Method of image registration in a multi-source/single detector radiographic imaging system, and image acquisition apparatus

1. A method for automatically registering medical images, the method comprising the following steps:

providing a 3D image;

acquiring at least two 2D images on an acquisition device having a primary x-ray source and at least one auxiliary x-ray source and one common detector for the primary and auxiliary x-ray sources, and having an angular separation of about 15-20 degrees between the primary and auxiliary x-ray sources;

computing a 3D/2D registration of the 3D image and the acquired 2D images; and

outputting a result of the computed 3D/2D registration.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the acquisition device is a 3D image acquisition device selected from the group consisting of: CT, SPECT, MR, linear accelerator with on-board x-ray imaging, C-arm with 3D imaging capability, and an x-ray-based modality.

3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of outputting the result comprises visualizing a common representation of the registered 3D and 2D images.

4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of outputting the result comprises controlling a medical intervention by providing 3D surgical guidance and navigation means.

5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the 2D images are not acquired concurrently to an acquisition of the 3D image.

6. The method according to claim 5 , which comprises acquiring the 2D images during a medical intervention.

7. The method according to claim 1 , which comprises acquiring the 2D images in parallel with an acquisition of the 3D image.

8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of computing the 3D/2D registration comprises:

iteratively computing a 2D projection view from the 3D image;

computing a target 2D projection view that best matches the acquired at least two 2D images by using a numerical optimization that maximizes similarity between the target 2D projection view and the acquired at least two 2D images.

9. The method according to claim 7 , wherein an update frequency for computing the 3D/2D registration is not equal to an update frequency of acquiring the at least two 2D images.

10. An image acquisition apparatus for medical imaging, comprising:

a primary x-ray source;

at least one auxiliary x-ray source;

a detector for receiving radiation of said primary and auxiliary x-ray sources;

an interface to a registration unit, wherein the registration unit is configured to compute a 3D/2D registration of a provided 3D image and at least two acquired 2D images according to the method of claim 1 ; and

an output interface configured to provide an output for displaying the registered images on a monitor.

11. The image acquisition apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the image acquisition apparatus is adapted to provide the 3D image and the at least two 2D images.

12. The image acquisition apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the 3D image is acquired by a CT-scanner.

13. The image acquisition apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein said primary and at least one auxiliary x-ray sources are mounted on a common support structure, and said common support structure is at least one of a ceiling-mounted support member or is mounted on a moveable arm.

14. The image acquisition apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein said primary and at least one auxiliary x-ray source are mounted on a common support structure positioned beneath an operating table and said detector is mounted above the operating table.

15. A non-transitory computer readable medium containing computer-readable instructions stored therein for causing a computer processor to perform the steps of the method according to claim 1 .