VOLUME PRESENTATION FOR PLANNING A LOCATION OF AN INJECTION POINT

Technical Field

The technical field generally relates to through the volume of the region of interest to the visualization of the location of the point of injection and planning. In particular, the volume of the allow for the arterial catheter embolization procedure planning of the injection spot.

Background Art

Called by the arterial embolism (TACE) technology is used to through the minimally invasive module will be directly delivered to the disposal of the cancer tumor. The chemical therapeutic drug of a combination of materials and the plug is used to block (plug) to tumor blood supply.

TA (C) E flow normally in "angiography - suitable (angio - suit)" in the implementation of the. By piercing the right side of the unit in the groin of the total artery or radial artery in the wrist, conduit through the nearby area to the disposal of the arterial system to guide.

Here, in the microcatheter tumor of the distal end of the supply appropriate artery is guided, wherein agent is send out to the tumor. The (super) selective plug is completed in order to make the is directed to the tumor/chemical treatment of embolic agent amount maximize and enable the treatment of damage to the normal tissue to minimize the amount of material.

TA (C) E routine to the success of the important aspect is that all tumor detection, the use of a drug for the treatment of tumor of the detected all covering, all feeding arterial embolism, limiting damage to the normal tissue (especially liver tissue) the optimization of the selectivity. The desired utilizes the best selectivity to optimize for full-feed body (feeder) plug and covering of the lesion (one or more) injection.

Tumor feeding blood vessel and thin-wall to space the best visualization for the determination of the (chemical) plug for drug delivery catheter position and the injection parameter is important, and the final disposal can influence the results.

C-type arm cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been the development of greatly help tumor detection and visualization. The introduction of the two-phase cone beam CT has been causes the liver tumor in the detection of the increase.

In the "Evaluating tumors in transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) using dual - phase cone - beam CT" (Minimally Invasive Therapy&Allied Technol. 2011 years 9 months; 20 (5): 276 - 281, doi: 10.3109/13645706 . 2010.536243) is provided in the description of the use of two-phase CBCT. Here, C-type arm cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is to be used for through conduit artery chemoembolisation (TACE) tumor during the feeding vessel and thin-walled tissue staining visualization. Presenting the CBCT system allows the use of only one of the contrast agent injection capture two phase of the feasibility study of the software. The software enables the acquisition of two sequential back-to-back of the CBCT scanning (double-phase CBCT, DPCBCT), therefore tumor feeding blood vessel and two thin-walled organizations use only one of the contrast agent injection to acquisition. Image acquisition can be C-type arm clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the occurrence of the two, the two scanning of Image reconstruction in this two scanning of the occurrence after the completion, and these two reconstruction data set side by side display. Through the side by side with the display scan, software allows at the same time watching the movie. The disclosed software is that allows the tumor of the number and distribution of improved information.

In appearing in the section following the blood vessel can be as a result of the continuity is troublesome, its needs in browsing through at the same time slice of the spirit of the explanation. 3 D would be beneficial to the volume of the, this is because in a view showing all blood vessel branch of the tree structure. However, the height of the volume of the in detail provides visual information overload and can be a processing-intensive, and the lower the details of the presentation may not be able to make all the lesion/feed body visualization. However, most small details can influence the processing in order to avoid future recurrence.

Therefore, expectations are provided which permit the structure in a region of interest (such as pathological changes and presents the body) in order to allow the actual implementation modes of processing-efficient manner by increasing the accuracy of the visualization technology to be identified. It is also expected that provide allow where to position the injection point to the best disposal planning of the lesion enhanced visualization technology.

WO 2009/109887 A1 discloses a pipe system of the Image processing method. From the particular data set collection tube model. A user can select the medium of virtual injection point, defined relative to the direction of the virtual injection point, and analog in the virtual injection point and the beginning of the lots of the medium. At least two dynamic Image is generated and display, so as to provide a three-dimensional visualization of the analog medium flow.

Content of the invention

Therefore, a need for providing a can be used in the planning of an injection point of the at least one position of the imaging data after improvement and convenient manner.

Usually, the embodiment of the invention relates to the combined volume of the presentation mode, wherein based on the at least one indication of the injection spot, in the distal end of the injection point behind the characteristic by means of special high-detail injection volume to enhance the drawing mode of execution. Injection simulation can be based on an indication from the at least one injection point of the injection to run. Said injection to achieve the organization by the volume of the injection volume can be based on injection simulations to determine. The combined volume of the presentation using a high volume rendering embodiment details of the injection volume visualization.

The goal of this invention by the subject of the independent claim; wherein other embodiments are included in the dependent claims. It should be noted that, the following description of the present invention is also applicable in the Image processing system, the imaging system, the medical system and a computer-implemented method and computer program unit and a computer-readable medium.

Provides for the region of interest used for visual and planning of the medical procedure at least one injection point of the position of the method, Image processing system, system and computer program. Specifically, for receiving the imaging data of the region of interest of at least one volume. Obtain at least one virtual injection point. The at least one injection spot instruction is used for at least one injection of blood vessel location in a network. 1st drawing module and 2nd drawing module is controlled to construct a combined volume of the, the combined volume of the comprises a 1st drawing module with the relatively low levels of detail drawing of the volumetric region by 1st and 2nd drawing module to a higher level of detail drawing of the volume area of the 2nd. 1st and 2nd volume volumetric region is based on the at least one virtual injection point designated.

Such a combined volume of the allows the sensing of the region of interest to more detailed volume relative to at least one virtual injection point the relevant area of the displayed and against other regions of the volume of the lower detail is displayed, so that the can be provided which permit a relative to the at least one virtual injection point in the relevant area of the structure (such as pathological changes and presents the body) of the accurate recognition of the treatment efficiency is high and the user intuitively appear.

In an embodiment, receiving the at least one virtual injection point selected by a user. Therefore, the user can interaction through the user interface module test different injection point in order to control the relative to the virtual injection point of the characteristic of the visual. The user input may be through the volume of the point in the selection.

The 2nd volume area is positioned at said at least one virtual injection point with respect to the vascular network of blood flow in the downstream of the direction of the combined volume of the presentation. Therefore, in order to detail enhancement fashion relative to the virtual injection point of the injection area.

In an embodiment, imaging data two-phase computer tomography imaging data of arterial phase imaging data and delay phase imaging data. The 1st drawing module drawing the arterial phase imaging data and the 2nd drawing module drawing by registration of the arterial phase imaging data and delay phase imaging data. The arterial phase imaging data by the delay phase imaging data enhancement and than can be shown more clearly in the single-phase embodiment of the distal end of the point relative to the injection characteristic.

1st drawing module and 2nd drawing module may alternatively be the same as the imaging data of the operation on the volume, but with different levels of detail drawing the imaging data. With the two-phase implementation of the expensively, this embodiment allows the registration and two-phase enhancement processing is avoided in order to reduce the processing requirements.

The at least one adjusted virtual injection point can be based on the received commands to obtain, the received order used for adding at least one virtual injection point, the deletion of at least one virtual injection spot or moving the at least one virtual injection point. 1st drawing module and 2nd drawing module is controlled in order to construct the adjustment of the volume of the combination, the adjusted the combined volume of the presentation based on the at least one adjusted virtual injection point designated, respectively by the 1st and 2nd drawing module drawing module drawing of the 1st and 2nd volume area of the volumetric region. Therefore, the combination can be changed through changing the volume of the at least one virtual injection point iteratively adjusting. The details of the combined presentation that can be connected to show said at least one virtual injection spot downstream of the injection area and the injection area according to the choice of virtual injection spot to adjust. This provides a powerful planning tool. The at least one adjusted virtual injection points can be selected by the user.

