JP4013337B2 - X-ray diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an X-ray diagnostic apparatus in which the posture of a top plate on which a subject (patient) is placed changes according to the tilting state of the tilting support. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 14 shows a configuration around a fluoroscopic table of an X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus (X-ray diagnostic apparatus) conventionally used in a medical facility such as a hospital. In the case of the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus shown in FIG. 14, the raising / lowering support (main frame) 71 that holds the top plate 70 on which the patient M is placed rotates with respect to the base 72 as a center of rotation at a certain point CN. The posture of the top board 70 changes as it falls. With the top plate 70 set to an arbitrary angle, the patient M is irradiated with X-rays from an X-ray tube 73 provided on the front side of the top plate 70, and a transmitted X-ray image of the patient M generated by X-ray irradiation is obtained. Detection is performed by an image intensifier (I / I tube) 74 provided on the back side of the top plate. In order to prevent the bottom of the I / I tube 74 from hitting the floor FR when the tilting support 71 is tilted, as shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. It is configured to rotate (shift up) while shifting laterally with respect to CN.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the case of the above-described conventional X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus, the length (vertical dimension) of the image intensifier (I / I tube) 74 is very long. There is a problem that it is not easy for the patient M to get on and off the top board 70 or for the operator to work. In particular, in the case of a serious patient M, getting on and off the top plate 70 at a high position is a heavy burden.
[0004]
As shown in FIG. 15, the raising / lowering support 71 is disposed so as to be movable up and down with respect to the base 75, and the I / I tube 74 is configured to be swung sideways with one end of the upper edge as a fulcrum. When the patient M is lifted or lowered with respect to the top plate 70, the I / I tube 74 is first lifted as shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. An X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus that can temporarily lower the position 70 is also in practical use. However, in the case of this X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus, a moving mechanism that swings up the large-volume / heavy I / I tube 74 sideways and a mechanism that moves the heavy lifting / lowering support 71 up and down are required. Another problem is that the device becomes larger and more complicated.
[0005]
In view of the above circumstances, the present invention can set the height of the normal position of the top plate to be low without increasing the scale and complexity of the apparatus, and lowers the top plate from the normal position. It is an object of the present invention to provide an X-ray diagnostic apparatus that can temporarily lower the position of the top plate.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes a top plate on which a subject is placed, a tilt support that tilts while holding the top plate, and a tilt support. A tilting movement control means for controlling the tilting state, and an X-ray tube disposed on the front side of the top plate and a transmission X disposed on the back side of the top plate in a form opposed to the X-ray tube An X-ray diagnostic apparatus comprising: a line image detection unit configured to detect a transmission X-ray image of a subject generated by X-ray irradiation from an X-ray tube by the transmission X-ray image detection unit; X-ray transmission X-ray image detection means serving as X-ray image detection means and a transmission X-ray image that takes a horizontal posture at the detection position on the back surface of the top plate and takes a vertical posture at the retracted position on the side of the top plate. X-ray image detection system for supporting the detection means so that the edge side of the top plate is a fulcrum side and rotatable about 90 ° And lifting means, and a top plate elevating means for raising and lowering the top plate to the raised 倒動 support.
[0007]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the first aspect, the flat plate-like transmitted X-ray image detecting means is an X-ray surface sensor in which a large number of X-ray detection elements are arranged vertically and horizontally. It is.
[0008]
[Action]
Next, the height adjustment operation of the position of the top plate when the X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the present invention is in operation will be described.
In the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the position of the top plate is temporarily lowered as follows when the subject gets on or off the top plate. First, the plate-like transmitted X-ray image detection means held by the X-ray image detection system holding means is rotated approximately 90 ° downward with the edge side of the top plate as a fulcrum side to remove the top surface from the back of the top plate. Set it so that it does not obstruct the top plate ascending and descending at the retracted position on the side of the plate. Next, the top plate is lowered with respect to the raising / lowering support by the top plate raising / lowering means to lower the position of the top plate. Then, after placing the subject on the lowered top plate and raising the top plate to a predetermined position, this time, the transmitted X-ray image detection means is set to approximately 90 with the edge side of the top plate as the fulcrum side. Rotate upward to return to the detection position on the back of the top plate and set it in a vertical posture so that X-rays can be detected. On the other hand, when the subject is lowered from the top plate, it is exactly the same as above except that the subject is lowered from the top plate instead of placing the subject on the top plate.
