JP2021003421A - Injection system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a more convenient contrast agent injection device to a user. SOLUTION: An injection system 120 has an injection device 20 for injecting a contrast medium according to an injection protocol, and a console 23 or a control device 32 functioning as a simulator for predicting a change in pixel value (contrast medium concentration) with time, and the console or the injection system 120. The control device displays the simulation result regarding the time-dependent change of the pixel value on the touch panel 26 or the display 33. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention relates to an injection system including a display unit for displaying simulation results.

Patent Document 1 describes an injection device including a generation device for generating a contrast medium injection protocol. Then, the generation device has an imaging condition acquisition unit that acquires at least one information of the pixel value and the duration, and a protocol generation unit that generates an injection protocol based on the acquired pixel value or the acquired duration. doing.

International Publication No. 2016/021185

There is a need for an injection system that provides more convenience to the user.

In order to solve the above problems, the injection system as an example of the present invention includes an injection device for injecting a contrast medium according to an injection protocol and a display unit for displaying simulation results.

This makes it possible to provide convenience to the user.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the following examples exemplified by reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is a schematic diagram of an injection system. This is the setting screen displayed on the display unit. This is a simulation screen displayed on the display unit.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the following embodiments are arbitrary and can be changed according to the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied or various conditions. Further, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described below.

Unless otherwise specified, the term contrast agent includes both the contrast agent alone and a chemical solution containing the contrast agent as well as other solvents and additives. Further, in the following, unless otherwise specified, the term pixel value refers to the CT value, the sum or average value of the CT values of the pixels included in the region of interest (ROI), or the region of interest in the imaged region being imaged. SD value (standard deviation value) is included. Further, the pixel value includes a value obtained by subtracting a value in the non-contrast-enhanced imaging region (for example, a CT value of the imaging region in simple CT) from these values. The area of interest is preset or the user can select the area of interest.

[First Embodiment]
The injection system 120 including a simulator (not shown) will be described with reference to FIG. 1, which is a schematic view of the injection system 120 and the imaging system 130. In the present embodiment, at least one of the injection system 120 and the imaging system 130 includes a simulator that predicts the time-dependent change of the pixel value in the tissue of the subject.

As shown in FIG. 1, the injection system 120 includes an injection head 20 which is an example of an injection device that injects a contrast medium according to an injection protocol, and a touch panel 26 which is an example of a display unit that displays a simulation result. Then, the injection head 20 injects a chemical solution filled in a syringe, for example, a physiological saline solution and various contrast agents into the subject. The injection system 120 also includes a stand 22 that holds the injection head 20 and a console 23 that is wired or wirelessly connected to the injection head 20.

The console 23 functions as a control device for controlling the injection head 20, and also functions as a simulator for predicting changes in pixel values with time. Alternatively, the injection system 120 may also function as the simulator and further include an external device wired or wirelessly connected to the injection head 20. Further, the console 23 includes a touch panel 26 that functions as a display unit and an input unit, and can communicate with the injection head 20 and the image pickup device 30 by wire or wirelessly. The touch panel 26 can display the injection protocol, the input state of the device, the setting state, the injection result, various information, and the like. In addition, the user can input the chemical solution information, the injection protocol, the tissue information, the subject information, and the target value (target pixel value and target duration which is the duration for maintaining the target pixel value) by the touch panel 26. Alternatively, the injection system 120 may include a display as a display unit and a keyboard as an input unit instead of the touch panel 26.

Further, the injection system 120 has, instead of the console 23, a control device connected to the injection head 20 and a display unit (for example, a touch panel) connected to the control device and displaying the injection status of the chemical solution. You may. In this case, the control device functions as a simulator for predicting changes in pixel values with time. Further, the injection head 20 and the control device can be integrally configured with the stand 22. Further, a ceiling suspension member may be provided instead of the stand 22, and the injection head 20 may be suspended from the ceiling via the ceiling suspension member.

Further, the injection head 20 may have a remote control device (for example, a hand switch or a foot switch) for remotely controlling the injection head 20. This remote control device can start or stop injection by remotely controlling the injection head 20. Further, the injection head 20 may have a power source or a battery. The power supply or battery can be provided in either the injection head 20 or the control device, and can be provided separately from these.

The injection head 20 includes a syringe holding portion on which a syringe filled with a chemical solution is mounted, and a drive mechanism for pushing out the chemical solution in the syringe according to an injection protocol. Further, the injection head 20 has an operation unit 28 for inputting the operation of the drive mechanism. The operation unit 28 is provided with, for example, a forward button of the drive mechanism, a reverse button of the drive mechanism, and a final confirmation button. Further, the injection head 20 may include a head display that displays injection conditions, injection status, device input status, setting status, and various injection results. For example, the head display is installed beside the injection head 20 or is built into the injection head 20. Further, the head display may be a touch panel type display that can be operated by the user. In this case, the head display may display the screens shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and the user can input each information from the displayed screens.

