Radiographic apparatus

Abstract

To provide a radiographic apparatus capable of easily changing a dose of an X-ray that a subject is irradiated with even when imaging is executed with a dose of an X-ray set to a same area (a part of the body) beforehand.SOLUTION: A radiographic apparatus 100 includes a control unit 7 for controlling irradiation of an X-ray, and a touch panel 6 (an operation unit). The control unit 7 includes a preset setting unit 71 for setting a dose of an X-ray that a subject is irradiated with beforehand, a standard state setting unit 72 for setting the dose set by the preset setting unit 71 beforehand as a standard state, and a dose changing unit 73 for, on the basis of an operation to the touch panel 6 (operation unit), relatively changing the dose of the X-ray that the subject is irradiated with from the standard state with the standard state as a reference at least either to a high dose state in which the dose of the X-ray that the subject is irradiated with is higher than the standard state by a predetermined dose, or to a low dose state in which the dose of the X-ray that the subject is irradiated with is lower than the standard state by a predetermined dose.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiographic apparatus, and more particularly to a radiographic apparatus that takes an image of the inside of a subject by irradiating the subject with X-rays.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a cardiovascular X-ray diagnostic apparatus that takes an image of the inside of a subject by irradiating the subject with X-rays is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The cardiovascular X-ray diagnostic apparatus described in Patent Document 1 can move the imaging position to perform imaging. From the state of imaging the coronary arteries of the subject, the top plate, which is the subject's bed, is translated parallel to move the imaging position to the lower limb arteries from the pelvic region to the toes of the subject. Since the body thickness of the subject is different between the coronary arteries and the lower limb arteries, it is necessary to change the imaging program from the heart use to the lower limb use to perform imaging. Therefore, in the cardiovascular X-ray diagnostic apparatus described in Patent Document 1, imaging is performed by changing the imaging program based on the position information of the imaging position acquired by detecting the position of the top plate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Here, unlike the case of changing the imaging region of a subject (object) as in the cardiovascular X-ray diagnostic apparatus described in Patent Document 1 above, when performing X-ray fluoroscopy / imaging by irradiating the same region (site) of the subject (object) with X-rays, there are cases where the imaging program (imaging conditions), such as the dose of X-rays irradiated during imaging, is changed. For example, in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), which is a catheter-based treatment for stenotic diseases of the coronary arteries, the dose of X-rays irradiated may be increased to improve the visibility of the images being taken at the timing of placing a stent at the stenotic site within the blood vessel. On the other hand, at the timing when the placement of the stent is completed and a catheter or the like is removed from the subject's body, the dose of X-rays irradiated may be decreased to reduce the radiation dose to the subject. In these cases, an operator such as a doctor changes the imaging conditions by reselecting the specific value of an appropriate dose from among a plurality of preset doses (presets) set for each part or procedure of the human body according to the progress of the surgery, starting from the state of performing imaging with X-rays of a preset dose. However, there is a problem that the task of reselecting the specific value of an appropriate dose from among the plurality of preset doses is a burden on an operator such as a doctor when performing imaging with X-rays of a preset dose.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a radiation imaging apparatus capable of easily changing the dose of X-rays irradiated to a subject even when imaging is performed with X-rays of a preset dose on the same region (site).

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a radiographic apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is a radiographic apparatus that takes an image of the inside of a subject by irradiating the subject with X-rays from an X-ray irradiation unit including an X-ray tube, and includes a control unit that controls the irradiation of X-rays by the X-ray irradiation unit, a storage unit that stores a first X-ray dose and a second X-ray dose larger than the first X-ray dose, and an operation unit provided at a predetermined position that receives an operation for changing the dose of the irradiated X-rays. The control unit includes a standard state setting unit that sets either the first X-ray dose or the second X-ray dose as a standard state, and in both the case where the first X-ray dose is set as the standard state and the case where the second X-ray dose is set as the standard state, when an operation on a common reception unit is received predetermined the irradiation dose of the X-rays irradiated is relatively changed from the standard state by a predetermined dose in response to due to together with, in response to the fact that the same operation as a predetermined operation on a common reception unit has been received again, change so as to return the dose of X-rays to be irradiated to the standard state a dose change unit. In this specification, "X-ray imaging" and "X-ray image imaging" are described as concepts including X-ray fluoroscopy (X-ray fluoroscopic imaging) in which a subject is sequentially (continuously) irradiated with X-rays.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0010] (Overall Configuration of X-ray Imaging Apparatus) With reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, an X-ray imaging apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is an example of the "radiation imaging apparatus" in the claims.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 performs X-ray imaging to capture an image of the inside of the subject 101 by irradiating the subject 101 with a medical device 200 inserted into the body with X-rays. For example, when performing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 captures an image (moving image) for confirming the state inside the subject 101. Percutaneous coronary intervention is a treatment for angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, which are diseases caused by stenosis and occlusion of the coronary arteries (coronary arteries) of the heart, to eliminate vascular stenosis and occlusion using the device 200.

[0012] The device 200 is, for example, a catheter, a guide wire, or a stent that is placed in a blood vessel near the heart of the subject 101. The device 200 is inserted from a blood vessel (such as the radial artery or the femoral artery) in the wrist or thigh to the stenosis site of the coronary artery. In percutaneous coronary intervention, a device 200 such as a stent inserted into the blood vessel is placed at the stenosis site of the coronary artery. Then, treatment for vascular stenosis is performed by expanding the stent at the stenosis site of the coronary artery.

[0013] In percutaneous coronary intervention, an operator such as a doctor inserts a device 200 such as a stent into the body of the subject 101 while checking the state inside the body of the subject 101 by visually observing an X-ray image as a moving image.