[0009]
In the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the flat plate transmission X-ray image detecting means that is much thinner and lighter than the image intensifier is used, so that the image intensifier has a large volume. Compared to the conventional case where the height of the normal position of the top plate must be set very high, the height of the normal position of the top plate can be set lower, and the transmission X-ray image detecting means can be A moving mechanism for moving to a retreat position that does not hinder the descent is also simple.
Further, in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the entire top / bottom support supporting the top plate is not lifted / lowered, but only the top / bottom plate is lifted / lowered with respect to the top / bottom support. The lifting mechanism is also simple.
[0010]
In the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention, the flat plate-like transmitted X-ray image detecting means is an X-ray surface sensor in which a large number of X-ray detecting elements are arranged vertically and horizontally. The X-ray surface sensor moving mechanism is very simple and the X-ray fluoroscopic image is created based on the X-ray detection signal output from the X-ray surface sensor upon X-ray irradiation, and displayed on the monitor screen. X-ray fluoroscopy can be executed by displaying.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Subsequently, an embodiment of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus according to the embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the holding mechanism (X-ray image detection system holding means) portion of the flat panel X-ray sensor of the embodiment apparatus. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of the top plate elevating mechanism (top plate elevating means) portion of the embodiment apparatus, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the top plate elevating mechanism portion of the embodiment apparatus, and FIG. It is a top view which shows the structure of the flat panel type | mold X-ray sensor (flat-plate transmission X-ray image detection means) for a X-ray image detection.
[0012]
As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus of the embodiment includes a top plate 1 on which a patient (subject) M is placed, and a tilting support (main frame) that tilts while holding the top plate 1. ) 2, and the posture (tilt angle) of the top plate 1 is changed as the raising / lowering support 2 rotates forward / reversely with respect to the base 3 as a rotation center about the fixed point CN. It is configured to change. An X-ray tube 4 on the top side of the top plate and a flat panel type X-ray sensor (hereinafter abbreviated as “panel type X-ray sensor” as appropriate) 5 on the top side of the top plate, It is disposed on the raising / lowering support 2. The panel X-ray sensor 5 is configured to detect a transmitted X-ray image of the patient M generated by the X-ray irradiation from the X-ray tube 4. Hereinafter, the structure of each part of an Example apparatus is demonstrated concretely.
[0013]
In the case of the embodiment apparatus, the top plate 1 is disposed so as to be movable in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction on the raising / lowering support 2. A pinion 7 provided on the base 3 is meshed with an arc-shaped rack 6 attached to the raising / lowering support 2 so as to be rotationally driven by the motor MA. The rack 6 is rotated with the rotation of the pinion 7 to change the tilting state of the tilting support 2, and the top plate 1 and the patient M who is a fluoroscopic object are moved with the tilting support 2 being tilted. The posture (inclination angle) is changed. The control of the motor MA that moves the support member 2 up and down is executed by the control unit 8.
[0014]
The X-ray tube 4 is disposed on the raising / lowering support 2 via a support column 9, and matches the set irradiation conditions such as tube voltage and tube current by the control of the irradiation control unit 10 including a high voltage generator. It is configured to irradiate the patient M with X-rays.
The control by the raising / lowering control unit 8 or the irradiation control unit 10 is performed according to a command signal transmitted from the imaging control unit 13 in accordance with an input operation from the keyboard 11 or the mouse 12.
[0015]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the panel type X-ray sensor 5 has one edge attached and fixed along the longitudinal direction of the rotary shaft 14 that is rotatably passed to the bearing portions 2 a and 2 a of the tilting support 2. It is installed on the support plate 15. One end of the rotating shaft 14 is connected to the motor MB via the drive shaft 16, and the rotating shaft 14 rotates forward and backward as the motor MB rotates forward and backward, and as shown in FIG. 15 is configured to rotate about 90 ° and go back and forth between the state indicated by the solid line and the state indicated by the alternate long and short dash line. In conjunction with the movement of the support plate 15 in an angle range of about 90 °, the panel X-ray sensor 5 also rotates about 90 ° with the longitudinal edge side of the top plate 1 as a fulcrum side. 2 is a horizontal posture (posture indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2), and a vertical posture (posture indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 2) is at a side retracted position of the top plate 1 off the back surface of the top plate 1. Will be held in this way.
The control of the motor MB that rotates the rotating shaft 14 is executed by the sensor attitude control unit 17.