In an embodiment, the simulation module simulates the injection from each of the at least one virtual injection point of the injection region. The volume of the combined presentation of the 1st and 2nd volume area is based on the injection region to the designated. In particular, the analog module can be based on injection simulation to generate the imaging volume of the data of the mark by the electricity from each of the at least one virtual injection point of the injection to achieve the volume chart, so as to derive the injection area. By the 1st drawing module drawing district and by the 2nd drawing module drawing area can be based on the stated volume diagram to designated. Based on injection analog to provide the treatment efficiency is high, but effective way to show the combined volume of the presentation of the injected area and therefore an appropriate combination of the volume of the high and low .

In an embodiment, through the use of according to each of the at least one virtual injection point estimates the injection material is filled virtual filling algorithm processing imaging data of said at least one volume, according to the each of the at least one virtual injection point to simulate the injection area. An exemplary virtual filling algorithm based on encoding the data in any position from the point of reference of the following blood vessel of Geodesics potential probability distance distance computation graph. The probability is based on the arc length of the distance between the distance and mathematical support follow more intensive imaging data path (i.e., from the contrast enhancing imaging the acquired imaging data in blood vessel) of the determined potential energy. Such Geodesics potential energy distance chart allows the injection region in the absence of the imaging data processor-intensive division under the condition of being simulated.

In an embodiment, the combined volume of the already is constructed as graphically highlighted in order to point out from each of the at least one virtual injection spot to achieve the organization of the highlighting of the volumetric region. The highlighted area of volume that can be based on the simulation. The disclosed the features allow candidate injection of perfusion of the result of the quick check.

The following features can offer to deal with efficient manner for improved medical procedure (such as plug flow) of the injection spot assessment and/or the determined in addition to the visual option.

In an embodiment, the injected area is based on said at least one virtual injection point to the determined, non-injecting blood vessel in the injection region is determined in the region of the neighbors. 1st drawing module and 2nd drawing module can construct the combined volume of the presentation, so that the 2nd volume area includes the injection region and the non-injection region and/or non-injecting blood vessels are graphically highlighted. This provides for the selection of the virtual injection point is not caused by the lost the injection area defined around the neighbor of the pathological changes in the area of the important feeding checking of operation of the body of the blood vessel. Neighboring region can be based on the injection area of the calibrator expand to determine. Non-injecting blood vessel can use the path discovery logic and neighboring area to discover.

In an embodiment, segmentation module from said imaging data segmentation of the lesion. The lesion can be present in the combined volume of the graphically highlighted.

In an embodiment, automatic feed body to the pathological change determination module determines at least one of the feeding body blood vessel. To the lesion along the at least one definite feed body blood vessel feed body path is graphically highlighted. The feeding body path can be used to determine the path discovery algorithm.

In an embodiment, automatic injection member path determining module to obtain the feed of the injection device the position of the distal end of the catheter and automatically determine through the vascular network from the conduit of the distal position to the virtual injection point of the injection component path. The injection member path in the combined volume of the Figure in the highlighting display. The injection member path can be used to determine the path discovery algorithm.

In an embodiment, drawing selection module allows the user to select 1st drawing module and 2nd drawing module in at least one of the at least one visual aspects. In this manner, the combined volume of the of 2nd drawing module can be adjusted by visual arranged to visual increase is strong.

In an embodiment, automatic virtual injection point determination module on the basis of imaging data from the at least one volume to obtain a lesion position and to the lesion of path automatically determining the at least one virtual injection point. 1st and 2nd volume area of the volumetric region based on automatically determining at least one of the designated virtual injection point. Can automatically determine to the pathological changes of the path. In addition, can be automatically determined from the conduit to the automatic determination of the injection point of the virtual path. In this manner, the user can select only the visual in the imaging data of the pathological changes and to the pathological changes of the path and the virtual injection point can be automatically determined. In addition, double-detail drawing can be based on the automatically determined virtual injection spot and all based on a single selected from the conduit to the virtual injection point of the path of the highlighting display to determine the pattern. By automatically determining in this text, this means that the stated characteristic using a suitable computer algorithm by the computer-based data processing to determine.

In the in the various embodiments, the 2nd drawing module than the 1st drawing module of more high spatial resolution rendering is performed.

Also discloses a computer program unit, it is suitable for the implementation of such as disclosed herein is suitable for the Image processing system or by the at least one processor carry out the steps of the method described herein.

The computer-readable medium has stored with said computer program unit.

The invention these and other aspects will be described in the below (one or more) example embodiment it is obvious and described in the reference below (one or more) embodiment as set out.

Description of drawings

In the below will be combining the following Figure description exemplary embodiment, wherein similar marks on the attached drawing refer to similar element, and wherein:

Figure 1 is the schematic view of a medical device through the artery, imaging machine, the display unit and the Image processing system of the medical system;

Figure 2 is the block diagram of the Image processing system of the module;

Figure 3 is the data flow chart of the method according to the disclosed herein of the embodiment of the 1st for processing source imaging data is the combined volume of the presentation;

Figure 4 is the data flow chart of according to fig. 3 of that of the method as disclosed herein of the modified embodiment;

Figure 5 is according to the invention presents a series of volume;

Figure 6 graphically shows the according to the invention the volume of the other; and

Figure 7 graphically shows the according to the invention of a volume of the other.

Mode of execution

The following detailed description is actually the exemplary and not intended to limit the application and use. In addition, not aimed at by the aforesaid technical field, background, brief SUMMARY or the following detailed description presented in any expression or implied theoretical limit.

The following claims particularly reference TACE procedure to provide (in particular for neoplams of embolism). However, the current visual and injection planning method and system of the other application is possible.

Figure 1 is the schematic view, medical system 32 includes the in vitro imaging machine 36, Figure of medical system 32 Image processing system 10, the display unit 24, medical device 16 and the patient support table 34.

Imaging machine 36 is configured to generate is supported on the table 34 of the patient on the imaging data. Imaging machine 36 comprises a detector 20 and X-ray generator 22. Imaging machine 36 is configured for X-ray imaging. Imaging machine 36 can be configured for angiographic imaging. Imaging machine 36 is configured to generate three-dimensional imaging data. In a particular embodiment, imaging machine 36 is computer tomography (CT) imaging machine, with C-type arm configuration, and C-type arm at one end of the detector 20 and the other C-type arm at one end of the X-ray generator of the 22. In a particular embodiment, imaging machine 36 is cone beam computed tomography imaging machine (CBCT), configured for operating a two-phase CT measurement in order to obtain two-phase CBCT imaging data.

Image processing system 10 (such as a general-purpose computer) is operatively connected to the imaging machine 36 control for performing a scan in order to obtain the imaging data of the imaging machine 36 and processing from the operation of the imaging machine 36 of imaging data. By the processing of the imaging data can be presented on a medical system 32 of the display unit 24 on.

Image processing system 10 includes at least one processor 30. The processor 30 is operatively connected to the memory 28. The processor 30 and a memory 28 can be through the bus 38 is connected. The processor 30 can be can run the program instructions of any equipment, such as one or more of the microprocessor. Memory can be any volatile or non-volatile memory device, such as a removable disk, a hard disk drive, CD, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM) and the like. In addition, the processor 30 can be realized in general in the computer.

