Medical information processing apparatus

Abstract

To improve inspection efficiency related to medical imaging using an agent.SOLUTION: A medical information processing apparatus according to an embodiment has an estimation unit and a notification unit. The estimation unit determines, on the basis of collected data on a subject, an estimated value of waiting time from administration of an agent to the subject, a change in the state of the subject, or first medical imaging for the subject using the agent, to second medical imaging for the subject using the agent. The notification notifies the estimated value from the administration of the agent or the first medical imaging.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in the present specification and drawings relate to a medical information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Medical imaging using contrast agents is currently performed. For example, in a liver MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) examination, a first MR scan is performed after administering a contrast agent, and a second MR scan is performed after waiting for the contrast agent to be absorbed into liver cells. Meanwhile, the introduction of technologies such as deep learning and compressed sensing has shortened the MR scan time, but this has also led to an increase in the waiting time between the first and second MR scans. In clinical settings, to effectively utilize the waiting time, MR scans are performed on other patients during this time. Although the time it takes for the contrast agent to be absorbed into liver cells varies depending on the patient, the waiting time is set to a uniform time as specified by guidelines. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the efficiency of medical imaging using contrast agents. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-165843 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to improve the efficiency of examinations related to medical imaging using pharmaceuticals. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes an estimation unit and a notification unit. The estimation unit determines, based on collected data related to a subject, an estimate of a waiting time from administration of a drug to the subject, a change in the subject's condition, or first medical imaging of the subject using the drug, to second medical imaging of the subject using the drug. The notification unit notifies the estimated value from the administration of the drug or the first medical imaging. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical image diagnostic system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic flow of a liver MRI examination. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a medical information processing apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic example of processing in a medical image diagnostic system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of processing in the current examination shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display of an estimated waiting time on the patient selection screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of displaying the estimated waiting time on the examination screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a window displaying a message prompting the start of the second medical imaging. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first area and a second area in the first area setting pattern. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first area and the second area in the second area setting pattern. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the first area and the second area in the third area setting pattern. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a change in signal value over time in a region of interest. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating the input / output and learning process of a trained model. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a process for determining whether or not the third medical imaging can be performed during the standby time. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display example of a window showing the determination result of whether the third medical imaging can be performed and the subject of the third medical imaging. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a window display showing the determination result that the third medical imaging cannot be performed. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a processing example of the current examination according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a processing example of the current examination according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a processing example of the current examination according to the third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a processing example of the current examination according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a processing example of the current examination according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, the medical image processing apparatus according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical image diagnostic system 1 according to this embodiment. The medical image diagnostic system 1 is a network system for performing medical examinations involving medical imaging on subjects such as patients. The medical image diagnostic system 1 includes a medical information processing device 10 and a medical image diagnostic device 20 that are communicably connected to each other via an in-hospital network or the like. The medical information processing device 10 is a computer that manages medical examinations.

[0009] The medical image diagnostic device 20 is a modality device that performs medical imaging on a subject. The medical image diagnostic device 20 is installed in an examination room. Specifically, the medical image diagnostic device 20 may be a single-modality device such as a magnetic resonance imaging device (MRI device), an X-ray computed tomography device (X-ray CT device), an X-ray diagnostic device, an ultrasound diagnostic device, a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) device, or a SPECT (Single Photon Emission CT) device, or may be a multi-modality device such as a PET / CT device, a SPECT / CT device, a PET / MRI device, or a SPECT / MRI device. PET devices and SPECT devices are called nuclear medicine diagnostic devices. The medical image diagnostic system 1 may include one or more medical image diagnostic devices 20. When the medical image diagnostic system 1 includes multiple medical image diagnostic devices 20, the modalities of these multiple medical image diagnostic devices 20 may all be the same, or all or some of them may be different.

[0010] When the medical image diagnostic device 20 is an MRI device, the MRI device applies a static magnetic field via a static magnetic field magnet, and repeatedly applies a gradient magnetic field via a gradient magnetic field coil and an RF pulse via a transmission coil. MR signals are emitted from the subject due to the application of RF pulses. The emitted MR signals are received via a receiving coil. The received MR signals are subjected to signal processing such as A / D conversion by a receiving circuit. The MR signals after A / D conversion are called k-space data. The MRI device generates MR image data based on the collected k-space data. The k-space data and MR image data are examples of image information.

[0011] When the medical image diagnostic device 20 is an X-ray CT device, the X-ray CT device irradiates the subject with X-rays from the X-ray tube while rotating the X-ray tube and X-ray detector around the subject, and detects the X-rays that pass through the subject with the X-ray detector. The X-ray detector generates an electrical signal having a peak value corresponding to the detected X-ray dose, and a data acquisition circuit performs signal processing such as A / D conversion on the generated electrical signal. The electrical signal after A / D conversion is called projection data or sinogram data. The X-ray CT device generates CT image data based on the projection data or sinogram data. The projection data, sinogram data, and CT image data are examples of image information.

[0012] When the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 is an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus generates X-rays from an X-ray tube provided in a C-arm. An X-ray detector such as an FPD (Flat Panel Detector) provided in the C-arm or independently of the C-arm detects the X-rays generated from the X-ray tube and transmitted through the subject. The X-ray detector generates an electrical signal having a peak value corresponding to the detected X-ray dose, and performs signal processing such as A / D conversion on the electrical signal. The electrical signal after A / D conversion is called projection data or X-ray image data. The projection data or X-ray image data is an example of image information.

[0013] When the medical image diagnostic device 20 is a PET device, the PET device uses a coincidence measurement circuit to simultaneously measure a pair of 511 keV gamma rays generated in response to the annihilation of a positron emitted from a radioactive nuclide accumulated in the subject with an electron surrounding the radioactive nuclide, thereby generating digital data having digital values ​​related to the energy values ​​and detection positions of the pair of gamma rays. This digital data is called coincidence data or sinogram data. The PET device generates PET image data based on the coincidence data or sinogram data. The coincidence data, sinogram data, and PET image data are examples of image information.

