Medical image processing equipment

Abstract

To facilitate determination of a standard of an indwelling prosthetic valve.SOLUTION: A medical image processing device includes an extraction unit, a measurement unit and a control unit. The extraction unit extracts a heart valve included in medical image data. The measurement unit measures a measured value relating to a shape of the extracted heart valve. The control unit comparatively displays the measured value and a numerical value relating to a shape of a prosthetic valve indwelling at the heart valve.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to a medical image processing apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional treatments for valvular heart disease include medical treatment using medications and surgical treatments such as valve replacement, which involves the installation of a new artificial valve, or valvuloplasty, which involves partial valve repair. In recent years, catheter-based surgical treatments have been established to reduce the burden on patients. For example, one of the most common treatments for aortic stenosis is transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), in which a prosthetic valve is placed in the aortic valve annulus using a catheter. However, in such valve replacement procedures, accurate knowledge of the shape of the valve annulus and its surrounding area is required to determine the specifications of the prosthetic valve to be placed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-226693 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to facilitate the determination of the specifications of an artificial valve to be placed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to an embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes an extraction unit, a measurement unit, and a control unit. The extraction unit extracts a cardiac valve included in medical image data. The measurement unit measures a shape of the extracted cardiac valve. The control unit displays a comparison between the measurement and a numerical value related to the shape of an artificial valve to be placed in the cardiac valve. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of extraction processing by the extraction function according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of measurement performed by the measurement function according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of placement of the artificial valve according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining an example of parameters indicating the shape of the artificial valve according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example of a display by the control function according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of a display by the control function according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display by the control function according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display by the control function according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display by the control function according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a medical image processing apparatus according to the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the medical image processing apparatus according to the present application is not limited to the embodiment shown below. In the following description, similar components will be given common reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0008] (First embodiment) First, a medical image processing device according to a first embodiment will be described. Here, in this embodiment, a case where the medical image processing device according to the present application is provided in an ultrasound diagnostic device will be described as an example. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment has an ultrasound probe 2, a display 3, an input interface 4, and a device main body 5, and the ultrasound probe 2, the display 3, and the input interface 4 are connected to the device main body 5 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0009] The ultrasonic probe 2 is connected to a transmission / reception circuit 51 included in the device main body 5. The ultrasonic probe 2 has, for example, a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators in the probe main body, and these plurality of piezoelectric vibrators generate ultrasonic waves based on drive signals supplied from the transmission / reception circuit 51. The ultrasonic probe 2 also receives reflected waves from the subject P and converts them into electrical signals. The ultrasonic probe 2 also has, in the probe main body, matching layers provided on the piezoelectric vibrators and a backing material that prevents ultrasonic waves from propagating backward from the piezoelectric vibrators. The ultrasonic probe 2 is detachably connected to the device main body 5. For example, the ultrasonic probe 2 is a sector type, linear type, or convex type ultrasonic probe.

[0010] When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 2 to the subject P, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are reflected successively by discontinuous surfaces of acoustic impedance in the tissues of the subject P, and are received as reflected wave signals by the multiple piezoelectric transducers of the ultrasonic probe 2. The amplitude of the received reflected wave signals depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuous surfaces where the ultrasonic waves are reflected. When the transmitted ultrasonic pulses are reflected by the surface of a moving blood flow or heart wall, the reflected wave signals undergo a frequency shift due to the Doppler effect, depending on the velocity component of the moving object in the direction of ultrasonic transmission.

[0011] The ultrasonic probe 2 is an ultrasonic probe that mechanically vibrates multiple piezoelectric vibrators of a one-dimensional ultrasonic probe in which multiple piezoelectric vibrators are arranged in a row, or an ultrasonic probe that is a two-dimensional ultrasonic probe in which multiple piezoelectric vibrators are arranged in a two-dimensional grid pattern, and is capable of scanning the subject P in three dimensions.

[0012] The display 3 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that allows the operator of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 to input various setting requests using the input interface 4, and also displays ultrasound images and display information generated in the device main body 5. Here, the display information includes, for example, measurement values ​​related to the shape of the cardiac valve contained in the ultrasound image data, numerical values ​​indicating the shape of an artificial valve to be placed in the cardiac valve, a shape estimation model indicating the shape of the cardiac valve, and an artificial valve model indicating the shape of the artificial valve, which will be described in detail later. The display 3 also displays various messages and display information to notify the operator of the processing status and results of the device main body 5. The display 3 also has a speaker and can output audio.

[0013] The input interface 4 accepts operations such as setting a predetermined position (e.g., a region of interest), setting the display orientation of an image, and inputting numerical values. For example, the input interface 4 may be implemented by a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touchpad that performs input operations by touching the operation surface, a touch monitor that integrates a display screen and a touchpad, a non-contact input circuit using an optical sensor, and a voice input circuit. The input interface 4 is connected to a processing circuit 55 (described later) and converts input operations received from an operator into electrical signals and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuit 55. Note that, in this specification, the input interface 4 is not limited to those having physical operation components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives electrical signals corresponding to input operations from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuit 55 is also included as an example of an input interface.

[0014] The device main body 5 has a transmitting / receiving circuitry 51, a B-mode processing circuitry 52, a Doppler processing circuitry 53, a memory 54, and a processing circuitry 55. In the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 shown in FIG. 1, each processing function is stored in the memory 54 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The transmitting / receiving circuitry 51, the B-mode processing circuitry 52, the Doppler processing circuitry 53, and the processing circuitry 55 are processors that realize the function corresponding to each program by reading and executing the program from the memory 54. In other words, when each program is read, each circuit has the function corresponding to the read program.

[0015] The transmission / reception circuit 51 includes a pulse generator, a transmission delay circuit, a pulser, etc., and supplies a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 2. The pulse generator repeatedly generates rate pulses at a predetermined rate frequency to form transmitted ultrasonic waves. The transmission delay circuit focuses the ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic probe 2 into a beam and provides a delay time for each piezoelectric transducer required to determine the transmission directivity to each rate pulse generated by the pulse generator. The pulser applies a drive signal (drive pulse) to the ultrasonic probe 2 at a timing based on the rate pulse. In other words, the transmission delay circuit changes the delay time provided to each rate pulse to arbitrarily adjust the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the piezoelectric transducer surface.

[0016] The transmitter / receiver circuit 51 has the function of instantaneously changing the transmission frequency, transmission drive voltage, etc. in order to execute a predetermined scan sequence based on instructions from the processing circuit 55, which will be described later. In particular, the change in transmission drive voltage is realized by a linear amplifier type oscillation circuit that can instantaneously switch its value, or a mechanism that electrically switches between multiple power supply units.

