WO1987003795A1 - Procede et dispositif de radiographie, utilisant un montant de support mobile dans le voisinage d'une table d'examen pour patient - Google Patents

Procede et dispositif de radiographie, utilisant un montant de support mobile dans le voisinage d'une table d'examen pour patient Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1987003795A1
WO1987003795A1 PCT/SE1986/000580 SE8600580W WO8703795A1 WO 1987003795 A1 WO1987003795 A1 WO 1987003795A1 SE 8600580 W SE8600580 W SE 8600580W WO 8703795 A1 WO8703795 A1 WO 8703795A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
receptor
holder
radiation source
horizontal
movement
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SE1986/000580
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Carl-Eric Ohlson
Original Assignee
Ao Medical Products Ab
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ao Medical Products Ab filed Critical Ao Medical Products Ab
Publication of WO1987003795A1 publication Critical patent/WO1987003795A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/44—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis
    • A61B6/4429—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis related to the mounting of source units and detector units
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/42—Arrangements for detecting radiation specially adapted for radiation diagnosis
    • A61B6/4283—Arrangements for detecting radiation specially adapted for radiation diagnosis characterised by a detector unit being housed in a cassette

Definitions

  • a method and arrangement for X-ray photography or the like in which there is used a tower stand that can be moved at a patient examination table
  • the present invention relates to a method in X-ray photo ⁇ graphy or the like in. which there is used a tower stand which has an outwardly extending arm which carries a radiation source which can be rotated about a horizontal axle and is moveable in the X, Y and Z directions in relation to an underlying examination table, and in which method there is placed beneath the patient examination table a receptor holder which can be moved in the X- and Y- directions and which when displaced automatically initiates movement of the radiation source.
  • the invention also relates to an arrangement for X-ray photography.
  • US-A-4 365 345 (Craig et al) describes an arrangement of this kind, although in this arrangement the radiation source is located beneath the examination table in the actual patient-examination assembly of the arrangement, and the image receptor is located above the table on a tower stand. When the radiation source is moved in the X- and Y-directions, these movements are transferred to the image receptor through a servosystem.
  • the actual patient-examination assembly part of this arrange ⁇ ment is expensive and bulky, and cannot readily be at- tended by working personel.
  • Another serious drawback is that the arrangement has no facility for taking lateral images or pictures with horizontally directed ray paths.
  • ⁇ S-A-4 024 403 (Bernstein et al) teaches a tower stand of conventional construction which incorporates facili- ties for manual adjustment to table settings, overhead radiation source, and a receptor located . beneath the examination table.
  • An electric auxiliary device is provided for angular adjustments to the radiation source and also means for corresponding synchronized movement of the receptor, so that the central ray always impinges at the correct angle.
  • US-A-4 365 344 (Dornheim) teaches an arrangement which incorporates mechanical devices for synchronizing the movements carried out by the receptor and the radiation source when making positional adjustments thereto.
  • These mechanical devices comprise a complicated system of levers, which renders the work of the personnel in ⁇ volved both heavy and difficult, primarily becuase of the heavy masses which must be manipulated, but also because of the physical stretching and bending movements which must be carried out in conjunction therewith.
  • the receptor assembly must be lifted separately each time a lateral image is taken. The possibility of angled imaging is limited.
  • US-A-3 492 482 (Forsyth) describes and illustrates a radiation source arranged on a vertical stand for move- ent in the Z-direction, and a synchronously moveable receptor assembly mounted on a corresponding vertical stand.
  • the arrangement is intended exclusively for tak ⁇ ing lateral images with horizontal ray paths. Conse ⁇ quently, this arrangement has a limited area of use.
  • GB-B-1 323 769 (Picket Corp.) describes an arrangement which includes a receptor assembly in a patient exami ⁇ nation table, and an overhead, ceiling-mounted radiation source. Lateral images or pictures can be taken with horizontal ray paths, by pivoting the table about a horizontal axis and by pivoting the radiation source. Variations in image size and shutter setting can be achieved in relation to the source-image-distance ("SID") This arrangement is also found difficult to manipulate by the personnel involved, due to the manual exertions involved in moving the radiation source and pivoting the examination table.
  • SID source-image-distance
  • One object of the present invention is to provide a method in X-ray photography which avoids the aforesaid drawbacks and other drawbacks associated with known methods, and with which, while using a single source of radiation and a special type of image receptor holder, X-ray photgraphs can be taken with vertical, horizontal and angled ray paths with no discomfort to the patient, without needing to manipulate the patient or the exami ⁇ nation table to any appreciable extent when making ad ⁇ justments, and without requiring personnel to carry out heavy and tiring positional adjustments. The patient does not move .
