JP2018051305A - X-ray computer tomographic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform CT imaging of a subject in a standing state while holding the subject in a predetermined position.SOLUTION: An X-ray tomographic imaging apparatus includes a frame body, a support pillar, and a fixing tool. The frame body includes an opening forming an imaging space, and includes an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector. The support pillar supports the frame body in a state that a central axis of the opening is oriented in a vertical direction with respect to a floor surface so as to move it in the vertical direction. The fixing tool fixes a subject holding tool so that the subject holding tool is disposed in a passage route of the opening, and part of the subject holding tool is included in the opening at a stage that the subject holding tool is mounted on the subject.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an X-ray computed tomography apparatus.

  X-ray computed tomography is usually performed in a lying position with the patient lying on the bed. However, in diagnosis such as swallowing, X-ray computed tomography in a standing state is desired. X-ray computed tomography in a standing position has not been put into practical use.

JP2013-009819A

  The problem to be solved by the invention is to perform CT imaging while holding a subject in a standing position at a predetermined position.

  The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to this embodiment includes a gantry body, a support column, and a fixture. The gantry body has an opening that forms an imaging space, and includes an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector. The support column movably supports the gantry body in a state where the central axis of the opening is perpendicular to the floor surface, and the fixing device is a step of attaching the subject holding tool to the subject. The object holder is fixed so that the object holder is disposed in a passage path of the opening and a part of the object holder is included in the opening.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the gantry device according to FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a view showing the arrangement of the gantry body and the subject holder at the mounting stage of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining fixation of the subject to the subject holder by the fixture provided in the subject holder in the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the gantry device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a subject holder that includes two columnar bodies according to a modification of the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a view showing the subject holder of FIG. 9 together with the subject. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a subject holder made of one columnar body according to a modification of the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a view showing the subject holder of FIG. 11 together with the subject.

  The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to this embodiment includes a gantry device 10 and a console 50. For example, the gantry device 10 is installed in a CT examination room, and the console 50 is installed in a control room adjacent to the CT examination room. The gantry device 10 and the console 50 are connected to each other in a wired or wireless manner so that they can communicate with each other. The gantry device 10 is a scanning device having a configuration for performing X-ray computed tomography (hereinafter referred to as X-ray CT imaging) of the subject S in a standing position. The console 50 is a computer that controls the gantry device 10.

  The gantry device 10 includes a gantry body 11, a support column 13, and a beam 14. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the gantry device 10. Hereinafter, the direction perpendicular to the floor surface is defined as the Y direction, the direction parallel to the horizontal axis R2 that is horizontally orthogonal to the central axis R1 of the opening 15 is defined as the X direction, and the direction orthogonal to the Y direction and the X direction. Is defined in the Z direction.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the gantry main body 11 is a substantially cylindrical structure in which an opening 15 forming a photographing space (field of view) is formed. As shown in FIG. 1, the gantry body 11 accommodates an X-ray tube 17 and an X-ray detector 19 that are arranged to face each other with the opening 15 in between.

  More specifically, the gantry body 11 includes a main frame (not shown) formed of a metal such as aluminum, and a rotating frame 21 supported by the main frame so as to be rotatable around a central axis R1 via a bearing or the like. It has further. An annular electrode (not shown) is provided at a contact portion of the main frame with the rotating frame 21. A conductive slider (not shown) is attached to the contact portion of the main frame so as to be in sliding contact with the annular electrode. The rotating frame 21 is a metal frame formed in a ring shape with a metal such as aluminum, and, for example, an X-ray tube 17 and an X-ray detector 19 are attached thereto. For example, the X-ray tube 17 and the X-ray detector 19 may be fitted into a recess formed in the rotating frame 21 or may be fastened by a fastener such as a screw.

  The rotating frame 21 receives power from the rotation driving device 23 and rotates around the central axis R1 at a constant angular velocity. The rotation driving device 23 generates power for rotating the rotating frame 21 in accordance with control from the gantry control circuit 25. The rotation drive device 23 generates power by driving at a rotation speed corresponding to the duty ratio of the drive signal from the gantry control circuit 25. The rotary drive device 23 is realized by a motor such as a direct drive motor or a servo motor, for example. The rotation drive device 23 is accommodated in the gantry body 11, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the column 13 is a base that supports the gantry body 11 while being separated from the floor surface. Specifically, the column 13 supports the gantry body 11 so as to be slidable in a direction perpendicular to the floor surface. The column 13 supports the gantry body 11 so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis. The support column 13 is formed of metal, reinforced plastic, or the like. A beam 14 is installed on top of the pair of columns 13. The beam 14 is formed of metal, reinforced plastic, or the like. The beam 14 is typically formed of the same material as that of the column 13. The support column 13 and the beam 14 may be integrated.