[0016]
On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the top plate 1 is disposed on a lifting platform 18 that is engaged with the raising / lowering support 2 so as to be movable up and down, and interlocks with the lifting and lowering of the lifting platform 18. Thus, the top plate 1 is configured to move up and down (move up and down) with respect to the tilting support 2. That is, the engaging projection 2b provided on the raising / lowering support 2 side is engaged with the engaging groove 18a provided on the lifting platform 18 side, and is engaged with the engaging projection 2b. The elevating platform 18 is configured to move up and down stably by the guide function by the engagement of the stop groove 18a. The pinion 19 provided on the raising / lowering support 2 side meshes with a linear rack 20 provided on the lifting platform 18 side so as to continue in the vertical direction, and as shown in FIG. The rack 18 is moved up and down in conjunction with the rack 20 moving up or down in accordance with the reverse rotation. In the case of the embodiment apparatus, since the top plate 1 is simply raised and lowered with respect to the up and down support 2, the up and down mechanism of the top plate 1 is compared to the conventional case where the whole up and down support 2 is raised and lowered. Simple things are enough.
[0017]
The rotation of the pinion 19 that meshes with the rack 20 is performed as follows. The pinion 19 is coaxially attached and fixed in the middle of the rotary shaft 21 that is rotatably passed to the bearing portions 2c, 2c of the tilting support 2, and one end of the rotary shaft 21 is connected to the motor MC. Therefore, as the motor MC rotates forward and backward, the rotating shaft 21 rotates forward and backward, and the pinion 19 rotates in conjunction with the rotating shaft 21 so that the driving force necessary for raising and lowering the top plate 1 is obtained. Arise. Note that the control of the motor MC that rotates the rotating shaft 21 is executed by the top plate lift control unit 22.
The control by the sensor attitude control unit 17 and the top / bottom lift control unit 22 is performed according to a command signal transmitted from the imaging control unit 13 in accordance with an input operation from the keyboard 11 or the mouse 12.
[0018]
Further, a signal collection unit 23 that collects X-ray detection data output from the panel type X-ray sensor 5 and sends it to the image processing unit 24 is installed at the subsequent stage of the panel type X-ray sensor 5. An image processing unit 24 after the signal collecting unit 23 stores an AD conversion unit 25 that converts X-ray detection data into a digital signal, a detection data memory 26 that stores digitized X-ray detection data, and a detection data memory 26. Data processing unit 27 for generating an X-ray image by performing necessary image processing such as edge enhancement and filtering on the detected X-ray detection data, and an X-ray image for storing an X-ray fluoroscopic image obtained by the image processing A memory 28 is provided. Normally, the X-ray images stored in the X-ray image memory 28 are continuously updated during imaging.
[0019]
Furthermore, in the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus of the embodiment, the image display monitor 29 for displaying the X-ray fluoroscopic image stored in the X-ray image memory 28 and the X-ray image stored in the X-ray image memory 28 are converted into a sheet such as a film. An image printing / recording unit 30 for printing an image as an X-ray photograph or an image storage memory 31 for recording and storing an X-ray fluoroscopic image is provided.
The display of the X-ray fluoroscopic image on the image display monitor 29, the output of the X-ray photograph by the image printing recording unit 30, or the storage of the image by the image storage memory 31 is performed by an operation input from the keyboard 11 or the mouse 12. It is executed in accordance with a command signal sent from the control unit 13.
[0020]
Next, the configuration of the panel X-ray sensor 5 itself will be specifically described. As shown in FIG. 5, the panel X-ray sensor 5 is a sensor in which a large number of X-ray detection elements DX are arranged vertically and horizontally. The number of X-ray detection elements XD arranged is, for example, horizontal (x) A square matrix configuration with direction 1024 and longitudinal (y) direction 1024 may be mentioned. Since this panel type X-ray sensor 5 is much thinner and lighter than an image intensifier, it is very easy to mount, and in addition to the conventional large-volume image intensifier, The inconvenience of having to set the height of the normal position of the plate very high has been solved, and not only can the height of the normal position of the top plate be set lower, but also the resolution is sufficient and the image quality is high. An image is obtained.
[0021]
In the panel type X-ray sensor 5, an X-ray conversion layer for converting incident X-rays into electric charges or light and elements for detecting electric charges or light generated in the X-ray conversion layer are usually arranged in a matrix form vertically and horizontally. The detection array layer has a laminated structure, and there are a direct conversion type and an indirect conversion type.