Image processing system 10 comprises a Figure 2 shown in detail in the plurality of module 100 - 130, as described herein for the operation of the Image processing system and method, in particular reference view 3 to Figure 6. As used herein, the term module to refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, and running one or more software or firmware program of the processor (shared, dedicated or group) and memory, combinational logic circuit and/or to provide the description of the function of other suitable part. In particular, described herein module 100 - 130 includes at least one processor, memory and stored in the memory on the implementation of the order to be used for relative to the module 100 - 130 described various functions and process of computer program instructions. Although in the described herein are used in the particular function independent module 100 - 130, but this does not preclude a integrated topological structure. In addition, as shown in module 100 - 130 can be divided into other sub-module. Module 100 - 130 communicate with each other according to the need to implement the features described in this text, process and system.

The display generation module 40 also through the bus 38 is operatively connected to the processor 30. The display generation module 40 configured to utilize the processor 30 is used to generate a display unit 24 for displaying an Image. The display generation module 40 can be hardware, software or a combination thereof the implementation. The display generation module 40 using 1st drawing module 102 and 2nd drawing module 104 and for display described herein presents the combined volume of the other module (is shown in fig. 2 in). The display generation module 40 may be included to for processor 30 programming instructions and stored in the memory 28 on. The display unit 24 can be suitable for presentation is capable of showing a medical Image of the graphical user interface (GUI) of any monitor, screen and the like.

In the in the illustrated embodiment, imaging machine 36 is operatively connected to the processor 30. Imaging machine 36 obtain the imaging data; the data is provided to a processor 30 for processing thereby via the display generation module 40 creating blood vessel network area of interest of the three-dimensional volume rendering. The three-dimensional volume rendering can then be rendered in the display unit 24 on.

Memory 28 has in its encoded on at least one computer program 44 or computer program unit 44, thus providing by the processor 30 to the implementation of the processing from the imaging machine 36 Image instruction. In addition to the used for processing the imaging data to be used for presenting the display unit 24 of the computer program 44 outside, also provides an implementation as described herein of the region of interest of the three-dimensional volume of the combination of the computer program 44, specifically reference view 3 and Figure 4 of data flow chart and reference to Figure 5, Figure 6 and Figure 7 the presentation and method described.

Figure 1 discloses medical system 32, it includes: Image processing system 10; CBCT imaging machine 36, its used for obtaining the CBCT imaging data; TACE equipment, it is used for delivery plug material injection point; tracking system 35, it is used for tracking TACE equipment 16 reference part (usually, distal) position; and display unit 24, for displaying the three-dimensional volume of the combination. Image processing system 10, CBCT imaging machine 36 and tracking system 35 can be considered to be included in the general imaging system.

TACE apparatus 16 includes a conduit (not separately shown), the catheter can be navigation through the vascular network from the entry point to the position of the variable in the vicinity of the target sickness. TACE apparatus 16 comprises an injection member, the injection member can be from the distal end of the catheter extends to the injection spot and can operate as the injection plug material. The injection member may be is set up in the delivery catheter in the microcatheter. The plug material can include blood vessel is employed (such as beads and/or microsphere) and optionally other pharmaceutical, such as cancer disposal of pharmaceutical and chemical therapeutic agents. For example, TACE device 16 can operate the machine body for injection, drug elutes the bead and yttrium -90 radioactive embolism microsphere.

Tracking system 35 can include Image-based tracking system, wherein the two-dimensional catheter tip during the live fluorescent Image is automatically detected. Through the projection tip position in the three-dimensional volume appear on the surface, the tip of the three-dimensional position can be established. Therefore, this embodiment of the tracking system 35 allows the through Image analysis technique to automatically establish TACE device 16 (in particular its conduit) of the reference point.

According to the invention, medical system 32 to the auxiliary TACE process is useful. TACE device 16 can be located in a region of interest of the target position in order to injection plug material (and optionally also other tumor disposal of drug, such as a chemotherapeutic agent) used for closing the target lesion to the blood flow. In order to minimize collateral damage and the disposal of the maximization of the lesion, the imaging machine 36 and Image processing system 10 through the described further below of various module and in-situ TACE apparatus 16 is operable. The imaging system allows the operating two different transfer function of 1st drawing module 102 and 2nd drawing module 104 (Figure 2) produce the combined volume of the: low-detail transfer function, and the injection point of the candidate to the proximal end of the main blood vessel structure visualization; and high-detail transfer function, its from the injection spot until and including a concentrative little details of visualization. In one embodiment, low-detail visible based on artery volume and high-detail visible on the basis of the imaging machine 36 the obtained two-phase imaging data enhancement phase volume. The candidate injection point can be through the user interface module 108 (Figure 2) user selection or by automatic virtual injection point determining module 118 (Figure 2) automatically determine. Can select more than one virtual injection point. The virtual injection point can be added to, deleted or mobile and therefore Image processing system 10 will present the adjusted display combination. By the combination of the described herein appear to provide two levels of detail plans the target lesion is used for the disposition of one or more of an injection point of the injection of the medicament results corresponding to the user of processing high-efficiency, enhanced visualization. Once the planning through the use of the imaging processing system 10 is considered satisfactory, TACE equipment can be correspondingly operated in order to injection point of the injection plug material, possibly through the use of through the tracking system 35 of the imaging guidance.

Processing system 10 of the module, the module operation by such a data stream and by the present invention the opening of the visual probability will now reference view 2 to Figure 7 detailed description, at the same time continue to reference view 1 medical system 32.

Reference view 2, Image processing system 10 comprises a data receiving module 100, data receiving module 100 is configured to receive tomographic imaging data. Imaging data from the imaging machine 36 to obtain. Tomographic imaging data can include imaging data of the volume of the 1st and 2nd volume, including the corresponding phase of the two-phase imaging procedure. Alternatively, the Image processing system 10 in the absence of two-phase flow operating under the situation that, in this case, imaging data of a single volume can be the data receiving module 100 receiving. Imaging data includes such a imaging data: covering a region of interest (such as or part thereof), at least one target lesion, blood vessel network in-situ in and in the vicinity of the target pathological change of TACE apparatus 16 of the distal end. Contrast enhancement is performed on the imaging data, so that the vascular network can easily compared with other organizations. Imaging data from the imaging data (arranged in three-dimensions of data points) of the voxel up and each voxel includes at least one X-ray attenuation of radiation that (usually to Heinz units (HU) measurement) of the value of the strength.

Image processing system 10 comprises a 1st drawing module 102 and 2nd drawing module 104. 1st drawing module 102 and 2nd drawing module 104 carry out the known Image processing technology for by according to the display unit 24 of the display of the imaging data of the three-dimensional volume rendering a two-dimensional projection. Because the rendering technique to provide imaging data of the three-dimensional volume of the projection, therefore is constructed three-dimensional volume of feeling is provided on the display unit 24 on.

1st drawing module 102 is higher than the 2nd drawing module 104 more low-detail of the tenderer. Namely, 1st drawing module 102 than the 2nd drawing module 104 more low-detail of the transfer function of the voxel. In particular, 1st drawing module 102 on the imaging data is sampled and compared to the 2nd drawing module 104 more low level of space resolution rendering such imaging data. For example, 1st drawing module 102 can be in order to 384^3 low resolution operation, and 2nd drawing module can be against the organization of the same volume to 512^3 higher resolution operation. By the imaging machine 36 the acquired imaging data can be in the 2nd drawing module 104 at the higher resolution or higher and can be through 1st drawing module 102 at a relatively low resolution is carried out at the sample. Alternatively, imaging data can be provided through a number of sampling module, so that the imaging data to different spatial resolution (high and low) the data receiving module receiving, its by different drawing module 102, 104 to use different drawing the spatial resolution of the imaging data.