  Typically, the support columns 13 are provided in pairs. The column 13 on one side is connected to one side of the gantry body 11 in the X direction, and the column 13 on the other side is connected to the other side of the gantry body 11 in the X direction. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, one strut 13 may be connected to only one side of the both sides of the gantry body 11. Moreover, although the support | pillar 13 had a columnar shape, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the column 13 may have any shape such as a U shape as long as it can support at least one side of the gantry body 11.

  Note that the column 13 does not need to fix the gantry body 11 so that the central axis R1 faces the vertical Y direction. That is, the column 13 may be configured to support the gantry body 11 so as to be rotatable about the horizontal axis R2. Specifically, the column 13 and the gantry body 11 are connected to each other through a bearing or the like so that the gantry body 11 can rotate about the horizontal axis R2. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the support column 13 supports the gantry body 11 so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction and to support rotation (tilt) around the horizontal axis R2. Since the column 13 supports the gantry body 11 about the horizontal axis R2, one X-ray CT imaging in the standing state is performed in addition to the X-ray CT imaging in the standing state as shown in FIG. This can be done with the gantry device 10.

  Further, the support column 13 is not limited to support the gantry body 11 so that the central axis R1 maintains the Y direction or the central axis R1 maintains the Z direction, and the central axis R1 is about the horizontal axis R2. It may be stationary so as to face any angle.

  The holder fixture 27 fixes the subject holder 29 on the passage route RT of the opening 15. Here, the subject holder 29 is an instrument for holding the subject in the passage route RT of the opening 15. Specifically, the holder fixture 27 holds the subject on the passage route RT of the opening 15 when the gantry body 11 is arranged so that the central axis of the opening 15 is perpendicular to the floor surface. The tool 29 is fixed.

  The holder fixture 27 has an upper fixture 271 and a lower fixture 273. The upper fixture 271 is provided on a part of the beam 14 as shown in FIG. The upper fixture 271 is provided at a position of the beam 14 that intersects the passage route RT of the opening 15. The upper fixture 271 stores the subject holder 29. The upper fixture 271 includes, for example, a subject holder 29 that can be wound up. The subject holder 29 having a rollable structure is, for example, a rope-like soft body or semi-rigid body. In this case, the subject holder 29 is formed using, for example, carbon, wood, vinyl, or the like. The upper fixture 271 sends out the subject holder 29, inserts the subject holder 29 into the opening 15, winds up the subject holder 29, and pulls out the subject holder 29 from the opening 15.

  In addition, the subject holder 29 may be formed by, for example, a plurality of ladder-like rigid bodies (ladder portions) that are slidable in the Y direction. In other words, the subject holder 20 has a plurality of ladder portions that are connected to each other and have a nested structure. The subject holder 29 can be freely expanded and contracted by sliding a plurality of ladder portions. In this case, the upper fixture 271 expands the subject holder 29, inserts the subject holder 29 into the opening 15, folds the subject holder 29, and pulls out the subject holder 29 from the opening 15.

  The subject holder 29 is preferably made of a material that does not contain an X-ray high absorption material such as metal in order to prevent noise from being mixed into the CT image. In other words, the subject holder 29 is formed of a non-metallic material.

  The lower fixture 273 is provided on the floor surface at a position that intersects the passage route of the opening 15 and fixes the lower portion of the subject holder 29. The lower fixture 273 supports the subject holder 29 so that it can be inserted into and removed from the opening 15. Specifically, the lower fixture 273 is a rigid device having a hook shape, for example. After the subject holder 29 is hooked to the lower fixture 273, the upper fixture 271 is wound up to stretch the subject holder 29. Specifically, the lower fixture 273 is, for example, a magnet, and is arranged to be automatically aspirated when approaching the magnet attached to the lower end of the subject holder 29. The upper fixture 271 and the lower fixture 273 may be provided in reverse. In that case, the lower fixture 273 is provided at a position that intersects the passage route of the opening 15. The lower fixture 273 includes a subject holder 29.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the column 13 accommodates a column driving device 31 for sliding the gantry body 11 in the Y direction and a driving device 33 (hereinafter referred to as a tilt driving device) 33 for tilting the gantry body 11. Has been. The column driving device 31 generates power for sliding the gantry body 11 in the longitudinal direction in accordance with control from the drive control circuit 35. Specifically, the column drive device 31 generates power by driving at a rotational speed corresponding to the duty ratio of the drive signal from the drive control circuit 35. The column 13 receives the power from the column driving device 31 and slides the gantry body 11 with respect to the column 13 in the longitudinal direction. The tilt drive device 33 generates power for rotating the gantry body 11 about the horizontal axis R <b> 2 in accordance with a drive signal from the drive control circuit 35. Specifically, the tilt drive device 33 generates power by driving at a rotational speed corresponding to the duty ratio of the drive signal from the drive control circuit 35. The support column 13 receives power from the tilt driving device 33 and rotates the gantry body 11 about the horizontal axis R2. The column driving device 31 and the tilt driving device 33 are realized by a motor such as a servo motor, for example.