[0014] 〈Regarding the X-ray imaging device〉 As shown in FIG. 2, the X-ray imaging device 100 includes a top plate 1, an X-ray irradiation unit 2, an X-ray detection unit 3, a moving unit 4, an image display unit 5, a touch panel 6, a control unit 7, and a storage unit 8. The X-ray imaging device 100 takes an image of the inside of the body of the subject 101 by irradiating the subject 101 with X-rays. Specifically, the X-ray imaging device 100 takes an X-ray image (X-ray fluoroscopic image) as a moving image. Note that the touch panel 6 is an example of the "operation unit" and the "display unit" in the claims.

[0015] The subject 101 lies on the top plate 1. The subject 101 lies on the top plate 1 while the device 200 is inserted and X-rays are irradiated to take an image of the inside of the body. Further, the top plate 1 is configured to be movable by a top plate moving unit (not shown).

[0016] The X-ray irradiation unit 2 irradiates the subject 101 with X-rays. The X-ray irradiation unit 2 includes an X-ray tube 21 that irradiates X-rays when a voltage is applied. The X-ray tube 21 is configured such that the X-rays to be irradiated are controlled by controlling the voltage and current applied to the X-ray tube 21 by the control unit 7. Further, in the present embodiment, the X-ray irradiation unit 2 is configured to continuously irradiate X-rays in order to take an image (X-ray image) of the inside of the body of the subject 101 as a moving image.

[0017] The X-ray detection unit 3 detects the X-rays that have passed through the subject 101. Then, the X-ray detection unit 3 outputs a detection signal based on the detected X-rays. The X-ray detection unit 3 includes, for example, an FPD (Flat Panel Detector). The X-ray detection unit 3 outputs a detection signal for generating an X-ray image as a moving image by detecting the X-rays continuously irradiated by the X-ray irradiation unit 2.

[0018] The moving unit 4 holds the X-ray irradiation unit 2 and the X-ray detection unit 3 movably. Specifically, the moving unit 4 supports the X-ray irradiation unit 2 and the X-ray detection unit 3 so as to face each other with the top plate 1 on which the subject 101 lies in between. And the moving unit 4 supports the positions and angles of the X-ray irradiation unit 2 and the X-ray detection unit 3 with respect to the subject 101 so as to be changeable. Also, the moving unit 4 supports the distance between the X-ray irradiation unit 2 and the X-ray detection unit 3 so as to be changeable. Further, the moving unit 4 includes, for example, a servo motor. And the moving unit 4 moves the X-ray irradiation unit 2 and the X-ray detection unit 3 in order to perform X-ray imaging from various positions and various angles with respect to the subject 101.

[0019] The image display unit 5 is a monitor such as a liquid crystal display, for example. And the image display unit 5 displays the taken X-ray images (still images and moving images). Specifically, the image display unit 5 displays the X-ray image generated based on the detection signal detected by the X-ray detection unit 3.

[0020] The touch panel 6 is configured to receive an input operation for operating the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 by an operator such as a doctor. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the touch panel 6 receives an operation for changing the dose of the X-rays irradiated by the X-ray irradiation unit 2. Also, the touch panel 6 receives an input operation for executing the control by the control unit 7. Further, the touch panel 6 displays information about the dose of the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit 2 based on the control by the control unit 7 (display control unit 74) described later. The touch panel 6 is installed on the top plate 1. Details regarding the operation on the touch panel 6 and the display of the touch panel 6 will be described later.

[0021] The control unit 7 includes, for example, an FPGA (field-programmable gate array). By executing a predetermined control program, the control unit 7 controls the irradiation of X-rays by the X-ray irradiation unit 2. As a functional configuration, the control unit 7 includes a preset setting unit 71, a standard state setting unit 72, a dose change unit 73, a display control unit 74, and a timer unit 75. That is, by executing a predetermined control program, the control unit 7 functions as the preset setting unit 71, the standard state setting unit 72, the dose change unit 73, the display control unit 74, and the timer unit 75. Further, the preset setting unit 71, the standard state setting unit 72, the dose change unit 73, the display control unit 74, and the timer unit 75 are functional blocks as software in the control unit 7 and are configured to function based on the command signals of the control unit 7 as hardware. Note that the details of the control by the control unit 7 will be described later.

[0022] The storage unit 8 is configured by a storage device such as a hard disk drive, for example. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 8 stores a plurality of doses set to correspond to the surgery performed on the subject 101. That is, the storage unit 8 stores a plurality of presets set to correspond to the surgery performed on the subject 101. Further, the storage unit 8 is configured to store image data and various setting values.

[0023] (Regarding presets) As shown in FIG. 3, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is configured to perform imaging based on the set preset (dose). Specifically, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 controls the pulse rate and pulse dose of the continuously irradiated X-rays based on the set preset. The pulse rate is the number of times of X-ray irradiation per second (unit time). The pulse dose is the dose of X-rays irradiated by one irradiation. The pulse rate and the pulse dose are set to predetermined values by controlling the magnitudes and pulse widths of the current and voltage applied to the X-ray tube 21 of the X-ray irradiation unit 2.

[0024] The pulsed dose of the X-rays to be irradiated is automatically adjusted based on the dose of the X-rays detected by the X-ray detector 3. Here, even when irradiating X-rays of the same dose (intensity), due to differences such as the body size and orientation of the subject 101, the magnitude of the detected X-ray dose changes. Therefore, the voltage and current applied to the X-ray tube 21 are controlled so that the dose of the X-rays detected by the X-ray detector 3 falls within a predetermined magnitude range. That is, according to the set preset, the pulsed dose of the X-rays to be irradiated is controlled so that the image quality (brightness, contrast, etc.) of the X-ray image to be taken falls within a certain range.