1st drawing module 102 and 2nd drawing module 104 have different spatial resolution, and can additionally have different drawing method, the contrast of the luminance transfer function /, color scheme and/or white-space speed optimization method. 1st drawing module 102 and 2nd drawing module 104 can allow the drawing set visual of independence in the control (such as a user control), the visual aspects include contrast/brightness, drawing option (gradient, maximum intensity projection, the volume of the drawing and/or pre-integrated volume of the and the like). The user may be able to control the contrast/brightness levels selected from the 1st drawing module 102 and 2nd drawing module 104 in at least one of the at least one visual aspects and drawing method including a maximum intensity projection, the volume of the volume of the drawing and pre-integrated in the at least one. The user can be through such as described below user interface module 108 control 1st drawing module 102 and 2nd drawing module 104 drawing set.

1st drawing module 102 and 2nd drawing module 104 is configured to through the frame buffer (not shown) through the display generation module 40 construct a combined volume of the. The combined volume of the presentation forms by the 2nd drawing module 104 to higher resolution drawing projection of the high detail area and formed by the 1st drawing module 102 in order to relatively low resolution rendering the projection low detail area. Relatively high-detail projection and the lower projection on the basis of the details of the at least one virtual injection spot to distinguish between, such as the following more detailed description of the.

In one embodiment, the use of two-phase imaging data. Namely, the imaging data of the artery in the contrast agent after the injection by the early live imaging machine 36 to the region of interest is collecting and imaging data delay (thin-walled tissue enhancement) phase delay of the region of interest to the region of interest to live is collected. The volume data of the early phase of the delay phase comprises imaging machine 36 through the scanning operation to acquisition time interval, delay scanning in the completion of the early phase after the scanning the implementation of at least 5 or 10 seconds. In another embodiment, 1st drawing module 102 is configured to draw the early photograph Image data, namely, artery imaging data. In addition, Image processing system 10 comprises a dual-phase registration module 120, two-phase registration module 120 is configured to the imaging data of the delay phase volume registration (warp) to the imaging data of the volume of the artery in order to compensate the patient/organ movement (for example, as a result of breathing). Image processing system 10 also includes a volume enhancement module 122, the volume is enhanced module 122 is configured to utilize such as provided by the two-phase registration module 120 registration of imaging data of the delay phase volume implementation of the imaging data of the early phase volume of the thin-walled tissue enhancement in order to produce the imaging data of the enhance bulk. Namely, the volume of the artery will utilize from delay phase volume of the delay phase soft tissue (tumor filling) of the enhanced features to expand or to strong. 2nd drawing module 104 is configured to enhance the imaging data of the volume of the drawing.

However, envisages the 1st drawing module 102 and 2nd drawing module 104 in the imaging data of the same volume of operation on the less complex embodiment. In another embodiment, it need not provide the two-phase registration and volume and strengthens the module 120, 122.

Image processing system 10 comprises a double drawing combined module 124. Double-drawing combined module 124 is configured to through the 1st drawing module 102 and 2nd drawing module 104 control the imaging volume of the data of the order of drawing. In particular, double-drawing combined module 124 is configured to determine by the 1st drawing module 102 and 2nd drawing module 104 drawing of the overlapping area (pixel). Double-drawing combination module is configured to control the drawing order, so that the 1st drawing module 102 first rendering is performed, followed by the 2nd drawing module, but for all overlapping area (pixel) terms, the drawing order is that reverse. It has been found that, when high and low details problem can be combined when drawn on conventional drawing order of occurrence. By means of the so-called volume usually of the painter's algorithm in the back to the front (with respect to the viewing direction) sequence drawing and construction. In the painter's algorithm in, the volume of the 1st drawing against the black background mixing. For the part of the volume of the crossover 2nd 1st volume for the purposes of those voxels, Peutz can occur. By the present invention proposed a mark in two-dimensional template buffer these problems for those voxels and for reversing the position of the crossover of the drawing order. Template logic operation such as Direct3D or OpenGL graphics library is available.

In greater detail, the following steps can be through the double-drawing combined module 124 of the template control implemented in order to reverse in case of need the drawing order. Let V10 is composed of a 1st drawing module 102 drawing of imaging data volume and V12 is composed of a 2nd drawing module 104 drawing of the volume of the imaging data. First of all, draw the V10, then in the drawing V12 to establish a template based on buffer depth control so as to determine the overlapping pixel. Instructions for use fixed overlapping pixel template, the drawing order of inversion, wherein by first drawing in the V12 and then drawing V10 of the crossover.

Image processing system 10 comprises a user interface module 108, the user interface module 108 allow user control and selection. The user interface module 108 from the input unit (not shown) (such as a touch screen device) receiving user input, the input unit may include a display unit 24, mouse, keyboard, video capture gesture control and the like. Example user input can be at least one virtual injection spot selection, the at least one virtual injection point by the Image processing system 10 to determine up to 2nd drawing module 104 drawing by regional and to 1st drawing module 102 drawing area. At least one virtual injection spot of the selection may be through the positioning of the region of interest in the volume of the display of the cursor (in particular by selecting the feed point of the body in the blood vessel) to complete. Alternatively, the virtual injection points can be processor selected (i.e., automatically selected), such as through the following more detailed description of the automatic virtual injection point determining module 118. The user interface module 108 may also allow at least one target lesion of user-selected, such as through the mark is presented in the display unit 24 of the imaging data on the two-dimensional slice of the succession in the area.

Image processing system 10 comprises an injection simulation module 110. Injection simulation module 110 is configured to simulate the at least one virtual injection point of injection and in particular from the at least one virtual injection point of the injection material filling. Based on analog injection, can be modeling from the at least one virtual injection point of the downstream area. The downstream area is used for distinguishing data to be a higher level of detail drawing regional and to relatively low levels of detail drawing area.

In an embodiment, injection simulation module 110 is configured to use the given by the data receiving module 100 of the received imaging data as the prediction data of the at least one expected under the condition that the virtual injection spot, the implementation of the virtual thin-wall tissue perfusion (VP) algorithm in order to approach the organizations (for example, the liver, the region of interest) in the area of the distal end of the blood vessel. In particular, by the analog algorithm uses the imaging data is based on the three-dimensional artery cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning derived. In one embodiment, the analog module 110 from the according to the virtual injection point (position) (which may be a user-selected) the calculated blood vessel driven Geodesics distance diagram extracting the area of blood vessel. Geodesics potential energy diagram for such as caused by the virtual filling algorithm of the calculated distance value for each voxel. Virtual filling algorithm comprises a bias to the for the contrast agent injection (i.e., high strength) voxel of the potential energy of the low distance and also leans in a reduced closer to the reference point in the Geodesics in the value of the distance of the voxel. Although herein described in detail in the vessel and driven Geodesics potential energy algorithm, but other injection simulation algorithm can be used for extracting the at least one virtual injection point distal (downstream) of the at least one field or area, and can be determined from the combined volume of the presentation of the detail part of the division between low-detail part.

Computing geodesic distance of the plan algorithm code reference position and the most close to the connection between the blood vessel. The reference position is usually taken as the position of the conduit (for example, distal end of the catheter), such as by tracking system 35 determined. The use of the reference position of the contrast medium during acquisition can be TACE apparatus 16 of the place on the catheter. The exact catheter tip position is not important, as long as it is in the conduit, the conduit in the contrast medium collection volume is remarkably visible. Therefore, as the reference position of the distal end of the catheter is the description of an exemplary embodiment only. In alternative embodiment, the reference position can be through the user interface module 108 is selected by a user. By the geodesic distance graph defines the Geodesics metric sense, blood vessel area corresponds to the distal end of the region of the injection point is expected. With a clear of compared with blood vessel segmentation algorithm, such simulation method is processing efficient.