  The drive control circuit 35 controls the column drive device 31 and the tilt drive device 33 in accordance with the control from the gantry control circuit 25. For example, the drive control circuit 35 controls the column drive device 31 in order to raise and lower the gantry body 11 in an arbitrary range from the highest height to the lowest height. As hardware resources, the drive control circuit 35 includes a processing device (processor) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) ( Memory). The drive control circuit 35 includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and other complex programmable logic devices (Complex Programmable Logic Devices). CPLD) and a simple programmable logic device (SPLD). The processing device implements the above functions by reading and executing a program stored in the storage device. Instead of storing the program in the storage device, the program may be directly incorporated in the circuit of the processing device. In this case, the processing device realizes the above function by reading and executing the program incorporated in the circuit.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray tube 17 receives the application of a high voltage from the high voltage generator 39 and generates X-rays. The high voltage generator 39 is attached to the rotating frame 21, for example. The high voltage generator 39 generates a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube 17 under the control of the gantry control circuit 25 from the power supplied from the power supply device (not shown) of the gantry body 11 via the annular electrode. The high voltage generator 39 and the X-ray tube 17 are connected via a high voltage cable (not shown). The high voltage generated by the high voltage generator 39 is applied to the X-ray tube 17 via a high voltage cable.

  The X-ray detector 19 detects X-rays generated from the X-ray tube 17 and transmitted through the subject S. The X-ray detector 19 is equipped with a plurality of X-ray detection elements (not shown) arranged on a two-dimensional curved surface. Each X-ray detection element detects the X-ray from the X-ray tube 17 and converts it into an electric signal having a peak value corresponding to the detected X-ray intensity. Each X-ray detection element has, for example, a scintillator and a photoelectric converter. The scintillator receives X-rays and generates fluorescence. The photoelectric converter converts the generated fluorescence into a charge pulse. The charge pulse has a peak value corresponding to the intensity of the X-ray. Specifically, a device that converts photons such as a photomultiplier tube or a photodiode (Photo Diode) into an electrical signal is used as the photoelectric converter. The X-ray detector 19 according to this embodiment is not limited to an indirect detection type detector that converts X-rays into fluorescence and then converts them into electrical signals, and converts X-rays directly into electrical signals. It may be a direct detection type detector.

  The data collection circuit 41 collects digital data indicating the intensity of X-rays attenuated by the subject S for each view. The data collection circuit 41 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor integrated circuit in which an integration circuit provided for each of a plurality of X-ray detection elements and an A / D converter are mounted in parallel. The data collection circuit 41 is connected to the X-ray detector 19 in the gantry body 11. The integration circuit integrates the electric signal from the X-ray detection element over a predetermined view period to generate an integration signal. The A / D converter performs A / D conversion on the generated integration signal, and generates digital data having a data value corresponding to the peak value of the integration signal. The converted digital data is called raw data. The raw data is a set of digital values of X-ray intensity identified by the channel number, column number, and view number indicating the collected view of the source X-ray detection element. The raw data is supplied to the console 50 via, for example, a non-contact data transmission device (not shown) accommodated in the gantry body 11.

  The gantry body 11 is necessary for CT imaging as well as the X-ray tube 17, the X-ray detector 19, the rotating frame 21, the main frame, the power supply device, the high voltage generator 39, and the data collection circuit 41. Various other devices may be accommodated. For example, a cooling device for cooling the X-ray tube may be attached to the rotating frame 21. A fan for air conditioning may be attached to the gantry body 11.

  The gantry control circuit 25 controls the high voltage generator 39, the rotation drive device 23, and the drive control circuit 35 in accordance with control from the system control circuit 61 of the console 50. The gantry control circuit 25 includes, as hardware resources, a processing device (processor) such as a CPU or MPU and a storage device (memory) such as a ROM or RAM. The gantry control circuit 25 may be realized by an ASIC, FPGA, CPLD, SPLD, or the like. The processing device realizes the above function by reading and realizing a program stored in the storage device. Instead of storing the program in the storage device, the program may be directly incorporated in the circuit of the processing device. In this case, the processing device realizes the above function by reading and executing a program incorporated in the circuit.