[0025] For example, when "pulse rate: 7.5 pps, pulse dose: Lv3" is set as the preset, the X-rays are irradiated at intervals of 7.5 times per second, and the dose of the X-rays detected by the X-ray detector 3 (the intensity of the signal output from the X-ray detector 3) is controlled so as to be the magnitude corresponding to "pulse dose: Lv3". Also, when "pulse rate: 7.5 pps, pulse dose: Lv2" is set as the preset, similarly, the X-rays are irradiated at intervals of 7.5 times per second, and the dose of the X-rays detected by the X-ray detector 3 (the intensity of the signal output from the X-ray detector 3) is controlled so as to correspond to the relatively small "pulse dose: Lv2" compared to "pulse dose: Lv3". Further, when "pulse rate: 15 pps, pulse dose: Lv4" is set as the preset, the X-rays are irradiated at intervals of 15 times per second, and the dose of the X-rays detected by the X-ray detector 3 (the intensity of the signal output from the X-ray detector 3) becomes larger compared to "pulse dose: Lv3".

[0026] When the pulse rate (pps: pulse per second) is high, the video of the X-ray image to be taken becomes smooth, and when the pulse dose is high, the visibility of the X-ray image to be taken is improved. An operator such as a doctor selects an appropriate preset from among a plurality of doses (presets) stored in the storage unit 8 in advance according to the type of surgery (procedure) to be performed on the subject 101, the physique, age, medical condition, etc. of the subject 101 before the surgery, so as to set the X-ray image to be taken to be appropriately displayed.

[0027] For example, the touch panel 6 displays a preset selection screen 61 based on an operation on the touch panel 6 before performing X-ray imaging (before surgery). The preset selection screen 61 displays a plurality of presets stored in the storage unit 8 in advance in a selectable manner. An operator such as a doctor selects an appropriate preset for taking an X-ray image from among the plurality of presets displayed on the touch panel 6 by performing a selection operation on the touch panel 6.

[0028] And in this embodiment, the preset setting unit 71 (control unit 7) presets the dose of the X-ray to be irradiated. Specifically, the preset setting unit 71 is configured to set the dose selected from among a plurality of doses (presets) as the dose of the X-ray to be irradiated. Also, the preset setting unit 71 is configured to preset the dose of the X-ray to be irradiated before performing surgery while imaging the subject 101. That is, the preset setting unit 71 sets the dose (pulse rate and pulse dose) of the X-ray to be irradiated to correspond to the selected preset based on a selection operation for selecting a preset on the touch panel 6.

[0029] And in the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, based on an operation on a photographing start button (not shown), X-ray imaging is started by continuously irradiating X-rays with the dose (pulse rate and pulse dose) of the preset set by the preset setting unit 71.

[0030] (Regarding relative change in dose) During the X-ray imaging by continuous X-ray irradiation (during surgery) based on an operation on the touch panel 6, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment relatively changes the X-ray dose (pulse rate and pulse dose).

[0031] 〈Setting of Standard State〉 In the present embodiment, the standard state setting unit 72 (control unit 7) sets the dose preset in advance by the preset setting unit 71 as the standard state. Specifically, the standard state setting unit 72 is configured to set, as the standard state, the dose preset in advance by the preset setting unit 71 before imaging from among a plurality of doses stored in the storage unit 8.

[0032] That is, the standard state setting unit 72 sets the preset selected from among a plurality of presets as the reference standard state. Specifically, the standard state setting unit 72 sets the dose (pulse rate and pulse dose) of the preset set by the preset setting unit 71 as the reference standard state.

[0033] 〈Change of Dose〉 In the present embodiment, the dose change unit 73 (control unit 7) is configured to relatively change the dose of the irradiated X-ray from the standard state to a high-dose state or a low-dose state based on an input operation on the touch panel 6 when performing surgery while imaging the subject 101.

[0034] A high-dose state is a state in which the dose of X-rays to be irradiated is higher than a predetermined dose from the standard state. That is, in the high-dose state, at least one of the pulse rate and the pulse dose is higher than a predetermined dose compared to the standard state. Also, a low-dose state is a state in which the dose of X-rays to be irradiated is lower than a predetermined dose from the standard state. That is, in the low-dose state, at least one of the pulse rate and the pulse dose is lower than a predetermined dose compared to the standard state. The dose changing unit 73 is configured to change the dose of the X-rays to be irradiated from the standard state to a high-dose state or a low-dose state by relatively changing at least one of the pulse rate and the pulse dose by a predetermined dose from the set standard state.

[0035] The X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is configured to be able to selectively preset the pulse rate, for example, to values of 1, 2, 3, 5, 7.5, 15, and 30 (pps). Then, the dose changing unit 73 changes the pulse rate set as the standard state to any one of a plurality of pulse rates that can be set by the X-ray imaging apparatus 100. For example, when the pulse rate in the standard state is set to 7.5 pps, the dose changing unit 73 changes the dose relatively from the standard state to a high-dose state by changing the pulse rate to 15 or 30. Also, the dose changing unit 73 changes to a low-dose state from the standard state by changing the pulse rate from 7.5 to 1, 2, 3, or 5. Note that the pulse rate may be configured to be set to other values (for example, 10, etc.). Also, the pulse rate may be configured to be set by an abstract expression such as High or Low instead of a specific numerical value.

[0036] The X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is configured such that, for example, the pulse dose can be selectively preset in five levels from Lv1 to Lv5. As the irradiation dose per pulse, the pulse dose has the smallest dose at Lv1 and the largest value at Lv5. Note that the pulse dose may be configured to be changeable to more levels than five levels or to less levels than five levels. Note that the pulse dose may be configured to be settable by expressions such as High and Low, or may be configured to be settable by specific numerical values.

[0037] Here, in the present embodiment, the dose changing unit 73 (control unit 7) is configured to relatively change the dose of the X-rays to be irradiated from the standard state to a number of levels less than the number of levels of the plurality of doses (presets) stored in the storage unit 8. That is, the dose changing unit 73 is configured to relatively change the dose of the X-rays to be irradiated from the standard state to a number of levels less than the types of doses (preset types) that can be selectively preset.