In one embodiment, the analog module 110 is configured to determine if the typically corresponds to the contrast agent imaging data can be determined from the distal end of the catheter of the reference catheter point r. The analog module 110 is configured to use imaging data and the distal end of the of the conduit reference position calculating Geodesics distance diagram. The analog module 110 is configured to use geodesic distance graph and the at least one virtual injection point to extract at least one area of blood vessel. Also described below to determine the reference position r, computing geodesic distance diagram and the step of extracting the vascular area. Processing module 106 is configured to control the 2nd drawing module 104 and 1st drawing module 102 based on the extracted at least one area of blood vessel to draw the volume of the double-levels of detail.

R used as the subsequent calculation of the point considered in the reference position, i.e., the most proximal injection point.

Blood vessel drive of the Geodesics distance map is calculated as the coding from the conduit point r to following vascular imaging data in any position of the distance. Along or close to the vascular point is given low Geodesics distance value, the external area of the blood vessel that could lead to geodesic distance. Such Geodesics formulized can be seen as fluid simulation of coarse approximation.

Following minimum route method to calculate r to from any position of the geodesic distance x Dr (x):

Wherein C (s) is from x r to a set of all possible curve C_R→x In the curve of the arc length s, and P (.) is a potential energy. Geodesics distance therefore is obtained as a x r is connected to the minimum accumulated potential energy.

Potential energy is designed to support the imaging data high intensive area (such as a contrast medium injection blood vessel). Exemplary potential energy function is:

Corresponding to the application to the heuristic standardized Image intensity The S shape function. The deviation of the mean value of the M and D can be experientially is set according to the radiography thin-walled organizations typical pseudo-henry value around the soft threshold scaling of S-shaped, so that the high-intensive contrast injection blood vessel to obtain the positive value.

In order to draw to the area of blood vessel, use of Geodesics Figure, its coding three-dimensional imaging data in driving the connectivity of the blood vessel. For the purposes of any position x, minimum Geodesics path can be traced back to the conduit point r. Similarly, the ability to define the virtual injection point i distal vessel area T (i), it can be provided to the user:

Wherein C_r^?_{→ x} R x is from the conduit to the minimum path. The calculation can be based on more than one virtual injection point i implementation in order to define the composite area of blood vessel.

Given the pre-Geodesics Figure, can be efficiently carried out any area of blood vessel extraction, thereby allowing the expected injection point and fast interactive exploration.

The analog module 110 is configured to output has such a label mapping volume: described imaging data of the voxel in what would be obtained by the at least one virtual injection achieve and the voxel which comprising a subset of the enhanced contrast information. With the voxel to enhance the value of the mark than the subset of the combined volume of the highlighting display allows the injection material from the at least one virtual injection spot bearing to the lesion of blood vessel structure. Thin-walled in the organization of the overall area of the virtual filling impregnated can be used to determine the 2nd drawing module 104 drawing presenting the portion of the combination. Namely, the processing module 106 is disposed, so that the such as by injection simulation module 110 identified by the virtual injection region extracted by the 2nd drawing module 104 drawing. In one embodiment, 2nd drawing module 104 drawing expansion volume, comprising artery volumetric imaging data together with data 2nd phase characteristic, such as from the delay phase volume imaging data of the tumor filling.

Image processing system 10 comprises a segmentation module 112, segmentation module 112 is configured based on the training of the object model of the imaging data of the three-dimensional volume (for example, the volume of the artery) is divided into bone (rib) voxel and possibly also with organ (liver, kidney) label. The output is maintained at the mapping in the volume, wherein for each voxel for the purposes, described segmentation label type is stored. Segmentation module 112 to determine the region of interest is also capable of determining the division of the voxel label mapping. The region of interest can be determined against other processing module (such as the two-phase registration module 120 and the volume of the reinforced module 122) of the border.

Image processing system 10 includes a graphics module 126, graphics module 126 is configured to include the combined volume of the described herein in appearing graphics highlighting display. For example, can be added in the following graphic highlighting display of any one of the: lesion area, lesion boundary, conduit reference point (for example, the distal end of the conduit), at least one virtual injection point, from the conduit distal to the virtual injection point of the injection component path, from the conduit distal to the different virtual injection spot of different injection member path, the injected area, from at least one virtual injection point of the injection fluid filling, for from different injection point of the injection filling of different highlighting display, to the lesion of the feed body blood vessel, to the determined injection region in the neighbor of the region such as a blood vessel. In includes a plurality of graphic displays the highlighted circumstances, it can be in a visually different manner of presentation, such as through different coloring.

Combinations disclosed herein the details of the drawing to allow the volume of the treatment efficiency is high in a manner candidate of the injection part of the position of the injection (one or more) effect enhanced visibility. In addition, the present invention provides the following will also describe a plurality of presentation control characteristic.

The user interface module 108 to allow the at least one injection point by selecting the volume of the blood vessel in the position of insertion and/or interactively operating. In the virtual injection point is inserted before the volume of the can through the 1st drawing module 102 to lower levels of detail of construction in order to provide clear, easy to follow the user's blood vessel presentation mode. In addition to the injection volume in the region outside of the blood vessel, from the virtual injection point of the injection electrode layer through the analog module 110 to calculate. The region based on the injection volume, combined presentation will be through the sampling (or re-sampling) imaging data to draw the, injection electrode layer by the 2nd drawing module 104 drawing thus to higher levels of detail virtual injection point to the distal end of the anatomic features clearly visible. In scheme that put forward, only injection traces on the blood vessel and thin-walled tissue area is re-sampling and details shown.

Image processing system 10 comprises an automatic feeding body determining module 114, automatic feed body determining module 114 is configured with the imaging data based on the associated with the segmentation of the lesion with the imaging information and data associated with the position of the conduit (for example, distal) information to determine to the pathological change feed body blood vessel. The pathological change information can be through the segmentation module 112 or through the user interface module 108 through the user identification information for pathological changes generated by the automatic segmentation process. In particular, the user can slice through the imaging data to appear in succession in each of the selecting at least one lesion of the border. The conduit can be based on the location information through the user interface module 108 or through on the basis of contrast agent imaging data determined by the automation of the catheter position information of the user input. Automatic feeding body determining module 114 can be implemented path discovery algorithm (such as the known in the field) from the lesion to the conduit in order to find all the blood vessel feeding body. In particular, path discovery algorithm can operate using the lesion profile to determine the intersection of the candidate feed body. The feeding portion are from the contrast enhancing imaging data can be identified. Based on the intersecting, calculated and vectorized catheter position the connectivity of the network. The determined feed body blood vessel through a graphical module 126 combined in appearing in Figure highlight display.

Image processing system 10 comprises an injection member path determining module 128, inject the component path determining module 128 is configured to determine from the conduit distal to the virtual injection point of the path. A plurality of path can be directed against a plurality of virtual injection point is determined. Inject the component path determining module 128 using virtual injection point information on that position, it can be through the user interface module 108 is a user decides to of or through the automatic virtual injection point determining module 118 (described below) of the is determined automatically. Inject the component path determining module 128 using the path discovery algorithm (for example, such as described above) to determine the position of the from the conduit to the virtual injection point the corresponding path. The corresponding path through a graphical module 126 in combination in order to presenting the Figure indicating the positioning is used for positioning the distal end of the injection member in the position of the virtual injection point of the injection component guiding the user.