[0017] The transmission / reception circuit 51 also has a preamplifier, an A / D (Analog / Digital) converter, a reception delay circuit, an adder, etc., and performs various processes on the reflected wave signals received by the ultrasound probe 2 to generate reflected wave data. The preamplifier amplifies the reflected wave signals for each channel. The A / D converter performs A / D conversion on the amplified reflected wave signals. The reception delay circuit provides the delay time required to determine the reception directivity. The adder performs addition processing on the reflected wave signals processed by the reception delay circuit to generate reflected wave data. The addition processing by the adder emphasizes the reflected components from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity of the reflected wave signals, and an overall beam for ultrasound transmission and reception is formed based on the reception directivity and transmission directivity.

[0018] The B-mode processing circuit 52 receives the reflected wave data from the transmission / reception circuit 51, and performs logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, etc. to generate data (B-mode data) in which the signal strength is expressed as brightness.

[0019] The Doppler processing circuit 53 performs frequency analysis on the velocity information from the reflected wave data received from the transmission / reception circuit 51, extracts blood flow, tissue, and contrast agent echo components due to the Doppler effect, and generates data (Doppler data) in which moving object information such as velocity, dispersion, and power is extracted for multiple points. The moving object in this embodiment is a fluid such as blood flowing in blood vessels or lymph flowing in lymphatic vessels.

[0020] The B-mode processing circuit 52 and the Doppler processing circuit 53 are capable of processing both two-dimensional reflected wave data and three-dimensional reflected wave data. That is, the B-mode processing circuit 52 generates two-dimensional B-mode data from the two-dimensional reflected wave data, and generates three-dimensional B-mode data from the three-dimensional reflected wave data. The Doppler processing circuit 53 generates two-dimensional Doppler data from the two-dimensional reflected wave data, and generates three-dimensional Doppler data from the three-dimensional reflected wave data. The three-dimensional B-mode data is data in which a brightness value corresponding to the reflection intensity of a reflection source located at each of a plurality of points (sample points) set on each scanning line of the three-dimensional scanning range is assigned. The three-dimensional Doppler data is data in which a brightness value corresponding to the value of blood flow information (velocity, dispersion, power) is assigned to each of a plurality of points (sample points) set on each scanning line of the three-dimensional scanning range.

[0021] The memory 54 stores image data for display generated by the processing circuitry 55. The memory 54 can also store data generated by the B-mode processing circuitry 52 and the Doppler processing circuitry 53. The memory 54 also stores control programs for transmitting and receiving ultrasound, image processing, and display processing, as well as various data such as diagnostic information (e.g., patient ID, doctor's findings, etc.), diagnostic protocols, and various body marks. The memory 54 also stores display information (measurement values ​​related to the shape of the cardiac valve included in the image data, numerical values ​​indicating the shape of an artificial valve to be placed in the cardiac valve, a shape estimation model indicating the shape of the cardiac valve, an artificial valve model indicating the shape of the artificial valve, etc.). The display information will be described in detail later.

[0022] The processing circuitry 55 controls the overall processing of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1. Specifically, the processing circuitry 55 performs various processes by reading from the memory 54 and executing programs corresponding to the control function 551, image generation function 552, extraction function 553, generation function 554, and measurement function 555 shown in FIG. 1 . Here, the control function 551 is an example of a control unit. The extraction function 553 is an example of an extraction unit. The generation function 554 is an example of a generation unit. The measurement function 555 is an example of a measurement unit.

[0023] The control function 551 controls the processing of the transmission / reception circuit 51, the B-mode processing circuit 52, and the Doppler processing circuit 53 based on various setting requests input by the operator via the input interface 4 and various control programs and various data read from the memory 54. The control function 551 also controls the display 3 to display ultrasound image data for display stored in the memory 54. The control function 551 also controls the display 3 to display the processing results of each function. For example, the control function 551 controls the display information to be displayed on the display 3.

[0024] The image generation function 552 generates ultrasound image data from the data generated by the B-mode processing circuit 52 and the Doppler processing circuit 53. That is, the image generation function 552 generates B-mode image data that represents the intensity of the reflected wave as brightness from the two-dimensional B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing circuit 52. The B-mode image data is data that depicts the tissue shape within the ultrasonically scanned area. The image generation function 552 also generates Doppler image data that represents moving object information from the two-dimensional Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing circuit 53. The Doppler image data is velocity image data, dispersion image data, power image data, or image data that is a combination of these. The Doppler image data is data that indicates fluid information regarding the fluid flowing within the ultrasonically scanned area.

[0025] Here, the image generation function 552 generally converts (scan converts) a scan line signal sequence of an ultrasonic scan into a scan line signal sequence of a video format, such as that of a television, to generate ultrasound image data for display. Specifically, the image generation function 552 generates ultrasound image data for display by performing coordinate conversion according to the ultrasound scanning form of the ultrasound probe 2. In addition to scan conversion, the image generation function 552 also performs various image processing, such as image processing (smoothing processing) that regenerates an average brightness image using multiple image frames after scan conversion, and image processing (edge ​​enhancement processing) that uses a differential filter within the image. The image generation function 552 also combines text information of various parameters, scales, body marks, etc. with the ultrasound image data.

[0026] That is, the B-mode data and Doppler data are ultrasound image data before scan conversion processing, and the data generated by the image generation function 552 is ultrasound image data for display after scan conversion processing. Note that the B-mode data and Doppler data are also called raw data.

[0027] Furthermore, the image generation function 552 generates three-dimensional B-mode image data by performing coordinate transformation on the three-dimensional B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing circuit 52. The image generation function 552 also generates three-dimensional Doppler image data by performing coordinate transformation on the three-dimensional Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing circuit 53. The three-dimensional B-mode data and three-dimensional Doppler data become volume data before scan conversion processing. In other words, the image generation function 552 generates "three-dimensional B-mode image data or three-dimensional Doppler image data" as "volume data that is three-dimensional ultrasound image data."

[0028] Furthermore, the image generation function 552 can perform rendering processing on the volume data to generate various types of two-dimensional image data for displaying the volume data on the display 3. The extraction function 553 extracts cardiac valves included in the ultrasound image data. The generation function 554 generates a shape estimation model that indicates the shape of the cardiac valve extracted by the extraction function 553. The measurement function 555 measures values ​​related to the shape of the cardiac valve extracted by the extraction function 553. The processing by the extraction function 553, the generation function 554, and the measurement function 555 will be described in detail later.

[0029] The overall configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment has been described above. With this configuration, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to easily determine the specifications of the artificial valve to be placed. Specifically, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to easily determine the specifications of the artificial valve to be placed by comparing and displaying measurements related to the shape of the heart valve extracted from medical image data with numerical values ​​indicating the shape of the artificial valve to be placed in the heart valve.

