US6285739B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Radiographic imaging apparatus and method for vascular interventions
Assignee: Research Foundation of the State University of New York
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Filing: 2000-02-18
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Granted: 2001-09-04
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Expires: 2020-02-18
Abstract
Abstract A radiographic imaging apparatus and method for vascular interventions for acquiring very high resolution radiographic images over a small region of interest (ROI). The apparatus and associated method employs digital solid state x-ray image detectors for the medical imaging application of angiography. A mechanical arrangement, for example an arm attached to an existing large area x-ray detector, allows the small area ROI digital detector to be temporarily positioned over a region located by the standard large area imager so that additional very high resolution digital images may be obtained over the ROI.
Inventors
- 👤 Stephen Rudin
- 👤 Daniel R. Bednarek
- 👤 Baruch B. Lieber
- 👤 Ajay Kumar Wakhloo
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 15:55
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B6/00; A61B6/50; A61B6/504; A61B6/42; A61B6/4208; A61B6/4233; A61B6/48; A61B6/481
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 53
Claim 1
Independent Claim
113 words
A radiographic imaging apparatus, comprising: an x-ray source irradiating an object to be inspected with x-rays; a fluoroscopic x-ray image detector capable of receiving the x-rays which pass through the object and converting the received x-rays into a first output; a display capable of picking up the first output; and, an x-ray detector element having an undivided converter material capable of receiving the x-rays which pass through the object to produce signals corresponding to the x-rays, the x-ray detector element converting the signals into a second digital output; wherein the x-ray detector element is capable of providing higher spatial resolution images of a region of interest detected by the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
113 words
A radiographic imaging apparatus, comprising: an x-ray source irradiating an object to be inspected with x-rays; a fluoroscopic x-ray image detector capable of receiving the x-rays which pass through the object and converting the received x-rays into a first output; a display capable of picking up the first output; and, an x-ray detector element having an undivided converter material capable of receiving the x-rays which pass through the object to produce signals corresponding to the x-rays, the x-ray detector element converting the signals into a second digital output; wherein the x-ray detector element is capable of providing higher spatial resolution images of a region of interest detected by the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector comprises an image intensifier tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector comprises a direct conversion flat panel device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector comprises an indirect conversion flat panel device.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the x-ray detector element is a direct conversion flat panel device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the x-ray detector element is an indirect conversion flat panel device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the x-ray detector element is a scintillator screen optically coupled to a CCD camera.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the scintillator screen comprises phosphor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 7 , further comprising a focusing element disposed between the scintillator screen and the CCD camera.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the focusing element is a fiberoptic reducer.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the focusing element is a lens.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
114 words
A radiographic imaging apparatus, comprising: an x-ray source irradiating an object to be inspected with x-rays; a fluoroscopic x-ray image detector capable of receiving the x-rays which pass through the object and converting the received x-rays into a first output; a display capable of picking up the first output; and, an x-ray detector element capable of receiving the x-rays which pass through the object and converting the x-ray radiation into a second digital output; wherein the spatial resolution of the x-ray detector element is approximately 3 to 10 lp/mm and the x-ray detector element is capable of providing higher spatial resolution images of a region of interest detected by the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
114 words
A radiographic imaging apparatus, comprising: an x-ray source irradiating an object to be inspected with x-rays; a fluoroscopic x-ray image detector capable of receiving the x-rays which pass through the object and converting the received x-rays into a first output; a display capable of picking up the first output; and, an x-ray detector element capable of receiving the x-rays which pass through the object and converting the x-ray radiation into a second digital output; wherein the spatial resolution of the x-ray detector element is approximately 3 to 10 lp/mm and the x-ray detector element is capable of providing higher spatial resolution images of a region of interest detected by the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
146 words
A radiographic imaging apparatus, comprising: a frame; an x-ray source mounted on the frame and capable of irradiating an object placed in the apparatus; a fluoroscopic x-ray image detector capable of receiving the x-rays which pass through the object and converting the received x-rays into a first output; a display capable of picking up the first output; and, an x-ray detector element capable of receiving the x-rays which pass through the object and converting the x-ray radiation into a second digital output, the x-ray detector element retractably mounted to the frame such that it is capable of receiving the x-rays in a deployed position and such that it does not interfere with the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector in a stored position; wherein the x-ray detector element is capable of providing higher spatial resolution images of a region of interest detected by the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
146 words
A radiographic imaging apparatus, comprising: a frame; an x-ray source mounted on the frame and capable of irradiating an object placed in the apparatus; a fluoroscopic x-ray image detector capable of receiving the x-rays which pass through the object and converting the received x-rays into a first output; a display capable of picking up the first output; and, an x-ray detector element capable of receiving the x-rays which pass through the object and converting the x-ray radiation into a second digital output, the x-ray detector element retractably mounted to the frame such that it is capable of receiving the x-rays in a deployed position and such that it does not interfere with the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector in a stored position; wherein the x-ray detector element is capable of providing higher spatial resolution images of a region of interest detected by the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector comprises an image intensifier tube.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector comprises a direct conversion flat panel device.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector comprises an indirect conversion flat panel device.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the x-ray detector element is a direct conversion flat panel device.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
20 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the x-ray detector element is an indirect conversion flat panel device.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the x-ray detector element is a scintillator screen optically coupled to a CCD camera.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
14 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 19 , wherein the scintillator screen comprises phosphor.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
22 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 19 , further comprising a focusing element disposed between the scintillator screen and the CCD camera.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
17 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the focusing element is a fiber optic reducer.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
15 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the focusing element is a lens.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
23 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the spatial resolution of the x-ray image detector is approximately 3 to 10 lp/mm.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
25 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the x-ray detector element is mounted on an arm that is rotatably attached to the frame.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
25 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the x-ray detector element is mounted on an articulating arm that is attached to the frame.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