In an embodiment, injection member path determining module 128 is configured, such that when the virtual injection point is added to the volume of the time, and the central line of said from the conduit to the virtual injection point of the path through the graphics module 126 and calculate and graphically shown in appearing in the volume. To do so, the following injection point logic is implemented. When the added virtual injection point in the previous virtual injection point on the center line, with the three-dimensional center line intersecting said is used as the new injection point position. If not intersecting was found and the point of the vascular tree is selected, then the 1st drawing module 102 by means of the ray casting volume intersecting the calculation is detected. If not intersecting is found, then the 2nd drawing module 104 against the intersecting the tested.

Image processing system 10 comprises an automatic virtual injection point determining module 124, automatic virtual injection point determining module 124 is configured to automatically determine at least one virtual injection point. In particular, the user can through the user interface module 108 to choose the volume of the region of interest in the in the destination (generally the pathological changes in the destination) and determining at least one virtual injection point of order. Automatic virtual injection point determining module 124 and automatic feeding body determining module 120 communication in order to calculate from the user selection of the position of the destination to the conduit and at least one feed body path. Automatic virtual injection point determining module 124 is configured along the at least one feeding body in the path of each of the inserted into the virtual injection point, generally at a distance of the user's selection of a destination pre-set distance (for example, 1.5 cm) at. The preset distance can be through the user interface module 108 can be controlled by the user. In addition, and optionally, injection simulation module 110 and a processing module 106 is configured to automatically determine a virtual injection point to two levels of detail to generate a combined presentation, wherein a higher level of detail and relatively low levels of detail based on automatically determining at least one of the designated virtual injection point. In this manner, at least one virtual injection point, from its analog perfusion and from the catheter distal end to each of the virtual injection spot of at least one feed body path can be in combined double-levels of detail and the volume of the relatively low processing requirements with the destination of the single user-selected automatically determined and graphically highlighted.

In order to close neighbors module 130 in the form of Figure 2 shown in an Image processing system 10 another possible feature. Neighbor module 130 is configured to scaling (expand) to present to the detail in the combination shown in the area. In particular, according to the injection area can be by injection simulation module 110 implementation of the injection the simulated result derived. can be relative to the injection area is defined. Neighbor module 130 is configured to process the imaging data in order to confirm from all possible direction and branch reaches the near neighbor cell in all of non-injection (such as based on the analog module 110 of the output can be determined) contrast information. In the neighbor of the thus determined region of the blood vessel in order to higher the level of detail to combined presentation with the injection area and can also present different colors. relative to the injection area can be preset scalar value (increase/decrease).

Figure 3 is the data flow chart of graphic used for producing the as described herein the combination of double-levels of detail of data presented transformation procedure. A plurality of data processing function P1 to P8 is shown, it will be described in detailed below and to the previously-described Image processing system. Figure 3 provides the method described herein of the 1st embodiment.

In fig. 3 of example, receiving corresponding to the contrast agent after the injection of the 1st artery imaging data of the volume V1. Also receiving corresponding to the artery after the detention of the imaging data of the 2nd volume V2. Artery imaging data and delay phase imaging data use is preferred, but not necessary, such as by not using the two-phase imaging data of the Figure 4 embodiment (described further below) is shown. Imaging data through the data receiving module 100 to receive the. Imaging data of the volume of the 1st V1 can be to two forms is received: in order to high-detail (i.e., higher spatial resolution) to low-detail L and H (i.e., a lower spatial resolution). In order to to two levels of detail of receiving the imaging data of the volume of the 1st V1, may be utilized to different levels of resolution of the original imaging data sampling during the sampling process.

The data process P7 in, the volume of the 1st through drawing the imaging data of the drawn low-detail artery volume to relatively low levels of detail to carry out. P7 through the 1st process of drawing module 102 to carry out. Drawing data are output to the described further below the presentation control process P5.

The data process P1 in, artery volume V1 will be based on the trained object model is divided into bone (rib) and organ (liver, kidney) information. The data process P1 output mapping volume MP, wherein for each voxel of the imaging data for the purposes, described segmentation type (organ, bone) label is stored. MP mapping volume will also be defined and used in the process of data as described below P2, P3 and P6 of the region of interest.

The data process P2 in, low levels of detail or resolution L delay phase volume V2 will be registration (warping) to L levels of detail of the artery volume V1 in order to compensate the patient/organ movement. In this known in such a registration process. For example, can make use of the known non-rigid deformation and registration process. The data process P2 to produce the delay phase imaging data registration of the RV2 volume. P2 of the registration process can be through the diphasic registration module 120 to carry out.

The data process P3 in, high levels of detail H of the imaging data of the artery volume V1 will use the delay phase imaging data from the registration of the RV2 volume delay phase soft tissue (tumor filling) of the enhanced features to expand. The data process P3 generating imaging data enhanced volume V3, to said combined arterial phase imaging data volume V1 and the delay phase imaging data V2. Data enhancement process P3 can be enhanced through the volume of the module 122 to carry out.

The data process P8 in, imaging data enhanced volume V3 through the 2nd drawing module 104 to draw the. Drawing data are provided to the display control process P5.

The data process P4 in, in the artery volume V1 in (manually or automatically) to determine the reference portion of the conduit. The reference part can be through the user interface module 108 to input, but usually based on Image analysis in the vicinity of the distal end of the catheter to automatically determine. Therefore, although the request protection method relates to imaging process and does not extend to the catheter placement, but described herein generally when the medical device 16 (and especially the catheter) in situ at the time of the implementation of the procedure during the intervention. The catheter tip position from the data process P4 is output to the data process P5 and P6 in use.

The data process P6 based on data from the data process P2 receives a region-of-interest, from the data process P4 received as the point of reference r (as described above) of the catheter distal position and from the data process P3 of the received imaging data enhanced volume V3 to carry out injection simulation. In addition, data process P6 using the at least one virtual injection position, it has already through the following described data process P5 obtained. Injection analog can be by injection simulation module 110 to carry out. The data process P6 in, injection area is analog, as injection using imaging data enhanced volume V3 through the at least one virtual injection spot in each to complete. In one embodiment, injection simulation process P6 based on Geodesics potential field mapping concept, as mentioned above with respect to the injection simulation module 110 have already described. The data process P6 output with label to the notes of the AMV mapping volume, the label described volume V3 of which voxels would be obtained by the at least one virtual injection achieve and the voxel which subset will include the contrast information (namely, the voxel in which corresponding to the blood vessel). Note mapping volume by the AMV 1st drawing process P7 and 2nd drawing process P8 to receive. By such as by the analog virtual injection to achieve at least one of the AMV mark extracting geographical or regional through the drawing process P8 to higher levels of detail drawing and from such as the not by the analog virtual injection to achieve at least one of the AMV mark area by the relatively low-detail drawing process P7 drawing. In some embodiments, injection analog can be extracted by the at least one virtual injection to reach the area and all the voxels in the region may be marked in such as by the virtual injection to achieve the notes of the AMV mapping volume in order to ensure that the higher the level of detail of the memory bank coherent drawing.

