Integrated multi-modality imaging system and method

Abstract

An integrated, multi-modality imaging technique is disclosed. The embodiment described combines a split-magnet MRI system with a digital x-ray system. The two systems are employed together to generate images of a subject in accordance with their individual physics and imaging characteristics. The images may be displaced in real time, such as during a surgical intervention. The images may be registered with one another and combined to form a composite image in which tissues or objects difficult to image in one modality are visible. By appropriately selecting the position of an x-ray source and detector, and by programming a desired corresponding slice for MRI imaging, useful combined images may be obtained and displayed.

1 - 29 . (canceled)  
     
     
         30 . A method for performing an invasive procedure using one or more multi-modal reference images, the method comprising the steps of: 
 (a) coordinating the operation of a first imaging modality and a second imaging modality;    (b) generating a first image data set from the first imaging modality substantially simultaneous with generating a second image data set from the second imaging modality;    (c) reconstructing an image of a region of interest based upon the first image data set and the second image data set;    (d) displaying the image; and    (e) performing an invasive procedure on the region of interest based upon the displayed image.    
     
     
         31 . The method as recited in  claim 30 , wherein steps (a) through (c) are repeated to generate one or more subsequent images of the region of interest.  
     
     
         32 . The method as recited in  claim 31 , further comprising displaying the one or more subsequent images.  
     
     
         33 . The method as recited in  claim 32 , wherein displaying the one or more subsequent images comprises simultaneously displaying the image and the one or more subsequent images.  
     
     
         34 . The method as recited in  claim 30 , wherein one of the first imaging modality and the second imaging modality comprises a digital X-ray imaging system.  
     
     
         35 . The method as recited in  claim 34 , wherein the digital X-ray imaging system comprises a fluoroscopic X-ray imaging system.  
     
     
         36 . The method as recited in  claim 30 , wherein one of the first imaging modality and the second imaging modality comprises a magnetic resonance imaging system.  
     
     
         37 . The method as recited in  claim 36 , wherein the magnetic resonance imaging system comprises a split housing.  
     
     
         38 . method as recited in  claim 37 , wherein the split housing is one of a vertically split housing and a horizontally split housing.  
     
     
         39 . The method as recited in  claim 30 , wherein one of the first imaging modality and the second imaging modality comprises a tomographic imaging system.  
     
     
         40 . The method as recited in  claim 30 , wherein one of the first imaging modality and the second imaging modality comprises an ultrasound imaging system.  
     
     
         41 . The method as recited in  claim 30 , wherein one of the first imaging modality and the second imaging modality comprises a tomosynthesis imaging system.  
     
     
         42 . A method for performing an invasive procedure using one or more multi-modal reference images, the method comprising the steps of: 
 (a) coordinating the operation of a first imaging modality and a second imaging modality;    (b) generating a first image data set from the first imaging modality substantially simultaneous with generating a second image data set from the second imaging modality;    (c) reconstructing an image of a region of interest based upon the first image data set and the second image data set;    (d) displaying the image during an invasive surgical procedure; and    wherein steps (a) through (c) are repeated to generate one or more subsequent images of the region of interest.    
     
     
         43 . A multi-modality imaging system comprising: 
 means for coordinating the operation of a first imaging modality and a second imaging modality;    means for generating a first image data set from the first imaging modality substantially simultaneous with generating a second image data set from the second imaging modality;    means for reconstructing an image of a region of interest based upon the first image data set and the second image data set; and    means for displaying the image to one or more medical personnel performing an invasive procedure on the region of interest.