DE202019101548U1 - X-ray tube for a breast tomosynthesis system - Google Patents

Abstract

X-ray tube (R) for breast tomosynthesis examination of a patient's breast (P), comprising
a roller (W),
a plurality of anode disks (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN), each anode disk (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN) having a focal path for generating X-rays by means of electrons and a bore ( B), and
at least one electron emitter (E) aligned with the plurality of anode disks (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN),
- wherein the plurality of anode disks (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN) along the roller (W) according to the bores (B) of the plurality of anode disks (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN) arranged side by side, aligned in parallel and are mounted on the roller so rotatably, that the plurality of anode discs (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN) and the roller (W) have a rotational axis and a rotational speed, characterized
- That the plurality of anode discs (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN) in an anode disc spacing (AA) along the roller (W) are spaced.

Description

The invention relates to an x-ray tube for a breast tomosynthesis examination of a breast of a patient and an associated breast tomosynthesis system.

In a conventional breast tomosynthesis system with a conventional x-ray tube, typically, the conventional x-ray tube is mechanically translated along a patient's chest during an imaging study. In the direction of movement of the conventional X-ray tube, an effective focal spot usually blurs the conventional X-ray tube. The effective focal spot can be widened by smearing by a factor greater than 2. Typically, blurring of the effective focal spot causes deterioration of an image quality of the imaging examination in the direction of movement.

The prior art describes various possibilities which can counteract the smearing of the effective focal spot. For example, during the imaging study, the focal spot in the conventional x-ray tube may be moved in a direction opposite to the direction of movement such that the effective focal spot corresponds to a substantially stationary focal spot. This procedure is typically called "flying focal spot". Alternatively, the conventional x-ray tube may be stationary, but have several x-ray sources, in particular in the form of a cylindrical anode, for the generation of x-rays. A disadvantage of the cylindrical anode is that, in contrast to a conventional rotary anode, an electron beam does not impinge on a surface of the rotary anode, but on a side surface, in particular a lateral surface of the cylindrical anode. The impact of the electron beam on the side surface of the cylindrical anode, however, is unfavorable in terms of thermal properties, in particular with respect to an occurring stroke temperature in the focal spot.

The occurring stroke temperature depends on a size of an area hit by the electron beam. When the area hit by the electron beam is increased, usually, an optical width of the X-rays is also increased. From the US 4,336,476 is an X-ray tube with a V-notched on a radial side anode disc known, which counteracts advantageously the increase in the optical width of the X-rays. WO 2004/023 852 A2 discloses a roller formed from a plurality of radially-sided V-shaped notched anode discs.

The invention is based on the object to provide an X-ray tube for a breast tomosynthesis examination and a breast tomosynthesis system, which have a lower weight and / or improved cooling.

The object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

• - eine Walze,
• - mehrere Anodenscheiben, wobei jede Anodenscheibe eine Brennbahn für das Generieren von Röntgenstrahlen mittels Elektronen und eine Bohrung aufweist, und
• - mindestens einen auf die mehreren Anodenscheiben ausgerichteten Elektronenemitter auf,
• - wobei die mehreren Anodenscheiben entlang der Walze gemäß den Bohrungen der mehreren Anodenscheiben nebeneinander angeordnet, parallel ausgerichtet und auf der Walze derart drehfest befestigt sind, dass die mehreren Anodenscheiben und die Walze eine Drehachse und eine Drehgeschwindigkeit aufweisen, dadurch gekennzeichnet,
• - dass die mehreren Anodenscheiben in einem Anodenscheibenzwischenabstand entlang der Walze beabstandet sind.

The X-ray tube according to the invention for a breast tomosynthesis examination of a breast of a patient points

• a roller,
• a plurality of anode disks, each anode disk having a focal path for generating X-rays by means of electrons and a bore, and
• at least one electron emitter aligned with the plurality of anode disks,
• - wherein the plurality of anode disks along the roller according to the bores of the plurality of anode disks juxtaposed, aligned in parallel and are mounted on the roller so rotatably, that the plurality of anode disks and the roller has a rotational axis and a rotational speed, characterized
• - That the plurality of anode discs are spaced in an anode disc spacing along the roller.

According to one embodiment, the x-ray tube has a cooling system with a coolant and the roller has a cavity along the axis of rotation, which is formed as part of the cooling system.

According to one embodiment, the coolant comprises oil, water and / or gas.

According to one embodiment, the rotational speed is between 20 and 200 Hz.

According to one embodiment, the rotational speed is between 50 and 180 Hz.

According to one embodiment, the rotational speed is between 150 and 180 Hz.

In one embodiment, the rotational speed is between 50 and 80 Hz.

In accordance with one embodiment, the anode disk spacing is greater than 10% of an axial extent of at least one of the plurality of anode disks.

According to one embodiment, the anode disk spacing is greater than 100% of the axial extent of the at least one of the plurality of anode disks.

According to one embodiment, the anode disk spacing is greater than 500% of the axial extent of the at least one of the plurality of anode disks.

According to one embodiment, a radial diameter of at least one of the plurality of anode disks is greater than a radial diameter of the roller.

According to one embodiment, the radial diameter of the at least one of the plurality of anode disks is between 1 and 20 cm.

According to one embodiment, the radial diameter of the at least one of the plurality of anode disks is between 5 and 8 cm.

According to one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of anode disks is formed obliquely in axial extent such that the at least one of the plurality of anode disks has a first radial diameter and a second radial diameter different from the first radial diameter

According to one embodiment, the at least one oblique of the plurality of anode disks is frusto-conical.

According to one embodiment, the at least one inclined of the plurality of anode disks is notched in a V-shape on one radial side.

According to one embodiment, the plurality of anode disks has a first oblique anode disk and a second oblique anode disk, wherein a first angle of the first oblique anode disk and a second angle of the second oblique anode disk differ.

According to one embodiment, the at least one oblique of the plurality of anode disks is designed such that the x-rays generated at the focal points of the anode disks are collimated.

According to one embodiment, the roller is made of a first material composition, wherein at least one of the plurality of anode disks consists of a second material composition and wherein the first material composition has a lower heat conductivity and / or a lower heat capacity than the second material composition.

• - Wolfram,
• - Molybdän,
• - TZM-Legierung,
• - Kupfer,
• - Eisen.

According to one embodiment, the first material composition comprises at least one material from the following list:

• - tungsten,
• - molybdenum,
• - TZM alloy,
• - copper,
• - iron.

• - Wolfram,
• - Molybdän,
• - TZM-Legierung,
• - Kupfer.

According to one embodiment, the second material composition comprises at least one material from the following list:

• - tungsten,
• - molybdenum,
• - TZM alloy,
• - Copper.

• - Wolfram,
• - Rhenium,
• - Molybdän,
• - Kupfer,
• - Eisen,
• - Silber.

According to one embodiment, the focal path is composed of a third material composition, wherein the third material composition comprises at least one material from the following list:

• - tungsten,
• - rhenium,
• - molybdenum,
• - copper,
• - iron,
• - Silver.

• - eine Röntgenröhre,
• - eine Stützvorrichtung für die Brust der Patientin und
• - einen Röntgendetektor auf.

The Breast Tomosynthesis System for Breast Tomosynthesis Examining a Patient's Chest

• an x-ray tube,
• a supporting device for the breast of the patient and
• - An X-ray detector.

According to one embodiment, the at least one oblique of the plurality of anode disks is designed such that the x-rays generated at the focal points of the anode disks are aligned with the x-ray detector.

According to an embodiment, the first angle specifies a first X-ray radiation angle, wherein the second angle specifies a second X-ray radiation angle different from the first X-ray radiation angle, wherein the X-ray detector has a predetermined area and wherein X-rays according to the first X-ray radiation angle and X-rays according to the second X-ray emission angle in the predetermined region of the X-ray detector are detectable.

The x-ray tube for a breast tomosynthesis examination of a breast of a patient and the associated breast tomosynthesis system have in particular the following advantages:

Advantageously, by spacing the plurality of anode disks in the anode disk space along the roller, a weight of the X-ray tube is less than a weight of a conventional roller-type X-ray tube, for example by a factor of 2, more preferably by a factor of 3. The X-ray tube may be, for example, a weight between 4 and 8 kg, in particular have a weight of 6 kg.

A further advantage is that the X-rays generated at the focal points of the anode disks are advantageously collimated onto the X-ray detector, in particular the predetermined region of the X-ray detector. This allows a simpler design of the X-ray tube, because no separate collimator needs to be used.

Advantageously, a smearing of an effective focal spot of the x-ray tube in the axial direction of the roller can be reduced, particularly advantageously prevented.

Preferably, the plurality of anode disks are arranged and configured such that during the breast tomosynthesis examination of the patient's breast the x-ray tube is stationary.

In the following the invention will be described and explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the figures. Basically, in the following description of the figures, essentially identical structures and units are designated with the same reference sign as when the respective structure or unit appeared for the first time.

• 1 eine schräge Anodenscheibe in einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel perspektivisch,
• 2 die schräge Anodenscheibe des ersten Ausführungsbeispiel im Profil,
• 3 eine schräge Anodenscheibe in einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel perspektivisch,
• 4 die schräge Anodenscheibe des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel im Profil,
• 5 eine Röntgenröhre in einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel und
• 6 ein Brust-Tomosynthese-System in einem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel.

Show it:

• 1 an oblique anode plate in a first embodiment in perspective,
• 2 the oblique anode plate of the first embodiment in profile,
• 3 an oblique anode plate in a second embodiment in perspective,
• 4 the oblique anode plate of the second embodiment in profile,
• 5 an X-ray tube in a third embodiment and
• 6 a breast tomosynthesis system in a fourth embodiment.

1 shows in a perspective illustration at least one AV the multiple anode discs AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON in a first embodiment. The at least one AV the multiple anode discs AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON is formed in an axial extent inclined so that the at least one AV the multiple anode discs AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON a first radial diameter D1 and a second one of the first radial diameter D1 different radial diameter D2 having. The at least one weird one AV the multiple anode discs AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON is notched at a radial side V-shaped and has a bore B on. The arrow XA indicates the axial direction. The at least one weird one AV the multiple anode discs AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON has an axial extent AD on.

2 shows in profile at least one oblique AV the multiple anode discs AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON of the first embodiment.

3 shows in a perspective illustration at least one AK the multiple anode discs AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON in a second embodiment. The at least one weird one AK the multiple anode discs AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON is frusto-conical and has the bore B on. The at least one weird one AK the multiple anode discs AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON has the axial extent AD on. This in 3 shown second embodiment is in particular an alternative to the first embodiment.

4 shows in profile at least one oblique AK the multiple anode discs AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON of the second embodiment.

5 shows the x-ray tube R in a third embodiment in a perspective illustration. The x-ray tube R for a breast tomosynthesis examination of a patient's breast P has a roller W , several anode discs AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON and at least one of the plurality of anode disks AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON aligned electron emitter e on. The x-ray tube R typically has more than one anode disk and fewer than 1000 anode disks. Preferably, the x-ray tube has R between 5 and 100, advantageously between 10 and 50, more preferably about 25 Anode disks on. The x-ray tube R may be a rotary anode or a standing anode.

Each anode disc AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON has a focal path for generating X-rays by means of electrons and a bore B on. The electron emitter e emits an electron beam with the electrons.

The several anode disks AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON are along the roller W according to the holes B the multiple anode discs AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON arranged side by side, aligned in parallel and on the roller W are fixed in such a rotationally fixed that the plurality of anode discs AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON and the roller W have a rotation axis and a rotation speed. In other words, the multiple anode disks rotate AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON together with the roller W , The attachment can be done in particular by means of screws, gluing and / or welding. The axis of rotation typically corresponds to the axial direction XA , The rotational speed is typically between 20 and 200 Hz, preferably between 50 and 180 Hz, more preferably between 50 and 80 Hz or between 150 and 180 Hz.

The several anode disks AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON are in an anode disk spacing AA along the roller W spaced. In other words, the plurality of anode disks touch each other AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON typically not. Typically, the multiple anode disks are AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON only by means of the roller W interconnected. The anode disc gap AA is greater than 10%, preferably 100%, most preferably 500% of an axial extent AD at least one of the plurality of anode disks AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON , The axial extent AD may be between 0.1 and 5 cm, preferably between 0.5 and 3, particularly advantageously between 1 and 2 cm.

A radial diameter D of at least one of the plurality of anode disks AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON is larger than a radial diameter WD the roller W , The radial diameter D the at least one of the plurality of anode disks AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON is between 1 and 20 cm, particularly advantageously between 5 and 8 cm.

The x-ray tube R has a cooling system with a coolant, wherein the roller W along the axis of rotation a cavity H which is formed as part of the cooling system. Typically, the coolant flows through the cavity H the roller W to the x-ray tube R , in particular the plurality of anode disks AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON to cool. The coolant typically comprises oil, water and / or gas.

