JP4675654B2 - Medical diagnostic imaging equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical image diagnostic apparatus in which a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus and an X-ray CT apparatus are connected.

  A PET / CT apparatus, which is a type of medical image diagnostic apparatus, can inspect PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and X-ray CT with a single apparatus, and obtain functional information obtained by PET and form information obtained by CT. It is possible to superimpose and help to make better use of both information. In particular, in terms of local diagnosis and evaluation of malignant tumors, findings found in CT can be supported, and the clinical significance thereof is great (for example, Patent Document 1).

  Here, the tomography method using the PET is the most advanced technique of the functional image diagnostic method that can label a physiologically active substance and capture its behavior as a functional image. In particular, in malignant tumors, since glucose is highly utilized, F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), which is a derivative of glucose, accumulates in the tumor. Currently, PET tests using this drug are widely used for the diagnosis and evaluation of malignant tumors.

  On the other hand, tomography by X-ray CT has been widely used as an examination method indispensable for diagnosis of malignant tumors. Conventionally, PET and X-ray CT examinations using the FDG have been performed separately as diagnostic imaging methods. However, both examinations can be received by a single apparatus by using a PET / CT apparatus.

As described above, the greatest feature of the inspection method using the PET / CT apparatus is that the examination is continued with the subject laid on the bed, and the functional image by FDG and the morphological image by X-ray CT are simply superimposed. It is a point that can be matched. As a result, various advantages as shown in the following 1) to 5) can be obtained.
1) The position and spread of the active lesion can be accurately identified by superimposing the morphological image and the functional image.
2) The CT findings can be supported by putting metabolic information on the morphological abnormalities found by X-ray CT.
3) The interventional treatment and biopsy that have been performed in the conventional X-ray CT can be accurately determined with respect to the site by viewing the superimposed images.
4) FDG may accompany physiological accumulation in the kidney, bladder, etc., but these can be distinguished from abnormal accumulation, improving diagnostic accuracy.
5) For PET examination, in order to correct γ-ray absorption in the body, an external radiation source is rotated to obtain an absorption correction map (transmission scan). By substituting the absorption correction map with X-ray CT, It is possible to perform highly accurate absorption correction in a short time.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-237076

  However, in the PET / CT apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the PET unit and the X-ray CT unit have an integrated structure, so that the function is used when the X-ray CT is used alone. The gantry tilt function for tilting the gantry with respect to the bed could not be used.

  In particular, the division between the PET unit and the X-ray CT unit is not assumed to be performed at the time of diagnosis even though it can be performed during the maintenance work.

  Therefore, as described above, even if a user (examiner) introduces a PET / CT apparatus in order to obtain the advantages of PET and X-ray CT, a pedestal tilt function is not assumed for the PET / CT apparatus. When performing a diagnosis using the pedestal tilt function, a separate X-ray CT apparatus must be separately introduced, which causes a problem that the cost of medical equipment is increased.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is a medical image diagnostic apparatus in which a PET apparatus and an X-ray CT apparatus are integrated. An object of the present invention is to provide a medical image diagnostic apparatus capable of executing a gantry tilt function.

A medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention for solving the above-described problem is a bed for placing a subject and a medical image for generating a medical image for the subject placed on the bed. The first gantry for the first gantry that is configured to scan and to have an opening for inserting the berth and is configured to be movable along a trajectory, and the subject placed on the berth scans for generating different types of medical images, and a second frame which is movable along the track, a movement driving mechanism for moving said first frame, said first A detachable connection between the first frame and the second frame, and a coupling mechanism configured to move the second frame along with the movement of the first frame at the time of connection; when the 1 of the gantry second frame is moved to the retracted position spaced A locking mechanism that allows the second frame to move and pass, and prevents the second frame from moving toward the first frame after the passage. A projecting member that can project or be retracted with respect to the housing, and the projecting member is housed when the second frame moves to the retracted position, and protrudes by projecting after moving to the retracted position. It is comprised so that it may suppress moving to the 1st mount side .