  • a further object is to provide such a method which, through the agency of simple means, affords increased flexibility, i.e. so that in addition to taking "stan- dard" images or pictures of a patient in a lying postion with vertical, horizontal or angled ray paths, other types of images can be taken, such as, for example, vari ⁇ ous subjects of a sitting or standing patient.
  • a particular object of the invention is to provide a method and an arrangement which will enable a large num ⁇ ber of varying types of images or photographs to be taken without creating difficulties for the personnel or dis ⁇ comfort to the patient, in other words a versatile ar ⁇ rangement for use in conjunction- with X-ray photography.
  • a method accord ⁇ ing to the invention which is mainly characterized in that the act of applying to the receptor holder a holder for a secondary receptor lying in the vertical plane and intended for a horizontal ray path causes, optionally subsequent to a time delay and/or actuation of a separate auxiliary device, a) the radiation source to move in the X- and/or Y- and/or the Z-direction, and b) the radiation source to rotate about the horizontal axis to a basic setting for horizontal, centred beam path onto the second ⁇ ary receptor.
  • the source of radiation when moved to its basic setting the source of radiation is caused to take a given position at a predetermined distance from the receptor.
  • removal of the secondary receptor from the holder causes the source of radiation to return, i.e. causes said source to move in the reverse directional sense in the Z-direction and in the X and/or Y-directions and also to rotate in the reverse direction about the horizontal axis to a basic setting for vertical, centred ray path at a predetermined distance from the receptor.
  • the invention affords the important advantage that the personnel need only manouvre the light-weight image re- ceptor located at an optimum working height beneath the examination table, whereafter all adjustments to the settings of the heavy radiation source are effected with the aid of separate, servo-controlled drive assemblies.
  • Application of an additional holder for the secondary image receptor can be effected in a particularly simple manner, since the receptor holder located beneath the table is constructed to this end.
  • the present invention obviates the need for such unsuit ⁇ able arrangements, since it makes available various secondary receptor holders and enables the format most suitable for the person in quiestion to be selected on each and every occasion.
  • the apparatus is also able to detect the size of the holder used in each particular case, thereby enabling the radiation source to be adjust ⁇ ed automatically to the appropriate position and/or focus when required.
  • the kidneys and other organs of a patient in the lying position When taking X-ray photographs of the spine, the kidneys and other organs of a patient in the lying position, the subject to be photographed is normally located close to the table top. Consequently, in selecting a suitable film or receptor format, the receptor should be located close to the table top so that the aforesaid subject is centrally located.
  • a secondary receptor holder is placed on both sides of the primary receptor holder, i.e. on both sides of the patient examination table. Similar to the procedure aforementioned, the apparatus detects where the secondary image receptor has been placed, and the posi- tion of the radiation source is adjusted correspondingly.
  • the invention also affords the important advantage that the patient can be protected to the greatest possible extent, which is of particular value when the patient to be X-rayed is unconscious and/or seriously injured, since when practising the invention it is not necessary to move the patient irrespective of which parts of the body are to be X-rayed.
  • Another important advantage afforded by the invention is that the movement pattern of the radiation source can be programmed so that no moveable component is able to take a position so close to the table as to cause injury to the patient. In other words, the pattern of movement of the components concerned is so programmed as to provide a protective screen around a patient on the examination table.
  • the recep ⁇ tor holder preferably presents a grid having mutually parallel lamellae extending in the X-direction.
  • the position of the radiation source is automatically adjusted so that the ray path is con ⁇ stantly centred in relation to the image receptor.
  • the " present invention also affords the possibility of, for example, using a display or some other means for indicating the type of grid used, this information being used to automatically obtain the correct SID in relation to the focussed radiation source.
  • the invention also enables, when desired, suitable changes in the focus distance in order to obtain the desired effect with the exposures taken.
  • the present invention also enables a tertiary re ⁇ ceptor holder to be mounted on the tower stand, this tertiary receptor holder thus accompanying the movement _ of the stand in the X or Y-direction.
  • the primary pur ⁇ pose of this tower-mounted receptor holder is to enable X-ray photographs to be taken of the lungs of the patient, in which case the patient normally stands facing the re ⁇ ceptor, close thereto.
  • the receptor holder may be extended laterally from the stand and, to make possible a horizontal, centred ray path from the radiation source, said source can be mounted on an angled part which is capable of being swung from an outwardly projecting arm.
