ORBIT - open X-ray scanner for image-guided interventional surgery - development of concept

Conventional 3D x-ray imaging systems, like CTs and 3D C-arms, are characterized by a circular movement of x-ray source and image detector around the patient. Using this technique the radiographed volume is reconstructed accurately, but the patient is fully enclosed and the access for the surgeon is limited. To improve the usability of intraoperative 3D imaging, we developed a new image acquisition method by optimizing the directions of x-ray projections within a limited angle range above the patient. The optimization method is based on the determinability of density changes inside a volume depending on the used directions of x-ray projections. The resulting orbital x-ray source trajectory allows an open system concept of a 3D x-ray scanner that ensures free access to the patient. Using a simulation environment and an experimental set-up we analyzed the developed image acquisition method and compared it with conventional trajectories. The results demonstrate the feasibility and usability of the proposed imaging method. INFORMATIK 2011 Informatik schafft Communities 41. Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft für Informatik , 4.-7.10.2011, Berlin www.informatik2011.de erschienen im Tagungsband der INFORMATIK 2011 Lecture Notes in Informatics, Band P192 ISBN 978-3-88579-286-4 weitere Artikel online: http://informatik2011.de/519.html