[0014] When the medical image diagnostic device 20 is a SPECT device, the SPECT device detects gamma rays emitted from a radiopharmaceutical stored in the subject using a radiation detector. The radiation detector generates an electrical signal having a peak value corresponding to the detected radiation dose, and a data acquisition circuit performs signal processing such as A / D conversion on the generated electrical signal. The electrical signal after A / D conversion is called projection data or sinogram data. The SPECT device generates SPECT image data based on the projection data or sinogram data. The projection data, sinogram data, and SPECT image data are examples of image information.

[0015] The medical imaging diagnostic device 20 performs medical imaging on a subject to which a drug has been administered. The "drug" may be a contrast agent used in medical imaging using an X-ray diagnostic device, an X-ray CT device, an MRI device, or an ultrasound diagnostic device, or a radiopharmaceutical used in medical imaging using a nuclear medicine diagnostic device. The "medical imaging using a drug" according to this embodiment includes at least a second medical imaging performed relatively later after the drug is administered to the subject. The "medical imaging using a drug" may also include a first medical imaging performed relatively earlier after the drug is administered to the subject, in addition to the second medical imaging. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the "medical imaging using a drug" includes both a first medical imaging performed relatively earlier after the drug is administered to the subject, and a second medical imaging performed after the first medical imaging but relatively later after the drug is administered to the subject. The first medical imaging may be performed from before to after the drug is administered.

[0016] Here, with reference to FIG. 2, a liver MRI examination will be described as a clinical example of medical imaging by an MRI apparatus using a contrast agent. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the flow of a liver MRI examination. As shown in FIG. 2, a liver MRI examination involves a first medical imaging step performed relatively early to visualize the flow of the contrast agent within the subject, and a second medical imaging step performed relatively later to visualize the uptake of the contrast agent into liver cells. The type of contrast agent is not particularly limited, but a gadolinium contrast agent may be used as an example.

[0017] Specifically, the first medical imaging includes pre-contrast imaging performed before contrast agent administration, contrast dynamic phase imaging performed after contrast agent administration begins, T2W (T2-weighted) imaging, and diffusion-weighted imaging. Contrast dynamic phase imaging is imaging during the time phase when contrast agent flows into the liver, and is performed, for example, to identify lesions and blood flow dynamics. Contrast dynamic phase imaging includes, for example, a contrast arterial phase, a contrast portal venous phase, and a contrast parenchymal phase. Pre-contrast imaging, T2W imaging, and diffusion-weighted imaging are not essential and may be omitted. Furthermore, T1W (T1-weighted) imaging, FLAIR (Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery), or any other MR imaging may be performed as the first medical imaging.

[0018] The second medical imaging includes hepatic imaging phase imaging, which is performed during the time phase (hepatic imaging phase) when the contrast agent is taken up by hepatocytes. The second medical imaging is performed after a gap time has elapsed since the first medical imaging. The gap time refers to the time between the end of the first medical imaging and the start of the second medical imaging. The gap time varies depending on the time from when the contrast agent is administered to the subject until the contrast agent is taken up by hepatocytes (hereinafter referred to as the uptake time). The uptake time depends on the liver function of each subject and is typically approximately 15 to 60 minutes. Because the contrast agent taken up by hepatocytes is eliminated over time, there is an appropriate imaging timing for the second medical imaging.

[0019] The medical information processing device 10 according to this embodiment estimates an appropriate waiting time for each patient. Waiting time refers to the time from drug administration or first medical imaging to second medical imaging. Here, waiting time is a concept encompassing capture time, preparation time, and idle time. From one perspective, waiting time refers to the time encompassing capture time and preparation time. Preparation time refers to the time required to prepare for the second medical imaging. If preparation for the second medical imaging is performed during capture time, the capture time and preparation time will overlap. From another perspective, waiting time can be defined as the idle time between the first medical imaging and the second medical imaging. As described above, waiting time is the time between the end time of the first medical imaging and the start time of the second medical imaging. In other words, it can be said to be the total time of capture time and preparation time minus the imaging time of the first medical imaging after drug administration.

[0020] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the medical information processing device 10. The medical information processing device 10 may be a computer such as a console included in the medical image diagnostic device 20, or may be a computer separate from the medical image diagnostic device 20.

[0021] 3, the medical information processing device 10 includes a processing circuit 11, a communication interface 12, a display device 13, an input interface 14, a storage device 15, and a speaker 16. The processing circuit 11, the communication interface 12, the display device 13, the input interface 14, the storage device 15, and the speaker 16 are connected to each other via a bus so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0022] The processing circuit 11 has a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor starts various programs installed in the storage device 15 or the like, thereby realizing an acquisition function 111, an estimation function 112, a determination function 113, a notification function 114, and the like. Each of the functions 111 to 114 does not necessarily have to be realized by a single processing circuit. A processing circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to realize each of the functions 111 to 114.

[0023] By implementing the acquisition function 111, the processing circuitry 11 acquires various data. As an example, the processing circuitry 11 acquires collected data related to the subject. The collected data includes image information and / or time information. The image information is medical images obtained by first and / or second medical imaging performed on the subject in a previous examination, and medical images obtained by the first medical imaging performed on the subject in a current examination. A "past examination" refers to a medical examination previously performed on the subject in the current examination. Note that a "medical examination" refers to a medical examination involving one or a series of multiple medical imagings performed by the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20. A "current examination" refers to a medical examination to be processed in this embodiment. In other words, a "current examination" refers to a medical examination including at least a second medical imaging. The time information is information including the administration of a drug or the difference between a reference time of the first medical imaging and a reference time of the second medical imaging in a previous examination performed on the subject.

[0024] As one example, the first medical imaging and the second medical imaging may be performed by the same type of device among an X-ray diagnostic device, an X-ray CT device, an MRI device, an ultrasound diagnostic device, or a nuclear medicine diagnostic device. As another example, the first medical imaging may be performed by one of an X-ray diagnostic device, an X-ray CT device, an MRI device, an ultrasound diagnostic device, or a nuclear medicine diagnostic device, and the second medical imaging may be performed by another type of device different from the one of an X-ray diagnostic device, an X-ray CT device, an MRI device, an ultrasound diagnostic device, or a nuclear medicine diagnostic device.

