JP2009153579A - X-ray ct system and medical imaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To more simply allow a height position of an isocenter to coincide between a CT gantry and an apparatus used in combination with the CT gantry. <P>SOLUTION: A memory part 15 which stores the height position of the isocenter of the device used in combination with the CT gantry 10, for example, a blood vessel photographing device 20, a radiation treatment apparatus 30, a surgical operation apparatus 40 or the like, is provided and a gantry control part 19 controls a gantry lifting drive part 12 in order to allow the height position of the isocenter of the CT gantry 10 to coincide with the stored height position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus and a medical imaging system, and more particularly to a technique for adjusting the height of the apparatus.

  Conventionally, a CT / Angio system configured by combining a CT gantry and an angiography apparatus, or between CT imaging and radiation therapy so that a rapid transition between CT imaging and angiography imaging can be made. A CT / RT (Radio Therapy) system and the like configured by combining a CT gantry and a radiotherapy device so as to be able to move quickly are known.

Generally, in a system in which a CT gantry and other devices are combined as described above, the isocenter of the device is increased so that the coordinates of the processing space used by the CT gantry and other devices can be shared or mutually used. Make the positions coincide with each other. The above-mentioned other apparatuses often do not have a mechanism for adjusting the height position of the isocenter, and therefore, for example, the position of the isocenter can be obtained using a CT gantry height adjustment mechanism (see Patent Document 1, etc.). Align.
JP-A-8-107893

  However, if the isocenter height position of the CT gantry is changed for some reason, the operator or the operator again adjusts the CT gantry height visually and manually to adjust the isocenter height. Need to align.

  In recent years, a diagnosis method and a treatment method using a plurality of modalities and devices have been developed. In the future, a system in which one CT gantry and a plurality of other devices are combined. Is also possible. A problem with such systems is the alignment of the isocenter between the CT gantry and other devices. Other devices typically have their own isocenter and often do not have a height adjustment mechanism. Therefore, in such a system, every time the device used in combination with the CT gantry is switched to another device, an operator or an operator adjusts the height of the CT gantry by visual and manual operations to increase the height of the isocenter. It is necessary to perform the alignment, and the operation is very complicated.

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides an X-ray CT apparatus and a medical imaging system that can more easily match the isocenter height position between a CT gantry and an apparatus used in combination with the CT gantry. The purpose is to do.

  In a first aspect, the present invention provides a CT gantry having an isocenter, isocenter height position storage means for storing an isocenter height position in an apparatus having an isocenter and used in combination with the CT gantry, An X-ray CT apparatus comprising: a gantry moving means for moving the CT gantry in the vertical direction so that the isocenter height position of the CT gantry matches the isocenter height position stored in the isocenter height position storage means. provide.

  In a second aspect, in the present invention, the apparatus used in combination with the CT gantry is a plurality of apparatuses, and the isocenter height position storage means stores individual isocenter height positions in the plurality of apparatuses. And a use device selecting means for selecting a device to be used in combination with the CT gantry from the plurality of devices based on input information from an operator, wherein the gantry moving means is an isocenter of the CT gantry. The X-ray CT apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the CT gantry is moved so that a height position coincides with an isocenter height position of the selected apparatus.

  In a third aspect, the present invention provides the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the plurality of apparatuses include at least one of an angiography apparatus, a radiotherapy apparatus, and a surgical apparatus. To do.

  In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a step provided on a surface of the CT gantry having a bore opening on which a worker gets on and off. An X-ray CT apparatus according to one aspect is provided.

  In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides the X-ray CT apparatus according to the fourth aspect, further comprising step moving means that enables the step to move at least in the vertical direction.

  In a sixth aspect, the present invention further comprises step position storage means for storing one or more step positions, wherein the step moving means sets the step to any one of the one or more step positions. The X-ray CT apparatus according to the fifth aspect, which is moved to one step position, is provided.

  In a seventh aspect, the present invention further comprises step position deriving means for deriving a step height position to be set based on worker information including the height of the worker, wherein the step moving means includes: The X-ray CT apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the step is moved to the derived step height position.

  In an eighth aspect, the present invention further comprises step position deriving means for deriving a step left and right position to be set based on worker information including right and left distinction of the dominant arm of the worker, and the step movement A means provides the X-ray CT apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the step is capable of moving the step in the left-right direction and moves the step to the derived step left-right position.

  In a ninth aspect, the present invention further comprises step position deriving means for deriving a step height position to be set based on the isocenter height position of the CT gantry, wherein the step moving means includes An X-ray CT apparatus according to the fifth aspect is provided, which moves a step to the derived step height position.