  Note that the drive control circuit 35 and the gantry control circuit 25 may be mounted on separate substrates or may be mounted on a single substrate. The drive control circuit 35 and the gantry control circuit 25 may be provided on the column 13 of the gantry body 11 or may be provided on the console 50. In addition, the noise which originates in the drive control circuit 35 can be reduced, so that the drive control circuit 35 is installed in the position close | similar to the support | pillar drive device 31 and the tilt drive device 33. FIG. Therefore, the drive control circuit 35 is preferably accommodated in the support column 13 in order to reduce the noise. However, when the drive control circuit 35 is accommodated in the support 13, the volume of the support 13 increases. Therefore, the drive control circuit 35 may be accommodated in a device other than the column 13 such as the console 50 or a dedicated device in order to prevent the volume of the column 13 from increasing. The drive control circuit 35 and the gantry control circuit 25 do not need to be provided in the same device, and may be provided in different devices.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the console 50 includes an image reconstruction circuit 51, an image processing circuit 53, a display device 55, an input device 57, a main storage circuit 59, and a system control circuit 61 connected via a bus. Have Data communication among the image reconstruction circuit 51, the image processing circuit 53, the display device 55, the input device 57, the main storage circuit 59, and the system control circuit 61 is performed via a bus.

  The image reconstruction circuit 51 reconstructs a CT image related to the subject S based on the raw data from the console 50. Specifically, the image reconstruction circuit 51 includes a preprocessing unit 511, a projection data storage unit 513, and a reconstruction calculation unit 515. The preprocessing unit 511 performs preprocessing on the raw data from the console 50. The preprocessing includes various correction processes such as logarithmic conversion, X-ray intensity correction, and offset correction. The raw data after the preprocessing is called projection data. The projection data storage unit 513 is a storage device such as an HDD, an SSD, or an integrated circuit storage device that stores the projection data generated by the preprocessing unit 511. The reconstruction calculation unit 515 generates a CT image representing the spatial distribution of CT values related to the subject S based on the projection data. Image reconstruction algorithms include analytical image reconstruction methods such as FBP (filtered back projection) and CBP (convolution back projection), ML-EM (maximum likelihood expectation maximization), and OS-EM (ordered subset). An existing image reconstruction algorithm such as a statistical image reconstruction method such as an expectation maximization method may be used.

  The image reconstruction circuit 51 includes, as hardware resources, a processing device (processor) such as a CPU, MPU, or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and a storage device (memory) such as a ROM or RAM. The image reconstruction circuit 51 may be realized by an ASIC, FPGA, CPLD, or SPLD. The processing device implements the functions of the preprocessing unit 511 and the reconstruction calculation unit 515 by reading and executing a program stored in the storage device. Instead of storing the program in the storage device, the program may be directly incorporated in the circuit of the processing device. In this case, the processing apparatus implements the functions of the preprocessing unit 511 and the reconstruction calculation unit 515 by reading and executing a program incorporated in the circuit. In addition, a dedicated hardware circuit that functions as the preprocessing unit 511 and a dedicated hardware circuit that functions as the reconstruction calculation unit 515 may be mounted in the image reconstruction circuit 51.

  The image processing circuit 53 performs various image processes on the CT image reconstructed by the image reconstruction circuit 51. For example, when the CT image is volume data, the image processing circuit 53 performs volume rendering, surface volume rendering, pixel value projection processing, MPR (Multi-Planer Reconstruction) processing, CPR (Curved MPR) processing, etc. on the CT image. A display image is generated by performing three-dimensional image processing. The image processing circuit 53 includes, as hardware resources, a processing device (processor) such as a CPU, MPU, or GPU and a storage device (memory) such as a ROM or RAM. The image processing circuit 53 may be realized by an ASIC, FPGA, CPLD, or SPLD.

  The display device 55 displays various information such as a two-dimensional CT image and a display image. As the display device 55, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, a plasma display, or any other display known in the art can be used as appropriate.

  The input device 57 receives various commands and information input from the user. As the input device 57, a keyboard, a mouse, various switches, and the like can be used. The input device 57 may be provided in the console 50 or may be provided in the gantry device 10. In consideration of patient and surgeon safety, the input device 57 should be provided in the console 50.

  The main storage circuit 59 is a storage device such as an HDD, an SSD, or an integrated circuit storage device that stores various information. Further, the main storage circuit 59 may be a drive unit that reads / writes various information from / to a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM drive, a DVD drive, or a flash memory. For example, the main memory circuit 59 stores a control program related to CT imaging according to the present embodiment.