In the drawing process P7 and P8 in, based on the volume of the note mapping information in the AMV, corresponding electrode layer through the appointed drawing module 102, 104 re-sampling and visualization. Through the single tenderer or drawing module 102, 104 the implementation of two separate drawing process P7 and P8, each with its own spatial resolution, and optionally also have the following in at least one of: its own drawing method, the contrast of the luminance transfer function /, color scheme, white-space speed tuneups, wherein these characteristics can be controlled by the user. The combined volume of the presentation can be through the frame buffer (not shown) in the control process of the presentation of the P5 through suitable control to construct.

In the through the processing module 106 to the implementation of the control process of the presentation of the P5 in, will carry out a plurality of viewing control tasks. The user input through the user interface module can be UI 108 receiving in order to control the drawing process P7 and P8 visualization set (for example, visual transfer function is set). In addition, combined presentation of which areas through the drawing process P7 drawing and which through the drawing process P8 drawing control through the use of such as described above to the notes of the AMV mapping volume by the rendering control process to execute. In addition, as mentioned above with respect to the double-drawing combined module 124 have already described sorting control volume by the data process P5 and 1st drawing process implementation of the P7 and 2nd drawing process P8 is controlled and therefore drawing data are combined. In addition, includes a graphical annotation, such as catheter distal end (and perhaps also have elongated conduit itself), virtual injection point, injection member path, feeding body as well as the paths. In addition, as mentioned above with respect to the automatic feeding body determining module 114, inject the component path determining module 128 and automatic virtual injection point determining module 118 have already described the determination of the blood vessel feeding body, injection member path determined and automatic virtual injection point by the data process P5 control.

Figure 4 graphically shows the used for without the use of a two-phase imaging data of the alternative embodiment of the data flow chart. Figure 4 provides the method described herein of the 2nd embodiment. In this case, can be omitted Figure 3 registration process P2 and the volume of the enhanced process P4. On the contrary, imaging data of a single volume V1 can be obtained, and in response to the imaging data to low levels of detail is conveyed to the low-detail drawing process P7 and its high levels of detail is conveyed to the high-detail drawing process P8. By presenting the control process based on the P5 of the obtained at least one virtual injection point, injection simulation through process P6 is operative to generate the mapping volume AMV notes, the notes mapping volume designated by the to be by high-detail drawing process P8 drawing of the at least one virtual injection point carries out at least one of the injection the injection area. In addition, graphical annotation by the presentation control process P5 includes the combination in appearing in double-details of marking at least one virtual injection point, such as by the process P6 injection simulation the determined injection area, from the conduit distal to the at least one virtual injection point of the injection component path and the catheter distal end.

Has already been described with respect to Figure 1 to Figure 4 of the Image processing system 10 and in the data process, relative to the Figure 5 and Figure 6 describes the interaction and the volume of the operability.

Figure 5 is the chart of by the disclosed Image processing system 10 to generate the volume of 300, 302, 308, 310 of the sequence.

Figure 5 (a) are shown as used for user interaction and virtual injection point selection to the beginning of the presentation of the initial volume of the 300. Figure 5 (a) the volume of 300 through the segmentation module 112 based on the segmentation process P1 is removed after the bone based on imaging data of the volume V1 by the 1st drawing module 102 in the process P7 in drawing. Therefore, Figure 5 (a) the volume of the 300 to relatively low levels of detail drawing, it allows the main blood vessel structure of the volume of the clearly. In the obtained under the condition that the two-phase imaging data, the volume of the 300 has the artery. In the volume of the further graphically highlighted is conduit point of reference 304 (in one example, as a transparency area), conduit reference point 304 has been by fluorescence imaging data of the Image analysis process P4 in automatically determine. In this case, imaging data has been obtained by using in-situ of the conduit and the volume of the 300 from the catheter can be used for planning from extended injection component of the embolism injection.

In fig. 5 (b) in, the volume of the 302 is shown, wherein the lesion 303 has been through a graphical module 126 graphically highlighted (in one example, as a clear external border color portion of the). Lesion has been through the imaging data V1 of the two-dimensional orthogonal slice presentation of its external user of the boundary of the mark is identified. The volume of the 302 is also shown through the automatic feeding body determining module 114 of the automatic feeding body results of the determination of the pattern. In particular, different color streak 305, 306 is included as shown in the reference point from the conduit 304 to include all the available feed body vascular lesion 303 of the path. The volume of the 302 by the 1st drawing module 102 to produce relatively low levels of detail. As shown in Figure 5 (a), the volume of the 202 does not include the double-levels of detail, because virtual injection spot has not yet been selected.

In fig. 5 (c) in, according to the invention has shown various embodiments of combined levels of detail with the volume of the 308. In by fig. 5 (b) in the line 305 of the representation of the selected one of the feed body blood vessel in a virtual injection point 307. Injection point 307 is through the user interface module 108 in fig. 5 (b) presentation of the 302 in the choice of the user. From the virtual injection point 307 injection simulation based on imaging data and the position of the distal end of the conduit 304 in the process P6 by injection in the analog module 110 operation, leading to the mark which voxels is simulation in order to by the virtual injection point 307 at the notes of the injection of the material into three-dimensional data mapping AMV. Based on note mapping AMV (in particular from its derived injection region), the volume of the 308 comprises process P8 by 2nd in the drawing module 104 drawing virtual injection point 307 and the distal end of the high-detail injection area in the process P7 by 1st in the drawing module 102 drawing virtual injection point 307 the proximal end of the low-detail non-injection area. Combined presentation 308 low and high-detail area in presenting to each other in a seamlessly integrated. In the use of two-phase imaging data of the cases, the detail area presents the imaging data of the enhanced volume V3, wherein artery volume V1 has been from delay phase volume V2 of the enhanced features. In addition, based on is considered to be based on analog by the injection reach those voxels, injection area through the use of shadow will be injection area coloring to graphically highlighted.

By Figure 5 (b) as shown in the automatic feeding body detecting, can revelation chart 5 (c) injection scheme covers the two detection to the feed body in the vessel only in one injection. Therefore, operation can be planning another injection point. Can be in the virtual injection point has been chosen in order to easily discloses injection scheme in either before or after any of the deficiency of the shown automatic detection to the feed body blood vessel.

In fig. 5 (d) in, graphically shows the also has high and low-detail of the combination of the volume of the 310. Here, the user has selected the 1st virtual injection point 307. In addition, blood vessel in the 2nd feeding body 306 is graphically highlighted in order to allow the operation to identify one of the presents the body has been lost. Therefore, 2nd virtual injection point can be through the user interface module 108 is placed in the 2nd feeding body blood vessel 306 in. Injection simulation process can be re-run, so that the from the 1st virtual injection point 307 and new virtual injection of the two 2nd injection simulation may be carried out in order to confirm the imaging data of (one or more) of the volume of the notes of the amended mapping AMV. Can produce a combined volume of the other, it includes based on Figure 5 (d) compared with the additional 2nd virtual injection point expansion injection area, its higher level of detail drawing and includes graphical highlight display (for example, color depth) in order to shown according to the simulation from the virtual injection point of the injection to achieve the injection area. The new combination of the volume of the additional graphical features can be shown. From the conduit distal end 304 to the virtual injection point 307 of the injection component path 311 is used for the injection component to guide the different purposes of the color line shown. In addition, the lesion 303 external profile may be graphically highlighted in order to allow to pass the proposed injection covering range is visual. Figure 5 (c) and Figure 5 (d) of the combined presentation 308, 310 to allow the injection of blood vessel (including the feed vessel and connected (one or more) gastrointestinal) by means of the targeted high-detail, relatively low contrast information to optimize the volume of the visual rendering scheme. In order to high-detail make the blood vessel and blood vessel region between visible, from the injection analog of the mapping output can be processed to derive includes all the injection area of the coherent area of blood vessel, then its high levels of detail display. Therefore, in order to high-detail shown injection traces on the injection vessel and thin-walled tissue region, in order to relatively low-detail shown present in order to ensure that the remainder of the clear visual and efficient processing.