When the contrast medium is injected, an accessory such as an extension tube is connected to the tip of a syringe mounted on the injection head 20. Then, when the preparation for injection is completed, the user presses the final confirmation button on the operation unit 28. As a result, the injection head 20 stands by in a state where injection can be started. When the injection is started, the contrast medium extruded from the syringe is injected into the subject's body through the extension tube.

Further, the injection head 20 can be equipped with a prefilled syringe having a data carrier such as an RFID chip, an IC tag, or a barcode, and various syringes. Therefore, the injection head 20 is provided with a reading unit that reads the data carrier attached to the syringe. The data carrier stores the drug solution information regarding the drug solution. Further, the injection head 20 may have three or more syringe holders, or may have only one syringe holder.

The injection head 20 can receive information from a server (external storage device) (not shown), and can also transmit the information to the server. In addition, the imaging device 30 of the imaging system 130 can also receive information from the server and can transmit the information to the server. This server is, for example, RIS (Radiology Information System), PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System), and HIS (Hospital Information System).

The inspection order is stored in the server in advance. This inspection order includes subject information regarding the subject and inspection information regarding the inspection content. In addition, the server can store information on the imaging result such as image data transmitted from the imaging device 30 and information on the injection result transmitted from the injection head 20. It should be noted that an external image inspection system or an image creation workstation can also be used to operate the injection head 20 and the imaging device 30.

The imaging system 130 includes an injection head 20 for injecting a contrast medium, and a medical imaging device 30 connected to the injection head 20 by wire or wirelessly to image a subject. Examples of the imaging device 30 include an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device, a CT (Computed Tomography) device, an angio imaging device, a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) device, a SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) device, a CT angio device, and the like. There are various medical imaging devices such as an MR angio device, an ultrasonic diagnostic device, and a blood vessel imaging device. Hereinafter, an example in which the imaging system 130 includes a CT device will be described.

The imaging device 30 includes an imaging unit 31 that images a subject according to an imaging plan, and a control device 32 that controls the entire imaging device 30. This imaging plan includes, for example, imaging site, effective tube voltage, model name, manufacturer name, imaging time, tube voltage, imaging range, rotation speed, helical pitch, exposure time, dose, and imaging method. .. Then, the control device 32 controls the imaging unit 31 so as to follow the imaging plan to image the subject. Further, the control device 32 also functions as a simulator for predicting the time-dependent change of the pixel value. Further, the control device 32 can communicate with the image pickup unit 31, the injection head 20, and the server (external storage device) by wire or wirelessly. The simulator may perform a more accurate simulation in consideration of the information included in the imaging plan.

The imaging unit 31 includes a bed, an X-ray source that irradiates the subject with X-rays, and an X-ray detector that detects the X-rays that have passed through the subject. The imaging unit 31 captures a fluoroscopic image of the subject by exposing the subject to X-rays and back-projecting the inside of the subject based on the X-rays transmitted through the subject.

The image pickup apparatus 30 has a display 33 that functions as a display unit that displays a simulation result. The display 33 is connected to the control device 32 and displays an input state, a setting state, an imaging result, and various information of the device. Alternatively, the control device 32 and the display 33 can be integrally configured. Further, the image pickup apparatus 30 has a user interface 34 such as a keyboard that functions as an input unit. The user can input information including chemical solution information, injection protocol, tissue information, subject information, target value, and the like from the user interface 34 to the imaging device 30.

[Simulator]
A simulator (perfusion simulator) for predicting changes in pixel values over time in the tissue of a subject will be described. In the following, an example will be described in which at least one of the injection system 120 and the imaging system 130 includes a simulator that simulates the time course of pixel values at the inspection site. However, when the simulator is provided externally, the injection system 120 and the imaging system 130 do not have to include a prediction unit. In this case, the simulation result by the prediction unit is acquired by the result acquisition unit of the injection system 120 and the imaging system 130. The result acquisition unit may be provided by the control unit 32 or the control unit of the console 23.

The control device 32 or the console 23 that functions as a simulator includes a control unit including a CPU and a storage unit (memory) that stores a control program. This control unit controls each part of the simulator according to the control program stored in the storage unit. Further, the control unit has a result acquisition unit, a prediction unit, a subject information acquisition unit, a protocol acquisition unit, an organization information acquisition unit, a chemical solution information acquisition unit, and an inspection information acquisition unit. Further, the control unit includes a target value acquisition unit. However, these plurality of functional units may be provided externally, and in this case, the control unit includes only a part of the plurality of functional units.