[0025] By implementing the estimation function 112, the processing circuitry 11 determines, based on collected data related to the subject, an estimate of the waiting time between administration of a drug to the subject, a change in the subject's condition, or a first medical imaging of the subject using the drug and a second medical imaging of the subject using the drug. Here, the waiting time refers to the period from administration of the drug to the second medical imaging, the period from a change in the subject's condition to the second medical imaging, or the period from the first medical imaging to the second medical imaging. A change in the subject's condition includes not only a poor physical condition of the subject due to the administration of a contrast agent, but also a poor physical condition of the subject due to factors other than the administration of a contrast agent. The change in the subject's condition may be detected by the operation of a device that notifies the subject of the change in condition or by the operation of a device by a medical professional observing the subject experiencing the change in condition. The device is an example of an input interface 14.

[0026] By implementing the determination function 113, the processing circuitry 11 determines whether or not to perform third medical imaging during the waiting time based on the difference between the estimated value of the waiting time determined by the estimation function 112 and the first threshold value. "Third medical imaging" refers to medical imaging performed on a subject different from the first medical imaging and the second medical imaging during the waiting time. The third medical imaging is also performed by the medical image diagnostic device 20. If the difference is smaller than the second threshold value, the processing circuitry 11 determines that the third medical imaging cannot be performed. On the other hand, if the difference is larger than the second threshold value, the processing circuitry 11 determines another subject on which the third medical imaging can be performed within the time corresponding to the difference.

[0027] By implementing the notification function 114, the processing circuitry 11 notifies various information via the display device 13 or the speaker 16. As one example, the processing circuitry 11 notifies the estimated value of the waiting time determined by the estimation function 112 from the administration of a drug or the first medical imaging. The processing circuitry 11 notifies the estimated value of the waiting time on a screen or by voice. As another example, the processing circuitry 11 notifies the result of the determination made by the determination function 113 as to whether or not to perform the third medical imaging.

[0028] The communication interface 12 is an interface that connects the medical device with a workstation, a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System), an HIS (Hospital Information System), a RIS (Radiology Information System), etc. via a LAN (Local Area Network), etc. The network IF transmits and receives various information to and from the connected workstation, PACS, HIS, and RIS.

[0029] The display device 13 displays various information in accordance with the notification function 114 of the processing circuit 11. A liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, an organic electroluminescence display (OLED), a plasma display, or any other display may be used as the display device 13. The display device 13 may also be a projector.

[0030] The input interface 14 accepts various input operations from a user, converts the accepted input operations into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuit 11. Specifically, the input interface 14 is connected to input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, touchpad, and touch panel display. The input interface 14 outputs electrical signals corresponding to the input operations to the input devices to the processing circuit 11. The input devices connected to the input interface 14 may also be input devices provided in other computers connected via a network or the like. The input interface 14 may also be a voice recognition device that converts voice signals collected by a microphone into instruction signals.

[0031] The storage device 15 is a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or integrated circuit storage device that stores various data. In addition to the above storage devices, the storage device 15 may also be a drive device that reads and writes various information from / to a portable storage medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a flash memory, or a semiconductor memory element. The storage device 15 may be located in another computer connected to the medical information processing device 10 via a network.

[0032] The speaker 16 generates various sounds in accordance with the notification function 114 of the processing circuit 11. As the speaker 16, any electro-acoustic transducer that converts an electrical signal into sound may be used.

[0033] The processing performed by the medical image diagnostic system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below. The target organs for the first and second medical imaging according to this embodiment are not particularly limited, but will be the liver in the following description. The subject that is the subject of the first and second medical imaging will be referred to as the target subject.

[0034] (Overall flow of the embodiment) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic processing example of the medical image diagnostic system 1. As shown in FIG. 4, first, a previous examination is performed on a target subject by the medical image diagnostic device 20 (step SA1). In step SA1, the medical image diagnostic device 20 collects collected data on the target subject. That is, the collected data in FIG. 4 is assumed to be, for example, image information and / or time information obtained in the previous examination. The medical image diagnostic device 20 transmits the collected data to the medical information processing device 10, and the medical information processing device 10 receives the collected data (step SA2).

[0035] After step SA2 is performed, the medical information processing device 10 determines an estimated value of the waiting time for the current examination based on the received collected data (step SA3). The process of determining the estimated value of the waiting time may be performed before the start of the notification process (SA5). The method of determining the estimated value of the waiting time will be described later.

[0036] After step SA1 is performed, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 performs a current examination on the target subject (step SA4). The current examination is typically performed several days, months, or years after the previous examination. When the current examination is performed, the medical information processing apparatus 10 notifies the target subject of the estimated waiting time determined in step SA3 (step SA5).

[0037] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of processing in a current examination. In Figure 5, Patient A represents the target subject, and Patient B represents another subject. As shown in Figure 5, the current examination begins with the administration of medication to Patient A and the first medical imaging. In the case of the liver MRI examination shown in Figure 2, the first medical imaging includes pre-contrast imaging, contrast-enhanced dynamic phase imaging, T2WI, and diffusion-weighted imaging. If there is sufficient waiting time between the first and second medical imaging, Patient A temporarily leaves the examination room after the first medical imaging is completed. Patient B enters the examination room, and the third medical imaging is performed on Patient B. As the third medical imaging, a medical imaging that can be completed within the waiting time is selected from the examination order. After the third medical imaging is completed, Patient B leaves the examination room. After the waiting time has elapsed, Patient A re-enters the examination room, and the second medical imaging is performed on Patient A. In the case of the liver MRI examination shown in Figure 2, the second medical imaging includes hepatic contrast phase imaging.

[0038] 5, the processing circuitry 11 of the medical information processing device 10 notifies, via the notification function 114, the estimated value of the waiting time (hereinafter referred to as the estimated waiting time) determined in step SA3 from the start of drug administration. As an example, the processing circuitry 11 displays the estimated waiting time on the display device 13. Specifically, the processing circuitry 11 may display the estimated waiting time on the console screen of the display device 13 provided in the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 so that it is easy for medical professionals such as doctors and technicians to see when the first medical imaging of patient A is performed.