Through the virtual injection spot from the proximal position to the distal end of the move to a better position, and in the opposite direction, the injection vessel and the resulting tumor and feed for vascular embolization effect can be evaluated in the operation planning appropriate balance between the covering and the selectivity of the pathological changes of the position of the best injection. In addition, including total affected area and injection vascular injection result can be shown in the combined volume of the presentation and in the accompanying orthogonal slice (if desired).

If not carefully check, is sometimes from non-expected more important branch of the proximal end of the branch can be missed. In fig. 5 (a) and Figure 5 (b) in, combined presentation 400, 402 by not only to relatively high-detail shown injection area but also as shown by the neighboring module 130 the determined to graphic presentation enhanced. In fig. 6 (a) in, presentation 400 than virtual injection point 408 to the proximal end of zone a higher level of detail has shown the virtual injection point 408 and the distal end of the injection area colored in order to facilitate the visualization. In addition, graphic is included to highlight the from the conduit distal end 406 to the virtual injection point of the injection component path 407. The distal end of the conduit 406 and the virtual injection point 408 also through a graphical module 126 graphically shown. Based on injection area from the injection point 408 based on the assumption that the injection from the injection simulation process P6 output (its often leads to analog injection three-dimensional volume) to determine. When activated, module 130 is configured to determine the injection area or volume based on the volume of the or (such as through the injection area or volume of the scalar area or volume expansion) and according to the or volume of contrast enhanced imaging data to determine all the presents the body and blood vessel. In the neighboring area presents the body and blood vessel can use the contrast enhancing imaging data to determine the path discovery process. In the neighboring area presents the body and blood vessel can be graphically highlighted, such as by the injection region of the pattern in the highlighting display different colors). Near-neighbor cell can also be a relatively high level of detail to present. Figure 6 (b) are shown on the basis of the neighboring module 130 to determine the implementation of the neighbor of the neighbor of the injection area of the blood vessel in the additional is pattern of the displayed blood vessel 410. This feature helps to avoid missed for successful plug flow of the operation of the related blood vessel.

In fig. 7 in, has shown the combined presentation 404, it has graphically illustrated by the user interface module 108 is a user-selected 1st virtual injection point 420 and 2nd virtual injection point 422. In addition, Figure graphically shows the catheter distal end 428, wherein the distal end of the conduit 428 is according to Image analysis of (for example) is determined. Inject the component path 424, 426 has been through the injection member path determining module 128 using imaging data path logic processing determines, and from the conduit distal end 428 extending to the corresponding virtual injection point 420, 422. Injection area (virtual injection point 420, 422 of the downstream) is graphically highlighted and relatively high-detail is drawn. According to the injection area is by injection simulation module 110 of the implementation of the injection analog is derived. In this case, the use of injection area in Figure 5 and Figure 6 in the volume of the different drawing preference to drawing. Although the 2nd drawing module 104 is still higher than the 1st drawing module 102 is higher on the details of the operation, but the transfer function (such as spatial resolution and/or contrast set) has been adapted to enable the injection region of the blood vessel also more clearly visible. 1st drawing module visualization set of such adjustment may be through the user interface module 108 can be selected by the user.

In a in the possibility, Figure 7 of the combined volume of the 404 can be by clicking on or otherwise selecting the visible tumor in the destination simply automatically determine. That is, usually (highly vascular) tumor region in the core of the initial rendering (midway 5 (a) as shown in the that) partially visible, but enter the track usually difficult to determine. According to such a presentation, destination can be selected by the user. Alternatively, the orthogonal slice appear can be indicated in the destination. The purpose of the given selected location or position, the distal end of the conduit of the tumor in the selected destination of an access path (presents the body) is through the automatic feeding body determining module 114 calculated. The virtual injection point can be through automatic virtual injection point determining module 118 at a distance of a destination (preset) can control the distance (for example, 1.5 cm) along each presents the body is placed. Injection analog can be directed against the virtual injection point is carried out automatically. Therefore, through the Figure 5 (a) on the core of the tumor in the purpose of a single choice of ground targets, can obtain Figure 7 shown in the Figure and a visual enhancement. In particular, injection region to relatively high-detail visible and coloring/otherwise graphically highlighted to show analog injection, virtual injection point 420, 422 can be determined and Figure to insert the injection member path 424, 426 can be determined and the graphic is inserted.

In another aspect of the invention in the exemplary embodiment, provides a computer program or a computer program unit, characterized in that suitable for the appropriate processing system according to the embodiment of the implementation of the front of the to one of the method steps of the method.

Therefore, the computer program unit can be stored in the computer unit, the computer unit can be the embodiment of the invention of the part. The computing unit may be adapted to perform the steps of the method described above or induced described above to the implementation of the steps of the method. In addition, it can be suitable for operation of the components of the apparatus described above. The computing unit can be fit for automatic operation and/or the implementation of the user's command. Computer program can be loaded into the data in the working memory of the processor. The data processor thereby can be equipped for the implementation of the method of the present invention.

The exemplary embodiment of the present invention covered from the very beginning on the use of the computer program of the invention and by means of updating the existing procedures of the present invention changes the use of the computer program of the two.

Further, the computer program unit can provide realize as described above is an exemplary embodiment of the method of the flow of all the necessary steps.

According to another aspect of the invention an exemplary embodiment, provides a computer-readable medium, such as CD - ROM, wherein the computer-readable medium has stored in the computer-readable medium program on a computer unit, the computer program unit from the front part of the description.

Computer program can be stored/distribution in a suitable medium, for example with other hardware are provided together with or as a part of the other of the hardware of the optical storage medium or a solid state medium, but the computer program can also can be distributed to other forms, such as over the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications system distribution.

However, the computer program can also be present on the network such as the world wide web and from this in the network can be downloaded to the data in the working memory of the processor. According to another aspect of the invention an exemplary embodiment, provides a is used for making the computer program unit can be used for downloading of the medium, wherein the computer program unit is arranged according to the invention for the implementation of the embodiment described before to one of the method.

It must be noted that, the embodiment of the invention reference different theme to be described. Specifically, some embodiments of the reference method type claim described, other embodiment the reference device type of claim to be described. However, technical personnel in the field will be from the above and below in the description of understood that, unless otherwise pointed out that, in addition to belonging to one type of theme from the characteristic of any combination of, relates to different theme and the characteristics of any combination was also considered by the application discloses. However, all of the features can be combined in order to provide more than a simple summing of the synergistic effect.

Although the foregoing detailed description has been presented in at least one exemplary embodiment, however it should be understood, a large number of variable-type. It should also be understood, (one or more) is an exemplary implementation of the execution example, and is not intended to in any way limit the scope of the disclosed, applicability or configuration. On the contrary, the foregoing detailed description of the area of the to the technical staff of the used for realizing the (one or more) of an exemplary embodiment of the Roadmap. It should be understood, not break away from the such as in the claims and their legal equivalents as set forth in the disclosed under the situation of range, the function of the element can be arranged in and make various changes.

In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and, the words "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may perform the claims is recorded in the function of a number of projects. Although in mutually different dependent claims specific measures have been recorded, but this does not indicates that it cannot be of the advantageous use of a combination of these measures. In the claims of any marks on the attached drawing should not be construed as a limitation of the scope.