When the control unit executes various processes corresponding to the control program implemented in the storage unit, each unit is logically realized as various functions. Further, the control unit controls the touch panel 26 or the display 33 that functions as a display unit to display at least one input field of subject information related to the subject, chemical solution information related to the chemical solution, and site information. When the prediction unit is provided outside the control device 32 or the console 23, the result acquisition unit of the control unit receives the simulation result from the prediction unit. Then, the control unit displays the simulation result received by the result acquisition unit on the touch panel 26 or the display 33.

The storage unit is a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium. The storage unit has a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a system work memory for operating the control unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing a program or system software, or a hard disk drive. In addition, the storage unit stores a simulation program that causes a computer (control unit) to predict changes in pixel values over time in the tissue of the subject. This simulation program can also be stored in another recording medium.

Alternatively, the control unit is stored in a portable recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) and DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or CF (Compact Flash) card, or an external storage medium such as a server connected to the Internet. Various processes can also be controlled according to the control program and the simulation program.

The subject information acquisition unit acquires subject information about the subject. This subject information includes, for example, hemoglobin amount, weight, height, body surface area, cardiac function, heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), creatinine level, age, gender, etc. It includes lean body weight, body mass index, circulating blood volume, subject number (subject ID), history of subject's disease and side effects, subject name, date of birth, blood volume, and blood flow velocity.

Further, the subject information acquisition unit acquires the subject information input by the user via the touch panel 26 or the user interface 34. Further, the subject information acquisition unit may acquire subject information from a storage unit or an external storage device. Such external storage devices include, for example, RIS, PACS, HIS, imaging systems, and image-creating workstations. Further, the subject information acquisition unit may acquire subject information from the image pickup apparatus 30 or the injection head 20 shown in FIG.

The protocol acquisition unit acquires the injection protocol of the drug solution containing the contrast medium. This protocol acquisition unit may generate and acquire an injection protocol based on the subject information acquired from the subject information acquisition unit. Further, the protocol acquisition unit may acquire the injection protocol input by the user via the touch panel 26 or the user interface 34. The infusion protocol includes, by way of example, the infusion time and infusion rate of the drug solution. In addition, the injection protocol may include injection method, contrast injection location, injection volume, injection timing, contrast concentration, injection pressure, and acceleration of injection rate. Further, the protocol acquisition unit may acquire the injection protocol from the storage unit, the external storage device, or the injection head 20.

The injection protocol includes contrast medium injection time and rate, saline injection time and injection rate, contrast medium boost injection, increase / decrease in injection rate, cross injection, link rate setting, and injection. Information such as the volume of the tube may be included. In this cross injection, the contrast medium is injected at a speed higher than the injection speed of the physiological saline from the start of the injection until the set time elapses, and then the contrast medium is injected so that the injection speed gradually decreases. This is an injection method in which physiological saline is injected so that the injection rate gradually increases. The link speed setting is a setting for linking the injection speeds of the contrast medium and the physiological saline so that the injection speeds of the contrast medium and the physiological saline are the same.

Further, the protocol acquisition unit generates an injection protocol based on the input target value. This protocol acquisition unit can also generate an injection protocol corresponding to the simulation result (for example, TDC) by the prediction unit. Further, the protocol acquisition unit can also generate an injection protocol based on the test information, the subject information, and the drug solution information. Alternatively, the protocol acquisition unit may acquire the injection protocol by reading out the injection protocol that satisfies the condition input by the user from the injection protocols stored in the storage unit.

The organization information acquisition unit acquires the organization information of the subject. This tissue information includes, for example, the number of compartments in the tissue (the number of divided compartments of blood vessels and organs), the volume of the tissue (the volume of the vascular cavity), the volume of the capillaries, the volume of the extracellular fluid cavity, and the blood flow per unit tissue ( It includes the blood flow velocity), the exudation rate of the contrasting agent in the tissue (capillary permeable surface area), the re-penetration rate of the contrasting agent in the tissue (capillary permeable surface area), and the tissue-natural pixel value. The number of compartments may be set to be greater for tissue with a larger volume than for tissue with a smaller volume.

In addition, the organization information acquisition unit acquires the organization information input by the user via the touch panel 26 or the user interface 34. Tissues include the heart (right and left ventricles), blood vessels, kidneys, ureters, and other organs and muscles. For example, when the tissue information acquisition unit acquires the tissue-natural pixel value, the prediction unit predicts the degree of enhancement by the contrast medium based on the tissue-natural pixel value. Further, the tissue information acquisition unit may acquire tissue information from the storage unit, the external storage device, or the injection head 20.

