Apparatus and method for tracking feature's position in human body

Abstract

A method for tracking position of a feature in a subject is provided comprising operating a CT scanner to generate and display CT images of a volume within the subject and operating the CT scanner to generate projection X-Ray images of the volume. The X-Ray images are responsive to X-Ray emitted by two X-Ray sources displaced from each other. The method further comprises generating and displaying stereoscopic images from said projection X-Ray images, wherein the stereoscopic images are spatially registered to the CT images.

1 . A method for tracking position of a feature in a subject comprising the steps of:
 operating a CT scanner to generate and display CT images of a volume within the subject;   operating said CT scanner to generate projection X-Ray images of said volume wherein said X-ray images are responsive to X-Ray emitted by two X-Ray sources displaced from each other; and   generating and displaying stereoscopic images from said projection X-Ray images, wherein said stereoscopic images are spatially registered to said CT images.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the CT scanner comprises two X-Ray sources. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the CT scanner comprises more than two sources wherein at least two sources are operative for generating stereoscopic images. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising injecting contrast agent to the subject. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said stereoscopic images are generated and displayed in a sequence selected from a group comprising: multiple times per second; and one image at a time. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said stereoscopic images are displayed overlaying said CT images. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said stereoscopic images are displayed side by side with said CT images. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein a graphic mark indicating position of a feature within said volume is overlaid said CT images wherein said position of the feature within said volume is computed responsive to the position of the feature in said projection X-Ray images. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising positioning an interventional device respective of a lesion or specific anatomic structure using said stereoscopic images. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 9 , further comprising identifying the lesion or specific anatomic structure using CT images. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 9 , further comprising verifying the position of said interventional device respective said lesion or specific anatomic structure using CT images, wherein the positioning process is guided by said stereoscopic images. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising acquiring images responsive to at least one signal selected from a group comprising: heart monitor signal; and breathing monitor signal.