[0039] In step SA5, if a third medical imaging is not being performed on a subject other than the target subject during the waiting time, the processing circuitry 11 displays a patient selection screen and displays an estimated waiting time on the patient selection screen.If a third medical imaging is being performed on a subject other than the target subject during the waiting time, the processing circuitry 11 displays an examination screen for the subject and displays an estimated waiting time on the examination screen.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the estimated waiting time displayed on the patient selection screen I1. The patient selection screen I1 is an example of a console screen. The patient selection screen I1 has a patient selection field I11 for selecting one patient from multiple patients scheduled for examination orders, a selected patient information field I12 for displaying patient information for the selected patient, an examination information field I13 for displaying examination information for the selected patient, a target patient information field I14 for displaying patient information for the patient currently being examined, and an estimated waiting time display field I15. The target patient information field I14 displays, for example, the patient ID of the patient currently being examined, such as "A," and the patient name of the target patient, such as "XXXX." The display field I15 may display, for example, the time elapsed since the administration of a contrast agent, which is an example of a drug (hereinafter referred to as the drug administration elapsed time), such as "00:15:10," and the estimated waiting time, such as "00:30:00."

[0041] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the display of an estimated waiting time on the examination screen I2. The examination screen I2 is an example of a console screen. The examination screen I2 has an examination sequence field I21 that displays the examination sequence of the third medical imaging, a patient information field I22 that displays patient information of the patient of the third medical imaging, and an estimated waiting time display field I23. The patient information field I22 displays, for example, the patient ID of the patient of the third medical imaging, such as "C," and the patient name of the patient, such as "YYYY." The display field I23 may display, for example, the elapsed time of drug administration, such as "00:15:10," and the estimated waiting time, such as "00:30:00."

[0042] When a third medical imaging is being performed on another subject during the waiting time, the processing circuitry 11 may switch between displaying and hiding the estimated waiting time on the examination screen. The switching may be performed by an instruction from a user such as a medical professional via the input interface 14.

[0043] The drug administration elapsed time is displayed as a count-up display according to the time elapsed since drug administration. When the drug administration elapsed time is displayed, the estimated waiting time may be a fixed value determined in step SA3. The processing circuit 11 may also display the estimated waiting time as a count-up display or a count-down display. The processing circuit 11 may switch between displaying the estimated waiting time as a count-up display and a count-down display. The switching may be performed by a user instruction via the input interface 14.

[0044] The processing circuitry 11 may display a message prompting the start of the second medical imaging when the estimated waiting time has elapsed. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a window W1 displaying a message prompting the start of the second medical imaging. The window W1 displays a message prompting the start of the second medical imaging, such as "30 minutes have passed since the administration of contrast agent" or "Please start the examination," along with patient information about the patient who is the target of the second medical imaging, such as "Patient ID: A" and "Name: XXXX." This makes it possible to emphasize that the estimated waiting time has elapsed. Note that the timing of displaying the window W1 is not limited to when the estimated waiting time has elapsed. The processing circuitry 11 may also display the window W1 when a separately determined predetermined time has elapsed since the drug administration. The predetermined time may be set to be longer or shorter than the estimated waiting time.

[0045] The processing circuitry 11 may notify information other than the elapsed time of drug administration and the estimated waiting time. For example, in a case where CT imaging is performed as the first medical imaging and MR imaging is performed as the second medical imaging, the processing circuitry 11 may display the elapsed time from the start of CT imaging on the console screen when the patient ID is received in the MR examination room. Furthermore, the processing circuitry 11 may display the time from the subject's arrival at the hospital to the CT imaging. As another example of notifying the estimated waiting time, the processing circuitry 11 may output a voice reading out the estimated waiting time from the speaker 16. This makes it possible to notify the estimated waiting time even to a user who cannot see the display device 13.

[0046] By notifying the estimated waiting time in this manner, medical personnel can grasp the estimated waiting time and thus utilize the waiting time efficiently. For example, if the estimated waiting time is relatively long, it becomes possible to perform a third medical imaging of another patient B during the waiting time. Furthermore, by notifying the estimated waiting time from the administration of a drug or the first medical imaging, it becomes possible to promptly start preparations for the third medical imaging so that the third medical imaging can be performed immediately after the first medical imaging is performed. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of examinations related to medical imaging using drugs.

[0047] (Process for determining estimated waiting time) Next, a process for determining an estimated value (estimated waiting time) of the waiting time will be described. As described above, the processing circuit 11 determines the estimated waiting time based on collected data. The collected data includes image information and / or time information. First, a method for determining the estimated waiting time using image information as the collected data will be described.

[0048] <Image information> Method 1: The case where the collected data are medical images obtained by medical imaging performed on the subject in a previous examination (hereinafter referred to as past images) will be described. As the past images, medical images collected in a first medical imaging may be used, or medical images collected in a second medical imaging may be used. Note that the estimated waiting time determined based on the image information is assumed to be an estimated value of the capture time.

[0049] Method 1-1: First, a case where the past image is a medical image acquired in the second medical imaging will be described. In this case, the processing circuit 11 determines the estimated waiting time based on the signal intensity ratio between a first region related to the target organ of the second medical imaging, which is included in the past image, and a second region different from the first region. There are various patterns (hereinafter referred to as region setting patterns) for the locations where the first region and the second region are set. Below, a method for determining the estimated waiting time for each region setting pattern will be described. It is assumed that the target organ is the liver.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a first region and a second region in a first region setting pattern. Assume that a previous image I3 according to the first region setting pattern is a medical image obtained in a second medical imaging session of a previous examination. As shown in FIG. 9, the previous image I3 includes an image region I31 related to the liver of a target subject (hereinafter, liver region) and an image region I32 related to the spleen of the target subject (hereinafter, spleen region). The processing circuitry 11 sets a first region I33 in the liver region I31 and a second region I34 in the spleen region I32. For example, the first region I33 and the second region I34 are set in accordance with a user's instruction via the input interface 14. As another example, the processing circuitry 11 may perform a segmentation process on the previous image I3 to extract the liver region I31 and the spleen region I32, set the first region I33 at an arbitrary location in the extracted liver region I31, and set the first region I34 at an arbitrary location in the extracted spleen region I32.