  The system control circuit 61 includes the processing device and the storage device as hardware resources. The system control circuit 61 functions as the center of the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to this embodiment. Specifically, the system control circuit 61 reads out a control program stored in the main storage circuit 59 and develops it on the memory, and controls each part of the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the developed control program.

  The image reconstruction circuit 51, the image processing circuit 53, and the system control circuit 61 may be integrated on a single board in the console 50, or may be distributed and mounted on a plurality of boards.

  Details of the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below.

  The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a holder fixture 27 that fixes a subject holder 29 for holding the standing posture of the subject S. The holder fixing tool 27 safely places the subject S in the passage route RT and attaches the subject holder 29 to the subject S at the stage of mounting the subject holder 29 on the subject S (hereinafter referred to as the mounting stage). The subject holder 29 is fixed so that it can be attached to the body.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the gantry body 11 and the subject holder 29 in the mounting stage. As shown in FIG. 3, in the mounting stage, the holder fixture 27 is configured such that a part of the subject holder 29 is included in the opening 15 and the subject holder 29 is arranged in the passage route RT of the opening 15. The subject holding tool 29 is fixed to.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the column 13 supports the gantry body 11 so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction Y. The mechanical movable range RM of the gantry body 11 in the column 13 is limited between the upper limit PMU and the lower limit PML by a mechanical element such as a stopper provided in the column 13. For safety, the movable range of the gantry body 11 is electrically limited to a normal movable range RS narrower than the mechanical movable range RM at the time of scanning or the like. The upper limit PSU of the normal movable range RS is set lower than the upper limit PMU of the mechanical movable range RM, and the lower limit PSL of the normal movable range RS is set higher than the lower limit PML of the mechanical movable range RM.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the support column 13 arranges the gantry body 11 at the upper limit PSU of the normal movable range RS in the mounting stage. For example, the drive control circuit 35 controls the column driving device 31 to place the gantry body 11 at the upper limit PSU when the transition instruction button to the mounting stage provided in the column 13 or the like is pressed. In a state where the gantry body 11 is disposed at the upper limit PSU, the subject holder 29 is fixed to the holder fixture 27 so that the subject holder 29 penetrates the opening 15 and is included in the passage route RT. In this way, the subject holder 29 is arranged, so that the subject S can stand up directly under the gantry body 11 and can be attached to the subject holder 29.

  The holder fixture 27 fixes both ends of the subject holder 29 in the longitudinal direction on the upper side (+ Y direction) and the lower side (−Y direction) of the gantry body 11 in the vertical direction. Specifically, the upper end of the subject holder 29 in the longitudinal direction is fixed by the upper fixture 271, and the lower end of the subject holder 29 in the longitudinal direction is fixed by the lower fixture 273. Thereby, the subject holder 29 can be stabilized. Note that the object holder 29 may be fixed by either the upper fixture 271 or the lower fixture 273 as long as it is stabilized.

  In the above description, it is assumed that the gantry body 11 is disposed at the upper limit PSU of the normal movable range RS in the mounting stage. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the gantry body 11 may be arranged at the upper limit PMU of the mechanical movable range RM in the mounting stage.

  Hereinafter, an operation example of the gantry device 10 will be described for each method of fixing the subject holder 29 by the holder fixture 27.

Example 1
Hereinafter, an operation example when the subject holder 29 is provided in the upper fixture 271 and the subject holder 29 is fixed by the lower fixture 273 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  When an instruction to lower the subject holder 29 is input from the operator via the input device 57 (step S11: YES), the system control circuit 61 or the gantry control circuit 25 controls the upper fixture 271 to control the subject. The specimen holder 29 is lowered (step S12). The subject holder 29 has a drive mechanism (not shown). The subject holder 29 is lowered by the drive of the drive mechanism. As described above, the subject holder 29 has a structure that can be wound by the drive mechanism. In this case, the upper fixture 271 moves the subject holder 29 in and out of the opening 15. That is, the upper fixture 271 passes the subject holder 29 through the opening 15 by sending out the subject holder 29, and pulls out the subject holder 29 from the opening 15 by winding the subject holder 29. Note that there is no need for a drive mechanism. In that case, the subject holder 29 is lowered by gravity or manually.

