subject H included in the compression area PA by the compression unit 15 on the subject H (area of ​​the overlapping area), or the ratio of the area of ​​the bone area RA of the subject H included in the compression area PA to the total area of ​​the bone area RA, with a preset threshold value.

[0049] (2) Under pressure Next, another processing flow of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing (during compression) of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1. This processing is performed at a stage after the start of X-ray diagnosis (X-ray photography), and is executed when compression by the compression unit 15 has started or is being performed with the subject H placed on the bed. The flowchart shown in Fig. 6 is started when it is confirmed that compression by the compression unit 15 is being performed based on the detection result of the sensor S. Here, an upper gastrointestinal examination of the subject H will be described as an example.

[0050] First, in response to a fluoroscopy instruction input by the operator via the input interface 23 (X-ray fluoroscopy switch), the system control function 301 performs control for X-ray fluoroscopy (step S201).

[0051] Next, the detection function 304 detects the bone region of the subject H by analyzing the image data output by the X-ray detector 13 as a result of the X-ray fluoroscopy or the X-ray image generated by the image reconstruction function 302 (step S203). The bone region is, for example, a rib region. The detection function 304 detects the bone region of the subject H using any method such as segmentation using machine learning technology.

[0052] Next, the determination function 305 determines whether the area on the subject H compressed by the compression unit 15 (the area being compressed) includes a bone region of the subject H (step S205). If it is determined that a bone region is included in the area being compressed (step S205; YES), the display control function 307 displays a warning message on the display 22 notifying the user that a bone region is included in the area being compressed (step S211). Next, the compression unit control function 306 controls the compression unit 15 to reduce the compression force of the compression unit 15 or to retract the compression unit 15 so that the compression unit 15 does not apply further pressure (step S213). After confirming the warning message, the operator may input an instruction to adjust the position of the compression unit 15 so that the compression unit 15 does not press against the bone region. In response to this adjustment instruction, the compression unit control function 306 adjusts the position of the compression unit 15. After that, the process returns to step S205, and the subsequent steps are repeated. Even when the pressure limit control of the compression unit 15 is performed as described above, X-ray imaging may be performed under the pressure limit control.

[0053] On the other hand, if it is determined that the compression area does not include a bone region (step S205; NO), the compression unit control function 306 continues the compression operation by the compression unit 15 (step S207). Here, the display control function 307 may display a normal message on the display 22 notifying the user that the compression area does not include a bone region and that there is no problem in continuing compression. Thereafter, the system control function 301 performs X-ray imaging in response to an imaging instruction input by the operator via the input interface 23 (X-ray imaging switch). Thereafter, if the operator inputs an instruction to end X-ray imaging via the input interface 23, the system control function 301 determines to end X-ray imaging (step S209; YES). On the other hand, if the operator does not input an instruction to end X-ray imaging via the input interface 23, the process returns to step S201, and the subsequent processes are repeated. This ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0054] In addition, when the control is set to be performed based on the comparison result between the area of ​​the overlapping area and a threshold value as described in Figure 4C, in the above step S205, the compression unit control function 306 controls the compression position and compression force of the compression unit 15 based on the comparison result (based on whether it is equal to or greater than the threshold value) of the area of ​​the bone area RA of the subject H included in the compression area PA by the compression unit 15 on the subject H (area of ​​the overlapping area), or the ratio of the area of ​​the bone area RA of the subject H included in the compression area PA to the total area of ​​the bone area RA, with a preset threshold value.

[0055] According to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to prevent the compression unit from applying pressure to inappropriate regions of the subject. As a result, a comfortable diagnosis can be provided without causing pain or injury (such as a fracture) to the subject. Furthermore, various control methods for avoiding compression, such as preventing further compression by the compression unit, reducing the compression force of the compression unit, or retracting the compression unit, can be used, allowing for flexible control according to the subject's conditions and the purpose of the diagnosis. Furthermore, by controlling compression according to the degree of overlap between the compression area on the subject and the subject's bone region, flexible control according to the subject's conditions and the purpose of the diagnosis can be performed. For example, if the subject is an adult male or the like and it is determined that compression has little impact on the human body, control can be performed without imposing excessive restrictions, thereby avoiding re-diagnosis or prolonging the diagnosis time.

[0056] Although several 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, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1...X-ray diagnostic apparatus, 10...X-ray irradiation apparatus, 20...console apparatus, 11...X-ray tube, 12...irradiation range limiter, 13...X-ray detector, 14...bed, 15...compression tube, 16...compression tube support mechanism, 17...X-ray tube stand, 18...movement support mechanism, 19...rotation support mechanism, C...control circuit, S...sensor, 21...memory, 22...display, 23...input interface, 24...network connection circuit, 25...processing circuit, 301...system control function, 302...image reconstruction function, 303...acquisition function, 304...detection function, 305...determination function, 306...compression tube control function, 307...display control function

Claims

1. a compression tube that compresses a part of a subject placed on a bed; a control unit that controls the compression unit based on X-ray images collected before or during compression by the compression unit; An X-ray diagnostic apparatus comprising:

2. When a bone region of the subject is included in the region compressed by the compression unit on the subject, the control unit controls the compression unit so that the compression unit does not perform further compression.

2. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

3. the control unit controls the compression unit to reduce a compression force of the compression unit when a bone region of the subject is included in a compression region of the subject compressed by the compression unit.

2. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

4. the control unit controls the compression unit to retract when a bone region of the subject is included in a region compressed by the compression unit on the subject.

2. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The control unit controls the compression unit based on a comparison result between an area of ​​a bone region of the subject included in a compression region on the subject by the compression unit, or a ratio of an area of ​​the bone region of the subject included in the compression region to a total area of ​​the bone region, and a preset threshold value.

2. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The compression area is identified based on operation information of the compression unit, The bone region is identified based on image analysis of the X-ray image. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. the control unit controls the compression unit when an operation is performed on the compression unit while receiving an input from an X-ray exposure switch, when a pressure is detected by a sensor provided in the compression unit, or while a pressure is being detected by the sensor. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. Further provided is a sensor for detecting pressure caused by the compression unit, the sensor is any one of a sensor that measures the amount of deflection of a compression unit support mechanism that supports the compression unit, a sensor that measures contact pressure with the subject, and a sensor that measures the torque of a motor that drives the compression unit. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. a detection unit that detects a bone region of the subject by analyzing the X-ray image; a determination unit that determines whether the detected bone region is included in the compression region on the subject that is compressed by the compression unit, the compression region being identified based on the operation information of the compression unit; Furthermore, The control unit controls the compression unit based on the determination result by the determination unit.

2. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

10. the detection unit detects a bone region of the subject from the collected X-ray images using a machine learning model that detects an object region in the X-ray images.

10. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 9.

11. A control method for an X-ray diagnostic apparatus equipped with a compression tube that compresses a part of a subject placed on a bed, comprising: a computer of the X-ray diagnostic device controls the compression unit based on X-ray images collected before or during compression by the compression unit; Control method.

12. A program for controlling an X-ray diagnostic apparatus equipped with a compression tube that compresses a part of a subject placed on a bed, causing a computer of the X-ray diagnostic device to control the compression unit based on X-ray images collected before or during compression by the compression unit; program.

Images