  In a tenth aspect, the present invention includes the step, wherein the step includes a first step and a second step respectively provided on the left and right sides of the surface having the bore opening, and the step moving means includes The X-ray CT apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein at least one of the first step and the second step is moved.

  In an eleventh aspect, the present invention further includes an auxiliary staircase for the step, wherein the step moving means moves the auxiliary staircase according to a height position of the step. An X-ray CT apparatus according to any one of the tenth aspects is provided.

  In a twelfth aspect, the present invention provides the method according to any one of the fourth to eleventh aspects, wherein the step is provided so as to be foldable on the CT gantry side or accommodated in the CT gantry. An X-ray CT apparatus is provided.

  In a thirteenth aspect, the present invention relates to a CT gantry having an isocenter, a device having an isocenter and used in combination with the CT gantry, a common bed used in the CT gantry and the device, Isocenter height position storage means for storing the isocenter height position in the apparatus, and the CT center gantry so that the isocenter height position of the CT gantry matches the isocenter height position stored in the isocenter height position storage means. Provided is a medical imaging system comprising a gantry moving means for moving a gantry in the vertical direction.

  In a fourteenth aspect, according to the present invention, the apparatus used in combination with the CT gantry is a plurality of apparatuses, and the isocenter height position storage means stores individual isocenter height positions in the plurality of apparatuses. And a use device selecting means for selecting a device to be used in combination with the CT gantry from the plurality of devices based on input information from an operator, wherein the gantry moving means is an isocenter of the CT gantry. The medical imaging system according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the CT gantry is moved so that the height position matches the isocenter height position of the selected device.

  In a fifteenth aspect, the present invention provides the medical imaging system according to the thirteenth aspect or the fourteenth aspect, further comprising a step provided on a surface of the CT gantry having a bore opening on which an operator gets on and off. provide.

  In a sixteenth aspect, the present invention provides the medical imaging according to any one of the thirteenth to fifteenth aspects, wherein the apparatus includes at least one of an angiography apparatus, a radiation therapy apparatus, and a surgical apparatus. Provide a system.

  According to the present invention, the isocenter height position in the apparatus used in combination with the CT gantry is stored, and the CT gantry is moved up and down so that the isocenter height position of the CT gantry matches the stored height position. Therefore, the CT gantry's isocenter can be instantaneously moved to the same height as the isocenter of the other device without visual or manual height adjustment. It is possible to more easily match the isocenter height position between the devices used in combination.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the medical imaging system 1 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an overview of the medical imaging system 1 according to the first embodiment. This medical imaging system 1 is a system configured to be able to quickly transition between CT imaging and angiography imaging, between CT imaging and radiation therapy, or between CT imaging and surgery. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the medical imaging system 1 includes a CT gantry 10 for CT imaging, an angio apparatus (angiography apparatus) 20 for angiographic imaging, and an RT apparatus for performing radiation therapy. (Radiotherapy apparatus) 30, an OPE apparatus (surgical apparatus) 40 for performing surgery, a common bed 50 on which a subject is placed, and an operation console 60 for controlling them Yes.

  The Angio device 20, the RT device 30, and the OPE device 40 are other devices used in combination with the CT gantry 10. The CT gantry 10, the Angio device 20, the RT device 30, and the OPE device 40 are arranged so as to surround the common bed 50, and each of them has a linear rail 71 between the common bed 50 and the retracted position. Self-propelled along -74.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an isocenter of each device. As shown in FIG. 3, the CT gantry 10, the Angio apparatus 20, the RT apparatus 30, and the OPE apparatus 40 have their own isocenters Ict, Iangio, Irt, and Iope, and usually the height positions of these isocenters. Are different from each other. The isocenter is a reference position of the processing space handled by the apparatus. For example, the isocenter Ict of the CT gantry 10 can be considered as the center position of the imaging space.

  The CT gantry 10 has a bore 10B through which a subject is carried in and out. In addition, the CT gantry 10 has an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector provided with the bore 10B interposed therebetween, and a data acquisition unit that AD-converts the output signal of the X-ray detector and collects it as projection data (data). These are rotatably supported by the casing of the CT gantry 10 so as to rotate integrally around the bore 10B.

  The CT gantry 10 is a so-called large-diameter gantry in which the diameter of the bore 10B is 70 centimeters or more.

  The CT gantry 10 includes a self-propelled gantry horizontal drive unit 11, a gantry vertical drive unit 12 that moves a main part including the bore 10 </ b> B of the CT gantry 10 in the vertical direction, and a horizontal position and a height position of the CT gantry 10. An operation panel 17 that enables operations for control and a gantry control unit 19 that controls each drive unit and the like of the CT gantry 10 are provided.