[0051] Once the first and second regions are set, the processing circuit 11 determines an estimated waiting time based on the signal intensity ratio between the first and second regions and a recommended value for the waiting time (hereinafter referred to as the recommended waiting time). The signal intensity ratio represents the signal value of the first region relative to the signal value of the second region. The signal value of the first region is determined by a representative value of the pixel values ​​of the multiple pixels constituting the first region. The signal value of the second region is determined by a representative value of the pixel values ​​of the multiple pixels constituting the second region. The representative value may be set to the pixel value of any pixel among the multiple pixels, or may be set to the average value, minimum value, maximum value, median value, etc. of the multiple pixels. If the signal intensity ratio of the second region relative to the first region is smaller than a separately determined reference value, the processing circuit 11 sets the estimated waiting time to a time longer than the recommended waiting time. On the other hand, if the signal intensity ratio is greater than the reference value, the processing circuit 11 sets the estimated waiting time to a time shorter than the recommended waiting time.

[0052] Here, the process of determining the estimated waiting time will be explained using a liver MRI examination as a clinical example. In the hepatic imaging phase, which is an example of a second medical imaging, the liver tends to be stained with the contrast agent as the contrast agent is taken up by hepatocytes, while the spleen tends not to be stained with the contrast agent as the contrast agent has been removed. The signal intensity ratio of the signal value of the spleen region to the signal value of the liver region is called the quantitative liver-spleen contrast ratio (Q-LSC).

[0053] The processing circuit 11 compares the liver / spleen signal ratio with a predetermined reference value. The reference value can be set to any value, but as an example, it is preferably set to about 1.5. If the liver / spleen signal ratio is smaller than the reference value, this means that there is not yet sufficient contrast between the liver region and the spleen region when the previous image was captured, so the estimated waiting time is set to a time longer than the recommended waiting time. The time added to the recommended waiting time may be a fixed value or a time depending on the liver / spleen signal ratio. On the other hand, if the liver / spleen signal ratio is larger than the reference value, this means that there is sufficient contrast between the liver region and the spleen region when the previous image was captured, so the processing circuit 11 sets a time shorter than the recommended waiting time to the estimated waiting time. The time subtracted from the recommended waiting time may be a fixed value or a time depending on the liver / spleen signal ratio.

[0054] The recommended waiting time may be set to a waiting time value specified in the guidelines for the current test and the past test. If an actual measurement value of the waiting time of the past test performed on the target subject has been measured, the recommended waiting time may be set to the actual measurement value.

[0055] Next, the second area setting pattern will be described.

[0056] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first region and a second region in a second region setting pattern. Assume that a previous image I4 according to the second region setting pattern is a medical image obtained in a second medical imaging session of a previous examination. As shown in FIG. 10, a liver region I41 of a target subject is depicted in the previous image I4. The liver region I41 includes an image region I42 relating to a lesioned portion of the liver (hereinafter referred to as the lesion region) and an image region I43 relating to a normal portion of the liver (hereinafter referred to as the normal region). The lesion region I42 and the normal region I43 may be identified by image processing or by a user's designation via the input interface 14. The processing circuitry 11 sets a first region I44 in the lesion region I42 and a second region I45 in the normal region I43. For example, the first region I44 and the second region I45 may be set according to a user's instruction via the input interface 14 or automatically.

[0057] Once the first and second regions are set, the processing circuit 11 determines an estimated waiting time based on the signal strength ratio between the first and second regions and the recommended waiting time. The method of determining the estimated waiting time based on the signal strength ratio and the recommended waiting time is the same as that for the first region setting pattern.

[0058] Method 1-2: Next, a case where the past images are time-series images acquired at multiple time points in the first and second medical imaging of a past examination will be described.

[0059] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a first region and a second region in a third region setting pattern. The previous image I5 shown in FIG. 11 is a medical image at a time point in a time-series image obtained by a first medical imaging. The previous image I5 shows a liver region I51 of the target subject. The liver region I51 includes a lesion region I52. The lesion region I52 may be identified by image processing or by a user's designation via the input interface 14. The processing circuitry 11 sets a region of interest I53 in the lesion region I52. For example, the region of interest I53 may be set according to a user's instruction via the input interface 14 or may be set automatically. The processing circuitry 11 sets a first region in the region of interest I53 of the lesion region I52 of the target organ after the lesion region I52 has been stained with a contrast agent, and sets a second region in the region of interest I53 before the lesion region I52 has been stained with a contrast agent.

[0060] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the time change in signal value of the region of interest I62. The contrast agent used is gadoxetate sodium (abbreviation: Gd-EOB-DTPA, product name: EOB-Primovist, Bayer Yakuhin, Ltd.). This contrast agent is taken up into blood vessels and hepatocytes, allowing for both blood flow information from Gd and functional information from hepatocytes from EOB. The region of interest I62 is assumed to be set in the tumor region. As shown in Figure 12, the region of interest I62 is set in an abnormal region of the liver region I61. The image region outside the region of interest I62 within the liver region I61 is assumed to be normal. The lighter the gray value of the image region, the higher the signal value. In the tumor region, Gd flows in immediately after the start of contrast agent administration, reflecting blood flow information, and the signal value increases. Therefore, the signal value peaks during the first medical imaging period, and then decreases over time in the tumor region. In normal regions, blood flow is lower than in tumor regions, so Gd inflow is limited immediately after the start of contrast agent administration, resulting in low signal values. Eventually, EOB begins to be taken up by normal liver cells, and the signal value gradually increases within the normal tissue, peaking at the time of the second medical imaging. Meanwhile, in tumor regions, there are few normal liver cells, so EOB is not taken up and the signal value does not increase. Therefore, contrast emerges between the normal region and the tumor region at the time of the second medical imaging. Based on the temporal change in the signal value of the region of interest (abnormal region) I62, the processing circuitry 11 sets the region of interest I53 of the frame acquired in the first medical imaging of the past images as the second region, and sets the region of interest I53 of the frame acquired in the second medical imaging as the first region.

[0061] Once the first and second regions are set, the processing circuit 11 determines an estimated waiting time based on the signal strength ratio between the first and second regions and the recommended waiting time. The method for determining the estimated waiting time based on the signal strength ratio and the recommended waiting time is the same as Method 1.