25 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the x-ray detector element is slidably mounted on a rail that is attached to the frame.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
25 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the x-ray detector element is mounted on a support structure that is independent from the frame.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
57 words
The radiographic imaging apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the x-ray detector element and the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector are mounted on a rotating turret attached to the frame such that the image detector and the x-ray detector element are capable of being rotated respectively into a position to receive the x-ray radiation from the x-ray source.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
157 words
A radiographic imaging method, comprising the steps of: providing an x-ray source capable of irradiating an object; providing a fluoroscopic x-ray image detector capable of receiving the x-rays that pass through the object and converting the x-rays into a first output; placing an object between the x-ray source and the x-ray image detector; performing a procedure on the object with aid of radiographic imaging guidance from the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector; determining a region of interest within a field of view of the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector; providing an x-ray detector element having an undivided converter material capable of receiving the x-rays that pass through the object in the region of interest to produce signals corresponding to the x-rays, the x-ray detector element capable of converting the signals into a second digital output, the x-ray detector element having a higher spatial resolution than the x-ray image detector; and, viewing an image picked up from the second output.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
157 words
A radiographic imaging method, comprising the steps of: providing an x-ray source capable of irradiating an object; providing a fluoroscopic x-ray image detector capable of receiving the x-rays that pass through the object and converting the x-rays into a first output; placing an object between the x-ray source and the x-ray image detector; performing a procedure on the object with aid of radiographic imaging guidance from the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector; determining a region of interest within a field of view of the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector; providing an x-ray detector element having an undivided converter material capable of receiving the x-rays that pass through the object in the region of interest to produce signals corresponding to the x-rays, the x-ray detector element capable of converting the signals into a second digital output, the x-ray detector element having a higher spatial resolution than the x-ray image detector; and, viewing an image picked up from the second output.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 30 , wherein the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector is an x-ray image intensifier tube.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 30 , wherein the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector is a direct conversion flat panel detector.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 30 , wherein the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector is an indirect conversion flat panel detector.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 30 , wherein the x-ray detector element is a direct conversion flat panel device.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 30 , wherein the x-ray detector element is an indirect conversion flat panel device.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 30 , wherein the x-ray detector element is a scintillator screen optically coupled to a CCD camera.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 36 , wherein the scintillator screen comprises phosphor.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
120 words
A method for radiographic imaging, comprising the steps of; providing a flat panel x-ray image detector having an array of pixels with a size of 25-50 μm; electronically dividing the flat panel x-ray image detector into zones to establish a high resolution mode for region of interest viewing; binning the pixels to provide a large area mode for the x-ray image detector having an effective pixel size of at least 100 μm; and viewing an irradiated object in the large area mode of x-ray detection to detect a region of interest; switching the x-ray image detector to the high resolution mode in one of the zones; and, viewing the object in the region of interest in the high resolution mode.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
120 words
A method for radiographic imaging, comprising the steps of; providing a flat panel x-ray image detector having an array of pixels with a size of 25-50 μm; electronically dividing the flat panel x-ray image detector into zones to establish a high resolution mode for region of interest viewing; binning the pixels to provide a large area mode for the x-ray image detector having an effective pixel size of at least 100 μm; and viewing an irradiated object in the large area mode of x-ray detection to detect a region of interest; switching the x-ray image detector to the high resolution mode in one of the zones; and, viewing the object in the region of interest in the high resolution mode.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 38 , further comprising the step of providing a display capable of displaying the large area field of view and the region of interest field of view simultaneously.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
186 words
A radiographic imaging method, comprising the steps of: providing an x-ray source mounted on a frame and capable of irradiating an object; providing a fluoroscopic x-ray image detector capable of receiving the x-rays that pass through the object and converting the x-rays into a first output; placing an object between the x-ray source and the x-ray image detector; performing a procedure on the object with aid of radiographic imaging guidance from the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector; determining a region of interest within a field of view of the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector; providing an x-ray detector element capable of receiving the x-rays that pass through the object in the region of interest and capable of converting the x-rays into a second digital output, the x-ray detector element having a higher spatial resolution than the x-ray image detector, the x-ray detector element retractably mounted to the frame such that it is capable of receiving the x-rays in a deployed position and such that it does not interfere with the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector in a stored position; and, viewing an image picked up from the second output.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
186 words
A radiographic imaging method, comprising the steps of: providing an x-ray source mounted on a frame and capable of irradiating an object; providing a fluoroscopic x-ray image detector capable of receiving the x-rays that pass through the object and converting the x-rays into a first output; placing an object between the x-ray source and the x-ray image detector; performing a procedure on the object with aid of radiographic imaging guidance from the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector; determining a region of interest within a field of view of the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector; providing an x-ray detector element capable of receiving the x-rays that pass through the object in the region of interest and capable of converting the x-rays into a second digital output, the x-ray detector element having a higher spatial resolution than the x-ray image detector, the x-ray detector element retractably mounted to the frame such that it is capable of receiving the x-rays in a deployed position and such that it does not interfere with the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector in a stored position; and, viewing an image picked up from the second output.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 40 , wherein the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector is an x-ray image intensifier tube.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 40 , wherein the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector is a direct conversion flat panel detector.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 40 , wherein the fluoroscopic x-ray image detector is an indirect conversion flat panel detector.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 40 , wherein the x-ray detector element is a direct conversion flat panel device.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 40 , wherein the x-ray detector element is an indirect conversion flat panel device.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 40 , wherein the x-ray detector element is a scintillator screen optically coupled to a CCD camera.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 46 , wherein the scintillator screen comprises phosphor.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-09-03 | 2005-03-05 | 2005-09-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-09-03 | 2009-03-05 | 2009-09-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-09-03 | 2013-03-05 | 2013-09-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |