Patent ID: 8233967
Filing Date: 2012-07-31
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61L,G21K

Abstract:
1. A method for visualizing an implant in a patient by using an x-ray phase-contrast tomography examination, the method comprising: scanning at least one portion of a patient by x-ray radiation which passes through a first x-ray absorption grating prior to reaching the patient; detecting at least phase-shifts of the x-ray radiation in the at least one portion caused locally by using a second phase grating downstream of the patient in an emission direction; measuring and reconstructing a spatial distribution of the detected phase shifts to generate volume data records; assigning an average specific phase-shift value to each of a plurality of spatial units, wherein the implant located in the at least one portion of the patient includes at least two adjacently arranged materials, each of which generating an average specific phase-shift value per spatial unit, a difference in the generated average specific phase-shift values being defined and known; checking for an occurrence of the known difference in the average specific phase-shift values in the generated volume data records; and recognizing the implant when the known difference in the average specific phase-shift values is found to occur in the generated volume data records.