[0062] Method 2: Next, we will explain the case where the collected data is a medical image (hereinafter, "current image") obtained by medical imaging performed on the target subject in the current examination. The current image is assumed to be a medical image collected at one or more time points in the first medical imaging in the current examination. The processing circuit 11 applies the medical image at one or more time points to the trained model to determine the estimated waiting time. The estimated waiting time determined based on Method 2 also assumes an estimated value of the acquisition time.

[0063] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the input / output and learning process of a trained model. During the training process, the processing circuit 11 trains the machine learning model by supervised learning based on multiple training samples. As the machine learning model, a neural network having an input layer, a hidden layer, and an output layer is used. The hidden layer of the neural network can be configured with a fully connected layer, a pooling layer, a convolutional layer, or any other network layer.

[0064] Each training sample includes training input data and training data. Medical images of a first medical imaging session, collected during a previous examination of the target subject, at one or more time points are used as the training input data. Actual measurements of the waiting time during the previous examination are used as the training data. For each training sample, the processing circuitry 11 applies the training input data to a machine learning model to output a predicted value of the waiting time, and updates the parameters of the machine learning model to minimize the error between the predicted value of the waiting time and the actual measurement value (training data). Here, the parameters refer to weighting coefficients and biases between hidden layers, etc. The processing circuitry 11 repeats the update process until a termination condition is met. In this way, the machine learning model learns the correlation between the medical images of the first medical imaging session at one or more time points and the actual measurement value of the waiting time. The machine learning model to which the parameters assigned when the termination condition is met is used as the trained model.

[0065] 13, the trained model receives medical images from one or more time points related to the first medical imaging as input and outputs an estimated waiting time. During operation, the processing circuitry 11 applies medical images from one or more time points related to the first medical imaging performed on the target subject in the current examination to the trained model to determine an estimated waiting time for the current examination.

[0066] It is preferable that the number of medical images used as training input data in the training process is set to be the same as the number of medical images used as input data in the operational process. Furthermore, the input data in the operational process does not necessarily have to be medical images collected in the current examination, and medical images collected in a previous examination of the target subject may be used as long as the signal value changes due to the contrast agent are similar to those of the medical images collected in the current examination.

[0067] As described above, by using image information as collected data, it is possible to accurately determine the estimated waiting time corresponding to the acquisition time for each target subject, taking into account the function of the target organ. Note that the processing circuitry 11 may add a predetermined value corresponding to the preparation time to the estimated waiting time determined as described above, and calculate the final estimated waiting time as the value.

[0068] <Time information> When the collected data is time information, the collected data includes the difference between the reference time of the first medical imaging and the reference time of the second medical imaging in a previous examination performed on the target subject (hereinafter referred to as imaging difference time). As an example, the imaging difference time can be defined as the difference between the end time of the first medical imaging and the start time of the second medical imaging. The imaging difference time means the actual measured value of the waiting time of the target subject in the previous examination. The estimated waiting time determined based on the time information is assumed to be an estimated value of the free time.

[0069] The processing circuitry 11 can acquire the reference time of the first medical imaging and the reference time of the second medical imaging from a PACS, HIS, RIS, etc. The processing circuitry 11 may acquire medical images of the first medical imaging and medical images of the second medical imaging from a PACS, HIS, RIS, etc., acquire the reference time of the first medical imaging from DICOM incidental information of the medical images of the first medical imaging, and acquire the reference time of the second medical imaging from DICOM incidental information of the medical images of the second medical imaging. If there are multiple past examinations of the target subject, any past examination may be selected.

[0070] When the reference time of the first medical imaging and the reference time of the second medical imaging are acquired, the processing circuitry 11 calculates an imaging difference time, which is the difference between the reference time of the first medical imaging and the reference time of the second medical imaging. This allows acquired data to be acquired. The processing circuitry 11 then determines an estimated waiting time based on the calculated imaging difference time. As an example, the processing circuitry 11 sets the imaging difference time as the estimated waiting time. As another example, the processing circuitry 11 calculates the estimated waiting time by adding or multiplying the imaging difference time by an adjustment value according to the degree of recovery or treatment of the lesion from the previous examination to the current examination.

[0071] By using the imaging difference time as collected data, image processing of the image information is not required, which reduces the load on the process of determining the estimated waiting time. Furthermore, since the estimated waiting time is determined based on the actual measured waiting time of the target subject in past examinations, it is expected that the accuracy of the estimated waiting time for each subject will be improved compared to when using the waiting time provided by the guidelines.

[0072] (Determination process) Next, a description will be given of the process of determining whether or not to perform the third medical imaging during the waiting time by the determination function 113. By realizing the determination function 113, the processing circuitry 11 determines whether or not to perform the third medical imaging during the waiting time based on the difference between the estimated waiting time and a threshold value.

[0073] 14 is a diagram showing an example of a process for determining whether or not to perform the third medical imaging during the waiting time. This determination process can be performed at any time during the period from the end of the previous examination to the start of the waiting time for the current examination, depending on the type of collected data.

[0074] 14, the processing circuitry 11 acquires collected data by implementing the acquisition function 111 (step SB1). As an example, as shown in FIG. 4, when a previous examination is performed on a target subject by the medical image diagnostic device 20, the collected data is collected by the medical image diagnostic device 20, and the processing circuitry 11 acquires the collected data from the medical image diagnostic device 20.

[0075] When step SB1 is performed, the processing circuit 11 determines an estimated value of the waiting time (estimated waiting time) based on the collected data acquired in step SB1 by implementing the estimation function 112 (step SB2). The process of determining the estimated waiting time is as described above.

[0076] When step SB2 is performed, the processing circuitry 11, by implementing the determination function 113, calculates the difference between the estimated waiting time determined in step SB2 and a first threshold value (step SB3). The first threshold value may be set to a general value at which the third medical imaging can be performed. The specific value of the first threshold value is not particularly limited, but is assumed to be, for example, 3 minutes.

[0077] When step SB3 is performed, the processing circuitry 11 determines whether or not the third medical imaging can be performed based on the difference calculated in step SB3 (step SB4). In step SB4, if the difference is greater than a second threshold value such as zero, the processing circuitry 11 determines that the third medical imaging can be performed, and if the difference is less than the second threshold value, the processing circuitry 11 determines that the third medical imaging cannot be performed.