[0030] As described above, in valve replacement surgery, the size of the prosthetic valve to be placed is determined after accurately grasping the shape of the valve annulus and its surrounding area. However, because there are various sizes of prosthetic valves, selecting an appropriate size from among them can be difficult. Furthermore, the size selected may vary depending on the physician's experience, making it difficult to appropriately determine the size of the prosthetic valve to be placed. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment displays a comparison between measurements related to the shape of the heart valve and numerical values ​​indicating the shape of the prosthetic valve, making it easier to determine whether the size of the prosthetic valve to be placed is appropriate and making it easier to determine the size of the prosthetic valve to be placed.

[0031] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail below. The extraction function 553 extracts cardiac valves included in medical image data. Specifically, the extraction function 553 extracts peripheral regions including cardiac valves from medical image data acquired with the heart as the target. For example, the extraction function 553 extracts peripheral regions including cardiac valves included in three-dimensional ultrasound image data acquired with the heart as the target.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of extraction processing by the extraction function 553 according to the first embodiment. Here, FIG. 2 shows a case where a peripheral region including the aortic valve is extracted. In addition, in FIG. 2, the entire heart is shown in the upper part, and the periphery of the aortic valve is shown in the lower part. Note that, hereinafter, the peripheral region including the aortic valve extracted by the extraction function 553 will be referred to as the aortic valve complex.

[0033] For example, as shown in the upper part of Figure 2, the extraction function 553 extracts the region of the left ventricle and the region of the ascending aorta, and extracts the region including the boundaries of each extracted region as the aortic valve complex 20. Here, the extraction function 553 uses a known image processing technique to extract the regions of the left ventricle, right ventricle, left atrium, right atrium, ascending aorta, and pulmonary artery from three-dimensional ultrasound image data related to the heart, and further extracts the boundaries of each region. At this time, for example, the extraction function 553 extracts each region based on the anterior-posterior, lateral-lateral, and posterior-posterior directions defined in the three-dimensional ultrasound image data, and the anatomical positional relationships of the left ventricle, right ventricle, left atrium, right atrium, ascending aorta, and pulmonary artery in the heart.

[0034] The aortic valve complex 20 extracted by the extraction function 553 includes, for example, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 2 , a valve annulus 21 between the ascending aorta 11 and the left ventricle 12, an ST junction (sinotubular junction) 22, a sinus of Valsalva 23, and an annulus (also called an anatomical ventriculo-arterial junction) 24. Here, the sinus of Valsalva 23 is a bulging portion at the origin of the ascending aorta 11. The ST junction 22 is the portion where the ascending aorta 11 and the sinus of Valsalva 23 join. The annulus 24 is the portion where the left ventricle 12 and the sinus of Valsalva 23 join.

[0035] Although FIG. 2 illustrates the extraction of the aortic valve complex, the extraction function 553 can extract other cardiac valves in the same manner. For example, the extraction function 553 can extract the left ventricle region and the left atrium region, and extract the region including the boundaries of the extracted regions as the mitral valve complex. The extraction function 553 can also extract the right ventricle region and the right atrium region, and extract the region including the boundaries of the extracted regions as the tricuspid valve complex. The extraction function 553 can also extract the right ventricle region and the pulmonary artery region, and extract the region including the boundaries of the extracted regions as the pulmonary valve complex.

[0036] The above-described extraction method is merely an example, and the extraction function 553 can extract the aortic valve complex and the like using other existing extraction methods.

[0037] The generation function 554 generates a heart valve model that indicates the shape of the heart valve extracted by the extraction function 553. Specifically, the generation function 554 generates a shape estimation model that indicates the shape of a surrounding region including the heart valve extracted by the extraction function 553. For example, the extraction function 553 generates a shape estimation model of the aortic valve complex 20 extracted from the three-dimensional ultrasound image data by the extraction function 553.

[0038] For example, the generation function 554 generates a three-dimensional shape estimation model that shows the three-dimensional structure of the inner wall contour line and the outer wall contour line of the aortic valve complex 20 extracted by the extraction function 553. The shape estimation model may be generated using a standard model of the surrounding area including the cardiac valve. In such a case, for example, the memory 54 stores the standard model in advance, and the generation function 554 reads out the standard model corresponding to the cardiac valve that is the target of model generation and transforms the standard model based on the extraction result of the surrounding area to generate the shape estimation model. For example, the generation function 554 reads out the standard model of the aortic valve complex from the memory 54 and transforms the standard model based on the shape of the aortic valve complex 20 to generate the shape estimation model of the aortic valve complex.

[0039] It should be noted that the generation of the shape estimation model described above is merely an example, and shape estimation models of the aortic valve complex and the like can be generated using other existing generation methods.

[0040] The measurement function 555 measures measurements related to the shape of the extracted cardiac valve. Specifically, the measurement function 555 measures measurements related to the shape of the cardiac valve model. For example, the measurement function 555 measures various parameters indicating the shape of the shape estimation model of the aortic valve complex 20 generated by the generation function 554.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of measurement performed by the measurement function 555 according to the first embodiment. Here, FIG. 3 illustrates measurement of parameters in the shape estimation model 200 of the aortic valve complex 20 generated by the generation function 554. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the measurement function 555 measures the diameter "a" and circumferential length "b" of the annulus 210 in the shape estimation model 200. Here, the measurement function 555 can measure the maximum diameter and minimum diameter of the annulus 210 as the diameter of the annulus 210.

[0042] Furthermore, the measurement function 555 can measure not only the diameter "a" and circumferential length "b" of the valve annulus 210 as parameters to be measured, but also various other parameters in the shape estimation model 200, such as the height of the valve annulus 210, the diameter and circumferential length of the ascending aorta, and the diameter and circumferential length of the sinuses of Valsalva. Note that the parameters to be measured may be selected arbitrarily by the operator, or may be changed by the operator from default parameters.

[0043] When the measurement function 555 measures the measurement values ​​related to the shape of the cardiac valve, the control function 551 compares and displays the measurement values ​​with numerical values ​​related to the shape of the artificial valve to be placed in the cardiac valve. As described above, an appropriate artificial valve is selected from various standards, and is placed in the valve annulus using a catheter, for example, as shown in FIG. 4A. Note that FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of placement of an artificial valve according to the first embodiment. Here, FIG. 4A shows placement of the artificial valve 30 using a transapical approach to the aortic valve, but other approaches to the aortic valve include a transfemoral approach, a transsubclavian approach, and a transaortic approach.

[0044] For example, the artificial valve 30 to be placed in the aortic valve is formed by attaching a valve 31 to a stent, as shown in Fig. 4A. Here, parameters indicating the shape of the artificial valve 30 to be placed in the aortic valve include, for example, the diameter "c," the circumferential length "d," and the height "e" of the valve 31 in the artificial valve 30, as shown in Fig. 4B. Note that Fig. 4B is a diagram for explaining an example of parameters indicating the shape of the artificial valve 30 according to the first embodiment.