For solving the above problems, a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first frame is provided with a tilt mechanism, and, X-rays An X-ray CT apparatus for performing a CT scan, wherein the second frame is a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus for performing a scan for nuclear medicine diagnosis.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the invention described in claim 3 is the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, in which the first mount and the second are connected by the connecting portion. A first detection unit for detecting connection with the gantry, wherein the movement driving means is configured such that the first detection unit is connected to the first gantry and the second gantry at the retracted position. When this is detected, the first gantry connected to the second gantry is moved from the retracted position .

A medical image diagnostic apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first frame and the second frame a detection unit for detecting a contact with, the when the detection unit detects the contact between the second frame and the first frame, to the mobile drive mechanism, control for stopping the movement of the first frame Means are provided .

  According to the present invention, the moving means for relatively separating the PET apparatus or the CT apparatus is provided, and the mechanism for retracting the moved PET apparatus by releasing the connecting means with the CT apparatus is provided. As a medical image diagnostic device consisting of a PET device and a PET device, it is possible to use the gantry tilt function of the CT device, and the user (examiner) gives up using the gantry tilt function of the CT device or uses a single X-ray. It is possible to avoid the introduction of a facility cost such as separately introducing a CT apparatus, and to reduce the cost.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration in an embodiment of a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration in an embodiment of the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a bed 2 on which a subject is placed, a first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 that acquires a CT image, and a nucleus such as a PET image. It has the 2nd mount (PET apparatus) 12 which acquires a medical diagnostic image, and the drive control means 10 (refer FIG. 2) which mainly drives and controls the 2nd mount (PET apparatus) 12. FIG. In the present embodiment, the bed 2 is fixed to the ground of the clinic, and the first frame (CT apparatus) 11 and the second frame (PET apparatus) 12 are separated from the fixed bed 2. It moves along the track 3 installed on the ground of the clinic.

  The first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 and the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 are each formed with a hollow portion having a through-hole, and the first gantry (so that the bed 16 is inserted through these hollow portions. A CT apparatus 11 and a second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 are connected in series. Further, the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 and the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 are detachable from each other by a connecting portion 13. The connecting portion 13 can be used to fix the first gantry (CT device) 11 and the second gantry (PET device) 12 manually, such as a snap lock.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the connection unit 13 configured by the connection unit 13 a and the connection unit 13 b is provided with a first detection unit 131 that detects the release state of the connection unit 13.

  The first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 includes a moving means for connecting or separating the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 with respect to the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12, and a first gantry (CT apparatus) 11. A drive unit 112 is provided as a moving unit for inserting the bed 2 into the hollow portion in a state where the frame (CT apparatus) 11 alone or the second frame is connected. The drive unit 112 is configured to be screwed into a ball screw 4 connecting a first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 and a second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 to thereby form a first gantry (CT apparatus). 11 can be moved. At this time, a counter that measures how close the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 is to the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 is built in the driving means 12 depending on how many times the ball screw has rotated. It shall be.

  A second detection unit 31 is provided on the track 3 to detect that the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 and the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 are separated at a predetermined interval. Here, the “predetermined interval” is an interval when the position of the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 reaches a distance that does not affect the image diagnosis work of the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 alone. The position of the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 in which such an interval is maintained is referred to as a “retracted position”.

  Furthermore, an input unit 14 is provided for receiving an input of a processing request of at least one of a CT image acquisition process by the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 and a PET image acquisition process by the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12. It has been. When the input unit 14 receives an input of a CT image acquisition processing request in the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11, the drive control unit 10 described above receives the first detection unit 131 from the connection unit 13. After receiving the signal indicating the release, the driving means 112 is operated, and the first detector (CT apparatus) 11 and the second holder (PET apparatus) 12 are separated by a predetermined interval by the second detection unit 31. When this is detected, control for stopping the operation of the driving means 112 is executed.