[0038] Specifically, the dose changing unit 73 is configured to relatively change the pulse dose from the standard state to a high dose state set to one level higher than the standard state and a low dose state set to one level lower than the standard state. That is, the dose changing unit 73 is configured to be able to change the pulse dose to a high dose state increased by one level from the standard state and a low dose state decreased by one level from the standard state.

[0039] For example, when the pulse dose of Lv3 is set as the standard state, the dose changing unit 73 changes the dose to the high dose state from the standard state by changing the pulse dose to Lv4. Then, when the pulse dose of Lv3 is set as the standard state, the dose changing unit 73 changes the dose to the low dose state from the standard state by changing the pulse dose to Lv2. That is, even when five types of pulse doses can be selectively preset, the dose changing unit 73 is configured to be able to change only to two types of pulse doses based on the standard state.

[0040] <Regarding the display and operation of the touch panel> As shown in FIG. 4, the display control unit 74 (control unit 7) causes the touch panel 6 to display a dose change screen 62 for relatively changing the dose of the irradiated X-ray. Further, in the present embodiment, the touch panel 6 includes a button for changing the pulse rate and a button for changing the pulse dose. That is, the display control unit 74 causes the touch panel 6 to display a button for changing the pulse rate and a button for changing the pulse dose. During the period when X-ray imaging is being performed, the display control unit 74 continues to display the dose change screen 62 on the touch panel 6.

[0041] The display control unit 74 causes the touch panel 6 to display, in the area 62a of the dose change screen 62 of the touch panel 6, a display that can identify the dose (preset) set as the standard state. Specifically, the display control unit 74 displays, in the area 62a, the name of the dose (preset) set as the standard state as character information so as to be identifiable. Note that the display control unit 74 may be caused to display, as character information, the pulse rate and the pulse dose in the standard state so as to be identifiable.

[0042] Further, the display control unit 74 causes the touch panel 6 to display, in the area 62b of the dose change screen 62 of the touch panel 6, the pulse rate of the irradiated X-ray in an identifiable manner. Specifically, the display control unit 74 causes the area 62b to display character information indicating the specific value of the pulse rate. Further, the display control unit 74 causes rate change buttons 63 and 64 to be displayed in the area 62b as buttons for changing the pulse rate. The touch panel 6 accepts an input operation for changing the pulse rate when an operator such as a doctor operates the rate change buttons 63 and 64 in the area 62b. Further, the display control unit 74 is configured to display, in the area 62b, the value of the pulse rate after the change (for example, 15 pps in FIG. 7) when an operation for changing the pulse rate is performed.

[0043] In addition, the display control unit 74 causes the Boost button 65 and the Saving button 66 to be displayed in the area 62c as buttons for changing the pulse dose. When an operator such as a doctor operates on the Boost button 65 and the Saving button 66 in the area 62c via the touch panel 6, the touch panel 6 accepts an input operation for changing the pulse dose. That is, the touch panel 6 accepts an operation for relatively increasing the pulse dose from the standard state based on the operation on the Boost button 65. Also, the touch panel 6 accepts an operation for relatively decreasing the pulse dose from the standard state based on the operation on the Saving button 66. Further, when no operation is performed on either the Boost button 65 or the Saving button 66 in the standard state, the display control unit 74 causes "off" to be displayed next to each of the Boost button 65 and the Saving button 66 so as to indicate that the pulse dose has not been changed from the standard state.

[0044] Also, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the present embodiment, the display control unit 74 (control unit 7) causes the touch panel 6 to display a visually distinguishable display as to whether each of the pulse rate and the pulse dose has been changed from the standard state. That is, in the present embodiment, the touch panel 6 displays the standard state, the high-dose state, and the low-dose state in a distinguishable manner. Specifically, the display control unit 74 is configured to cause the touch panel 6 to display the standard state, the high-dose state, and the low-dose state with color differentiation.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, when X-rays with a high dose are being irradiated in the high-dose state, the display control unit 74 changes the background color of the display (dose change screen 62) of the touch panel 6 to red. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, when X-rays with a low dose are being irradiated in the low-dose state, the display control unit 74 changes the background color of the display (dose change screen 62) of the touch panel 6 to green. Note that when the dose is changed so as to increase at least one of the pulse rate and the pulse dose, the display control unit 74 changes the background color of the dose change screen 62 to red, assuming that the state has changed from the standard state to the high-dose state. Also, when the dose is changed so as to decrease at least one of the pulse rate and the pulse dose, the display control unit 74 changes the background color of the dose change screen 62 to green, assuming that the state has changed from the standard state to the low-dose state. Note that in FIGS. 5 and 6, color separation is represented by hatching.

[0046] In addition, when an operation is performed on the Boost button 65 and irradiation is performed with the pulse dose relatively increased from the standard state, the display control unit 74 changes the display next to the Boost button 65 from "off" to "on". Also, when an operation is performed on the Saving button 66 and irradiation is performed with the pulse dose relatively decreased from the standard state, the display control unit 74 changes the display next to the Saving button 66 from "off" to "on". In this way, the display control unit 74 displays in a distinguishable manner by character information whether the pulse dose has changed from the standard state.

[0047] Further, the dose changing unit 73 is configured to change (restore) the dose of X-rays irradiated in the standard state set by the standard state setting unit 72 from the state in which X-rays are irradiated at a high dose or a low dose based on an input operation on the touch panel 6. For example, in a state where the Boost button 65 is operated to relatively increase the pulse dose from the standard state and irradiation is being performed, when the Boost button 65 is operated again, the pulse dose is changed to the standard state. Similarly, in a state where the Saving button 66 is operated to relatively decrease the pulse dose from the standard state and irradiation is being performed, when the Saving button 66 is operated again, the pulse dose is changed to the standard state.