  The gantry vertical drive unit 12 and the gantry control unit 19 function as the gantry moving means of the present invention.

  The gantry horizontal drive unit 11 is provided at the bottom of the CT gantry 10, for example, and a wheel (not shown) provided on a base member that supports a main part including the bore 10 </ b> B of the CT gantry 10. The CT gantry 10 is caused to travel by rotating its wheels on the rail 71 by a motor (not shown) that rotates the motor.

  The gantry vertical drive unit 12 is provided, for example, on the top of the gantry horizontal drive unit 11 and moves the main part of the CT gantry 10 up and down by an extension mechanism that expands and contracts in the vertical direction.

  The gantry control unit 19 manually moves the main part of the CT gantry 10 up and down and up and down by a predetermined operation of the operation panel 17 or at an isocenter height position stored in an isocenter height position storage unit 64 described later. Based on this, the gantry horizontal drive unit 11 and the gantry vertical drive unit 12 are moved so that the main part of the CT gantry 10 is automatically moved up and down so that the isocenter Ict of the CT gantry 10 matches the height position. Control.

  The Angio device 20 includes an Angio control unit 21 and an Angio horizontal drive unit 22. The Angio control unit 21 controls each part of the Angio device 20 based on a control signal from the main control 61 and an operation by an operation panel (not shown) provided in the Angio device. Specifically, for example, the Angio control unit 21 controls the Angio horizontal drive unit 22 based on a control signal from the main control unit 61, so that the Angio device 20 is placed on the rail 72 between the common bed 50 and the retracted position. Drive along.

  The RT device 30 includes an RT control unit 31 and an RT horizontal drive unit 32. The RT control unit 31 controls each unit constituting the RT device 30 based on a control signal from the main control 61 and an operation by an operation panel (not shown) provided in the RT device 30. Specifically, for example, the RT control unit 31 controls the RT horizontal drive unit 32 in response to a control signal from the main control unit 61, so that the RT device 30 is placed on the rail 73 between the common bed 50 and the retracted position. Drive along.

  The OPE device 40 includes an OPE control unit 41 and an OPE horizontal drive unit 42. The OPE control unit 41 controls each unit constituting the OPE device 20 based on a control signal from the main control 61 and an operation by an operation panel (not shown) provided in the OPE device 40. Specifically, for example, the OPE control unit 41 controls the OPE horizontal drive unit 42 in response to a control signal from the main control unit 61, so that the OPE device 40 is placed on the rail 74 between the common bed 50 and the retracted position. Drive along.

  The common couch 50 includes a couchtop 51 provided so as to be linearly slidable in the horizontal direction, a couch controller 52 for controlling each part of the common couch 50, and a couchtop drive for feeding the couchtop 51 in the horizontal direction. Part 53, an elevating drive unit 54 that changes the height position of the top 51 in the vertical direction, and a rotary drive unit 55 that rotates the bed 50 360 degrees in the horizontal direction. The bed control unit 52 controls these drive units based on a control signal sent from the main control unit 61 of the operation console 60 or a control signal based on a predetermined operation by an operation panel (not shown) provided in the common bed 50. Control.

  The operation console 60 includes, for example, a so-called workstation, a main control unit 61 that controls the CT gantry 10, the Angio device 20, the RT device 30, the surgical device 40, and the common bed 50, and a CT gantry. 10 includes a use device selection unit 62 that selects a device to be used in combination with 10 (hereinafter also referred to as a use device), and an isocenter height position storage unit 63. Although not shown, the operation console 60 includes an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a monitor such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and a liquid crystal panel. Can be input / output.

  The medical imaging system 1 can set a processing mode (mode) and can be switched to a CT imaging mode, an angiography imaging mode, a radiation therapy mode, and a surgical mode.

  When the CT imaging mode is set, the main control unit 61 causes the CT gantry 10 to self-propel to the common bed 50 side, moves other devices to the retracted position, and further moves the top plate 51 of the common bed 50. The common bed 50 is rotated so that the feeding direction faces the CT gantry 10 side. In addition, when the angiography mode is set, the Angio device 20 is self-propelled to the common bed 50 side, the other devices are moved to the retracted position, and the top 51 of the common bed 50 is extended. The common bed 50 is rotated so as to face the Angio device 20 side. In addition, when the radiotherapy mode is set, the RT device 30 is self-propelled to the common bed 50 side, the other devices are moved to the retracted position, and the feeding direction of the top plate 51 of the common bed 50 is set to RT. The common bed 50 is rotated so as to face the apparatus 30 side. Further, when the operation mode is set, the OPE device 40 is caused to self-run toward the common bed 50 side, other devices are moved to the retracted position, and the feeding direction of the top plate 51 of the common bed 50 is set to the OPE device. The common bed 50 is rotated so as to face the 40 side.