[0045] Here, various parameters that indicate the shape of the artificial valve are stored in memory 54 in association with each artificial valve standard. That is, memory 54 stores the valve diameter, circumferential length, height, etc., in association with each artificial valve standard. Note that the parameters that indicate the shape of the artificial valve are not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and any other parameters may be stored in association with the shape of the artificial valve. Furthermore, the artificial valve is not limited to one attached to a stent, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, and the same can be used for a stentless artificial valve. Furthermore, the artificial valve may be a biological valve or a mechanical valve.

[0046] Furthermore, various parameters indicating the shape of the artificial valve may be stored as numerical values ​​in memory 54, or an artificial valve model indicating the shape of an artificial valve of each standard may be stored in memory 54, and the measurement function 555 may acquire the parameters indicating the shape of the artificial valve model by measuring them. Note that memory 54 may also store the parameters indicating the shape of the artificial valve and the artificial valve model in association with each other for each standard.

[0047] The control function 551 displays various parameters indicating the shape of the artificial valve 30 together with the measurement values ​​in the shape estimation model. That is, the control function 551 displays the measurement values ​​measured by the measurement function 555 and the parameters indicating the shape of the artificial valve on the display 3. Here, the control function 551 displays, as the parameters indicating the shape of the artificial valve, numerical values ​​indicating the shape of the artificial valve specified by the operator or conditions for the shape of the artificial valve that are applicable to the heart valve.

[0048] An example of displaying parameters indicating the shape of an artificial valve will be described below with reference to Figures 5A and 5B. Figures 5A and 5B are diagrams showing an example of display by the control function 551 according to the first embodiment. Note that Figure 5A shows a case where numerical values ​​indicating the shape of an artificial valve specified by an operator are displayed as parameters indicating the shape of the artificial valve. Also, Figure 5B shows a case where conditions for the shape of an artificial valve applicable to a heart valve are displayed as parameters indicating the shape of the artificial valve.

[0049] 5A, the control function 551 displays on the display 3 ultrasound images of any three cross sections of the annulus 21 (the two images in the upper row and the image on the left in the lower row), a three-dimensional ultrasound image in which the three cross-sectional images are arranged three-dimensionally (the image on the right in the lower row), measurement values ​​of the shape estimation model (Result on the right side in the figure), and numerical values ​​indicating the shape of the artificial valve. For example, the control function 551 acquires from the image generation function 552 each image generated from the three-dimensional ultrasound image data from which the aortic valve complex 20 has been extracted, acquires the measurement results from the measurement function 555, and acquires from the memory 54 numerical values ​​indicating the shape of the artificial valve, and displays them simultaneously on the display 3.

[0050] Here, the control function 551 obtains from the memory 54 numerical values ​​indicating the shape of the artificial valve specified by the operator. For example, the operator can display the measurement values ​​at the desired position by manipulating each image shown in Fig. 5A, and can display the numerical values ​​according to the standard of the selected artificial valve based on the displayed measurement values.

[0051] The upper left cross-sectional image in FIG. 5A shows a cross-section of plane P3, which is orthogonal to planes P1 and P2 in the aortic valve complex 20. The lower left cross-sectional image in FIG. 5A shows a cross-section of plane P2, which is orthogonal to planes P1 and P3 in the aortic valve complex 20. The upper right cross-sectional image in FIG. 5A shows a cross-section of plane P1, which is orthogonal to planes P2 and P3 in the aortic valve complex 20. The lower right image in FIG. 5A shows an image in which the cross-sectional images of planes P1, P2, and P3 are arranged three-dimensionally. Here, in FIG. 5A, planes P1 to P3 are all orthogonal, but not all cross-sections necessarily need to be orthogonal. For example, the operator can measure the position where the artificial valve will be placed by manipulating the straight lines P1 to P3 that define the cross-sections shown on the two-dimensional image or the position and orientation of each cross-section shown on the image in which the two-dimensional images are arranged three-dimensionally.

[0052] As one example, the operator operates the input interface 4 to change the left-right position and inclination of the straight line P1 in the image at the top left of Fig. 5A, thereby determining the position of the diameter and circumferential length of the annulus 21 measured by the measurement function 555. In addition, for example, the operator operates the input interface 4 to change the up-down position and inclination of the straight line P2 in the image at the top right of Fig. 5A, thereby determining the position of the maximum diameter of the annulus 21 measured by the measurement function 555, or to change the left-right position and inclination of the straight line P3 in the image at the top right of Fig. 5A, thereby determining the position of the minimum diameter of the annulus 21 measured by the measurement function 555.

[0053] The measurement positions for the maximum and minimum diameters may be arbitrarily specified by the operator as described above, or the measurement positions may be determined automatically by elliptical approximation of the shape estimation model 200 displayed in the image at the upper right of FIG. 5A. In such a case, the measurement function 555 determines an ellipse of the shape estimation model 200 that approximates the ellipse of the annulus by approximating the ellipse of the shape estimation model 200 to the cross section of the annulus depicted as an ellipse in the image at the upper right of FIG. 5A. The measurement function 555 then measures the diameters of the determined ellipses and determines the diameter showing the maximum value as the position of the maximum diameter, and the diameter showing the minimum value as the position of the minimum diameter. Note that when the measurement positions are determined automatically, the control function 551 can change and display the positions of the lines P1 to P3, etc., that define the cross section, following the determination.

[0054] Here, as shown in FIG. 5A , the control function 551 can superimpose the shape estimation model 200 on each image at a corresponding position on the image. This allows the operator to measure measurement values ​​at desired positions while simultaneously checking the ultrasound image of the aortic valve complex 20 and the shape estimation model 200. Furthermore, the control function 551 can accept modifications to the shape of the displayed shape estimation model 200. That is, the operator can modify the shape estimation model 200 displayed on each image of FIG. 5A by operating the input interface 4. For example, the operator can modify the shape of the shape estimation model 200 generated by the generation function 554 by referring to the shape of the aortic valve complex 20 displayed in the ultrasound image on which the shape estimation model 200 is superimposed. This allows measurement values ​​to be measured with higher accuracy.

[0055] As described above, when the operator determines the position for measuring various parameters related to the shape of the shape estimation model 200, the measurement function 555 measures the measurement values ​​at the determined position. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the measurement function 555 measures the "Maximum diameter (Max Diameter): 30.3 mm," "Minimum diameter (Min Diameter): 20.3 mm," "Perimeter: 80.3 mm," and "Area: 483.4 mm" at the position corresponding to the annulus 21 in the shape estimation model 200. 2 The control function 551 causes the display 3 to display each calculated parameter.