The roller W typically consists of a first material composition, wherein at least one of the plurality of anode disks AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON consists of a second material composition and wherein the first material composition has a lower thermal conductivity and / or a lower heat capacity than the second material composition

In the third embodiment, none of the plurality of anode disks AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON shown formed obliquely. In principle, it is conceivable that at least one or all of the plurality of anode disks AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON in axial extent XA is formed obliquely, such as in 1 to 4 shown. It is conceivable that the multiple anode discs AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON a first oblique anode disc and a second oblique anode disc and that a first angle of the first oblique anode disc and a second angle of the second oblique anode disc differ. Advantageously, the at least one oblique of the plurality of anode disks AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON is formed such that the generated at the focal lengths of the anode disks X-rays are collimated. In 1 and 2 in particular, the first angle and / or the second angle correspond to a notch angle. In 3 and 4 In particular, the first angle and / or the second angle correspond to an angle between the radial circumferential surface and the axis XA ,

• - Wolfram,
• - Molybdän,
• - TZM-Legierung,
• - Kupfer,
• - Eisen.

The first material composition comprises at least one material from the following list:

• - tungsten,
• - molybdenum,
• - TZM alloy,
• - copper,
• - iron.

• - Wolfram,
• - Molybdän,
• - TZM-Legierung,
• - Kupfer.

The second material composition comprises at least one material from the following list:

• - tungsten,
• - molybdenum,
• - TZM alloy,
• - Copper.

• - Wolfram,
• - Rhenium,
• - Molybdän,
• - Kupfer,
• - Eisen,
• - Silber.

The focal path is composed of a third material composition, wherein the third material composition comprises at least one material from the following list:

• - Tungsten,
• - rhenium,
• - molybdenum,
• - copper,
• - iron,
• - Silver.

In principle, the first material composition, the second material composition and / or the third material composition may comprise alloy and / or mixtures of the aforementioned materials.

6 shows a breast tomosynthesis system T for a breast tomosynthesis examination of a patient's breast P , The Breast Tomosynthesis System T has an x-ray tube R , a support device S for the breast of the patient P and an X-ray detector R .D on. The x-ray detector R .D has a predetermined range. The support device S can be an air or gel pillow. The breast tomosynthesis system may include a reconstruction unit for acquiring at least one medical image of the patient's breast using the x-rays collected during the breast tomosynthesis examination P to reconstruct. The medical image may for example be provided on a display unit and / or stored in a PACS image archiving system.

The at least one oblique of the multiple anode discs AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON is formed such that at the focal lengths of the anode discs AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON generated X-rays on the X-ray detector RD are aligned. The first angle specifies a first X-ray radiation angle, wherein the second angle specifies a second X-ray radiation angle different from the first X-ray radiation angle. X-rays according to the first X-ray radiation angle and X-rays according to the second X-ray radiation angle are within the predetermined range of the X-ray detector RD detectable. In the predetermined area, the x-rays can preferably be detected in order to be able to reconstruct the medical image, for example.

In this embodiment, the plurality of anode disks AV . AK . A.1 . A.2 . ON a first oblique anode disc and a second oblique anode disc, wherein a first angle of the first oblique anode disc and a second angle of the second oblique anode disc differ. The first oblique anode plate and the second oblique anode plate are formed according to the first embodiment, that is notched V-shaped. Alternatively, the first oblique anode disc and the second oblique anode disc could be frustoconical according to the second embodiment.

Although the invention has been further illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiments, the invention is nevertheless not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 4336476 [0004]
• WO 2004/023852 A2 [0004]

Claims (25)

X-ray tube (R) for a breast tomosynthesis examination of a breast of a patient (P), comprising - a roller (W), - a plurality of anode discs (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN), each anode disc ( AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN) has a focal path for the generation of X-rays by means of electrons and a bore (B), and - at least one of the plurality of anode discs (AV, AK, A.1, A. 2, AN) aligned electron emitter (E), - wherein the plurality of anode discs (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN) along the roller (W) according to the bores (B) of the plurality of anode discs (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN) are arranged side by side, aligned in parallel and fixed on the roller so rotationally fixed, that the plurality of anode discs (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN) and the roller (W) a Have rotational axis and a rotational speed, characterized in that - the plurality of anode discs (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN) in an anode disc spacing (AA) along the roller (W) are spaced apart. X-ray tube (R) after Claim 1 wherein the x-ray tube (R) comprises a cooling system with a coolant and wherein the roller (W) along the axis of rotation has a cavity (H) formed as part of the cooling system. X-ray tube (R) after Claim 2 wherein the coolant comprises oil, water and / or gas. X-ray tube according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotational speed is between 20 and 200 Hz. X-ray tube (R) after Claim 4 , wherein the rotational speed is between 50 and 180 Hz. X-ray tube (R) after Claim 5 , wherein the rotational speed is between 150 and 180 Hz. X-ray tube (R) after Claim 5 , where the rotational speed is between 50 and 80 Hz. X-ray tube (R) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the anode disc spacing (A.A) is greater than 10% of an axial extent (A.D) of at least one of the plurality of anode discs (A.V, A.K, A.1, A.2, A.N). X-ray tube (R) after Claim 8 wherein the anode disk spacing (AA) is greater than 100% of the axial extent (AD) of the at least one of the plurality of anode disks (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN). X-ray tube (R) after Claim 9 wherein the anode disk spacing (AA) is greater than 500% of the axial extent (AD) of the at least one of the plurality of anode disks (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN). X-ray tube (R) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a radial diameter (D) of at least one of the plurality of anode discs (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN) is greater than a radial diameter (WD) of the roller (W ). X-ray tube (R) after Claim 11 , wherein the radial diameter (D) of the at least one of the plurality of anode disks (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN) is between 1 and 20 cm. X-ray tube (R) after Claim 12 , wherein the radial diameter (D) of the at least one of the plurality of anode disks (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN) is between 5 and 8 cm. X-ray tube (R) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the plurality of anode discs (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN) is formed obliquely in axial extent such that the at least one of the plurality of anode discs (AV, AK , A.1, A.2, AN) has a first radial diameter (D1) and a second radial diameter (D2) different from the first radial diameter (D1). X-ray tube (R) after Claim 14 , wherein the at least one oblique (AK) of the plurality of anode discs (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN) is frusto-conical. X-ray tube (R) after Claim 14 wherein the at least one oblique (AN) of the plurality of anode discs (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN) is notched in a V-shape on one radial side. X-ray tube (R) after one of Claims 14 to 16 wherein the plurality of anode disks (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN) comprises a first oblique anode disk and a second oblique anode disk and wherein a first angle of the first oblique anode disk and a second angle of the second oblique anode disk are different. X-ray tube (R) after one of Claims 14 to 17 , wherein the at least one oblique of the plurality of anode disks (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN) is designed such that at the focal points of the anode disks (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN) generated x-rays are collimated. X-ray tube (R) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the roller (W) consists of a first material composition, wherein at least one of the plurality of anode disks (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN) consists of a second material composition and wherein the first material composition has a lower thermal conductivity and / or a lower heat capacity than the second material composition. X-ray tube (R) after Claim 19 , wherein the first material composition comprises at least one material from the following list: - tungsten, - molybdenum, - TZM alloy, - copper, - iron. X-ray tube (R) after one of Claims 19 to 20 wherein the second material composition comprises at least one material of the following list: - tungsten, - molybdenum, - TZM alloy, - copper. X-ray tube (R) after one of Claims 19 to 21 wherein the focal track is composed of a third material composition and wherein the third material composition comprises at least one material of the following list: Tungsten, rhenium, molybdenum, copper, iron, silver. Breast tomosynthesis system (T) for breast tomosynthesis examination of a patient's breast (P) an X-ray tube (R) according to one of the preceding claims, - A support device (S) for the chest of the patient (P) and - An X-ray detector (R.D). Breast Tomosynthesis System (T) after Claim 23 , wherein the x-ray tube (R) according to one of Claims 14 to 18 is formed and wherein the at least one oblique of the plurality of anode disks (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN) is designed such that at the focal points of the anode disks (AV, AK, A.1, A.2, AN) generated X-rays are aligned on the X-ray detector (RD). Breast Tomosynthesis System (T) after one of Claims 23 to 24 , with the x-ray tube (R) after Claim 17 wherein the first angle specifies a first X-ray radiation angle, wherein the second angle specifies a second X-ray radiation angle different from the first X-ray radiation angle, wherein the X-ray detector (RD) has a predetermined area and wherein X-rays according to the first X-ray radiation angle and X-rays according to the second X-ray radiation angle in the predetermined Area of the X-ray detector (RD) are detectable.

Images