  When step S12 is performed, the surgeon fixes the subject holder 29 with the lower fixture 273 (step S13). In step S13, the operator fixes the subject holder 29 to the floor. Specifically, the lower fixture 273 has a hook-shaped instrument, and the subject holder 29 is fixed to the floor with the hook-shaped instrument. The fixing means by the lower fixture 273 is not limited to this. For example, the lower fixture 273 may be a magnet. In this case, a magnet having a magnetic pole different from the magnet provided on the lower fixture 273 is provided at the lower end of the subject holder 29. The subject holder 29 is fixed to the floor by attracting the magnet provided on the lower fixture 273 and the magnet provided on the subject holder 29 by magnetic force.

  If the subject holder 29 is fixed by the holder fixture 27 in step S13 and the gantry body 11 is placed at the upper limit of the normal movable range or the upper limit of the mechanical movable range, the process proceeds to the mounting stage. In the mounting stage, as described above, the subject holder 29 is fixed to the holder fixture 27 so that the subject holder 29 penetrates the opening 15 and is included in the passage route RT.

  When step S13 is performed, the surgeon fixes the subject S to the subject holder 29 with the attached fixture 291 (step S14). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the subject S fixed to the subject holder 29 by the attached fixture 291 provided in the subject holder 29 in the present embodiment. Specifically, the attached fixture 291 is, for example, a belt or the like. The posture of the subject at the time of X-ray CT imaging is fixed by the subject holder 29 and the attached fixture 291. Note that the holder fixture 27 may support the subject holder 29 movably in the vertical direction Y and the horizontal directions X and Z. Specifically, the position of the subject S held by the subject holder 29 in the passage route RT may be adjusted by moving the holder fixture 27 up and down and left and right. Thereby, the position of the imaging part with respect to the effective visual field (Field_Of_View: FOV) can be adjusted.

  When step S14 is performed, the surgeon inputs an X-ray CT imaging start instruction via the input device 57 at an arbitrary timing, and X-ray CT imaging is started (step S15). In step S15, X-ray CT imaging is performed by sliding the gantry body 11 from top to bottom.

  The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to this embodiment can also perform supine position imaging. For example, the gantry body 11 is tilted about the horizontal axis (tilt axis) R2 by the support column 13 so that the central axis R1 of the opening 15 is oriented horizontally. As a result, the subject S in the supine position is placed in the opening 15 of the gantry body 11, and the supine image can be taken. In the present embodiment, the tilt function is not an essential component.

  As described above, according to the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the first embodiment, the subject holder 29 can be lowered from the upper fixture 271. The lowered subject holder 29 can be fixed to the lower fixture 273. The subject can be held on the fixed subject holder 29 by the fixture 291 and X-ray CT imaging can be performed on the subject S in the standing state. Since the subject holder 29 is accommodated in the upper fixture 271, the subject holder 29 does not interfere with the operator and the patient. Since the subject holder 29 passes through the inside of the opening 15, unnecessary body movement of the patient can be removed, and safety and security can be ensured. Thus, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide an X-ray computed tomography apparatus that can perform imaging while holding the subject S in a standing position at a predetermined position.

(Example 2)
Hereinafter, an operation example when the subject holder 29 is provided in the lower fixture 273 and the subject holder 29 is fixed by the upper fixture 271 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  When an instruction to raise the subject holder is input from the operator via the input device 57 (step S21: Yes), the system control circuit 61 controls the lower fixture 273 to raise the subject holder 29. (Step S22). The subject holder 29 has a drive mechanism (not shown). The subject holder 29 is raised by driving the drive mechanism. Note that there is no need for a drive mechanism. In that case, the subject holder 29 is raised manually.

  When step S22 is performed, the surgeon fixes the subject holder 29 with the upper fixture 271 (step S23). Specifically, the upper fixture 271 has a hook-shaped instrument, and the subject holder 29 is fixed to the beam 14 or the ceiling by the hook-shaped instrument. The fixing means by the upper fixture 271 is not limited to this. For example, the upper fixture 271 may be a magnet. In this case, a magnet having a magnetic pole different from the magnet provided on the upper fixture 271 is provided at the upper end of the subject holder 29. The magnet provided on the upper fixture 271 and the magnet provided on the subject holder 29 are attracted by a magnetic force, thereby fixing the subject holder 29 to the beam 14 or the ceiling.

  When the subject holder 29 is fixed by the holder fixture 27 in step S23 and the gantry body 11 is placed at the upper limit of the normal movable range or the upper limit of the mechanical movable range, the process proceeds to the mounting stage. In the mounting stage, as described above, the subject holder 29 is fixed to the holder fixture 27 so that the subject holder 29 penetrates the opening 15 and is included in the passage route RT.

  When step S23 is performed, the surgeon fixes the subject S to the subject holder 29 with the attached fixture (step S24).