[0056] It should be noted that the measurement by the measurement function 555 and the display by the control function 551 can also be performed in accordance with a change in position by the operator. That is, the measurement function 555 can sequentially measure parameters at each position in accordance with the operation of the input interface 4 by the operator. Then, the control function 551 can display the sequentially measured parameters while sequentially changing them together with the movement of the straight lines P1 to P3 that define the cross section.

[0057] When measurement is performed using the shape estimation model 200 as described above, the operator refers to the measured parameters and selects the specifications of the artificial valve to be placed in the valve annulus 21. For example, the operator selects the artificial valve "Valve1" from the pull-down menu for selecting an artificial valve shown in FIG. 5A. The control function 551 reads out the numerical values ​​stored in association with the selected artificial valve "Valve1" and displays them on the display 3. For example, the control function 551 reads out the numerical values ​​stored in association with the selected artificial valve "Valve1" and displays them on the display 3. For example, the control function 551 reads out the numerical values ​​stored in association with the selected artificial valve "Valve1" and displays them on the display 3. 2 " and "Height: 15.5 mm" are read from the memory 54 and displayed in comparison with the measured value.

[0058] This allows the operator to easily determine whether the artificial valve of the standard selected by the operator is appropriate, and to easily determine the standard of the artificial valve to be placed. Note that the numerical values ​​related to the shape of the artificial valve may be obtained by reading the artificial valve model from memory 54 and measuring the corresponding parameters.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, as shown in Fig. 5B, the control function 551 can display the conditions of the shape of the artificial valve applicable to the heart valve as parameters indicating the shape of the artificial valve. As an example, similar to what has been described with reference to Fig. 5A, when the operator determines the position at which various parameters relating to the shape of the shape estimation model 200 are to be measured, the measurement function 555 measures the measurement values ​​at the determined position. For example, as shown in Fig. 5B, the measurement function 555 can display the "Maximum diameter (Max Diameter): 30.3 mm," "Minimum diameter (Min Diameter): 20.3 mm," "Perimeter: 80.3 mm," and "Area: 483.4 mm" at the position in the shape estimation model 200 corresponding to the valve annulus 21. 2 The control function 551 causes the display 3 to display each calculated parameter.

[0060] Then, the control function 551 acquires the standard conditions of an applicable artificial valve based on each measured parameter and displays the acquired conditions on the display 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the control function 551 acquires "Annular Diameter: 18 to 20 mm," "Aorta Diameter: 20 to 23 mm," "Sinus of Valsalva Diameter: 25 to mm," "Sinus of Valsalva Height: 15 to mm," and "Annular Circumference Length: 56.5 to 62.8 mm" for the adaptive condition "Condition 1" based on each measured parameter. Then, the control function 551 compares each acquired parameter with the measured value and displays it.

[0061] The control function 551 can acquire the conditions of applicable artificial valve specifications by applying predetermined rules to the measurement values. For example, the memory 54 stores in advance the rules to be applied to the measurement values. The control function 551 reads the rules from the memory 54 and applies the rules to the measured values ​​of each parameter to acquire the applicable conditions.

[0062] As described above, the control function 551 displays a comparison between the measurement values ​​related to the shape of the cardiac valve and the conditions for adapting the artificial valve to be placed in the cardiac valve. This allows the operator to determine at a glance the standard that they should select, and makes it easy to decide on the standard of the artificial valve to be placed.

[0063] As described above, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment displays a comparison between the measurement values ​​relating to the shape of the cardiac valve and the numerical values ​​relating to the shape of the artificial valve to be placed in the cardiac valve, thereby making it easy to determine the specifications of the artificial valve to be placed.

[0064] Here, various information can be further displayed in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1. For example, the control function 551 can superimpose and display an artificial valve model indicating an artificial valve specified by the operator and a shape estimation model at corresponding positions on at least one of the two-dimensional medical image and the three-dimensional medical image.

[0065] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display by the control function 551 according to the first embodiment. Here, Fig. 6 shows a case in which, similar to Figs. 5A and 5B, the control function 551 displays ultrasound images of three cross sections of the annulus 21 (the two images in the upper row and the image on the left side of the lower row), a three-dimensional ultrasound image in which the images of the three cross sections are three-dimensionally arranged (the image on the right side of the lower row), and measurement values ​​of the shape estimation model (Result on the right side of the figure).

[0066] For example, the control function 551 superimposes an artificial valve model 300 showing the shape of the artificial valve 30 on two-dimensional ultrasound images of three cross sections and a three-dimensional ultrasound image in which the two-dimensional ultrasound images are arranged three-dimensionally, as shown in Fig. 6. Here, the artificial valve model 300 may be a model showing the shape of an artificial valve selected by the operator, or may be a model showing the shape of an artificial valve that satisfies the adaptation conditions.

[0067] Furthermore, the control function 551 can change the superimposed position of the artificial valve model 300 in response to an operation by the operator. That is, the operator can arbitrarily change the position and orientation of the artificial valve model 300 displayed on the ultrasound image via the input interface 4. For example, the operator can change the position and orientation of the selected artificial valve model 300 for a simple surgery simulation. The control function 551 follows such changes by the operator and changes the position and orientation of the artificial valve model 300 on the ultrasound image for display.

[0068] The control function 551 can also change the display mode depending on the positional relationship between the artificial valve model and the shape estimation model. For example, the control function 551 can highlight and display the contact area depending on the degree of contact between the artificial valve model 300 and the shape estimation model 200. As an example, the control function 551 highlights and displays the contact area with a high degree of contact between the artificial valve model 300 and the shape estimation model 200, which is indicated by an oval in the image at the upper right of Fig. 6.

[0069] Here, the degree of contact between the artificial valve model 300 and the shape estimation model 200 is expressed, for example, by whether or not the artificial valve model 300 and the shape estimation model 200 are in contact with each other. In such cases, the control function 551 highlights the contact area between the artificial valve model 300 and the shape estimation model 200 on the ultrasound image by changing the color of the contact area or by thickening the line of the contacting portion of the curve representing the artificial valve model 300.

[0070] Furthermore, the degree of contact between the artificial valve model 300 and the shape estimation model 200 is expressed, for example, by the degree of overlap of the artificial valve model 300 with the shape estimation model 200. In such a case, the control function 551 determines whether to highlight the artificial valve model 300 based on the extent to which the artificial valve model 300 exceeds the shape estimation model 200. For example, the control function 551 determines to highlight the artificial valve model 300 when the contour line of the artificial valve model 300 exceeds the contour line of the shape estimation model 200 by a distance greater than 5% of the distance from the center of the shape estimation model 200 to the contour line. If the control function 551 determines to highlight the artificial valve model 300, it highlights the exceeding region by changing the color of the exceeding region or by thickening the line of the exceeding portion of the curve representing the artificial valve model 300.

[0071] Note that the above-mentioned "5%" is merely an example, and the percentage at which highlighting is determined can be set arbitrarily. Furthermore, two or more percentages may be set, not just one. In such a case, the control function 551 controls highlighting in different ways for each percentage. For example, the control function 551 displays in different colors or with different line thicknesses a region where the contour line of the artificial valve model 300 extends beyond the contour line of the shape estimation model 200, and the distance exceeds a distance equivalent to "5%" of the distance from the center of the shape estimation model 200 to the contour line, and a region where the distance exceeds a distance equivalent to "10%."

[0072] Furthermore, the control function 551 can further display measurement values ​​relating to the shape of the heart valve measured based on medical image data collected by a medical image diagnostic device of a type different from the medical image diagnostic device that collected the medical image data. For example, the control function 551 can further display measurement values ​​relating to the shape of the heart valve of the same subject measured based on CT (Computed Tomography) image data or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) image data that are different from the ultrasound image data used to generate the shape estimation model.

[0073] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display by the control function according to the first embodiment. Here, Fig. 7 shows a case in which the control function 551 displays ultrasound images of three cross sections of the annulus 21 (the two images in the upper row and the image on the left side of the lower row), a three-dimensional ultrasound image in which the images of the three cross sections are three-dimensionally arranged (the image on the right side of the lower row), and measurement values ​​of the shape estimation model (Result at the right end of the figure), similar to Figs. 5A and 5B.

[0074] For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the control function 551 compares and displays the numerical values ​​relating to the shape of the aortic valve of the same subject measured by a CT device with the measured values ​​of the shape estimation model 200. As an example, the control function 551 compares the "Maximum diameter (Max Dian): 33.0 mm", "Minimum diameter (Min Dian): 21.3 mm", "Perimeter: 81.7 mm", and "Area: 531.0 mm" in "Measured by CT". 2 " is displayed.

[0075] Here, the control function 551 can acquire various parameters in "Measured by CT" in advance, store them in the memory 54, and display them by reading them out. Alternatively, the control function 551 can acquire CT image data when measurement processing is performed by the CT device, store them in the memory 54, and when the operator determines a position for measuring various parameters related to the shape of the shape estimation model 200, display the parameter values ​​in the CT image data corresponding to the determined position.

[0076] In such a case, the control function 551 aligns the CT image data stored in the memory 54 with the collected ultrasound image data to determine the positional correspondence between the ultrasound image data and the CT image data. Based on the determined correspondence, the measurement function 555 extracts a position on the CT image data that corresponds to the measurement position determined on the ultrasound image data, and measures the extracted position. For example, the measurement function 555 extracts a position on the CT image data that corresponds to the position where the "Max Diameter: 30.3" of the annulus was measured, and calculates the distance to the extracted position as "Max Diameter: 33.0 mm" in the CT image data.

[0077] Measurement on the CT image data by the measurement function 555 can be performed in accordance with changes in position by the operator. That is, the measurement function 555 can sequentially measure parameters at each position on the shape estimation model and parameters at positions on the CT image data corresponding to the parameters at each position in accordance with operations of the input interface 4 by the operator. The control function 551 can then display the parameters sequentially measured in the shape estimation model 200 and the CT image data while sequentially changing them along with the movements of the straight lines P1 to P3 that define the cross section.

[0078] Note that the parameters measured in the medical image data collected by the other medical image diagnostic device may be manually input by the operator. The control function 551 can also display a medical image based on the medical image data collected by the other medical image diagnostic device. For example, the control function 551 can further display a CT image of the aortic valve generated based on the CT image data on the display screen shown in FIG. 7.

[0079] Furthermore, the control function 551 can further display the difference or error between the parameters measured in the shape estimation model and the parameters measured in medical image data collected by another medical image diagnostic device. For example, the control function 551 can calculate and display the difference "2.7 mm" between the "Maximum diameter (Max Diameter): 30.3" of the annulus measured using the shape estimation model 200 and the "Maximum diameter (Max Diameter): 33.0 mm" of the annulus measured using CT image data.

[0080] The control function 551 also displays candidate artificial valves determined based on the measurement values. Specifically, the control function 551 determines the specifications of an appropriate artificial valve based on the relationship between the measurement values ​​related to the shape of the shape estimation model and the conditions for adapting the artificial valve, and displays the numerical values ​​of the determined specifications. Here, the control function 551 can determine and display one or more specifications of an appropriate artificial valve.

[0081] For example, the control function 551 extracts one artificial valve standard that best satisfies the adaptation conditions for each parameter and displays the extracted artificial valve standard as a candidate (recommended) artificial valve to be placed. Here, the artificial valve that best satisfies the adaptation conditions means, for example, the artificial valve with the largest number of parameters that satisfy the conditions, or an artificial valve for which importance is set for each parameter and satisfies the condition of the parameter with the highest importance. For example, when there are multiple standards that satisfy the same number of conditions, the importance is set so that the one that satisfies the condition of the diameter of the valve annulus is given priority.

[0082] Furthermore, for example, the control function 551 can also display multiple artificial valve candidates in descending order of priority. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display by the control function according to the first embodiment. Here, Fig. 8 shows a case in which, similar to Figs. 5A and 5B, the control function 551 is displaying ultrasound images of three cross sections of the annulus 21 (the two images in the upper row and the image on the left in the lower row), a three-dimensional ultrasound image in which the three cross-sectional images are arranged three-dimensionally (the image on the right in the lower row), and measurement values ​​of the shape estimation model (Result at the right end in the figure).

[0083] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the control function 551 extracts the artificial valve "Valve1" with the highest priority and the artificial valve "Valve1" with the next highest priority based on the relationship between the measurement values ​​related to the shape of the shape estimation model and the adaptive conditions of the artificial valve, and displays the parameters of each extracted artificial valve in order of priority. Here, priority means, for example, the order of the number of parameters that satisfy the conditions, or the order of the number of parameters that satisfy the conditions of the parameters with higher importance, where importance is set for each parameter. For example, the order of priority is set so that the order of the number of parameters that satisfy the conditions of the diameter or circumferential length at the valve annulus is higher.

[0084] As described above, the control function 551 can display various information in addition to the comparative display of the measurement values ​​related to the shape of the cardiac valve and the numerical values ​​related to the shape of the prosthetic valve to be placed in the cardiac valve. Here, the control function 551 can also display the name of a parameter displayed on the screen or the corresponding measurement value and its position on the image. For example, when the cursor is placed on the name of a parameter displayed on the screen or its measurement value, the control function 551 can highlight the corresponding portion on the two-dimensional ultrasound image or three-dimensional ultrasound image.

[0085] For example, the control function 551 highlights the relevant part by changing the color of the relevant part, thickening the line of the relevant part, displaying the relevant part with multiple lines, or filling in the relevant part.