[0048] In addition, the dose changing unit 73 is configured to be able to change the dose of X-rays irradiated from the state in which X-rays are irradiated at a low dose to a high dose state. Also, the dose changing unit 73 is configured to be able to change the dose of X-rays irradiated from the state in which X-rays are irradiated at a high dose to a low dose state. For example, in a state where the Boost button 65 is operated to relatively increase the pulse dose from the standard state and irradiation is being performed, when the Saving button 66 is operated, it is changed to a pulse dose (low dose state) relatively smaller than the standard state.

[0049] (Control when the high dose state continues for a certain period) The timer unit 75 (control unit 7) acquires time information by measuring time. Specifically, the timer unit 75 measures the time from the timing when the dose of X-rays irradiated is changed from the standard state to the high dose state by the dose changing unit 73. Then, when a preset certain period (for example, one minute) of time has elapsed from the timing when the high dose state is changed, the timer unit 75 acquires time information indicating that the irradiation of X-rays in the high dose state has continued for a certain period or more.

[0050] Then, as shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, the display control unit 74 (control unit 7) is configured to cause the touch panel 6 to display a notification indicating that the X-ray irradiation in the high-dose state has continued for a certain period or longer when the X-ray irradiation in the high-dose state continues for a certain period or longer. For example, the display control unit 74 displays, on the area 62d of the touch panel 6, a display indicating that the high-dose state has continued for a certain period or longer based on the time information from the timer unit 75. The display control unit 74 performs a display for notifying that the high-dose state has continued for a certain period or longer by causing a display using character information and a display using symbols (marks) to be displayed on the area 62d of the touch panel 6 together.

[0051] Further, the dose changing unit 73 (control unit 7) is configured to change the dose of the X-ray to be irradiated to the standard state when the X-ray irradiation in the high-dose state continues for a certain period or longer. That is, the dose changing unit 73 changes the dose from the high-dose state to the standard state based on the time information from the timer unit 75.

[0052] That is, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is configured to automatically change the dose of the X-ray to be irradiated from the high-dose state to the standard state while displaying a notification that the high-dose state has continued when the X-ray irradiation in the high-dose state continues for a certain period (one minute) or longer.

[0053] (Effect of the present embodiment) In the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0054] In the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, as described above, based on the operation on the touch panel 6 (operation unit), with the standard state as a reference, the dose of the X-ray to be irradiated is changed relatively from the standard state to at least one of a high-dose state in which the dose of the X-ray to be irradiated is higher than the standard state by a predetermined dose and a low-dose state in which the dose of the X-ray to be irradiated is lower than the standard state by a predetermined dose. As a result, an operator such as a doctor can change the dose relatively from the dose of the X-ray currently being irradiated without having to reselect the specific value of an appropriate dose from among a plurality of doses. Therefore, an operator such as a doctor can easily change the dose of the X-ray irradiated at an appropriate timing by operating the touch panel 6. As a result, even when an operator such as a doctor is performing imaging with X-rays of a preset dose on the same region (site), the dose of the X-ray irradiated to the subject 101 can be easily changed.

[0055] Further, in the above embodiment, by configuring as follows, the following further effects can be obtained.

[0056] That is, in the present embodiment, as described above, the X-ray irradiation unit 2 is configured to continuously irradiate X-rays for photographing an image of the inside of the subject 101 as a moving image, and the dose changing unit 73 (control unit 7) changes at least one of the pulse rate, which is the number of X-rays irradiated per unit time, and the pulse dose, which is the dose of X-rays irradiated by one irradiation, relative to a set standard state by a predetermined dose amount, so as to change the dose of the irradiated X-rays from the standard state to a high-dose state or a low-dose state. With this configuration, by changing the pulse rate by a predetermined dose amount from the standard state, the number of display frames per second of the photographed moving image can be easily changed, and by changing the pulse dose by a predetermined dose amount from the standard state, the visibility of the photographed moving image can be easily changed. Therefore, according to the progress of the surgery, it is possible to easily switch between a state in which the radiation dose increases but the smoothness and visibility of the displayed image are improved, and a state in which the smoothness and visibility of the image decrease but the radiation dose is reduced. As a result, according to the progress of the surgery, since the display of the moving image can be easily improved only when a complicated operation (technique) is required, it is possible to easily suppress irradiating with an unnecessarily high dose.

[0057] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, the preset setting unit 71 (control unit 7) is configured to preset the dose of the irradiated X-rays before performing the surgery while photographing the subject 101, and the dose changing unit 73 (control unit 7) is configured to change the dose of the irradiated X-rays from the standard state to a high-dose state or a low-dose state based on an input operation on the touch panel 6 (operation unit) during the surgery while photographing the subject 101. With this configuration, even during the surgery, by operating the touch panel 6, the dose of the irradiated X-rays can be easily changed. Therefore, it is possible to easily switch between improving the visibility of the photographed image and suppressing an increase in the radiation dose without disturbing the progress of the surgery.

[0058] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, the preset setting unit 71 (control unit 7) is configured to set, as the dose of the X-ray to be irradiated, a dose selected from among a plurality of doses, and the dose changing unit 73 (control unit 7) is configured to relatively change the dose of the X-ray to be irradiated from the standard state in a number of steps less than the number of steps of the plurality of doses. With this configuration, compared to the case of selecting one dose from a plurality of doses to set a preset, when changing the dose of the X-ray to be irradiated by the dose changing unit 73, it is possible to set the dose from among fewer options. Therefore, when changing the dose of the X-ray to be irradiated by the dose changing unit 73, it is possible to suppress an increase in the labor of determining the option to be changed by an operator such as a doctor due to too many options. As a result, by reducing the number of options, an operator such as a doctor can easily select the dose of the X-ray to be irradiated.

[0059] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, the dose changing unit 73 (control unit 7) is configured to relatively change the pulse dose from the standard state to a high-dose state in which the pulse dose is set in one step greater than the standard state and a low-dose state in which the pulse dose is set in one step less than the standard state. With this configuration, an operator such as a doctor can select the dose to be changed from among two options: one step greater than the standard state and one step less than the standard state. Therefore, an operator such as a doctor can more easily select the dose of the X-ray to be irradiated.

[0060] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, a touch panel 6 (display unit) that can separately display the standard state, high-dose state, and low-dose state is further provided, and the control unit 7 includes a display control unit 74 that causes the touch panel 6 to display a visually distinguishable display as to whether each of the pulse rate and the pulse dose has changed from the standard state. With this configuration, by visually recognizing the touch panel 6, the standard state, high-dose state, and low-dose state can be easily and visually distinguished. Therefore, the magnitude of the dose of the irradiated X-ray can be easily recognized, and it is possible to suppress the irradiation of the subject 101 with an excessive dose.

[0061] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, the display control unit 74 (control unit 7) is configured to display the standard state, high-dose state, and low-dose state in different colors on the touch panel 6 (display unit). With this configuration, by visually recognizing the color-coded display of the touch panel 6, the standard state, high-dose state, and low-dose state can be more easily and visually distinguished. Therefore, the magnitude of the dose of the irradiated X-ray can be more easily recognized, and it is possible to more effectively suppress the irradiation of the subject 101 with an excessive dose.

[0062] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, a top plate 1 on which the subject 101 lies is further provided, and the touch panel 6 (operation unit) is installed on the top plate 1 and includes a button for changing the pulse rate and a button for changing the pulse dose. With this configuration, by operating the touch panel 6 installed on the top plate 1 on which the subject 101 lies, the pulse rate and the pulse dose can be easily changed. Therefore, when performing surgery on the subject 101 lying on the top plate 1, it is not necessary to move to a position separated from the subject 101 to operate the touch panel 6, so the pulse rate and the pulse dose can be easily changed during the surgery.

[0063] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, it further includes a storage unit 8 that stores a plurality of doses set to correspond to the surgery performed on the subject 101. The standard state setting unit 72 (control unit 7) is configured to set, as the standard state, the dose preset by the preset setting unit 71 (control unit 7) before imaging from among the plurality of doses stored in the storage unit 8. The display control unit 74 is configured to cause the touch panel 6 (display unit) to display a recognizable indication of the dose preset by the preset setting unit 71. With this configuration, by visually recognizing the display on the touch panel 6, it is possible to easily identify the preset selected from among the plurality of presets (X-ray doses) stored in advance. Therefore, by identifying the selected preset, it is possible to identify the state of the dose set as the standard state, so that it is possible to easily recognize the dose of X-rays being irradiated to the subject 101.

[0064] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, when the irradiation of X-rays in the high-dose state continues for a certain period or longer, the display control unit 74 (control unit 7) is configured to cause the touch panel 6 (display unit) to display an indication notifying that the irradiation of X-rays in the high-dose state has continued for a certain period or longer. With this configuration, it is possible to easily recognize that the irradiation of relatively high-dose X-rays in the high-dose state is continuing, so that it is possible to suppress the total dose of X-rays irradiated to the subject 101 from becoming too large.

[0065] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, when the irradiation of X-rays in the high-dose state continues for a certain period or longer, the dose changing unit 73 (control unit 7) is configured to change the dose of the irradiated X-rays to the standard state. With this configuration, it is possible to automatically change from the high-dose state to the standard state, so that it is possible to easily suppress the continuous irradiation of relatively high-dose X-rays to the subject 101 for a long time in the high-dose state. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the total dose of X-rays irradiated to the subject 101 from becoming too large.

[0066] [Modification Example] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and further includes all changes (modifications) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

[0067] For example, in the above embodiment, the dose changing unit 73 (control unit 7) changes both the pulse rate, which is the number of X-rays irradiated per unit time, and the pulse dose, which is the dose of X-rays irradiated by one irradiation, by a predetermined dose relative to the set standard state, so as to change the dose of the irradiated X-rays from the standard state to a high-dose state or a low-dose state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the dose changing unit may be configured to be able to change only the pulse rate and not change the pulse dose. Also, the dose changing unit may be configured to be able to change only the pulse dose and not change the pulse rate.

[0068] Also, in the above embodiment, the preset setting unit 71 (control unit 7) is configured to preset the dose of the irradiated X-rays before performing the surgery while imaging the subject 101, and the dose changing unit 73 (control unit 7) is configured to change the dose of the irradiated X-rays from the standard state to a high-dose state or a low-dose state based on an input operation on the touch panel 6 (operation unit) during the surgery while imaging the subject 101. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured to change the dose of the irradiated X-rays from the standard state to a high-dose state or a low-dose state before the surgery (before imaging). Also, it may be configured to set (change the preset) the dose of the irradiated X-rays by the preset setting unit during the surgery (during imaging).

[0069] In the above-described embodiment, the preset setting unit 71 (control unit 7) is configured to set the dose selected from among a plurality of doses as the dose of the X-rays to be irradiated, and the dose changing unit 73 (control unit 7) is configured to relatively change the dose of the X-rays to be irradiated from the standard state to a smaller number of steps than the steps of the plurality of doses. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of dose steps that can be set by the dose changing unit may be the same as the number of selectable presets. That is, all of the doses (pulse rate and pulse dose) that can be selected as presets may be configured to be settable by the dose changing unit.

[0070] In the above-described embodiment, the dose changing unit 73 (control unit 7) is configured to relatively change the pulse dose from the standard state to a high-dose state set to one step where the pulse dose is larger than the standard state and a low-dose state set to one step where the pulse dose is smaller than the standard state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the high-dose state may be set to two or more steps where the pulse dose is larger than the standard state. Also, the low-dose state may be set to two or more steps where the pulse dose is smaller than the standard state. That is, it may be configured to be able to select a pulse dose in a number of steps greater than three.

[0071] In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which a touch panel 6 (display unit) for discriminatively displaying the standard state, the high-dose state, and the low-dose state is further provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the standard state, the high-dose state, and the low-dose state may be discriminatively displayed on an image display unit on which the captured X-ray image is displayed. In that case, an operation for changing from the standard state to the high-dose state or the low-dose state may be configured to be received by a pointing device such as a keyboard or a mouse.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which a touch panel 6 including an operation unit and a display unit is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the operation unit and the display unit may be configured separately.

[0073] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the display control unit 74 (control unit 7) is configured to display the standard state, the high-dose state, and the low-dose state in different colors on the touch panel 6 (display unit) has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the standard state, the high-dose state, and the low-dose state may be displayed in the same color. Further, the high-dose state and the low-dose state may be displayed in a distinguishable manner by displaying character information indicating the high-dose state and the low-dose state.

[0074] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the touch panel 6 (operation unit) is installed on the top plate 1 has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the touch panel 6 may be installed at a position separated from the top plate.

[0075] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which a storage unit 8 that stores a plurality of doses (presets) set to correspond to the surgery performed on the subject 101 is provided has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, without providing a storage unit, the preset selected in advance before imaging may be set as the standard state by selecting the dose of X-rays irradiated from among a plurality of presets (doses) stored in an external storage device.

[0076] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the display control unit 74 (control unit 7) is configured to display on the touch panel 6 (display unit) a display that can identify the dose (preset) preset by the preset setting unit 71 has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the selected preset may not be displayed.

[0077] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the display control unit 74 (control unit 7) is configured to display on the touch panel 6 (display unit) a display for notifying that the irradiation of X-rays in the high-dose state has continued for a certain period or longer when the irradiation of X-rays in the high-dose state continues for a certain period or longer has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a voice notification unit such as a speaker may be provided, and the fact that the irradiation of X-rays in the high-dose state has continued for a certain period or longer may be notified by voice.

[0078] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the dose changing unit 73 (control unit 7) is configured to change the dose of X-rays irradiated in a high-dose state to the standard state when the irradiation of X-rays in the high-dose state continues for a certain period or longer. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, while storing the total value of the dose of X-rays irradiated to the subject, when it is determined that the total value of the dose irradiated until the operation is completed (imaging is completed) becomes larger than a predetermined value (for example, 2 Gy: gray), it may be configured to change the dose of X-rays irradiated to the standard state.

[0079] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which when the irradiation of X-rays in the high-dose state continues for a certain period or longer, it notifies that the irradiation of X-rays in the high-dose state has continued for a certain period or longer and is configured to change the dose of X-rays irradiated to the standard state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the irradiation of X-rays in the high-dose state continues for a certain period or longer, it may not be automatically changed to the standard state. Also, when the irradiation of X-rays in the high-dose state continues for a certain period or longer, it may be configured to change the dose to the low-dose state.

[0080] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the dose changing unit 73 (control unit 7) is configured to change the dose of X-rays irradiated from the standard state to the high-dose state or the low-dose state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the dose changing unit may be configured to change only the dose of X-rays irradiated to the high-dose state without changing from the standard state to the low-dose state. Also, the dose changing unit may be configured to change only the dose of X-rays irradiated to the low-dose state without changing from the standard state to the high-dose state.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 7 was shown as an example including an FPGA, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the control unit may include a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the control unit 7 (FPGA) as one piece of hardware includes, as functional blocks as software, a preset setting unit 71, a standard state setting unit 72, a dose change unit 73, a display control unit 74, and a timer unit 75, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, two or more pieces of hardware may be configured as the preset setting unit 71, the standard state setting unit 72, the dose change unit 73, the display control unit 74, and the timer unit 75.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which, in coronary intervention, the state is relatively changed from the standard state to a high-dose state or a low-dose state, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in a surgical procedure in which a stent is placed in a blood vessel such as the head or lower limb other than the coronary artery of the heart, it may be configured to change from the standard state to a high-dose state or a low-dose state. Further, in a surgical procedure (operation) for a vascular disease, instead of performing X-ray fluoroscopy (X-ray television imaging) of internal organs such as the digestive organs, it may be configured to change from the standard state to a high-dose state or a low-dose state.

[0084] [Aspect] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following aspects.

[0085] (Item 1) A radiation imaging apparatus that takes an image of the inside of a subject by irradiating the subject with X-rays from an X-ray irradiation unit including an X-ray tube, a control unit that controls the irradiation of X-rays by the X-ray irradiation unit, An operation unit that accepts an operation for changing the dose of X-rays to be irradiated, The control unit, A preset setting unit that presets the dose of X-rays to be irradiated, A standard state setting unit that sets the dose preset by the preset setting unit as a standard state, Based on an operation on the operation unit, with the standard state as a reference, at least one of a high-dose state where the dose of X-rays to be irradiated is higher than the standard state by a predetermined dose and a low-dose state where the dose of X-rays to be irradiated is lower than the standard state by the predetermined dose, a dose change unit that relatively changes the dose of X-rays to be irradiated from the standard state, a radiation imaging apparatus.

[0086] (Item 2) The X-ray irradiation unit is configured to continuously irradiate X-rays in order to capture an image of the inside of the subject as a moving image, The dose change unit changes at least one of the pulse rate, which is the number of times X-rays are irradiated per unit time, and the pulse dose, which is the dose of X-rays irradiated by one irradiation, relatively by a predetermined dose from the set standard state, thereby changing the dose of X-rays to be irradiated from the standard state to the high-dose state or the low-dose state, the radiation imaging apparatus according to Item 1.

