Medical Image Processing Apparatus Selective Superimposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
In X-ray fluoroscopy for imaging blood vessels, superimposing volume data onto fluoroscopic images can obscure the catheter and branch portions of blood vessels, making it difficult for doctors to navigate during interventional radiography, and may unnecessarily interfere with treatment areas.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing apparatus that acquires positional information of a device, such as a catheter, and generates a superimposed image by selectively superimposing a volume-based 2D image on a fluoroscopic image, adjusting the superimposed region based on the device's position to avoid obscuring critical areas and improve visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a volume-based 2D image is superimposed on a fluoroscopic image, then three-dimensional information is improved, but the visibility of the catheter and branch portions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the transparency of the volume-based image variable across different regions. Specifically, the transparency is set to be lower (more opaque) in regions where the catheter and branch portions are located, and higher (more transparent) in other regions. This allows the three-dimensional information to be preserved while ensuring that critical structures remain visible to the operator.
2Loss of information
If a volume-based 2D image is superimposed on a fluoroscopic image, then three-dimensional information is improved, but interference with treatment areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by differentiating transparency settings across different spatial regions. The volume-based image is displayed with reduced transparency in treatment areas where the catheter is present, minimizing interference with the treatment procedure. In non-treatment areas, the volume-based image maintains higher transparency to provide useful three-dimensional anatomical context without obstructing the view.
3Loss of information
If the entire volume-based image is superimposed, then comprehensive three-dimensional information is provided, but unnecessary regions interfere with the doctor's view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by setting region-specific transparency values for the volume-based image. The processing circuitry divides the fluoroscopic image into multiple regions and assigns different transparency levels to the superimposed volume-based image in each region. Treatment regions receive lower transparency settings to minimize interference, while non-treatment regions maintain higher transparency to provide comprehensive three-dimensional information where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus used for a treatment using a device includes a memory configured to store a volume data of an object; and processing circuitry configured to acquire positional information of the device, set, in an X-ray image generated by imaging an object using X-ray, a region on which a volume-based 2D image generated from the volume data is to be superimposed, based on the positional information of the device, and generate a superimposed image by superimposing the volume-based 2D image on the set region in the X-ray image.