In the case of the direct conversion type, the X-ray conversion layer is composed of a selenium layer, a CdZnTe layer, or the like that converts incident X-rays directly into charges, and is formed on the surface of the detection array layer as a charge detection element so as to face the surface electrode The charge is detected and stored in the capacitor, and the accumulated charge is taken out via a TFT (Thin Film Transistor), and each charge detection element, a part of the X-ray conversion layer thereon, the capacitor and One X-ray detection element XD is formed by the TFT.
[0022]
In the case of the indirect conversion type, the X-ray conversion layer is composed of a scintillator layer that converts incident X-rays into light, detects light with a photodiode formed as a light detection element on the surface of the detection array layer, and stores it in a capacitor. In addition, the accumulated charge is taken out through the TFT, and each photodetection element, a part of the X-ray conversion layer thereon, the capacitor, and the TFT form one X-ray detection element XD. .
[0023]
In the panel type X-ray sensor 5, as shown in FIG. 6, each X-ray detection element XD,..., XD is connected to readout wirings 33, 34 that run vertically and horizontally through TFTs 32, respectively. Reference numerals 33 and 34 are respectively connected to the horizontal (x) readout driving unit 35 or the vertical (y) readout driving unit 36, and scanning signals for readout are sent to the horizontal and vertical readout driving units 35 and 36. . Since each X-ray detection element XD of the panel type X-ray sensor 5 is specified based on addresses 0 to 1023 which are sequentially assigned to the X-ray detection elements XD along the horizontal and vertical arrangements. The scanning signal for reading is a signal designating a horizontal (x) direction address or a vertical (y) direction address, respectively.
[0024]
In accordance with the horizontal / vertical scanning signal, a reading voltage is applied from the horizontal reading driving unit 35 or the vertical reading driving unit 36 to the reading wirings 33 and 34, and the capacitors C1 are supplied from the detection elements XD,. Are sequentially collected as X-ray detection signals from the TFT 32 through the readout wiring 34 and further as X-ray detection data via the preamplifiers 37 and the multiplexers 38 of the signal collection unit 23.
[0025]
From the above, the method of reading the detection signal from the panel type X-ray sensor 5 is generally similar to that of a normal video detector such as a TV camera.
In the case of the sensor 5 of the embodiment, both the read driving units 35 and 36 constituting the signal collecting unit 23, the preamplifier 37, and the multiplexer 38 are also installed on the surface periphery of the detection array layer of the panel type X-ray sensor 5. Thus, the structure is further integrated.
The detection data memory 26 for storing the X-ray detection data obtained from the panel X-ray sensor 5 and the X-ray image memory 28 for storing the X-ray fluoroscopic image are the X-ray detection elements in the panel X-ray sensor 5. A frame memory type storage device having a matrix configuration corresponding to the vertical and horizontal matrix configuration of XD is used.
[0026]
Next, the operation of the apparatus for raising / lowering the top plate 1 and controlling the attitude of the panel X-ray sensor 5 when performing X-ray fluoroscopy with the above-described embodiment apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow over time of the elevation state of the top board 1 and the posture state of the panel X-ray sensor 5.
[Step S1] When placing the patient M to be fluoroscopically placed on the top board 1, first, as shown in FIG. 7, the panel type X-ray sensor 5 in the horizontal posture at the imaging position on the lower side of the top board 1, As shown in FIG. 8, the support plate 15 is rotated approximately 90 ° downward to be moved to the retracted position and set to a vertical posture.
[0027]
[Step S2] As shown in FIG. 9, the empty top plate 1 is lowered to make the position of the top plate 1 lower than the normal position.
[0028]
[Step S3] As shown in FIG. 10, the patient M is placed on the top plate 1 lowered to a low position.
[0029]
[Step S4] As shown in FIG. 11, the top board 1 on which the patient M is placed is raised to the normal position.
[0030]
[Step S5] As shown in FIG. 12, by rotating the support plate 15 upward 90 °, the panel X-ray sensor 5 is moved from the retracted position to the photographing position on the back surface of the top plate 1 and set in a horizontal posture. To do. Now you are ready.
