JP3665048B2 - Transport system and medical information server - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an X-ray CT apparatus equipped with a large number of X-ray sources and mounted on a moving body, and a transport system for a treatment subject.
[0002]
[Prior art]
An X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus acquires a tomographic image to be measured. The X-ray CT apparatus is used for medical treatment to determine an appropriate treatment policy and early detection of a disease. An X-ray CT apparatus is usually installed in a medical facility such as a hospital and used for diagnosis. Moreover, there exists what was mounted in the large sized bus (for example, refer patent document 1). This vehicle equipped with an X-ray CT apparatus has been devised in order to cope with periodic medical examinations and the like for measurement subjects living in an area away from a medical facility that owns the X-ray CT apparatus.
[0003]
A vehicle equipped with an X-ray CT apparatus has an RR (rotate-rotate) type X-ray CT apparatus mounted substantially at the center of the vehicle. In the RR X-ray CT apparatus, an X-ray source and a detector rotate around a measurement target in order to acquire a tomographic image. Therefore, if the X-ray CT apparatus receives an impact or shakes during the measurement, the driving parts such as the X-ray source and the detector are loaded and damaged. For this reason, it is assumed that a vehicle equipped with an X-ray CT apparatus is used in a fixed manner so that the vehicle does not move where it has moved. Then, the X-ray CT apparatus mounter mechanically fixes the movable part so that it does not move during traveling, prevents traveling while using the X-ray CT apparatus, and sets the X-ray CT apparatus during traveling of the vehicle. It is provided to prevent operation.
[0004]
In recent years, with the improvement of the computer processing speed, the X-ray CT apparatus can quickly acquire a tomographic image with higher accuracy. Therefore, in order to make a more accurate diagnosis, opportunities to actively use the X-ray CT apparatus have increased.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-600 (paragraphs 0008-0021, FIG. 1-6)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, a suddenly ill person or an injured person cannot receive a diagnosis by the X-ray CT apparatus until the patient is transported to a medical facility that owns the X-ray CT apparatus. In particular, injuries to the head and cervical vertebrae due to brain diseases or trauma such as traffic accidents, appropriate first aid is required to reduce the aftereffects after healing, and initial diagnosis is in demand. However, it is difficult to judge visually the degree of brain disease or head and cervical spine injury. In some cases, these treatment subjects have to be transported to another medical facility after receiving a tomographic image with the X-ray CT apparatus of the transport destination medical facility in order to receive more appropriate treatment.
[0007]
Therefore, in emergency medicine, an X-ray CT apparatus that is mounted on a moving body such as an ambulance and can acquire a tomographic image while conveying a treatment target is desired.
[0008]
Therefore, the present invention efficiently mounts an X-ray CT apparatus that can be mounted on a moving body and can acquire a tomographic image of a measurement target while the moving body is moving, and a moving object on which the X-ray CT apparatus is mounted. It is an object to provide a transport system.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The transport system according to the present invention includes a communication device, a medical information server, a medical network, a medical facility, and a database. The communication device communicates information including at least the current position data of the moving body and a tomographic image acquired by an X-ray CT apparatus mounted on the moving body. The medical information server is connected to a communication device via a communication network. The medical network is connected to a medical information server. The database is provided in the medical information server, and stores data related to a plurality of medical facilities having unique addresses on the medical network and information sent from the communication device via the communication network. The medical information server compares the information sent from the communication device with the information about each medical facility stored in the database, and selects at least one medical facility that satisfies the necessary conditions.
[0010]
In the transport system, the medical information server transmits the information sent from the communication device to the selected medical facility using the address.
[0011]
In the transport system, the medical information server sends back the acceptance information returned from the selected medical facility to the communication device.
[0012]
The medical information server obtains information including the current position data of the moving body on which the X-ray CT apparatus is mounted and the tomographic image acquired by the X-ray CT apparatus from the communication device provided in the X-ray CT apparatus. Receive through. In addition, a database for storing data related to a plurality of medical facilities having unique addresses on the medical network and information transmitted from the communication device is provided. And the said information sent from the said communication apparatus and the data regarding the said medical facility accumulate | stored in the said database are compared, and at least 1 medical facility which satisfies a required condition is selected.
[0013]
In the medical information server, the information including the tomographic image transmitted from the communication device is transmitted to the selected medical facility using the address.
[0014]
In the medical information server, the acceptance information returned from the selected medical facility is sent back to the communication device.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. An X-ray CT apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on an ambulance 2 as a moving body. In addition to the X-ray CT apparatus 1, the ambulance 2 is equipped with equipment necessary for emergency medical care.