  The use device selection unit 62 selects a use device from among the Angio device 20, the RT device 30, and the OPE device 40 based on information input from the operator via the input device of the operation console 60.

  The isocenter height position storage unit 63 stores the isocenter height position for each of a plurality of devices used in combination with the CT gantry 10, that is, the Angio device 20, the RT device 30, and the OPE device 40. These isocenter height positions are obtained and stored, for example, by referring to the specifications of each device or by actually measuring each device using a phantom or the like.

  When the used device is selected by the used device selecting unit 62, the main control unit 61 reads the isocenter height position of the selected used device from the isocenter height position storage unit 63, and reads the information from the CT gantry. Send to 10. The gantry control unit 19 of the CT gantry 10 includes a bore 10B of the CT gantry 10 by controlling the gantry vertical drive unit 12 so that the isocenter height position of the CT gantry 10 matches the isocenter height position of the device in use. Adjust the height position of the part.

  Hereafter, the flow of operation in the medical imaging system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  First, as a preparation stage, for each apparatus used in combination with the CT gantry 10, the isocenter height position of the apparatus is obtained based on a specification sheet or the like, and is stored in the isocenter height position storage unit 63.

  In the state where the preparation is completed, the worker places the subject on the common bed 50. Then, the operator designates and inputs a device to be used via the input device of the operation console 60. The used device selection unit 62 selects a used device based on the input information. The main control unit 61 reads the isocenter height position of the selected device to be used from the isocenter height position storage unit 63 and transmits it to the CT gantry 10.

  The gantry control unit 19 of the CT gantry 10 controls the gantry vertical drive unit 12 so that the height position of the isocenter Ict of the CT gantry 10 matches the received isocenter height position.

  Here, the operator operates the operation console 60 to set the CT imaging mode or the execution mode by the using device.

  In this mode setting, when the CT imaging mode is set, the main control unit 61 sends a control signal to each device and the common bed 50 to cause the CT gantry 10 to self-run toward the common bed 50 side, and to share the common bed. The common bed 50 is rotated so that the feeding direction of the 50 top plates 51 faces the CT gantry 10 side. Then, after operating the operation console 60 to confirm the CT imaging conditions and the like, a command to start CT imaging is input. The main control unit 61 controls the CT gantry 10 and the common bed 50 in response to this command, and CT imaging is performed.

  On the other hand, in the above mode setting, when the execution mode by the use device is set, the main control unit 61 of the operation console 60 sends a control signal to each device and the common bed 50 so that the use device is moved to the common bed 50 side. While making it self-propelled, the common bed 50 is rotated so that the feeding direction of the top plate 51 of the common bed 50 faces the use device side. The operator operates the operation console 60 to confirm the execution conditions of the device used, and then inputs a command to start processing by the device used. In response to this command, the main control unit 61 controls the used device and the common bed 50, and processing by the used device is performed.

  The switching of the mode setting is repeated as necessary, and the CT imaging by the CT gantry 10 and the processing by the using device are alternately repeated. When switching the device to be used, the operator re-enters information indicating the device to be used via the input device of the operation console 60.

  According to such a first embodiment, the isocenter height position in the apparatus used in combination with the CT gantry 10 is stored, and the isocenter Ict of the CT gantry 10 matches the stored isocenter height position. Since the CT gantry 10 is moved in the vertical direction, the isocenter Ict of the CT gantry 10 can be instantaneously moved to the same height position as the isocenter of the counterpart device without visual or manual height adjustment. The isocenter height position can be more easily matched between the CT gantry 10 and the counterpart device.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the medical imaging system 1 according to the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, the operation console 60 has an isocenter height position storage unit 63, and the main control unit 61 sets the isocenter height position of the used device selected by the used device selection unit 62 as the isocenter height position storage unit. The data is read from 63 and sent to the gantry control unit 19 of the CT gantry 10. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the CT gantry 10 has an isocenter height position storage unit 63, and the isocenter height position storage unit 63 actually determines the isocenter height position between the CT gantry 10 and the counterpart device. Based on the alignment result, the isocenter height position of each device is stored, and the gantry control unit 19 determines the isocenter height position of the device to be used based on the operation of the operation panel 17 by the operator or the operator. Read from the position storage unit 63.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation panel 17. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the operation panel 17 indicates a preset number button (button) 17 a to be pressed when specifying a preset (preset) number Zct, and the current height position of the isocenter Ict of the CT gantry 10. Corresponding to the specified preset number Zct, the position registration button 17b to be pressed when storing in association with the designated preset number Zct, the moving button 17c to be pressed when manually moving the CT gantry 10 back and forth and up and down A read move button 17d is provided to read out the stored isocenter height position and to move the isocenter Ict to the read isocenter height position. Here, a different preset number Zct is assigned to each device used in combination with the CT gantry 10.