[0031]
Thereafter, the patient M is irradiated with X-rays from the X-ray tube 4 while changing the posture of the top plate 1 (that is, the posture of the patient M) while changing the tilting state of the tilting support 2, and X The X-ray fluoroscopic image finally obtained based on the X-ray detection data output from the panel X-ray sensor 5 with the irradiation of the radiation is displayed on the screen of the image display monitor 29, or the necessary X-ray fluoroscopic image is an image X-ray fluoroscopy is performed by recording on a sheet at any time by the printing recording unit 30 to obtain an X-ray photograph. Conversely, when the patient M is lowered from the top board 1, the same operation as above is performed except that the patient M is lowered from the top board 1 instead of placing the patient M on the top board 1.
[0032]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as follows.
In the embodiment apparatus, the transmission X-ray image detecting means is a see-through type apparatus in which the flat-plate transmission X-ray image detecting means is a flat panel X-ray sensor. A non-transparent type X-ray imaging apparatus having a configuration is also exemplified as a modification.
[0033]
【The invention's effect】
As described in detail above, according to the X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the transmitted X-ray image is much thinner and lighter than the image intensifier as the transmitted X-ray image detection means. Since the image detecting means is used and the height of the normal position of the top plate can be set lower than in the prior art, the work of the radiographer is facilitated and the transmitted X-ray image detecting means is attached to the top of the top. A moving mechanism for moving to a retracted position that does not hinder plate lowering is simple. In addition, since the entire top / bottom support is not lifted / lowered, but only the top / bottom plate is lifted / lowered, the top / bottom lift mechanism can be simplified, resulting in an increase in size and complexity of the device. Without doing so, the position of the top plate is temporarily lowered, and the burden on the patient when getting on and off the top plate is reduced.
[0034]
According to the X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the second aspect of the invention, since the transmitted X-ray image detecting means is an X-ray surface sensor that is remarkably thin and light, the moving mechanism of the X-ray surface sensor is very simple. In addition, X-ray fluoroscopy can be performed by creating an X-ray fluoroscopic image based on the X-ray detection signal output from the X-ray surface sensor and displaying it on the monitor screen.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a holding mechanism portion of the panel type X-ray sensor of the embodiment apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration of a lifting mechanism portion of a top plate of the embodiment device.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an elevating mechanism portion of the top plate of the embodiment device.
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a configuration of a panel type X-ray sensor in the embodiment apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration around the panel type X-ray sensor of the embodiment apparatus.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a setting state of the panel type X-ray sensor of the embodiment apparatus to the imaging position.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a setting state of the panel type X-ray sensor of the embodiment apparatus to the retracted position.
FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a descending state of the top plate in the embodiment device.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a patient placement state on the top board in the embodiment device.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a rising state of the top plate in the example device.
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a state of resetting the panel type X-ray sensor of the embodiment apparatus to the imaging position.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a top plate lift control state and a panel type X-ray sensor posture control state in the embodiment apparatus;
FIG. 14 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a perspective table of a conventional apparatus.
FIG. 15 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a perspective table of another conventional apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Top plate 2 ... Tilt support 4 ... X-ray tube 5 ... Panel type X-ray sensor 8 ... Tilt control part 14 ... Rotating shaft 15 ... Support plate 17 ... Sensor attitude | position control part 18 ... Lifting stand 19 ... Pinion DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Rack 22 ... Top plate raising / lowering control part 24 ... Image processing part M ... Patient MA-MC ... Motor XD ... X-ray detection element

Claims (2)

A top plate on which the subject is placed, a tilt support that tilts while holding the top plate, and a tilt control means that controls the tilt state of the tilt support. An X-ray tube disposed on the front side of the X-ray tube and a transmission X-ray image detecting means disposed on the back side of the top plate so as to oppose the X-ray tube, and accompanying X-ray irradiation from the X-ray tube In the X-ray diagnostic apparatus configured to detect the transmitted X-ray image of the subject generated by the transmitted X-ray image detecting means, a flat plate-shaped transmitted X-ray image detecting means as the transmitted X-ray image detecting means, The transmitted X-ray image detecting means can be rotated approximately 90 ° with the edge side of the top plate as a fulcrum side so that the detection position on the back surface of the top plate takes a horizontal posture and takes the vertical posture at the retracted position on the side of the top plate. X-ray image detection system holding means supported on the ceiling and a ceiling for raising and lowering the top plate with respect to the tilting support X-ray diagnostic apparatus characterized by and a lifting means. 2. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flat plate-like transmitted X-ray image detecting means is an X-ray surface sensor in which a large number of X-ray detecting elements are arranged vertically and horizontally.

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