  The drive control means 10 outputs a signal indicating that the preparation for CT image acquisition of the subject is completed after the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 and the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 are separated from each other by a predetermined distance. In order to transmit, it connects to the CT control means 111 provided in the 1st mount frame (CT apparatus) 11 so that communication is possible. Therefore, the CT control unit 111 that has received the signal acquires a CT image of the subject by performing a tilt operation or the like.

  Next, the operation in one embodiment of the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation in one embodiment of the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, and FIGS. 4 to 12 are schematic diagrams showing the operation in one embodiment of the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. is there.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, first, in the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, as an initial state, a first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 and a second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 are connected in series. Has been. Specifically, the first gantry (CT device) 11 and the second gantry (PET device) 12 are connected by the connecting portion 13 so that the bed 2 is inserted through each hollow portion (opening). ing.

  The subject is lying on the bed 2 and the examiner inputs an operation command related to the diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 using the input means 14 (S1-Yes). When the information input at this time is an image diagnosis using only the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11, an image diagnosis using the tilt function of the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 is performed. When performing (S2-Yes), an examiner cancels | releases the connection part 13 which has connected the 1st mount frame (CT apparatus) 11 and the 2nd mount frame (PET apparatus) 12. FIG. At this time, the examiner may be notified by voice or text display such as “please release the connecting part”.

  The connection unit 13 is provided with a first detection unit 131 that detects the release of the connection between the first frame (CT apparatus) 11 and the second frame (PET apparatus) 12. When the connection part 13 is cancelled | released by the examiner, the drive control means 10 receives the signal of connection part 13 cancellation | release from the 1st detection part 131 (S3-Yes).

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the signal for releasing the connecting portion 13 is received, the drive control means 10 detects a notification by voice or character display such as “Please evacuate the PET device”. The second gantry (PET device) 12 is moved by the examiner in a direction away from the first gantry (CT device) 11 (S4).

  Thereafter, when the second detector (PET device) 12 separated from the first carrier (CT device) 11 by the examiner is detected by the second detector 31, the drive control means 10 performs “second operation”. The retraction position arrival signal indicating that the gantry (PET apparatus) 12 has reached the position (retraction position) where the second detection unit 31 is installed is received from the second detection unit 31 (S5-Yes). Here, the “position (retracted position) where the second detection unit 31 is installed” means, for example, the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 so that the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 is safe even if the tilt function is used. Any position can be used as long as it can be recognized that the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 is separated from the CT apparatus 11.

  Here, an operation in which the second frame (PET apparatus) 12 is detected by the second detection unit 31 will be described. FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of the second detection unit 31 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the second detector 31 is provided with a protrusion 311 that protrudes on the track 3 by an urging force such as a spring or is housed in the second detector 31. The shape seen from the upper surface of the protrusion 311 is inclined from the position where the bed 2 is installed toward the position where the second detection unit 31 is installed, and the second frame (PET apparatus) 12 is retracted. The end surface on the moving direction side has a triangular shape orthogonal to the track 3. This configuration is the locking mechanism according to the present invention.

  Therefore, in S4, when the second gantry (PET device) 12 passes through the second detector 31, the second contact member provided on the second gantry (PET device) 12 and moving on the track 3 is provided. 122 urges the inclined portion of the protruding portion 311 to house the protruding portion 311 in the second detecting portion 31, so that the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 causes the second detecting portion 31 to move. As shown in FIG. 6 when the apparatus is viewed from above, the second contact member 122 has passed after the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 has passed the second detector 31 as shown in FIG. The protruding portion 311 that is no longer urged by the projection protrudes from the second detection unit 31 into the track 3, and the protruding projection 311 biases the second contact member 122 to form the second gantry (PET device). ) 12 on the first mount (CT device) 11 side It is adapted to be fixed so as not to move.

  The drive control means 10 that has received the retracted position arrival signal from the second detection unit 31 allows the CT control unit 111 of the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 to acquire the CT image of the subject. Is transmitted (S6).

  Receiving this signal, the CT control unit 111 performs CT image acquisition processing based on the diagnostic imaging conditions input from the input unit 14 as shown in FIG. 7 (S7).