[0016]
As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is attached to a treatment room 3 provided at the rear of an ambulance 2. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes a computer 4, a main body 5, a number of X-ray sources 6, a detector 7, a bed 8, and a power source (see FIG. 2) 9. The computer is firmly fixed to the treatment room 3 so as not to fall off during traveling of the ambulance, and includes a control device 10, an analysis device 11, and a communication device 12 as shown in FIG. Note that the control device 10, the analysis device 11, and the communication device 12 may be provided separately.
[0017]
The main body 5 is provided with an opening 5a having a size capable of inserting the head of the treatment subject P conveyed by the ambulance 2 . At this time, it is more preferable that the opening 5a has a size that allows the head to be inserted even while wearing a motorcycle helmet or the like. The main body 5 contains a vacuum vessel 13 formed in an annular shape surrounding the opening 5a.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 2, the vacuum container 13 is connected to a vacuum pump 14 and the inside thereof is decompressed. The vacuum pump 14 is controlled by the control device 10 so that the pressure inside the vacuum vessel 13 becomes a predetermined pressure or less. The vacuum vessel 13 includes a window 15 that transmits X-rays on the inner peripheral side.
[0019]
A large number of X-ray sources 6 are accommodated in a vacuum vessel 13 as shown in FIG. The X-ray source 6 is arranged on a concentric circle surrounding the opening 5a along the circumferential direction of the vacuum vessel 13, and emits X-rays toward the center of the opening 5a. Each X-ray source 6 includes an electron gun 16 and a target 17. A high voltage and DC power is applied between the electron gun 16 and the target 17 by a power source 9 controlled by the control device 10. The electron gun 16 is controlled by the control device 10 and emits electrons toward the target 17. When the electrons collide, the target 17 emits X-rays from the places where the electrons collided. The emitted X-rays pass through the window 15 provided in the vacuum vessel 13 and are emitted toward the treatment subject P.
[0020]
The detector 7 is formed concentrically around the opening 5 a and is built in the main body 5. The detector 7 is attached along the inner periphery of the vacuum vessel 13 and detects X-rays radiated from the X-ray source 6 and extending to a point target range centered on the treatment subject P. The detector 7 is connected to an analysis device 11 for processing the detected X-ray signal.
[0021]
The bed 8 carries the treatment subject P in a supine posture and is controlled by the control device 10 to move in a direction along the body axis of the treatment subject P. As a result, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 puts the treatment subject P into the opening 5a from the top of the head to the cervical spine.
[0022]
Based on the X-ray detection signal detected by the detector 7 and the control signal regarding the radiation direction of the X-ray source 6 and the position of the bed 8 obtained from the control device 10, the analysis device 11 A tomographic image is formed.
[0023]
The communication device 12 is connected to the analysis device 11 and communicates information including the acquired tomographic image. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 transmits an X-ray detection signal detected by the detector 7 during the movement of the ambulance 2 to an analysis apparatus provided in an emergency medical center or a medical facility at a transport destination, for more advanced analysis. You may go.
[0024]
The X-ray CT apparatus 1 switches a large number of X-ray sources 6 by the control device 10 to emit X-rays from multiple directions to the treatment subject P and detects them by the detector 7. The analysis apparatus 11 forms a tomographic image of the head of the treatment subject P based on the detected X-ray detection signal and the control signal related to the orientation of the X-ray source 6 that has emitted X-rays and the position of the bed 8. To do. Then, a desired tomographic image from the top of the head to the cervical vertebra is acquired by moving the bed 8 shown in FIG. 1 along the body axis of the treatment subject P.
[0025]
As described above, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes a large number of X-ray sources 6, which are electrically switched by the control device 10 to emit X-rays from multiple directions to the treatment subject P. X-rays are detected by a detector 7 arranged to detect X-rays emitted from the radiation source 6. That is, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 does not move the X-ray source 6 and the detector 7 in order to acquire a tomographic image of the treatment subject P.
[0026]
Therefore, even while the ambulance 2 is traveling, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 can emit X-rays from the X-ray source 6 to the treatment subject P and detect them with the detector 7. Then, by installing the analysis device, the tomographic image can be acquired by analyzing the detection signal obtained by the detector 7. In addition, when it is mounted on a mobile body and transported, it is not necessary to take special fixing measures, and the X-ray CT apparatus 1 does not have to be fixed while acquiring a tomographic image, so that handling is easy. .
[0027]
The X-ray CT apparatus 1 is accommodated in a vacuum vessel 13 in which a large number of X-ray sources 6 are formed in an annular shape surrounding an opening. Therefore, since more X-ray sources 6 can be arranged around the treatment subject P, a fine tomographic image can be obtained.
[0028]
In the X-ray CT apparatus 1, the detector 7 is attached along the inner periphery of the vacuum vessel 13. Therefore, when X-rays are emitted from the X-ray source 6 and detected by the detector 7 while the ambulance 2 is moving, the X-ray source 6 and the detector 7 are relatively difficult to shift due to shaking or vibration. High reliability.
[0029]
The X-ray CT apparatus 1 can acquire a tomographic image at an arbitrary position in the range from the crown to the cervical spine. Therefore, it is easy to perform appropriate first aid for a treatment subject P who needs delicate treatment such as an injured person suffering from brain disease or an injured person injured in the head or cervical spine, and the obtained tomographic image is Based on this, the treatment subject P can be transported to an appropriate medical facility. Moreover, if it is a site | part which can be arrange | positioned in the opening part 5a, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 can acquire tomographic images, such as a limb and an infant's chest.
[0030]
In addition, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is mounted on an emergency helicopter as a moving body similarly to the ambulance 2 and can acquire a tomographic image during flight. Since the X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes a power source 9 that supplies high-voltage power to the X-ray source 6, it can be handled as a single X-ray CT apparatus unit, and can be used where it is needed. It is excellent in versatility, such as mounting on a moving object.
[0031]
Next, a transport system that efficiently transports the treatment subject P to a medical facility using an ambulance 2 equipped with the X-ray CT apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the transport system includes an ambulance 2, a medical information server 21, a medical network 22, a plurality of medical facilities 23, a local area network (LAN) 24 of each medical facility 23, And a plurality of terminals 25 connected to the LAN 24.
[0032]
The ambulance 2 acquires a tomographic image of the treatment subject P placed on the ambulance 2 with the X-ray CT apparatus 1. The communication device 12 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 transmits information including the acquired tomographic image to the medical information server 21. In addition to tomographic image data, the information includes medical data (biological signs) of the treatment subject P, personal data, current position data of the ambulance 2, and the like.
[0033]
The medical information server 21 is connected to the communication network 26. A plurality of base stations 27 are connected to the communication network 26. Accordingly, the communication device 12 is connected to the medical information server 21 via the communication network 26 by being connected to the nearest base station 27. The communication network 26 may be dedicated or public. The medical information server 21 is connected to a medical network 22 to which a plurality of medical facilities 23 are connected. The medical information server 21 includes a database 28. The database 28 stores data related to the medical facility 23 connected to the medical network 22 and information transmitted from the ambulance 2.
[0034]
Each medical facility 23 has a unique address on the medical network 22 and can individually receive information on the ambulance 2 sent to the medical information server 21. Each medical facility 23 is individually provided with a LAN 24 to which a plurality of terminals 25 are connected. Each terminal 25 is provided with a display monitor having a sufficient resolution capable of diagnosing a tomographic image, and can be easily accessed by a doctor who can diagnose the tomographic image.
[0035]
When a person to be treated P such as a suddenly ill person suffering from a brain disease or an injured person injured from the head to the cervical spine occurs in a place away from the medical facility 23, a medical worker such as an emergency lifesaving person uses the X-ray CT apparatus 1. Ride on the loaded ambulance 2 and express under the treatment subject P. When arriving at the group of the treatment subject P, the medical staff carries the treatment subject P into the treatment room 3 of the ambulance 2 and puts it on the bed 8 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1. Next, the medical staff performs emergency treatment and acquires a necessary tomographic image by the X-ray CT apparatus 1. At this time, the ambulance 2 may have already traveled toward the nearby medical facility 23.
[0036]
The information including the acquired tomographic image is accumulated in the database 28 provided in the medical information server 21 from the communication device 12 by connecting the communication device 12 and the medical information server 21 to the base station 27 via the communication network 26. The The medical information server compares the information sent from the ambulance 2 with the data of the medical facility 23 stored in the database, and selects at least one medical facility 23 that satisfies the necessary conditions. The medical information server 21 transmits information including a tomographic image sent from the ambulance 2 to the selected medical facility 23 using the medical network 22 and an address on the medical network 22 of the medical facility 23. The medical facility 23 that has received the information further uses the LAN 24 to transfer the information sent to the terminal 25 where the doctor stands by. The doctor diagnoses the information including the sent tomographic image, and sends back information such as the diagnosis result and acceptance / rejection. The information including the diagnosis result is sent back to the communication device 12 of the ambulance 2 that has output the information including the tomographic image via the medical network 22, the medical information server 21, the communication network 26, and the base station 27.
[0037]
The medical staff boarding the ambulance 2 can apply a more appropriate emergency medical action to the treatment subject P by obtaining this diagnosis result. Further, by applying the transport system, it is possible to transport the treatment target person P who needs treatment of the head and cervical spine to the medical facility 23 that can accurately and efficiently deal with. In addition, the receiving medical facility 23 can obtain information including a tomographic image of the treatment subject P before the arrival of the ambulance 2, so that the medical treatment subject P can be accurately treated immediately after the arrival of the ambulance 2. Can do.
[0038]
In addition, the above-mentioned transportation system for the treatment subject P can be applied to an emergency helicopter equipped with the X-ray CT apparatus 1 as a moving body other than the ambulance 2. Moreover, since the X-ray CT apparatus 1 can be easily transported to a destination and used, it can also be applied to confirm the contents of suspicious objects.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
According to the X-ray CT apparatus according to the present invention , since the X-ray source and the detector do not move when acquiring a tomographic image, a tomographic image to be measured can be acquired even while the moving body is moving.
[0040]
Moreover, according to the transport system according to the present invention, a treatment subject who is away from a medical facility is placed on a moving body, and a tomographic image of the treatment subject is acquired by an X-ray CT apparatus. Information including the acquired tomographic image is transmitted to the medical information server by the communication device. Based on the information sent from the communication device, the medical information server selects at least one of the plurality of medical facilities, and transfers the information to the selected medical facility using the address of the medical facility. The transferred information is diagnosed by a medical facility doctor. Information on whether or not the medical facility can handle the diagnosis result is returned to the medical information server. The medical information server returns, to the communication device, information related to the medical facility that can handle the person to be treated from among the medical facilities to which the information has been returned. Based on the information about the medical facility that has been returned, the transport destination of the person to be treated is selected and transported to the selected medical facility. Therefore, by obtaining a diagnosis result, a more appropriate emergency medical action can be performed on the treatment subject P. In addition, by applying this transport system, it is possible to efficiently transport the treatment subject to a medical facility.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted on an ambulance and a part of the ambulance cut away.
2 is a diagram showing a cross section of the main body of the X-ray CT apparatus of FIG. 1 and schematically showing a transport system for a treatment subject including the ambulance of FIG. 1;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... X-ray CT apparatus 2 ... Ambulance (moving body)
6 ... X-ray source 7 ... Detector 8 ... Bed (unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 9 ... Power supply 10 ... Control apparatus 11 ... Analysis apparatus 12 ... Communication apparatus 13 ... Vacuum container 21 ... Medical information server 22 ... Medical network 23 ... Medical facility 26 ... Communication network P ... Person to be treated

Claims (6)

  A communication device for communicating information including at least the current position data of the moving body and a tomographic image acquired by an X-ray CT apparatus mounted on the moving body;
  A medical information server connected to the communication device via a communication network;
  A medical network connected to this medical information server;
  Provided in the medical information server, data relating to a plurality of medical facilities having unique addresses on the medical network, and a database for storing the information sent from the communication device via the communication network;
Including
  The medical information server compares the information sent from the communication device with data related to the medical facility stored in the database, and selects at least one medical facility that satisfies a necessary condition. Transport system.   In the conveyance system according to claim 1,
  The medical information server transmits information transmitted from the communication device to the selected medical facility using the address.   In the conveyance system according to claim 2,
  The medical information server sends back information on acceptance / rejection from the selected medical facility to the communication device.   Receiving information including the current position data of the moving body on which the X-ray CT apparatus is mounted and the tomographic image acquired by the X-ray CT apparatus from a communication device provided in the X-ray CT apparatus via a communication network;
  A database for storing data on a plurality of medical facilities having unique addresses on a medical network and information transmitted from the communication device;
  Compare the information sent from the communication device with the data related to the medical facility stored in the database, and select at least one medical facility that satisfies the requirements
A medical information server characterized by that.   The medical information server according to claim 4,
  Information including a tomographic image sent from the communication device is transmitted to the selected medical facility using the address.   The medical information server according to claim 5,
  The acceptability information returned from the selected medical facility is sent back to the communication device.

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