The drug solution information acquisition unit acquires, for example, information on a contrast medium and a physiological saline solution as drug solution information on the drug solution. The chemical solution information acquisition unit acquires the chemical solution information input by the user via the touch panel 26 or the user interface 34. Chemical solution information includes, for example, iodine amount, viscosity, osmotic pressure ratio, contrast medium amount, physiological saline amount, product ID, product name, chemical classification, contained components, concentration, expiration date, syringe capacity, syringe pressure resistance, cylinder inner diameter, etc. Includes piston stroke and lot number. Alternatively, the drug solution information acquisition unit may acquire the drug solution information from the storage unit, the external storage device, or the injection head 20. Further, the chemical solution information acquisition unit may acquire chemical solution information from a reading unit built in the injection head 20. This reading unit reads chemical solution information from a data carrier attached to a syringe mounted on the injection head 20.

The inspection information acquisition unit acquires site information that specifically identifies the inspection site as information related to the inspection. The user can input the inspection information from the touch panel 26 or the user interface 34. This inspection information includes, for example, site information for identifying the inspection site to be imaged, pressure limit, iodine amount used, tube voltage (kV), inspection number (inspection ID), inspection date and time, chemical solution type, and chemical solution name. .. This site information is information that can specify a site (range) selected as an imaging target. For example, the site information includes the name of the test site, the name of the imaging method, and the distance from the injection site of the drug solution to the test site.

The target value acquisition unit acquires a target value (at least one of a target pixel value and a target duration). The target value acquisition unit can acquire the target value input by the user via the touch panel 26 or the user interface 34. Alternatively, the target value acquisition unit may acquire a pre-stored target value from the storage unit, the external storage device, or the injection head 20. The control unit causes the touch panel 26 or the user interface 34 to display the injection protocol corresponding to the simulation result of reaching the target value acquired by the target value acquisition unit. This injection protocol is acquired by the protocol acquisition unit.

The prediction unit generates a simulation result. As an example, the prediction unit generates a time density curve (hereinafter, also referred to as “TDC” (Time Density Curve)) indicating a change with time of a pixel value as a simulation result. In addition, the prediction unit simulates a change over time in the pixel value of the tissue of the subject. That is, the prediction unit simulates the time-dependent change of the pixel value of each tissue of the subject based on the acquired subject information, the injection protocol, the chemical solution information, and the inspection information. Further, the prediction unit obtains a prediction duration for maintaining a predetermined pixel value, for example, a target pixel value. After the simulation, the prediction unit may store the pixel value of each compartment for each time in the storage unit in association with each tissue.

As an example, the prediction unit receives body weight or lean body mass as subject information from the subject information acquisition unit. In addition, the protocol acquisition unit generates an injection protocol based on the subject information, the drug solution information, and the inspection information, and delivers the injection protocol to the prediction unit. For example, the protocol acquisition unit calculates the injection time and injection rate of the contrast medium and saline based on the examination site, the body weight of the subject, and the iodine amount of the contrast medium. Then, the prediction unit simulates the time course of the pixel value in the tissue of the subject in each of the plurality of compartments in which the tissue of the subject is divided along the blood flow direction. This simulation is performed based on subject information, injection protocol, and tissue information. As a result, the prediction unit generates a TDC indicating a change over time in the pixel value at the inspection site as a simulation result.

Furthermore, the prediction unit uses the subject information acquisition unit to obtain subject information such as hemoglobin amount (g / dL), weight (kg), height (cm), heart function (%), heart rate (bpm), and body surface area (m). ² ), cardiac output (L / min), and eGFR may be received. As a result, the prediction unit can perform a more accurate and high-precision simulation based on more information. As a result, higher quality images can be taken or three-dimensional images can be created, for example, to perform surgical simulations or to determine treatment strategies. Alternatively, the predictor may calculate at least one of body surface area, cardiac output, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. For example, the body surface area can be calculated by the Fujimoto formula, the Dubois formula, or the Shintani formula based on the body weight and height. In addition, cardiac output can be calculated based on body surface area, cardiac function and heart rate. In addition, eGFR can be calculated based on creatinine level, age and gender.

The result acquisition unit acquires, for example, the TDC as a simulation result of the time-dependent change of the pixel value at the inspection site. When the control unit includes a prediction unit, the result acquisition unit acquires the simulation result from the prediction unit. Alternatively, the result acquisition unit may acquire the simulation result from an external simulator.

When the prediction unit is provided externally, the injection system 120 or the imaging system 130 includes a subject information acquisition unit, a chemical solution information acquisition unit, an inspection information acquisition unit, and a target value acquisition unit, and is a prediction unit. Can receive the necessary information from each of these parts. Then, the result acquisition unit of the injection system 120 or the imaging system 130 acquires the simulation result from the external prediction unit. That is, each part of the injection system 120 or the imaging system 130 and an external prediction part cooperate with each other to function as a simulator.