  When step S24 is performed, the surgeon inputs an X-ray CT imaging start instruction via the input device 57 at an arbitrary timing, and X-ray CT imaging is started (step S25). In step S25, X-ray CT imaging is performed by sliding the gantry body 11 from the bottom to the top.

  As described above, according to the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the second embodiment, the subject holder 29 can be raised from the lower fixture 273. The raised subject holder 29 can be fixed to the upper fixture 271. The subject S is held by the fixture 291 on the fixed subject holder 29, and X-ray CT imaging can be performed on the subject S in the standing state. Since the subject holder 29 is stored in the lower fixture 273, the subject holder 29 does not interfere with the operator and the patient. Thus, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to provide an X-ray computed tomography apparatus that can perform imaging while holding the subject S in a standing position at a predetermined position.

(Example 3)
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the gantry device according to the third embodiment. In the X-ray CT apparatus according to the third embodiment, the subject holder 29 is fixed only by the lower fixture 273. The lower fixture 273 is, for example, a recess provided on the floor so that the subject holder 29 stands at a predetermined position. Alternatively, the lower fixture 273 may be a mark for determining the placement position of the subject holder 29. The subject holder 29 is, for example, a ladder or a chair.

  Hereinafter, an operation example when the subject holder 29 is fixed by the lower fixture 273 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the third embodiment.

  The surgeon fixes the subject holder 29 with the lower fixture 273 (step S31). In step S31, the surgeon fixes the subject holder 29 by inserting it into the lower fixture 273, specifically, a concave instrument.

  When the subject holder 29 is fixed by the holder fixture 27 in step S31 and the gantry body 11 is placed at the upper limit of the normal movable range or the upper limit of the mechanical movable range, the process proceeds to the mounting stage. In the mounting stage, as described above, the subject holder 29 is fixed to the holder fixture 27 so that the subject holder 29 penetrates the opening 15 and is included in the passage route RT.

  When step S31 is performed, the surgeon fixes the subject S to the subject holder 29 with the attached fixture (step S32).

  When step S32 is performed, the surgeon inputs an X-ray CT imaging start instruction via the input device 57 at an arbitrary timing, and X-ray CT imaging is started (step S33).

  As described above, according to the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the third embodiment, the subject holder 29 is fixed to the lower fixture 273, and the subject S is attached to the fixed subject holder 29. By fixing with a fixture, X-ray CT imaging can be performed on the subject S in a standing position. Thus, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to provide an X-ray computed tomography apparatus that can perform imaging while holding the subject S in a standing position at a predetermined position.

(Modification)
The subject holder 29 is not limited to the above structure. The subject holder 29 may be one or a plurality of columnar bodies.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the subject holder 29 composed of two columnar bodies 293. FIG. 10 is a view showing the subject holder 293 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the two columnar bodies 293 are fixed by a holding fixture 27. Specifically, the upper ends of the two columnar bodies 293 are fixed by the upper fixture 271, and the lower ends of the two columnar bodies 293 are fixed by the lower fixture 273. The two columnar bodies 293 may be arranged at any position in the passage route RT. For example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the two columnar bodies 293 are fixed by the upper fixing tool 271 and the lower fixing tool 273 so as to be positioned on both sides of the subject S.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in order to more firmly fix the subject S to the two columnar bodies 293, even if an attached fixture 294 such as a band is detachably attached to the two columnar bodies 293. good. The subject S can be fixed to the two columnar bodies 293 by the attached fixture 294.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the subject holder 29 composed of one columnar body 295. FIG. 12 is a view showing the subject holder 295 of FIG. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, one columnar body 295 is fixed by a fixture 27 for holding tool. Specifically, the upper end portion of one columnar body 295 is fixed by an upper fixture 271, and the lower end portion of one columnar body 295 is fixed by a lower fixture 273. The single columnar body 295 may be arranged at any position in the passage route RT. For example, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, one columnar body 295 is fixed by an upper fixing tool 271 and a lower fixing tool 273 so as to be disposed at a position where it can come into contact with the back of the subject S. . Since the subject S leans against the single columnar body 295 from the back, the single columnar body 295 can hold the standing state of the subject S. In addition, since the subject S can lean against the columnar body 295 so that the columnar body 295 is located in the depression at the center of the back of the subject S, the columnar body 295 is compared with the two columnar bodies 293. It is easier to hold the subject S.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in order to more firmly fix the subject S to one columnar body 295, an attached fixture 296 such as a band may be detachably attached to one columnar body 295. good. The subject S can be fixed to one columnar body 295 by the attached fixture 296.

