GB887490A - Gammagraph apparatus for medical purposes - Google Patents

Abstract

887,490. Gammagraph apparatus. CAHA, A., and KALLUSCH, K. May 12, 1958 [May 13; 1957], No. 15096/58. Class 98(1). Gammagraph apparatus comprises a scintillation head and supporting means therefor, said means being such that the head can be moved towards or away from the object being examined, and in two other directions, the support'also being such that the head can be maintained at a constant distance from the surface of said object and following its contours during a scanning operation. The form of apparatus shown has a central supporting pole 13 pivoted rotatably at its base in a frame 17, with a scintillation head I suspended by links 2 forming a parallelogram framework allowing vertical movement of the head, whose weight is counterbalanced by a spring 3. A table 19 is provided for supporting a patient beneath the head, the table being adjustable towards the pole. Means are provided for recording the impulses from the scintillation head. The apparatus is used to detect gamma radiation from radioactive isotopes absorbed in a particular organ, such as the thyroid gland. An extension 22 on the pole is linked to a motor 21 in such a way that the pole, and hence the scintillation head, is given a reciprocating rotary movement. An extension 10 of the table has a toothed rack, in which engages a catch 14 attached to pole 13. At the end of each rotary traverse of the pole 13, the table is shifted one tooth nearer the pole. The head 1 thus scans the area of the patient 'under examination in a series of curved lines, moving over a thin plastic sheet 15 which is shaped to the body contour. An electromagnetically operated pin 6 records the impulses from the scintillation head on a drum 8. The drum is so arranged and linked with the movement of pole 13 that it receives a translational and a rotary movement corresponding with the movements of the scintillation head.