[Prediction of changes over time in pixel values]
Hereinafter, an example of simulation by the prediction unit will be described. Each tissue of the subject is divided into a plurality of compartments along the blood flow direction according to the number of divided compartments of the tissue acquired from the tissue information acquisition unit. The prediction unit divides the volume of the tissue including the compartment to be predicted, the volume of the capillaries of the tissue, and the volume of the extracellular fluid cavity of the tissue by the number of divided compartments, and the change in pixel value with time for each compartment. Predict.

The tissues of the subject are the right ventricle, aorta, vein, artery, brain (head), upper limbs, myocardium (myocardium dominated by the right coronary artery, myocardium dominated by the anterior descending branch, myocardium dominated by the circumflex branch), lung. , Liver, stomach, spleen, pancreas, intestinal tract, kidney, urinary tract, lower extremities, left ventricle, ascending aorta, descending aorta, and abdominal aorta. Then, the contrast agent injected from the veins of the upper extremities moves to each organ via the right ventricle, lungs, left ventricle, and aorta (ascending aorta, descending aorta), and then reaches the right ventricle via veins. Then, the contrast medium injected into the body is discharged to the outside of the body via the kidney and the ureter.

The prediction unit uses a differential equation such as the following equation 1 in order to obtain the change in the pixel value in each tissue (blood vessel and organ) as a time function. Here, the concentration of the contrast medium flowing into the compartment is C ₁ , the concentration of the contrast medium flowing out of the compartment is C ₂ , the volume of the compartment is V, and the blood flow rate (blood flow velocity) per unit tissue in the compartment is defined as It is set to Q.

Furthermore, the predictor determines the exudation rate when the contrast medium permeates from the capillaries into the extracellular fluid cavity and the extracellular fluid in order to obtain changes in pixel values in tissues other than the right ventricle, left ventricle, and blood vessels. Consider the rate of re-penetration as it penetrates from the cavity into the capillaries. Therefore, the prediction unit uses differential equations such as the following equations 2 and 3. Here, the volume of the extracellular fluid cavity is Vec, the concentration of the contrast medium in the extracellular fluid cavity is Cec, the volume of the capillaries is Viv, the concentration of the contrast medium in the capillaries is Civ, and the exudation rate is PS. _It is set to ₁ and the permeation return speed is set to PS ₂ .

By solving the above differential equation, the prediction unit obtains the elapsed time from the start of injection and the change in the pixel value (contrast agent concentration) as a time function. Further, the prediction unit may calculate the discharge amount of the contrast medium based on the predetermined discharge rate, and subtract the discharge amount from the contrast medium in the capillaries of the kidney for simulation. As a result, the simulation is performed so that a part of the contrast medium that reaches the kidney is subtracted from the total amount of the contrast medium in the whole body (in plasma). By simulating the discharge of the contrast medium, the total amount of the contrast medium in the whole body decreases with time, so that more accurate simulation can be performed.

When the simulation is completed, the prediction unit sequentially stores the simulation results in the storage unit. This simulation result may include a TDC showing the change over time of the pixel value at the inspection site, and may also include information on the pixel value for each time associated with the tissue. Then, the control unit causes the touch panel 26 or the display 33 to display the TDC. Alternatively, the prediction unit may perform the simulation using the prediction method described in Japanese Patent No. 3553968.

[Setting screen]
A setting screen that is displayed first on the display unit and a simulation screen that can be displayed later on the display unit will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. In the following, an example in which the console 23 functions as a simulator and the touch panel 26 functions as a display unit will be described.

The input screen of FIG. 2 is a setting screen for inputting various settings. At the upper right side of this setting screen, a check button 11 is displayed, which is selected when the user completes the setting and the confirmation is completed. Further, on the left side of the check button 11, a chemical solution information input field 12 is displayed. In the example of FIG. 2, the product name of the contrast medium and the iodine content of the contrast medium of 300 mg / mL are input as the drug solution information. Further, on the lower side of the check button 11, the filling amount of the chemical solution in the syringe mounted on the injection head 20 is displayed. In the example of FIG. 2, it is shown that the filling amount of the contrast medium in the contrast medium syringe is 140 mL, and the filling amount of the physiological saline solution in the physiological saline solution syringe is 130 mL.