  For example, the operator or the operator manually moves the main part of the CT gantry 10 in the vertical direction using the operation panel 17, and the height of the isocenter Ict of the CT gantry 10 and the height of the isocenter of the counterpart device. The position of the CT gantry 10 that is geometrically coincident with the position is searched, and the height position of the isocenter Ict at that time is registered by specifying the preset number Zct corresponding to the counterpart apparatus and stored.

  When actually using the medical imaging system 1, the operator or operator operates the operation panel 17 of the CT gantry 10 and selects a preset number Zct corresponding to the device to be used. The gantry vertical movement unit 12 reads the isocenter height position information of the preset number Zct selected as described above from the isocenter height position storage unit 19 and reads the height position of the CT gantry 10 isocenter Ict. The main part of the CT gantry 10 is moved in the vertical direction so as to coincide with the height position according to the isocenter height position information.

  According to the second embodiment, since the isocenter height position is actually aligned in advance and the isocenter height position of each apparatus is stored, the isocenter is used when the medical imaging system 1 is used. The height position can be aligned with higher accuracy.

(Third embodiment)
By the way, in CT imaging using an X-ray CT apparatus, an imaging technician adjusts the position of the subject relative to the CT gantry before imaging so that the subject is transported to an appropriate position in the imaging space. For example, the radiographer checks the position and posture of the subject placed on the bed by looking into the bore of the CT gantry, relying on the light beam (beam) emitted from the CT gantry, etc. They are guided to an appropriate posture, and the height of the bed is adjusted manually.

  In an IVR (interventional radiology) procedure using an X-ray CT apparatus, a doctor performs a biopsy or treatment on a subject under the guidance of a CT image. For example, a doctor inserts a puncture needle, a catheter, or the like into a subject being transported into the bore of a CT gantry while referring to images obtained at predetermined time intervals by CT imaging on the spot. To do.

  As described above, operators such as radiographers and doctors often perform predetermined operations near the bore of the CT gantry in the X-ray CT apparatus, particularly in the vicinity of the isocenter. In this case, the operator has a CT gantry or a bed. Work on the floor where it is installed.

  On the other hand, as described above, the CT gantry 10 according to the first embodiment is a large-diameter gantry, and has the gantry horizontal drive unit 11 and the gantry vertical drive unit 12 at the bottom thereof. The height position of the bore is higher than that of a general CT gantry having a bore diameter of about 60 centimeters and no horizontal drive. That is, it may be assumed that it is not easy for an operator such as a radiographer or doctor to work near the bore of the CT gantry 10, particularly near the isocenter Ict.

  Therefore, the third embodiment is configured so that an operator can easily perform these operations.

  FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the medical imaging system 1 according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 7 is an overview diagram of the medical imaging system 1 according to the third embodiment. The CT gantry 10 here is an operator who is provided on the surface of the CT gantry 10 having the opening of the bore 10B and on the side where the subject is carried in and out (hereinafter also referred to as the front of the CT gantry 10). Viewing step (step) 13 for stepping on and off, and a step position storage unit (step position storage means) 15 for storing one or more step positions to be set as the position of the viewing step 13 In order to control the position of the viewing step 13, a step vertical driving unit 16 a for moving the viewing step 13 in the vertical direction, a step horizontal driving unit 16 b for moving the viewing step 13 in the horizontal direction, and And a step remote controller 18 that enables the above operations.

  As a drive system of the step vertical drive unit 16a and the step left / right drive unit 16b, for example, hydraulic drive, motor drive, and drive by gear and belt can be considered.

  The step up / down drive unit 16a, the step left / right drive unit 16b, and the gantry control unit 19 function as step moving means of the present invention.

  The gantry control unit 19 moves the viewing step 13 up, down, left and right by controlling the step up / down drive unit 16a and the step left / right drive unit 16b based on the input information. For example, the gantry control unit 19 controls the step up / down drive unit 16a and the step left / right drive unit 16b based on input information by a predetermined operation with the step remote controller 18, thereby moving the viewing step 13 to a desired position. It can be moved manually, or the step position stored in the step position storage unit 15 can be read, and the viewing step 13 can be automatically moved to the read step position. The moving range of the viewing step 13 is preferably limited at least from the viewpoint of safety. For example, the vertical direction is below the bore 10B, and the horizontal direction is a range that does not exceed the horizontal width of the CT gantry 10. .