[0087] (Item 3) The preset setting unit is configured to preset the dose of X-rays to be irradiated before performing surgery while imaging the subject, The dose change unit is configured to change the dose of X-rays to be irradiated from the standard state to the high-dose state or the low-dose state based on an input operation on the operation unit when performing surgery while imaging the subject, the radiation imaging apparatus according to Item 2.

[0088] (Item 4) The preset setting unit is configured to set a dose selected from a plurality of doses as the dose of X-rays to be irradiated, The radiation imaging apparatus according to item 2 or 3, wherein the dose changing unit is configured to relatively change the dose of X-rays to be irradiated from the standard state to a number of steps less than the plurality of dose steps.

[0089] (Item 5) The radiation imaging apparatus according to item 4, wherein the dose changing unit is configured to relatively change the pulse dose from the standard state to a high dose state in which the pulse dose is set to one step greater than the standard state and a low dose state in which the pulse dose is set to one step less than the standard state.

[0090] (Item 6) The radiation imaging apparatus further includes a display unit configured to visibly display and distinguish the standard state, the high dose state, and the low dose state. The radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of items 2 to 5, wherein the control unit includes a display control unit configured to cause the display unit to display a visually distinguishable display as to whether each of the pulse rate and the pulse dose has been changed from the standard state.

[0091] (Item 7) The radiation imaging apparatus according to item 6, wherein the display control unit is configured to cause the display unit to display the standard state, the high dose state, and the low dose state in different colors.

[0092] (Item 8) The radiation imaging apparatus further includes a top plate on which the subject lies. The radiation imaging apparatus according to item 6 or 7, wherein the operation unit is installed on the top plate and includes a button for changing the pulse rate and a button for changing the pulse dose.

[0093] (Item 9) The radiation imaging apparatus further includes a storage unit configured to store a plurality of doses set to correspond to a surgery performed on the subject. The standard state setting unit is configured to set, as the standard state, a dose preset by the preset setting unit before imaging from among a plurality of doses stored in the storage unit. The radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of items 6 to 8, wherein the display control unit is configured to cause the display unit to display a dose preset by the preset setting unit in a distinguishable manner.

[0094] (Item 10) The radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of items 6 to 9, wherein the display control unit is configured to cause the display unit to display a notification indicating that the X-ray irradiation in the high-dose state has continued for a certain period or longer when the X-ray irradiation in the high-dose state continues for a certain period or longer.

[0095] (Item 11) The radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the dose changing unit is configured to change the dose of the irradiated X-ray to the standard state when the X-ray irradiation in the high-dose state continues for a certain period or longer.

Explanation of Signs

[0096] 1 Ceiling 2 X-ray irradiation unit 6 Touch panel (operation unit, display unit) 7 Control unit 8 Storage unit 21 X-ray tube 71 Preset setting unit 72 Standard state setting unit 73 Dose changing unit 74 Display control unit 100 X-ray imaging apparatus (radiation imaging apparatus) 101 Subject

Claims

1. An X-ray imaging apparatus that takes an image of the inside of a subject by irradiating the subject with X-rays from an X-ray irradiation unit including an X-ray tube, a control unit that controls the irradiation of X-rays by the X-ray irradiation unit, a storage unit that stores a dose of first X-rays and a dose of second X-rays that is greater than the dose of the first X-rays, and an operation unit provided at a predetermined position and having a reception unit that receives an operation for changing the dose of irradiated X-rays. The control unit includes a standard state setting unit that sets either the dose of the first X-rays or the dose of the second X-rays as a standard state, and in both the case where the dose of the first X-rays is set as the standard state and the case where the dose of the second X-rays is set as the standard state, in response to a predetermined operation on the common reception unit being received, the dose of irradiated X-rays is relatively changed by a predetermined dose from the standard state, and in response to the same operation as the predetermined operation on the common reception unit being received again, the dose of irradiated X-rays is changed so as to return to the standard state. An X-ray imaging apparatus including a dose change unit.

2. In both the case where the dose of the first X-rays is set as the standard state and the case where the dose of the second X-rays is set as the standard state, the dose change unit is based on the standard state, in response to a predetermined operation on the common reception unit being received, the dose of irradiated X-rays is relatively changed from the standard state to at least one of a high-dose state in which the dose of irradiated X-rays is higher by the predetermined dose from the standard state and a low-dose state in which the dose of irradiated X-rays is lower by the predetermined dose from the standard state. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

3. In both the case where the dose of the first X-rays is set as the standard state and the case where the dose of the second X-rays is set as the standard state, when X-rays having the dose set as the standard state are being irradiated, in response to a predetermined operation on the common reception unit being received, the dose of irradiated X-rays is relatively changed by the predetermined dose from the standard state. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The operation unit includes a touch panel that causes the common reception unit to be displayed at the predetermined position, regardless of whether the dose of the first X-ray is set as the standard state or the dose of the second X-ray is set as the standard state. The radiographic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The X-ray irradiation unit is configured to continuously irradiate X-rays to capture an image of the inside of the subject as a moving image. The dose changing unit changes the dose of the irradiated X-rays from the standard state to the high-dose state or the low-dose state by relatively changing at least one of a pulse rate, which is the number of X-rays irradiated per unit time, and a pulse dose, which is the dose of X-rays irradiated by one irradiation, by the predetermined dose from the set standard state. The radiographic apparatus according to claim 2.

6. The reception unit includes a button for changing to the high-dose state in which the pulse dose is set to one level greater than the standard state, and a button for changing to the low-dose state in which the pulse dose is set to one level smaller than the standard state. The radiographic apparatus according to claim 5.

Images