[0086] Next, the processing of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12. FIGS. 9 to 12 are flowcharts for explaining the processing procedure of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Here, FIG. 9 shows the processing for displaying numerical values ​​indicating the shape of the artificial valve specified by the operator as parameters indicating the shape of the artificial valve, or conditions for the shape of the artificial valve applicable to the heart valve. Also, FIG. 10 shows the processing for displaying an artificial valve model. Also, FIG. 11 shows the processing for displaying measurement values ​​based on medical image data acquired by another medical image diagnostic apparatus. Also, FIG. 12 shows the processing for displaying an artificial valve suitable for placement. Also, FIGS. 9 to 12 show the processing for the aortic valve. Also, FIGS. 11 and 12 show the processing after the measurement values ​​in the shape estimation model are displayed.

[0087] Steps S101, S102, and S106 to S110 are steps in which the processing circuit 55 reads out a program corresponding to the control function 551 from the memory 54 and executes the program. Step S103 is a step in which the processing circuit 55 reads out a program corresponding to the extraction function 553 from the memory 54 and executes the program. Step S104 is a step in which the processing circuit 55 reads out a program corresponding to the generation function 554 from the memory 54 and executes the program. Step S105 is a step in which the processing circuit 55 reads out a program corresponding to the measurement function 555 from the memory 54 and executes the program.

[0088] Steps S201 to S205, S301 to S306, and S401 to S404 are steps in which the processing circuit 55 reads out a program corresponding to the control function 551 from the memory 54 and executes the program.

[0089] 9, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the processing circuitry 55 collects three-dimensional image data (step S101) and determines whether an operation to execute analysis has been received (step S102). Here, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 is in a standby state until an operation is received (No at step S102).

[0090] On the other hand, if an operation is accepted (Yes at step S102), the processing circuitry 55 extracts the aortic valve complex (step S103) and generates a shape estimation model of the aortic valve complex (step S104).Then, the processing circuitry 55 measures each parameter in the shape estimation model (step S105) and determines whether an artificial valve has been selected (step S106).

[0091] Here, if an artificial valve is selected (Yes in step S106), the processing circuitry 55 acquires each parameter of the selected artificial valve (step S107), and displays the shape estimation model, each parameter of the shape estimation model, and each parameter of the selected artificial valve (step S108).

[0092] On the other hand, if an artificial valve is not selected (No at step S106), the processing circuit 55 acquires the adaptive conditions based on the measured values ​​of each parameter in the measured shape estimation model (step S109), and displays the shape estimation model, each parameter in the shape estimation model, and the adaptive conditions of the artificial valve (step S110).

[0093] 10, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the processing circuitry 55 collects three-dimensional image data (step S101) and determines whether an operation to execute analysis has been received (step S102). Here, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 is in a standby state until an operation is received (No at step S102).

[0094] On the other hand, if an operation is accepted (Yes at step S102), the processing circuitry 55 extracts the aortic valve complex (step S103) and generates a shape estimation model of the aortic valve complex (step S104). Then, the processing circuitry 55 measures each parameter in the shape estimation model (step S105) and determines whether an artificial valve has been selected (step S106). Here, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is in a standby state until an operation is accepted (No at step S106).

[0095] On the other hand, if an artificial valve is selected (Yes in step S106), the processing circuitry 55 acquires each parameter of the selected artificial valve (step S107) and determines whether an operation to display the artificial valve model has been accepted (step S201). If no operation has been accepted (No in step S201), the processing circuitry 55 displays the shape estimation model, each parameter in the shape estimation model, and each parameter of the selected artificial valve (step S108).

[0096] On the other hand, if an operation has been received (Yes at step S201), the processing circuitry 55 displays the shape estimation model, the parameters of the shape estimation model, the parameters of the artificial valve, and the artificial valve model (step S202).Then, the processing circuitry 55 receives the operation on the artificial valve model (step S203) and determines whether the artificial valve model comes into contact with the shape estimation model (step S204).

[0097] If the artificial valve model comes into contact with the shape estimation model (YES at step S204), the processing circuitry 55 highlights the contact area (step S205). On the other hand, if the artificial valve model does not come into contact with the shape estimation model (NO at step S204), the processing circuitry 55 ends the process.

[0098] 11, in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment, first, the processing circuitry 55 determines whether or not an operation to refer to a measurement value has been received (step S301). Here, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is in a standby state until the operation is received (No at step S301).

[0099] On the other hand, if an operation has been received (Yes at step S301), the processing circuitry 55 determines whether a manual input operation has been received (step S302). If a manual input operation has been received (Yes at step S302), the processing circuitry 55 displays the input measurement value (step S303).

[0100] On the other hand, if a manual input operation has not been received (No at step S302), the processing circuitry 55 determines whether or not a data read operation has been received (step S304). Here, if a data read operation has not been received (No at step S304), the processing circuitry 55 returns to step S302 and determines whether or not a manual input operation has been received. That is, the processing circuitry 55 continues to make each determination until a manual input operation is received or a data read operation is received.

[0101] On the other hand, if a data read operation is received in step S304 (Yes in step S304), the processing circuitry 55 displays the read measurement values ​​(step S305). Then, after displaying the measurement values ​​in step S303 or step S305, the processing circuitry 55 displays a comparison result between the displayed measurement values ​​and the measurement values ​​in the shape estimation model (step S306).

[0102] 12, in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment, first, the processing circuitry 55 determines whether or not an operation to execute standard estimation has been received (step S401). Here, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is in a standby state until the operation is received (No at step S401).

[0103] On the other hand, if an operation has been received (Yes at step S401), the processing circuitry 55 displays the estimation results (candidates for artificial valves) (step S402).Then, the processing circuitry 55 determines whether an operation to change the estimation conditions has been received (step S403).

[0104] Here, if an operation to change the estimation conditions is received (Yes in step S403), the processing circuitry 55 returns to step S402 and displays the estimation result (artificial valve candidate) that has been re-estimated. On the other hand, if an operation to change the estimation conditions is not received (No in step S403), the processing circuitry 55 determines whether or not an end operation is received (step S404). Here, if an end operation is received (Yes in step S404), the processing circuitry 55 ends the processing. On the other hand, if an end operation is not received (No in step S404), the processing circuitry 55 continues to display the estimation result.

[0105] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the extraction function 553 extracts cardiac valves included in medical image data. The measurement function 555 measures the shape of the extracted cardiac valve. The control function 551 displays a comparison between the measurement and a numerical value related to the shape of an artificial valve to be placed relative to the cardiac valve. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment can compare and refer to the measurement value related to the shape of the cardiac valve of the subject and the numerical value related to the shape of the artificial valve, making it easier to determine the specifications of the artificial valve to be placed.

[0106] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the control function 551 displays a numerical value indicating the shape of the artificial valve specified by the operator or a condition for the shape of the artificial valve applicable to the heart valve, in comparison with the measured value. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment can display information for determining the specifications of the artificial valve, making it possible to easily determine the specifications of the artificial valve to be placed.