  The step position storage unit 15 can store an optimal step position for each worker in consideration of the height of the worker and the right and left of the dominant arm. For example, the operator uses the step remote controller 18 to manually move the viewing step 13 up, down, left, and right while searching for the optimum position where the worker can work most easily. Stop at. Then, the operator designates a preset number Zst by using the step remote controller 18 and stores the current step position. By repeating this by changing the preset number for each worker, the optimum step position for each worker can be stored. Note that the optimal step position of the viewing step 13 is assumed to be a relatively low position for an operator having a relatively high height, and conversely a relatively high position for an operator having a relatively low height. It is assumed that In addition, the optimal step position of the viewing step 13 is assumed to be a position on the right side or the left side toward the front of the CT gantry 10 depending on the right or left side of the operator's dominant arm or preference.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the viewing step 13. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the viewing step 13 is a flat plate made of metal or hard plastic having an area enough for one worker to ride, and the worker can hold the flat plate. A handrail 13p is provided. The step remote controller 18 may be attached to the handrail 13p in consideration of ease of operation by the operator.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the viewing step 13 is accompanied by an auxiliary step (auxiliary staircase) 13s, and the viewing step 13 has an auxiliary step drive unit that moves the auxiliary step. The gantry control unit 19 controls the auxiliary step driving unit to move the auxiliary step 13s to an appropriate position according to the height position of the viewing step 13. For example, when the height from the floor surface to the viewing step 13 is equal to or less than the reference value, the gantry control unit 19 drives the auxiliary step 13s so that the auxiliary step 13s moves to a retracted position, for example, a position near the back surface of the viewing step 13. Control part. On the other hand, when the height from the floor surface to the viewing step 13 exceeds the reference value, the gantry control unit 19 assists the auxiliary step 13s to move to a predetermined position between the viewing step 13 and the floor surface. Control the step drive. Thereby, when the height position of the viewing step 13 moves to a relatively high position, the operator can easily get on and off the viewing step 13 through the auxiliary step 13s, and the height position of the viewing step 13 When you move to a relatively low position, you can get on and off without extra auxiliary steps.

  In addition, it is preferable that the viewing step 13 is a structure which can be accommodated.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a structure that can be accommodated in the viewing step 13. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the viewing step 13 is a folding structure that rotates around one end side of the viewing step 13 near the CT gantry 10, or the viewing step 13 slides horizontally. And may be stored inside the CT gantry 10. As a result, when the viewing step 13 is not used, it can be accommodated so that, for example, a medical instrument or a meter connected to the subject is not disturbed. In addition, when providing the drive part for accommodating the viewing step 13, it is better to provide a lock function from a safety viewpoint. For example, a pressure sensor or the like is provided on the viewing step 13, and it is determined whether or not the worker is on the viewing step 13 based on the sensor output. You may make it provide the function locked so that step 13 cannot be accommodated.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the step remote controller 18. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the step remote controller 18 associates the preset number button 18a to be pressed when designating the preset number Zst and the current position of the viewing step 13 with the designated preset number Zst. The position registration button 18b to be pressed when storing, the move button 18c to be pressed when manually moving the viewing step 13 up, down, left and right, and the step position information stored in association with the designated preset number Zst are stored. A reading movement button 18d that is pressed when reading and moving the viewing step 13 to the position indicated by the step position information is provided.

  Hereafter, the flow of operation at the time of CT imaging in the medical imaging system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described. Here, the description will be made on the assumption that the use device has already been selected and the alignment of the isocenter height position between the CT gantry 10 and the use device has been completed.

  The operator uses the step remote controller 18 to specify and determine a preset number in which his / her optimum step position is stored from among a plurality of already stored step positions.

  Then, the CT gantry control unit 19 reads the step position stored in association with the determined preset number from the step position storage unit 15 and sends a control signal to the step vertical drive unit 16a and the step left / right drive unit 16b. The viewing step 13 is moved to the read step position. When the height position of the viewing step 13 exceeds the reference value, the gantry control unit 19 moves the auxiliary step 13s so as to be positioned between the floor surface and the viewing step 13.

  Here, the operator gets into the viewing step 13 and performs a predetermined work near the isocenter Ict of the CT gantry 10, for example, the operation panel of the common bed 50 so that the subject is transported to an appropriate position in the imaging space. 17 is operated to adjust the height of the common bed 50.

