A CT Fluoro System display which includes apparatus and methods for
facilitating effective performance of an interventional procedure. The
apparatus and methods are generally referred to herein as partial image
display, dynamic image reformation, in-room control, flat panel display,
in-room display, and magnification. More particularly, an important
performance parameter for a CT Fluoro System is the time to first image.
Accordingly, and to reduce the time to first image, a partially
reconstructed image can be displayed. In addition to fast image
reconstruction, it sometimes is necessary to examine a needle position
from different orientations, i.e., views. Accordingly, the present display
provides dynamic image reformation wherein axial images are displayed at a
very high rate and the operator may reformat the axial images and display
the reformatted images in real time. Further, and to provide additional
functionality and convenience for an operator, an in-room, or convenient,
control including a "reverse and forward" play command button, "save" (or
capture), "grid display", and "preset window/levels" functions is
provided. By enabling an operator to perform these functions with the
remote unit, the system is believed to be easier to use and useful
information to the operator in an easily understandable format. Also, and
to provide improved display, a flat panel display may be utilized. A user
interface for use with the display includes a CT/i Interventional control,
three message areas (hierarchical and designated as message area #1,
message area #2, and message area #3), and an image control. Also, image
magnification can be performed.