[0078] If it is determined that the third medical imaging can be performed (step SB5: Yes), the processing circuitry 11 determines the subject for the third medical imaging by implementing the determination function 113 (step SB6). As an example, if the estimated waiting time is smaller than the third threshold, a subject for whom an examination that can be completed in a relatively short time, such as a head examination or an emergency examination, is selected from the examination order, and the selected subject is determined as the subject for the third medical imaging. As another example, if the estimated waiting time is larger than the third threshold, a subject for whom an examination that takes a relatively long time, such as a contrast examination, an abdominal examination, or an orthopedic examination, is selected from the examination order, and the selected subject is determined as the subject for the third medical imaging. Note that the examinations classified as short-term examinations and long-term examinations can be set arbitrarily.

[0079] When step SB6 is performed, the processing circuitry 11 notifies the result of the determination in step SB4 as to whether the third medical imaging can be performed and the subject for the third medical imaging determined in step SB6 by realizing the notification function 114 (step SB7). As an example, the processing circuitry 11 displays the result of the determination as to whether the third medical imaging can be performed and the subject for the third medical imaging on the display device 13.

[0080] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a window W2 displaying the determination result of whether the third medical imaging can be performed and the subject of the third medical imaging. As shown in FIG. 15, window W2 displays patient information of the patients to be subjected to the first and second medical imaging, such as "Patient ID: A" and "Name: XXXX," an estimated waiting time, such as "Waiting time 00:05:00," and a message indicating the determination result of whether the third medical imaging can be performed and the subject of the third medical imaging, such as "Please perform a head CT scan on patient B." The processing circuitry 11 may display window W2 on a console screen or the like during the waiting time. This allows the user to understand that the third medical imaging can be performed and the subject and examination type for which the third medical imaging is recommended during the waiting time. The processing circuitry 11 may also output a voice from the speaker 16 reading out the determination result of whether the third medical imaging can be performed and the subject of the third medical imaging.

[0081] On the other hand, if it is determined that the third medical imaging can be performed (step SB5: Yes), the processing circuitry 11 notifies the result of the determination that the third medical imaging cannot be performed by realizing the notification function 114 (step SB8). As an example, the processing circuitry 11 displays the result of the determination that the third medical imaging cannot be performed on the display device 13.

[0082] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the display of a window W3 indicating the determination result that the third medical imaging cannot be performed. As shown in FIG. 16, the window W3 displays patient information of the target patient for the first and second medical imaging, such as "Patient ID: A" and "Name: XXXX," an estimated waiting time, such as "Waiting time 00:02:00," and a message indicating the determination result that the third medical imaging cannot be performed, such as "Waiting time is less than 3 minutes" or "Please continue the examination of Patient A as is." The processing circuitry 11 may display the window W3 on a console screen or the like during the waiting time. This allows the user to understand that the third medical imaging cannot be performed during the waiting time. The processing circuitry 11 may also output a voice from the speaker 16 reading out the determination result that the third medical imaging cannot be performed.

[0083] When step SB7 or SB8 is performed, the determination process shown in FIG. 14 ends.

[0084] According to the above-described determination process, it is possible to determine whether or not the third medical imaging can be performed before the actual waiting time arrives. Therefore, the waiting time can be used efficiently. Furthermore, since it is possible to automatically determine the subject for the third medical imaging to be performed during the waiting time according to the estimated waiting time, it is also possible to reduce the preparation time for the third medical imaging.

[0085] (Example) The medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 according to the above embodiment is the same type for the first medical imaging and the second medical imaging, and is an MRI apparatus as an example. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. Various examples of the first medical imaging and the second medical imaging will be described below.

[0086] Example 1 FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically illustrating a processing example of the current examination according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the first medical imaging and the second medical imaging may use different types of medical image diagnostic apparatus 20. Specifically, an X-ray angiography examination is performed by an X-ray diagnostic apparatus in the first medical imaging, and a CT examination is performed by an X-ray CT apparatus in the second medical imaging. In this case, the processing circuitry 11 notifies the patient A of an estimated waiting time from the administration of a contrast agent to the start of the CT examination. If the estimated waiting time is relatively long, the third medical imaging of the patient B is performed. The type of medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 used for the third medical imaging is not particularly limited.

[0087] <Example 2> FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically illustrating a processing example of a current examination according to Example 2. As shown in FIG. 18, the type of medical image diagnostic device 20 may be different between the first medical imaging and the second medical imaging in Example 2 as well. Specifically, a CT examination is performed by an X-ray CT device in the first medical imaging, and an X-ray examination is performed by an X-ray diagnostic device in the second medical imaging. In this case, the processing circuitry 11 notifies the estimated waiting time from the administration of a contrast agent to patient A to the start of the X-ray examination. If the estimated waiting time is relatively long, a third medical imaging of patient B will be performed. The type of medical image diagnostic device 20 used for the third medical imaging is not particularly limited.

[0088] Example 3 FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically illustrating a processing example of a current examination according to Example 3. As shown in FIG. 19, the first medical imaging and the second medical imaging use the same type of medical image diagnostic device 20. Specifically, in the first medical imaging, an ultrasound examination is performed in an early vascular phase and / or a late vascular phase, etc., using an ultrasound diagnostic device, and in the second medical imaging, an ultrasound examination is performed in a Kupffer phase, etc., using an ultrasound diagnostic device. In this case, the processing circuitry 11 notifies the patient A of an estimated waiting time from the administration of a contrast agent to the start of the second ultrasound examination. If the estimated waiting time is relatively long, a third medical imaging of the patient B is performed. The type of medical image diagnostic device 20 used in the third medical imaging is not particularly limited.

[0089] Example 4 FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of processing of a current examination according to Example 4. As shown in FIG. 20, the first medical imaging and the second medical imaging use the same type of medical image diagnostic device 20. Specifically, in the first medical imaging, PET imaging is performed in an early phase or the like using a PET device, and in the second medical imaging, PET imaging is performed in a delayed phase or the like using a PET device. In this case, the processing circuitry 11 notifies the patient A of an estimated waiting time from the administration of a radiopharmaceutical to the start of the second PET imaging. If the estimated waiting time is relatively long, the patient B will undergo a third medical imaging. The type of medical image diagnostic device 20 used for the third medical imaging is not particularly limited.