  After the work is completed, the operator gets out of the viewing step 13, operates the operation console 60, confirms the CT imaging conditions and the like, and then inputs a command to start CT imaging. The main control unit 61 controls the CT gantry 10 and the common bed 50 in response to this command, and CT imaging is performed.

  According to the third embodiment, since the viewing step 13 is provided on the surface of the CT gantry 10 having the opening of the bore 10B, the isocenter height of the CT gantry 10 is adjusted by the alignment of the isocenter height position. Even when the position has moved to a relatively high position, the operator can easily perform work in the vicinity of the isocenter Ict of the CT gantry 10 by getting on the viewing step 13.

  In addition, according to this embodiment, the gantry control unit 19 controls the step vertical drive unit 16a to move the viewing step 13 at least in the vertical direction to change the position of the viewing step 13, so that the viewing step 13 can be freely moved to a desired height position on which the operator can easily work, and the operator can set the CT gantry 10 regardless of the height position of the isocenter Ict of the CT gantry 10 or the height of the operator. Work in the vicinity of the isocenter Ict can be easily performed.

  Further, according to the embodiment, since the step position storage unit 15 that can store the optimum step position of the worker in advance is provided, the viewing step 13 is instantaneously moved to the optimum step position of the worker. be able to.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

  In the first embodiment, the isocenter height position storage unit 63 is in the operation console 60, and the main control unit 61 reads the isocenter height position of the device to be used from the isocenter height position storage unit 63. For example, the isocenter height position of each device may be stored in the storage unit of the device itself, and the main control unit 61 may read the isocenter height position from the storage unit of the device used.

  In the second embodiment, the operator or the operator operates the operation panel 17 of the CT gantry 10 to select the preset number Zct corresponding to the device to be used. For example, the gantry control unit 19 The preset number Zct corresponding to the used device may be automatically selected based on the information specifying the used device sent from the console 60.

  In the third embodiment, the optimum step position of the operator is stored in the step position storage unit 15, and the gantry control unit 19 reads the optimum step position and moves the viewing step 13 to the position. However, the optimum step position of the worker is stored in a storage medium such as an ID card carried by the worker, and the gantry control unit 19 is stored in the storage medium via the operation panel of the CT gantry 10. It is also possible to read out the optimum step position and move the viewing step 13 to that position.

  In the third embodiment, the optimum step position for each worker is stored in advance in the step position storage unit 15, and the optimum step position of the worker who actually performs the work is selected from among the optimum step positions. For example, a step position deriving unit for deriving a step position to be set based on the worker information representing the height of each worker and the right and left of the dominant arm is moved to the optimum step position. The gantry control unit 19 may move the viewing step 13 to the derived step position.

  In this case, a worker information storage unit in which worker information of each worker is stored is provided in the operation console 60 or the CT gantry 10, and the step position deriving unit stores the worker information of the selected worker in the work. The operator information may be read from the operator information storage unit, or the worker's worker information is stored in a storage medium such as an ID card carried by the worker, and the reader that reads the storage information of the storage medium is operated. It may be provided in the console 60 or the CT gantry 10, and the step position deriving unit may read the worker information via this reader.

  In the third embodiment, the height position of the viewing step 13 is made to coincide with any of the height positions stored in advance. For example, the height position of the viewing step 13 is set to CT. The viewing step 13 may be moved so as to coincide with a predetermined position based on the height position of the isocenter Ict of the gantry 10. That is, the height position of the viewing step 13 may be changed in conjunction with the selection of the device to be used. For example, the step height position is derived so that the height position of the viewing step 13 increases as the isocenter height position of the CT gantry 10 increases. Thereby, regardless of the height of the CT gantry 10, it is possible to always hold the optimum position for the operator.

  In this case, the step position deriving unit 66 derives a step height position to be set based on the isocenter height position of the CT gantry 10, and the gantry control unit 19 sets the viewing step 13 to the step height position. You may make it move. For example, the step height position is derived so that the height position of the viewing step 13 increases as the height position of the CT gantry 10 increases. Thereby, the optimal step position can always be held for the operator regardless of the isocenter height position of the CT gantry 10.

  The step position deriving unit 66 derives the step height position to be set based on both the isocenter height position of the CT gantry 10 and the worker information, and the gantry control unit 19 performs the viewing step 13 on the basis of the step height position. You may make it move to a step height position. Accordingly, the step height position of the viewing step 13 is set in consideration of the ease of working on the viewing step 13 by the operator while considering the ease of getting on and off the viewing step 13. be able to.

In the third embodiment, only one viewing step 13 is provided. For example, one viewing step 13 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the front face of the CT gantry 10, and the gantry control unit 19 includes at least one of them. You may make it move one.