  Thereafter, the drive control means 10 that has received a signal indicating that the CT image acquisition processing has been completed from the CT control unit 111 (S8-Yes), as shown in FIG. 8, is in the direction approaching the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12. Next, the drive means 112 of the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 is driven and controlled (S9).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 9, when the second detection unit 31 detects that the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 and the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 are in contact (S10-Yes), A contact signal indicating that the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 has contacted the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 is transmitted to the drive control means 10 (S10-Yes), and the drive control means 10 The drive means 112 of the gantry (CT apparatus) 11 is controlled to stop (S11). At this time, the drive control means 10 notifies the examiner by voice or text display such as “Please lock the connecting portion”.

  Here, the method for detecting that the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 and the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 are in contact with each other is specifically as shown in FIG. The second contact member 122 of the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 is energized by the second contact member 122 of the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 so that the second contact member of the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 is energized. Similar to the second contact member 122, the protrusion 311 that has been released from the bias due to the passage of 122 and has re-projected on the track 3 is provided on the first frame (CT apparatus) 11, and the track 3. The fact that the first contact member 113 moving upward is urged again and stored in the second detection unit 31 indicates that “the first gantry (CT device) 11 and the second gantry (PET device) 12. Is detected. In addition, you may provide the new detection means which detects that the 1st mount frame (CT apparatus) 11 and the 2nd mount frame (PET apparatus) 12 contacted.

  Next, when the examiner locks the connecting portion 13, a connecting portion coupling signal is transmitted from the first detection portion 131 to the drive control means 10, and when this is received (S <b> 12 -Yes), the drive control means. 10 controls the driving means 112 to move the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 connected to the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 to the initial position (S13). Thus, as shown in FIG. 11, the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 and the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 are moved to the initial position in a state of being connected to each other, as shown in S1 again. It waits for a command input.

  In S <b> 2, the examiner uses the input unit 14 to perform not only the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 but also the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 and the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12. (S2-No), as shown in FIG. 12, the drive control unit 10 requests the CT control unit 111 of the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 to perform CT image acquisition processing (S14). ) After the CT image acquisition process is notified from the CT control unit 111, the PET control unit 121 of the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 is requested to perform the PET image acquisition process (S15). The process is terminated without driving and controlling one gantry (CT apparatus) 11.

  As another embodiment of the diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the driving means 112 does not involve the ball screw 4 but the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 and / or the second gantry (PET apparatus). A cart with power that travels on the track 3 with the first mount (CT device) 11 and / or the second mount (PET device) 12 mounted thereon may be used.

  As another embodiment of the diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 may be moved by the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 in S4. At this time, the second detection unit 31 serving as the lock mechanism is configured such that when the first mount (CT apparatus) 11 is separated from the second mount (PET apparatus) 12 that has reached the retracted position, the protruding member 311 The second gantry (PET) that reaches the retracted position while suppressing the movement of the second gantry by protruding and coming into contact with a second contact member 122 provided on the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12. When the first gantry (CT device) 11 is brought into contact with the device (device) 12, the first contact member 113 provided on the first gantry (CT device) 11 pushes back the protruding member 311 and the second gantry ( The PET apparatus 12 is configured to be movable.

  The diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has been described in a mode in which the bed 2 is fixed and the first frame (CT apparatus) 11 and the second frame (PET apparatus) 12 move with respect to the bed 2. The invention also applies to an image diagnostic apparatus in which the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 is fixed and the bed 2 and the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 move relative to the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11. Applicable. That is, regardless of whether or not the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 is movable, the second gantry (PET apparatus) 12 is relative to the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 at a predetermined interval or more. It is only necessary to be movable.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the PET apparatus as an example as a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus, you may employ | adopt a SPECT apparatus for the 2nd mount frame 12 as a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the moving means for separating the second gantry 12 from the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 is provided, and the connecting means with the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 is released. Since a mechanism for retracting the moved PET unit is provided, the gantry tilt of the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 is used as an image diagnosis apparatus including the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 and the second gantry 12. The function can be used. The user (inspector) can avoid giving up equipment costs such as abandoning the use of the tilt function of the first mount 11 or introducing a separate X-ray CT apparatus, thereby reducing costs. Can do.

  Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, by moving the first base (CT apparatus) 11 and the second base 12 without moving the top of the bed, compared to the case of moving the top, The installation length can be shortened. In addition, it is possible to configure an image diagnostic apparatus that can move, connect, and separate the first gantry (CT apparatus) 11 and the second gantry 12 with a single driving unit at low cost.

  Each above-mentioned embodiment is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. In addition, various modifications can be made according to the design and the like as long as they do not depart from the technical idea of the present invention.

The perspective view which shows the structure in one Embodiment of the image diagnostic apparatus which concerns on this invention. Schematic which shows the structure in one Embodiment of the diagnostic imaging apparatus which concerns on this invention. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement in one Embodiment of the image diagnostic apparatus which concerns on this invention. Schematic which shows operation | movement in one Embodiment of the image diagnostic apparatus which concerns on this invention. Schematic which shows operation | movement in one Embodiment of the image diagnostic apparatus which concerns on this invention. The upper schematic diagram showing the operation of the 2nd detection part in one embodiment of the diagnostic imaging apparatus concerning the present invention. Schematic which shows operation | movement in one Embodiment of the image diagnostic apparatus which concerns on this invention. Schematic which shows operation | movement in one Embodiment of the image diagnostic apparatus which concerns on this invention. Schematic which shows operation | movement in one Embodiment of the image diagnostic apparatus which concerns on this invention. The upper schematic diagram showing the operation of the 2nd detection part in one embodiment of the diagnostic imaging apparatus concerning the present invention. Schematic which shows operation | movement in one Embodiment of the image diagnostic apparatus which concerns on this invention. Schematic which shows operation | movement in one Embodiment of the image diagnostic apparatus which concerns on this invention. The perspective view which shows the structure of the 2nd detection part in one Embodiment of the image diagnostic apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image diagnostic apparatus 10 Drive control means 11 1st mount frame (CT apparatus)
111 CT Control Unit 112 Drive Unit 113 First Contact Member 12 Second Mount (PET Device)
121 PET control means 122 2nd contact member 13 connection part 131 1st detection part 14 input means 2 bed 3 track 31 2nd detection part 311 protrusion part 4 ball screw

Claims (4)

A bed on which the subject is placed;
A first gantry configured to perform scanning for generating a medical image with respect to the subject placed on the bed, and to be configured to be movable along a trajectory. ,
Against the placed object in the bed, with the first frame and performs a different type scan to produce a medical image of a second frame which is movable along said track,
A movement drive mechanism for moving the first frame;
Said first and the pedestal shall be removably connecting the second frame, the second frame in accordance with the movement of the first frame during coupling is configured to move the coupling mechanism ,
When the second frame is moved away from the first frame and moved to the retracted position, the second frame can be moved and passed, and after passing, the second frame is moved to the first frame. A locking mechanism that suppresses movement to the side,
The lock mechanism has a projecting member that can project or be housed with respect to the track, and the projecting member is housed when the second gantry moves to the retracted position and is moved to the retracted position. Is configured to suppress movement to the first gantry side by protruding, and a medical image diagnostic apparatus characterized in that The first gantry is an X-ray CT apparatus that includes a tilt mechanism and performs an X-ray CT scan,
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second frame is a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus that performs a scan for nuclear medicine diagnosis. A first detection unit for detecting the connection between the first frame and the second frame by the connection unit;
When the first detecting unit detects that the first gantry and the second gantry at the retracted position are coupled to each other, the movement driving means is configured to connect the second gantry to the second gantry. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first gantry is moved from the retracted position.   When the detection unit detects contact between the first frame and the second frame, and when the detection unit detects contact between the first frame and the second frame, The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a control unit that stops the movement of the first gantry.

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