[0107] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the generation function 554 generates a heart valve model (shape estimation model) that indicates the shape of the heart valve extracted by the extraction function 553. The measurement function 555 measures measurements related to the shape of the heart valve model (shape estimation model). Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to easily measure various parameters related to the shape of the heart valve.

[0108] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the control function 551 superimposes an artificial valve model representing the artificial valve specified by the operator and a heart valve model at corresponding positions on at least one of the two-dimensional medical image and the three-dimensional medical image. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment can easily compare the heart valve model (shape estimation model) with the artificial valve model, making it possible to easily determine the specifications of the artificial valve to be placed.

[0109] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the control function 551 further displays measurements related to the shape of the heart valve measured based on medical image data collected by a medical image diagnostic device of a type different from the medical image diagnostic device that collected the medical image data. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment can also compare measurements based on other data, making it easier to determine the specifications of the artificial valve to be placed.

[0110] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the control function 551 also displays medical images based on medical image data collected by different types of medical image diagnostic devices. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment can also compare images based on other data, making it easier to determine the specifications of the artificial valve to be placed.

[0111] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the control function 551 further displays candidate artificial valves determined based on the measurement values. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment can further display information that supports the determination of the specifications of the artificial valve to be placed.

[0112] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the control function 551 displays multiple artificial valve candidates in descending order of priority. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to easily determine the specifications of the artificial valve to be placed.

[0113] (Other embodiments) Although the first embodiment has been described above, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms other than the first embodiment described above.

[0114] In the first embodiment described above, the aortic valve is used as an example, but the embodiment is not limited thereto and may be used for other heart valves such as the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve.

[0115] In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which a shape estimation model is generated and various parameters are measured using the generated shape estimation model. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and for example, measurements may be performed using three-dimensional medical image data without generating a shape estimation model.

[0116] In the above-described embodiment, the medical image processing device according to the present application is incorporated into the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, and the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 performs various processes. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the medical image processing device according to the present application may be incorporated into a different type of medical image diagnostic device, such as an X-ray CT device or an MRI device. In such a case, the medical image processing device performs the above-described processes using medical image data collected by the medical image diagnostic device in which it is incorporated.

[0117] In the above-described embodiment, CT image data is used as medical image data collected by another medical image diagnostic device. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, MRI image data may be used. In other words, any combination of medical image data may be used.

[0118] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which three cross sections orthogonal to the valve annulus 21 are set (e.g., FIG. 5A, etc.). However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the cross sections for the valve annulus 21 can be set arbitrarily. For example, a cross section passing through the root of the aortic valve cusp (e.g., plane P1 in FIG. 5A) and a cross section along the blood flow direction (e.g., plane P2 in FIG. 5A) are not necessarily orthogonal. In such a case, the medical image processing device according to the present application can also set these non-orthogonal cross sections.

[0119] In the above-described embodiment, the medical image processing device according to the present application is incorporated into a medical image diagnostic device. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the medical image processing device may perform processing independently. In such a case, the medical image processing device includes a processing circuit that performs processing similar to the control function 551, extraction function 553, generation function 554, and measurement function 555 described above, and a memory that stores programs corresponding to each function and information related to the artificial valve. The processing circuit then acquires three-dimensional medical image data from a medical image diagnostic device such as an ultrasound diagnostic device or an image storage device via a network, and performs the above-described processing using the acquired medical image data. Here, the processing circuit is a processor that realizes the functions corresponding to each program by reading and executing programs from the memory.

[0120] The term "processor" used in the above description refers to a circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), 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. Note that instead of storing a program in a memory, the processor may be configured so that the program is directly embedded in its circuit. In this case, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. Note that each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, but may also be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function.

[0121] Note that the components of each device illustrated in the above description of the embodiments are conceptual functional units and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that illustrated, and all or part of the devices can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc. Furthermore, all or any part of the processing functions performed by each device can be realized by a CPU and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or can be realized as hardware using wired logic.

[0122] The processing method described in the above-described embodiment can be realized by executing a pre-prepared processing program on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This processing program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. This processing program can also be recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD, a USB memory, or a flash memory such as an SD card memory, and can be executed by being read from the non-transitory recording medium by a computer.

[0123] As described above, according to the embodiment, it is possible to easily determine the specifications of the prosthetic valve to be placed.

[0124] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 55 Processing circuit 551 Control Function 553 Extraction Function 554 Generation function 555 Measurement Function

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires medical image data including a cardiac valve of a subject; a measurement unit that measures the shape of the heart valve included in the medical image data; and a control unit that displays, based on the measurement results of the shape of the cardiac valve, numerical information of each parameter that indicates the shape of the artificial valve to be placed on the cardiac valve, The control unit superimposes an artificial valve model showing the shape of the artificial valve two-dimensionally on ultrasound images of three cross sections of the heart valve, and superimposes the artificial valve model three-dimensionally on a three-dimensional ultrasound image of the heart valve.

2. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit displays a comparison between numerical information of each parameter indicating the shape of the artificial valve designated by an operator and the measurement results of the heart valve.

3. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit further displays a specification of the artificial valve.

4. A medical image processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit distinguishes and displays contact areas depending on the degree of contact between the heart valve and the artificial valve.

5. A medical image processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a reception unit that receives an operation to change the superimposition position of the artificial valve model.

6. an acquisition unit that acquires first medical image data including a cardiac valve of a subject; a measurement unit that measures the shape of the heart valve included in the first medical image data; a control unit that displays, based on the measurement results of the shape of the cardiac valve, numerical information of parameters that indicate the shape of the artificial valve to be placed in the cardiac valve; the control unit aligns the first medical image data with second medical image data collected by a medical image diagnostic device of a type different from the medical image diagnostic device that collected the first medical image data, extracts positions in the second medical image data that correspond to positions measured in the first medical image data, displays measurement values ​​of the extracted positions, and displays differences between the measurement values ​​in the first medical image data and the measurement values ​​in the second medical image data.

7. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the control unit further displays a medical image based on the second medical image data collected by the different type of medical image diagnostic apparatus.

8. an acquisition unit that acquires medical image data including a cardiac valve of a subject; a measurement unit that measures the shape of the heart valve included in the medical image data; a control unit that displays, based on the measurement results of the shape of the cardiac valve, numerical information of parameters that indicate the shape of the artificial valve to be placed in the cardiac valve; The control unit receives input of conditions for determining the artificial valve candidates, and displays artificial valves that meet the received conditions.

9. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the control unit displays the plurality of artificial valve candidates in descending order of priority.

10. 9. The medical image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays an applicable numerical range for each parameter indicating the shape of the artificial valve based on the measurement results of the shape of the heart valve.

Images