1 is a functional block diagram of a medical imaging system according to a first embodiment. 1 is an overview diagram of a medical imaging system according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the isocenter of each apparatus. It is a functional block diagram of the medical imaging system by 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation panel of CT gantry. It is a functional block diagram of the medical imaging system by 3rd Embodiment. It is a general-view figure of the medical imaging system by 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of a viewing step. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure which can accommodate a viewing step. It is a figure which shows an example of the remote control for steps.

Explanation of symbols

1 Medical imaging system (medical imaging system)
10 CT gantry (CT gantry)
10B bore 11 gantry horizontal drive unit 12 gantry vertical drive unit (gantry moving means)
13 Viewing steps
13p handrail 13s auxiliary step (auxiliary staircase)
15 Step position storage (step position storage means)
16a step vertical drive unit (step moving means)
16b step left and right drive (step moving means)
17 Operation Panel 18 Step Remote Controller 19 Gantry Control Unit 20 Angio Device (Angiography Device)
21 Angio control unit 22 Angio horizontal drive unit 30 RT device (radiotherapy device)
31 RT control unit 32 RT horizontal drive unit 40 OPE device (surgical device)
41 OPE control unit 42 OPE horizontal drive unit 50 Common bed (common bed)
51 Top plate 52 Bed control unit 53 Top plate drive unit 54 Elevation drive unit 55 Rotation drive unit 60 Operation console 61 Main control unit 62 Used device selection unit (used device selection means)
63 Isocenter height position storage section (isocenter height position storage means)
71-74 rails

Claims (16)

A CT gantry having an isocenter;
Isocenter height position storage means for storing an isocenter height position in an apparatus having an isocenter and used in combination with the CT gantry;
An X-ray CT apparatus comprising: a gantry moving means for moving the CT gantry in the vertical direction so that the isocenter height position of the CT gantry matches the isocenter height position stored in the isocenter height position storage means . The device used in combination with the CT gantry is a plurality of devices,
The isocenter height position storage means stores individual isocenter height positions in the plurality of devices,
Based on input information from an operator, further comprising a use device selection means for selecting a device to be used in combination with the CT gantry from the plurality of devices,
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gantry moving unit moves the CT gantry so that an isocenter height position of the CT gantry matches an isocenter height position of the selected apparatus.   The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes at least one of an angiography apparatus, a radiation therapy apparatus, and a surgical apparatus.   The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a step provided on a surface of the CT gantry having a bore opening, on which an operator gets on and off.   The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising step moving means that enables the step to move at least in the vertical direction. A step position storage means for storing one or more step positions;
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the step moving means moves the step to any one of the one or more step positions. Further comprising step position deriving means for deriving a step height position to be set based on worker information including the height of the worker,
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the step moving means moves the step to the derived step height position. Further comprising step position deriving means for deriving a step left and right position to be set based on worker information including left and right distinction of the dominant arm of the worker;
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the step moving means is capable of moving the step in the left-right direction, and moves the step to the derived step left-right position. Further comprising step position deriving means for deriving a step height position to be set based on the isocenter height position of the CT gantry;
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the step moving means moves the step to the derived step height position. The step includes a first step and a second step provided on both the left and right sides of the surface having the bore opening,
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the step moving means moves at least one of the first step and the second step. Further comprising an auxiliary staircase of the step,
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the step moving means moves the auxiliary staircase according to a height position of the step.   The X-ray CT apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the step is provided so as to be foldable on the CT gantry side or accommodated in the CT gantry. A CT gantry having an isocenter;
An apparatus having an isocenter and used in combination with the CT gantry;
A common bed used by the CT gantry and the device;
Isocenter height position storage means for storing the isocenter height position in the apparatus;
A medical imaging system comprising: a gantry moving unit that moves the CT gantry in the vertical direction so that an isocenter height position of the CT gantry matches an isocenter height position stored in the isocenter height position storage unit. The device used in combination with the CT gantry is a plurality of devices,
The isocenter height position storage means stores individual isocenter height positions in the plurality of devices,
Based on input information from an operator, further comprising a use device selection means for selecting a device to be used in combination with the CT gantry from the plurality of devices,
The medical imaging system according to claim 13, wherein the gantry moving means moves the CT gantry so that an isocenter height position of the CT gantry matches an isocenter height position of the selected device.   The medical imaging system according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising a step provided on a surface of the CT gantry having a bore opening, on which an operator gets on and off. The medical imaging system according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the device includes at least one of an angiography device, a radiotherapy device, and a surgical device.

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