[0090] An example of a process for determining an estimated waiting time according to Example 4 will now be described. The processing circuitry 11 sets a first region and a second region in the lesion region of a PET image taken before and after administration of a radiopharmaceutical in a previous examination, respectively, and calculates a signal intensity ratio, which is the ratio of the signal value of the second region to the signal value of the first region. As the signal value, an SUV (Standardized Uptake Value) value defined as the pixel value of the PET image (PET value) / administered radioactivity is used. The SUV value is used as a semi-quantification of the degree of accumulation of the radiopharmaceutical in the lesion. Then, the processing circuitry 11 determines an estimated waiting time based on the calculated signal intensity ratio according to the method described above.

[0091] <Example 5> FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically illustrating a processing example of a current examination according to Example 5. As illustrated in FIG. 21, the first medical imaging does not have to be performed. Specifically, a contrast agent is administered to patient A for the second medical imaging of patient A, and then, after a waiting time has elapsed, the second medical imaging of patient A is performed. In this case, the processing circuitry 11 notifies the estimated waiting time from the administration of the contrast agent to patient A to the start of the second medical imaging. If the estimated waiting time is relatively long, the third medical imaging of patient B will be performed. There is no particular limitation on the type of medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 used for the third medical imaging.

[0092] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to improve the efficiency of examinations related to medical imaging using pharmaceuticals.

[0093] The term "processor" used in the above description refers to a circuit such as a CPU, a GPU, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). A processor realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit. Note that instead of storing a program in a memory circuit, the program may be directly embedded in the processor circuit. In this case, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. On the other hand, if the processor is, for example, an ASIC, the function is directly embedded in the processor circuit as a logic circuit instead of storing the program in a memory circuit. Note that each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, but may be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function. Furthermore, multiple components in FIGS. 1 and 3 may be integrated into a single processor to realize its function.

[0094] 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, modifications, and combinations of embodiments 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]

[0095] 1 Medical imaging diagnostic system 10 Medical information processing device 11 Processing circuit 12 Communication Interface 13 Display equipment 14 Input Interface 15 Storage device 16 speakers 20 Medical imaging diagnostic equipment 111 Acquisition Function 112 Estimation Function 113 Judgment Function 114 Notification function

Claims

1. an estimation unit that determines an estimate of a waiting time between administration of a drug to the subject, a change in the subject's condition, or a first medical imaging of the subject using the drug, and a second medical imaging of the subject using the drug, based on collected data about the subject; a notification unit that notifies the estimated value based on the administration of the drug or the first medical imaging; A medical information processing device comprising:

2. the collected data is a medical image obtained by the second medical imaging performed on the subject in a previous examination, the estimation unit determines the estimated value based on a signal intensity ratio between a first region related to a target organ of the second medical imaging and a second region different from the first region, the first region being included in the medical image; The medical information processing device according to claim 1.

3. the first region is set as an image region relating to the target organ; the second region is set in an image region relating to an organ different from the target organ; The medical information processing device according to claim 2.

4. the first region is set as an image region relating to a lesion portion of the target organ; The second region is set in an image region relating to a normal portion of the target organ. The medical information processing device according to claim 2.

5. the medical images are acquired at multiple time points during the first medical imaging and the second medical imaging of the previous examination; the first region is set to an image region of the lesion portion of the target organ at a time point after the lesion portion has been stained with the agent, The second region is set to the image region at a time before the region is stained with the agent. The medical information processing device according to claim 2.

6. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the estimation unit determines the estimated value based on the signal strength ratio and the recommended value of the waiting time.

7. The estimation unit If the signal strength ratio of the second area to the first area is smaller than a separately determined reference value, setting the estimated value to a time longer than the recommended value; If the signal strength ratio is greater than the reference value, a time shorter than the recommended value is set as the estimated value. The medical information processing device according to claim 6.

8. The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the recommended value is a value of the waiting time defined in a guideline or an actual measurement value of the waiting time of the previous examination performed on the subject.

9. the acquired data is medical images acquired at one or more time points in the first medical imaging of the current examination; The estimation unit determines the estimated value by applying the medical images at one time point or multiple time points to a trained model, wherein the trained model is trained to input medical images at one time point or multiple time points collected in a past examination of the subject and output the estimated value. The medical information processing device according to claim 1.

10. the collected data includes a difference between a reference time of the first medical imaging and a reference time of the second medical imaging in a previous examination performed on the subject; the estimation unit determines the estimated value based on the difference. The medical information processing device according to claim 1.

11. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the notification unit notifies the estimated value on a screen or by voice.

12. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the notification unit displays the estimated value on a patient selection screen when a third medical imaging is not being performed on a subject different from the subject during the waiting time.

13. The medical information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein, when a third medical imaging is being performed on a subject other than the subject during the waiting time, the notification unit displays the estimated value on an examination screen of the other subject.

14. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the notification unit is capable of switching between a count-up display and a count-down display of the estimated value.

15. a determination unit that determines whether or not to perform a third medical imaging during the waiting time based on a difference between the estimated value and a first threshold value; the notification unit notifies the result of the determination as to whether or not the third medical imaging can be performed. The medical information processing device according to claim 1.

16. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein the determining unit determines that the third medical imaging cannot be performed when the difference is smaller than a second threshold value.

17. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein the determining unit determines another subject for which the third medical imaging can be performed within a time period corresponding to the difference, when the difference is greater than a second threshold value.

18. 2. The medical information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the drug is a contrast agent used in medical imaging by an X-ray diagnostic device, an X-ray computed tomography device, a magnetic resonance imaging device, or an ultrasonic diagnostic device, or a radioactive drug used in medical imaging by a nuclear medicine diagnostic device.

19. 2. The medical information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the first medical imaging and the second medical imaging are performed by an X-ray diagnostic device, an X-ray computed tomography device, a magnetic resonance imaging device, an ultrasonic diagnostic device, or a nuclear medicine diagnostic device.

20. the first medical imaging is performed by one of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, or a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus; the second medical imaging is performed by an apparatus of a type different from the first apparatus, selected from the group consisting of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, and a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus; The medical information processing device according to claim 1.

Images