A first inspection information input field 16A for inputting a part of the inspection information is displayed below the chemical filling amount. In the example of FIG. 2, the iodine amount used for the contrast medium is 600 mgl / kg and the pressure limit of 300 PSI is input to the first inspection information input field 16A. Below the first inspection information input field 16A, a reduced TDC is displayed in the result display field 15A showing the simulation result. In the reduced TDC displayed in the result display column 15A, the horizontal axis corresponds to the elapsed time (sec) from the start of injection, and the vertical axis corresponds to the pixel value (HU). In this way, since the TDC can be confirmed on the setting screen, convenience can be provided to the user.

On the left side of the result display field 15A, a protocol input field 14 for inputting an injection protocol is displayed. In the protocol input field 14, the user can input at least one information of the injection rate, the injection amount, the injection time, and the injection start timing of the drug solution. In the protocol input field 14, the injection protocol input by the graph showing the elapsed time from the start of injection is shown on the horizontal axis. In the injection protocol of the example of FIG. 2, 90 ml (ie, 30 sec) of contrast medium is injected at an injection rate of 3.0 mL / sec after the start of injection. Then, after injection of the contrast medium (that is, 30 seconds after the start of injection), 45 ml (that is, 15 seconds) of physiological saline is injected at an injection rate of 3.0 mL / sec. Alternatively, the input infusion protocol may be indicated by a graph on which the vertical axis shows the infusion rate or infusion volume.

An image imitating a subject is displayed on the lower side of the chemical solution information input field 12, and a second test information input field 16B is displayed on the lower side of the image. The user selects an inspection site from a plurality of tissue names displayed in the second inspection information input field 16B. In the example of FIG. 2, a state in which the liver is selected as the examination site from the liver and the kidney is shown. Alternatively, the site information may be input to select the test site from an image imitating the subject. Further, a subject information input field 17 is displayed below the second inspection information input field 16B. The user inputs the weight of the subject in the second inspection information input field 16B. In the example of FIG. 2, a body weight of 60 kg is input as subject information.

When the user wants to input the target value or confirm the details of the simulation result, the user touches and selects the result display field 15A. When the result display field 15A is selected, the simulation screen shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. Instead of or in addition to the result display field 15A, a display button for displaying the simulation screen may be displayed on the setting screen. On the displayed simulation screen, the TDC showing the simulation result is displayed larger than the setting screen. Also on the simulation screen, a check button 11, a chemical solution filling amount, a first inspection information input field 16A, a second inspection information input field 16B, and a subject information input field 17 are displayed. The first inspection information input field 16A, the second inspection information input field 16B, and the subject information input field 17 may accept changes in the input contents due to re-input by the user, and may not accept the changes.

An enlarged TDC is displayed in the result display column 15B at the lower left side of the simulation screen. The control unit causes the enlarged TDC to display a pixel value input field 18A for inputting a target pixel value as a target value and a duration input field 18B for inputting a target duration as a target value. In the example of FIG. 3, a target pixel value of 400 HU and a target duration of 4 sec are input. A preset target value is displayed before the user inputs the target value, and the storage unit stores the preset target value. As a result, the simulation result can be displayed without the user inputting the target value. The control unit may display only the scale instead of the preset target value.

Further, a timing display column 18C indicating a recommended imaging timing is displayed on the magnified TDC. This imaging timing is predicted by the control unit from the simulation result and displayed on the touch panel 26. In the example of FIG. 3, as the imaging timing, the range from the start of 20 seconds after the start of injection to the end of 25 seconds after the start of injection is shown in a state of being sandwiched between two vertical bars. This imaging timing is determined by the prediction of the control unit so as to coincide with the range from when the target pixel value is reached to before it falls below the target pixel value. Alternatively, the start time may be matched with the time when the target pixel value is reached, and the end time may be matched with the time when the expected pixel value matches the target pixel value again minus the imaging time (for example, 1 sec). Good. Thereby, the range exceeding the target pixel value during the imaging can be indicated as the imaging timing.

A change button 19 for confirming the input or change of the target value is displayed on the upper side of the result display field 15B. When the user inputs and confirms the target value, he / she selects the change button 19. Then, when the target value is input by the user, the prediction unit resimulates and generates a simulation result of reaching the input target pixel value or target duration. The result acquisition unit acquires the generated simulation result from the prediction unit again. For example, in the re-simulation, the injection protocol is changed so that the TDC that reaches the input target value is generated, and the simulation is performed based on the changed injection protocol. However, if it is not necessary to change the injection protocol, the simulation is performed based on the injection protocol that has already been set.

If you want to see the injection protocol used in the re-simulation, or if you want to change the input value, the user selects the weight input button 13 as an example. As a result, the control unit redisplays the setting screen shown in FIG. The user can confirm the injection protocol and change the input value by re-input on the setting screen. Alternatively, the control unit may pop up the simulation screen so as to superimpose it on the setting screen. In this case, the user can touch the setting screen to display the setting screen in the foreground.