(Summary)
As described above, the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to this embodiment includes the gantry body 11 and the fixture fixture 27. The gantry body 11 has an opening 15 that forms an imaging space, and includes an X-ray tube 17 and an X-ray detector 19 that are arranged to face each other with the opening 15 in between. When the gantry body 11 is arranged so that the central axis of the opening 15 is vertically oriented, the holder fixture 27 includes a subject holder 29 for holding the subject in the passage path of the opening 15. It fixes so that it may arrange | position to the passage route RT.

  With the above configuration, the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to this embodiment can lower the subject holder 29 from the upper fixture 271. The lowered subject holder 29 can be fixed to the lower fixture 273. Further, according to the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to this embodiment, the subject holder 29 can be raised from the lower fixture 273. The raised subject holder 29 can be fixed to the upper fixture 271. Furthermore, according to the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the present embodiment, the subject holder 29 can be fixed to the lower fixture 273. The subject can be held by the attached fixture 291 on the subject holder 29 fixed by the various methods described above, and X-ray CT imaging can be performed on the subject in the standing state. In addition, since the subject holder 29 passes through the inside of the opening 15, unnecessary body movement of the patient can be removed, and safety and security can be ensured. Furthermore, it does not take time to fix the subject holder 29. Since there is no need to perform large construction on the floor, the number of installation steps can be reduced. Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an X-ray computed tomography apparatus that can perform imaging while holding a subject in a standing position at a predetermined position.

  Note that the term “processor” used in the above description is, for example, a dedicated or general-purpose processor, circuit (circuitry), processing circuit (circuitry), operation circuit (circuitry), arithmetic circuit (circuitry), or application-specific integration. Circuit (Application Specific Integrated Circuit: ASIC), programmable logic device (for example, Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD)), decoding programmable logic device (Complex Programmable Logic Device: CPLD)), and field programmable gate array ( Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). In addition, each component (each processing unit) of the present embodiment is not limited to a single processor, and may be realized by a plurality of processors. Furthermore, a plurality of components (a plurality of processing units) may be realized by a single processor.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Mount apparatus, 11 ... Mount body, 13 ... Support | pillar, 14 ... Beam, 15 ... Opening, 17 ... X-ray tube, 19 ... X-ray detector, 21 ... Rotation frame, 23 ... Rotation drive apparatus, 25 ... Mount control Circuits 27... Fixing fixtures 27 and 29... Object holding fixtures 31... Prop drive device 33. Tilt drive device 35. Drive control circuit 39. High voltage generator 41. ... Console, 51 ... Image reconstruction circuit, 53 ... Image processing circuit, 55 ... Display device, 57 ... Input device, 59 ... Main memory circuit, 61 ... System control circuit.

Claims (14)

A gantry body having an opening forming an imaging space and having an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector;
A column portion that supports the gantry body in a state in which the central axis of the opening is perpendicular to the floor surface so as to be movable in the vertical direction;
In the step of attaching the subject holder to the subject, the subject holder is arranged such that a part of the subject holder is included in the opening and the subject holder is disposed in a passage path of the opening. Fixing part for fixing,
An X-ray computed tomography apparatus comprising: The column part is arranged at the upper end of the movable range or mechanical movable range at the time of scanning the gantry body in the stage,
The fixing unit fixes the subject holder so that the subject holder passes through the opening and is included in the passage path when the gantry body is disposed at the upper end.
The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1.   The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing unit fixes both end portions of the subject holder in the vertical direction on an upper side and a lower side of the gantry body in the vertical direction. Further comprising a beam erected on a pair of struts constituting the strut portion,
The fixing portion is provided at a position of the beam that intersects the passage route.
The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1.   The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing unit supports the subject holder so as to be inserted into and removed from the opening. The object holder has a structure that can be wound by the fixture.
The fixing unit inserts the subject holder into the opening by sending out the subject holder, and pulls out the subject holder from the opening by winding up the subject holder.
The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 5. The object holder has a plurality of ladder parts connected to each other and having a nested structure,
The fixing portion extends the plurality of ladder portions to insert the subject holder into the opening, and folds the plurality of ladder portions to pull out the subject holder from the opening.
The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 5.   The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing unit is provided at an intersection position of the passage route on the floor surface and fixes a lower end portion of the subject holder.   The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the subject holder holds a standing posture of the subject arranged in the passage route.   The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the subject holder is one or a plurality of columns fixed to the floor surface by the fixing unit.   2. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing unit includes a concave portion provided at the intersecting position to stand the subject holder at a position intersecting the passage route on the floor surface. .   The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing unit supports the subject holder movably in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.   The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the subject holder is made of a nonmetal.   The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the column portion supports the gantry body so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis.