Methods and apparatuses for the image guidance and documentation of medical procedures. One embodiment includes combining small field of view images into a recorded image of with a large field of view and aligning the small field of view real time image with the recorded image through correlation of imaging data. A location and orientation determination system may be used to track the imaging system and provide a starting set of image alignment parameters and/or provide change updates to a set of image alignment parameters, which is then further improved through correlating imaging data. The recorded image may be selected according to real time measurement of a cardiac parameter during an image guided cardiac procedure. Image manipulations planned based on the recorded image can be stored and applied to the real time information. The position of the medical device may be determined and recorded through manipulating a cursor in a 3-D image space shown in two non-parallel views.

Methods and apparatuses for image guided medical procedures

The disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for recording images on recording mediums which images correspond to high energy radiation patterns. A temporary storage medium, such as an infrared-stimulable phosphor or thermoluminescent material, is exposed to an incident pattern of high energy radiation. A time interval after exposure, a small area beam of long wave length radiation or heat scans the screen to release the stored energy as light. An appropriate sensor receives the light emitted by the screen and produces electrical energy in accordance with the light received. The information carried by the electrical energy is transformed into a recorded image by scanning an information storage medium with a light beam which is intensity modulated in accordance with the electrical energy. Although the invention can be used at any reproduction ratio, it is particularly usable in recording images representative of large format high energy patterns onto microfilm.

Apparatus and method for producing images corresponding to patterns of high energy radiation

An x-ray beam is scanned through a sequence of subsections of a volume. At each position the x-ray transmission is measured at two energies. The resultant transmission signals are processed to produce a signal representing the projected amount of a specific material in the volume. The two energies are chosen so that the mass attenuation coefficients of bone and soft tissue are comparable to each other.

Scanned x-ray selective imaging system

Dual energy imaging develops simultaneous signals from transmitted energy of different characteristics. The detector includes two serially arranged detectors. A first detector preferentially absorbs lower level radiant energy and the second detector preferentially absorbs higher radiant energy. The detectors may be identical in which case the preferential characteristic is developed by reason of the detector's position. Alternatively, the characteristics of the detectors may be selected to produce the desired effect, e.g. a gaseous detector may be pressurized in accordance with its function, a scintillating screen may be tilted or its length may be selected to produce the desired absorption characteristic.

Dual energy imaging

Method and apparatus for the production of fluoroscopic and radiographic x-ray images utilizing a portable hand-held and battery operated x-ray system. The system incorporates a unique high voltage power supply of diminutive size and weight which may be disposed totally within the hand-held system. By utilizing the system in conjunction with a currently available hand operated instant Polaroid film developer, the system provides total portability and field operability in both fluoroscopic and radiographic mode.

Method for production of fluoroscopic and radiographic x-ray images and hand held diagnostic apparatus incorporating the same

AN IMAGE STORAGE AND DISPLAY SYSTEM IS DISCLOSED PRIMARILY INTENDED TO BE USED WITH X-RAY APPARATUS. AN X-RAY IMAGE IS SCANNED BY A TELEVISION RECORDER AND RECORDED ON A CONTINUOUS LOOP RECORDING MEDIA SUCH AS A MAGNETIC DISK. SYNCHRONIZING SIGNALS ARE PRE-RECORDED ON THE RECORDING MEDIA AND ARE UTILIZED FOR CONTROLLING THE SCANNING OPERATION OF THE TELEVISION CAMERA. THE SYSTEM MAY BE OPERATED IN A PLURALITY OF MODES INCLUDING: (1) A STOP ACTION MODE WHEREIN A FRAME OF THE X-RAY IMAGE IS RECORDED AND THEN MAY BE CONTINUOUSLY PLAYED BACK. (2) AN IMAGE ENHANCEMENT MODE WHERIN A PREVIOSULY RECORDED IMAGE IS COMPARED WITH A REAL TIME IMAGE PRESENTLY BEING SCANNED BY THE TELEVISION CAMERA TO ENHANCE PARTICULAR PORTIONS OF THE IMAGE. (3) AN ENERGY COMPARISON MODE WHEREIN AN X-RAY IMAGE TAKEN AT A FIRST ENERGY LEVEL IS RECORDED AND COMPARED WITH A REAL TIME X-RAY IMAGE BEING TAKEN AT A SECOND ENERGY LEVEL. (4) AN INTERMITTENT SLIDE MODE WHERIN X-RAY IMAGES ARE SEQUENTLLY RECORDED AND PLAYED BACK WITH THE IMAGE DISPLAY BEING INTERMITTENTLY CHANGED. ALL OF THE ABOVE MODES OF OPERATION ARE EFFECTED IN FULL SYNCHRONIZATION UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE SYNCHRONIZING SIGNALS RECORDER ON THE RECORDING MEDIA.

X-ray image storage,reproduction and comparison system

Battery-operated power supply circuitry for providing long battery lifetime and close regulation of the output voltages

A solid state spin motor controller responsive to monostable multivibrator circuitry for starting the motor, sensing that the motor has come up to speed properly, and preventing the application of excitation to the anode of the X-ray generator tube in the event the motor has not properly come up to speed or fails to operate continuously.

Spin motor controller for a rotating anode motor of an x-ray generator tube

Stored signal enhancement electron discharge device

A brightness stabilizer which permits the radiologists to operate X-ray apparatus in fluoroscopic modes or in other modes of operation where an image intensifier is used, such as cine or 70-mm. spotfilms, in such a way as to expose the patient to the lowest level of radiation possible as a function of the type of X-ray image required.

Melvin P Siedband

Papers

X-ray image storage,reproduction and comparison system

Battery-operated power supply circuitry for providing long battery lifetime and close regulation of the output voltages

Spin motor controller for a rotating anode motor of an x-ray generator tube

Stored signal enhancement electron discharge device

Brightness stabilizer with improved image quality