The control unit may display a switching button on the simulation screen or the setting screen. As an example, even if the screen displaying the normal simulation mode with a small amount of information that can be input and the screen displaying the high-precision simulation mode with a large amount of information that can be input are switched according to the selection of the switching button. Good. In the high-precision simulation mode, the prediction unit performs high-precision simulation based on more information. Then, the control unit displays the injection protocol corresponding to the simulation result generated based on more information on the touch panel 26.

In this case, the result acquisition unit acquires the simulation result generated based on the normal information in the normal simulation mode. Further, the result acquisition unit acquires the simulation result generated based on more information than usual in the high-precision simulation mode. The high-precision simulation mode may be executed by an external device connected to the console 23. The result acquisition unit receives the simulation result from the external device, and the console 23 and the external device cooperate to function as a functionally integrated simulator. Alternatively, even if the screen that displays the normal simulation mode with a large amount of information that can be input and the screen that displays the high-speed simulation mode that displays a small amount of information that can be input are switched according to the selection of the switch button. Good. In the high-speed simulation mode, the predictor can generate the simulation result at a higher speed based on less information.

[Input flow]
When the syringe is mounted after the user turns on the power of the injection head 20, the reading unit of the injection head 20 reads the chemical solution information (for example, product ID) and sends it to the control unit. Then, the chemical solution information acquisition unit of the control unit acquires the chemical solution information read by the reading unit. In addition, the control unit displays the product name, iodine content, and the like based on the product ID in the chemical solution information input field 12. Further, the chemical solution information acquisition unit may acquire the product name input by the user in the chemical solution information input field 12 as the chemical solution information. The chemical solution information acquisition unit temporarily stores the acquired product ID or product name in the storage unit as chemical solution information.

Then, the user inputs the weight of the subject as the subject information in the subject information input field 17. Then, the subject information acquisition unit acquires the weight of the subject as subject information and temporarily stores it in the storage unit. In addition, the control unit displays the body weight in the subject information input field 17. Subsequently, the user inputs the pressure limit and the iodine amount used in the first inspection information input field 16A. Then, the inspection information acquisition unit acquires the input pressure limit and the amount of iodine used as inspection information, and temporarily stores them in the storage unit. Alternatively, the iodine amount used may be calculated by the control unit based on the body weight of the subject and automatically displayed in the first inspection information input field 16A.

Further, the user selects and touches a desired test site (for example, liver) from the plurality of sites displayed in the second test information input field 16B. Then, the inspection information acquisition unit acquires the input inspection site as site information and temporarily stores it in the storage unit. In addition, the control unit emphasizes and displays the input inspection site in the image imitating the subject and the second inspection information input field 16B. In the example of FIG. 2, the input inspection part is displayed in a color different from that of other parts. The acquisition order or input order of the chemical solution information, the inspection information, and the subject information can be changed as appropriate.

The protocol acquisition unit generates and acquires the injection rate and injection time as the injection protocol based on the test information, the subject information, and the drug solution information. Then, the protocol acquisition unit temporarily stores the acquired injection protocol in the storage unit, and the control unit displays the injection protocol in the protocol input field 14. Alternatively, the protocol acquisition unit may acquire the injection protocol entered by the user in the protocol input field 14. Further, the protocol acquisition unit may acquire an injection protocol generated by an external computer.

The prediction unit performs a simulation based on the drug solution information, the test information, the subject information, and the injection protocol. Then, the prediction unit creates a TDC as a simulation result and temporarily stores it in the storage unit. The control unit displays the created TDC in the result display field 15A. Here, the storage unit stores in advance the target pixel value for each inspection site. Therefore, the control unit superimposes and displays the temporary target pixel value on the TDC. Further, the control unit superimposes and displays the duration at which the tentative target pixel value is maintained on the TDC as the tentative target duration. In the example of FIG. 2, the control unit displays a tentative target pixel value of 400 HU and a tentative target duration of 4 sec.

The user confirms the display contents of the setting screen, particularly the TDC displayed in the result display field 15A, and selects the check button 11 if there is no change. As a result, the preparation for injection is completed, and the injection head 20 stands by in an injection ready state. Alternatively, the user may press the final confirmation button on the injection head 20. When changing the information entered on the setting screen, the user re-enters the information in each input field. The protocol acquisition unit generates and acquires an injection protocol based on the changed information. The predictor automatically performs the simulation based on the changed information and the changed injection protocol. Then, the prediction unit recreates the TDC as a simulation result and temporarily stores it in the storage unit. The control unit displays the created TDC in the result display field 15A.

