FORMATION OF A 4D (3D+T) IMAGE DATA SET OF A MOVING TUBULAR STRUCTURE

摘要

The invention relates to a method and a device suitable for the formation of a 4D image data set of a three-dimensional tubular structure of an object to be examined, being subject to a periodic motion, from a number of 2D projection images (D) of the tubular structure which have been acquired from different projection directions and in different phases of motion, the periodic motion being represented by a motion signal (E) acquired in parallel with the acquisition of the 2D projection images (D). In order to obtain an as accurate as possible 4D image data set, in accordance with the invention it is proposed to determine 2D center line points (Z) in tubular structure elements (H) in at least two 2D projection images (D) of a first phase of motion, to extract therefrom a first model of 3D center line points (M) and to project these points into further 2D projection images (D) of other phases of motion. The 3D center line points (M) projected therein are automatically registered, so that ultimately the course of the tubular structure element (H) in the individual 2D projection images (D) is obtained, ultimately allowing the reconstruction of 3D images of the tubular structure in different phases of motion. The method in accordance with the invention is preferably used for the formation of a 4D image data set of the coronary vessels of a patient.