As a result, the user can input and change each information while checking the TDC on the setting screen. Alternatively, the change button may be displayed on the setting screen, and when the user selects the change button, the prediction unit may perform the simulation again according to the user's operation. In addition, the prediction unit may perform the simulation again when the injection protocol is changed.

When the user wants to input the target value or enlarge the TDC to check the details of the simulation result, the user touches the result display field 15A to display the simulation screen of FIG. On the simulation screen, the user inputs a target pixel value or a target duration as a target value in the pixel value input field 18A or the duration input field 18B. Then, when the user touches and selects the change button 19, the prediction unit generates a TDC that reaches the input target value and an injection protocol corresponding to the TDC by re-simulation. Then, the protocol acquisition unit acquires the injection protocol from the prediction unit and temporarily stores it in the storage unit.

The user then selects the weight input button 13 to confirm the infusion protocol. When the weight input button 13 is selected, the control unit redisplays the setting screen and displays the generated injection protocol in the protocol input field 14. The user confirms the display contents of the setting screen, particularly the injection protocol displayed in the protocol input field 14, and selects the check button 11 if there is no change. As a result, the preparation for injection is completed, and the injection head 20 stands by in an injection ready state. If no change is required, the user may select the check button 11 on the simulation screen.

According to the invention according to the first embodiment described above, since the TDC can be confirmed when inputting various settings, it is possible to provide convenience to the user.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to each embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The present invention also includes inventions modified to the extent not contrary to the present invention, and inventions equivalent to the present invention. In addition, each embodiment and each modification can be appropriately combined within a range not contrary to the present invention.

For example, the pixel value input field 18A and the duration input field 18B may be displayed on the setting screen so that the target value can be input on the setting screen. Further, the simulator may be mounted on an external computer connected to at least one of the image pickup apparatus 30 and the injection head 20 by wire or wirelessly. In this case, the simulator transmits the simulation result and the optimum injection protocol corresponding to the simulation result to the imaging device 30 and the injection head 20. Further, the result display field 15A may be a pop-up screen. In this case, when the prediction unit finishes the simulation, the control unit pops up the result display field 15A so as to be superimposed on the setting screen. As a result, the result display field 15A can be displayed without changing the layout of the setting screen used by the user. Therefore, it is possible to provide an opportunity to check the TDC without changing the user's setting environment.

Further, in the simulation screen shown in FIG. 3, only the result display field 15B including the pixel value input field 18A, the duration input field 18B, and the timing display field 18C, and the change button 19 may be displayed. Alternatively, the setting screen or the simulation screen may be displayed on the head display of the injection head 20 and information may be input immediately before the injection. For example, the body weight or the like of the subject may be measured immediately before injection to acquire the subject information, and the acquired subject information may be input. As a result, more accurate simulation can be performed based on more accurate subject information. Therefore, the user can grasp the imaging timing more accurately and obtain a higher quality imaging result.

Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described, but not limited to:

(Appendix 1)
An injection device that injects contrast medium according to the injection protocol,
A subject information acquisition unit that acquires subject information related to the subject,
The drug solution information acquisition department that acquires drug solution information related to the drug solution,
The inspection information acquisition unit that acquires site information that identifies the inspection site,
A result acquisition unit that acquires the change over time of the pixel value at the inspection site as a simulation result,
A display unit that displays the simulation results and
An injection system including a control unit that controls the display unit and displays at least one input field of the subject information, the chemical solution information, and the site information on the display unit.

(Appendix 2)
The injection system according to Appendix 1, further comprising a prediction unit that generates the simulation result.

(Appendix 3)
The injection system according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the control unit predicts an imaging timing from the simulation result and displays the imaging timing on the display unit.

(Appendix 4)
The injection system according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to 3, wherein the control unit displays an input field for a target pixel value or a target duration on the display unit.

(Appendix 5)
The injection system according to Appendix 4, wherein when the target pixel value or the target duration is input, the result acquisition unit acquires the simulation result of reaching the target pixel value or the target duration again.

(Appendix 6)
The injection system according to Appendix 4, wherein the result acquisition unit acquires a simulation result generated based on ordinary information and a simulation result generated based on more information than the ordinary information.

(Appendix 7)
The injection system according to Appendix 6, wherein the control unit displays an injection protocol corresponding to the simulation result generated based on the more information on the display unit.

(Appendix 8)
Further equipped with a target value acquisition unit for acquiring a target pixel value or a target duration,
The control unit causes the display unit to display the injection protocol corresponding to the target pixel value acquired by the target value acquisition unit or the simulation result of reaching the target duration, any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 7. The injection system described in.

20: Injection device, 26: Display, 33: Display, 120: Injection system

Claims (1)

An injection device that injects contrast medium according to the injection protocol,
An injection system with a display that displays simulation results.