  • the arrangement may be such that the an- gled arm is swung outwardly and the radiation source is rotated about the horizontal axis to a third basic setting for centred ray path onto the third receptor in response to activation of an operating button.
  • the radiation source can, of course, also be moved in the Y-direction, so as to locate the source at a suitable distance from the receptor (SID) .
  • This third basic setting position can also be utilized for taking other, standard photographs, e.g. X-ray photographs of the knee, hip etc.
  • the tertiary holder is lowered to an appropriate level, with the radiation source automatically accompanying the movement of the holder.
  • the patient examination table can be made longer than is normal, so that a seat assembly can be located at one -end of the table in order to enable X-ray photographs to be taken of patients in a sitting position, for example, in sinus diagnosis, which is often carried out in conjunction with X-ray examination of the lungs.
  • the seat assembly is preferably moveable in the longitudinal direction of the table, and is also preferably rotatable.
  • the standard receptor holder located beneath the table can also be used while using the seat assembly. In this instance a further holder of particular construction and intended for a secondary receptor can be used, the arrangement being such as to enable the height of said holder to be adjusted so that photographs can be taken of a seated patient.
  • the movement of the tower stand and the radiation source in the X and Y directions', and the movement of the out- wardly projecting arm in the Z-direction is suitably effected with the aid of electric motors.
  • the motor for the X-movement may be located in the upper or lower guide means of the stand and may be arranged to manipulate the stand through a system of lines or in some other way.
  • the motor may alternatively be located in the actual tower stand and effect said movement through, for example, a rack and pinion arrangement.
  • the drive motor for the radiation source may be of similar construction, and move ⁇ ment of the outwardly projecting arm may be effected, for example, through a toothed gear or worm gear arrangement.
  • Rotational movement of the radiation source is preferably effected by means of a motor located in the vicinity of the rotation shaft of the radiation source.
  • the manual adjustment movements of the table receptor holder are transmitted in some suitable manner to the four motors for effecting movement of the radiation source.
  • Analogue or digital position sensors e.g. multi-turn potentiometers or pulse emitters are preferably used, in order to obtain the accuracy desired.
  • the various basic setting positions are taken automatically. Adjustments to the positions of the components from the basic setting positions there ⁇ of are effected with the aid of suitable buttons located on a conveniently positioned control console, and devi ⁇ ations from respective basic setting positions are suit ⁇ ably indicated, preferably digitally.
  • the invention also relates to an arrangement of apparatus for X-ray photography or the like, the main characteristics of which are set forth in the following claims.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an arrangement for X-ray photography in accordance with the invention, having a patient examination table provided with an image receptor holder and a displaceable tower stand provided with a radiation source.
  • Fig. 2 is a corresponding perspective view with the radiation source positioned in a basic setting position for vertical ray paths.
  • Fig. 3 is a part view illustrating the radiation source in position for angled ray paths.
  • Fig. 4 is an illustration of the arrangement subsequent to inserting a secondary image receptor holder, and shows the radiation source in a basic setting position for horizon ⁇ tal ray paths.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates the arrangement in a position for taking X-ray photographs of the lungs in particular, while using a tertiary receptor holder connected to the outward ⁇ ly projecting arm of the stand, and with the radiation source in a basic setting position for horizontal, cen- tered ray paths in a direction opposite to Fig. 4.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates one end of the table having arranged thereon a seat assembly intended for taking X-ray photo ⁇ graphs of a seated patient, and further illustrates a secondary receptor holder mounted on the seat assembly and adapted thereto.
  • Fig. 7 illustrates the arrangement shown in Fig. 5 with the radiation source and the receptor holder in a position for taking a photograph of, for example, a "loaded knee" of a patient.
  • Fig. 8 is a partially cut-away side view of the outwardly projecting arm of the stand, showing a carriage for move ⁇ ment of the radiation source in the Y-direction.
  • Fig. 9 is a horizontal sectional top-plan view of the arm illustrated in Fig. 8.
  • Fig. 10 is a horizontal sectional view corresponding to
  • Fig. 11 is a partially cut-away side view of the tower stand, and illustrates an arrangement for moving the arm and the frame receptor holder in the Z-direction.
  • Fig. 12 is a partially cut-away side view of the vertical stand, its lower guide means and drive motor for movement of the stand in the X-direction.
  • Fig. 13 is a perspective view illustrating part of the patient examination table together with its receptor holder and two alternative secondary receptor holders which can be mounted on a respective side of the table.
  • Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a versatile receptor hold ⁇ er.
  • Fig. 15 is a side view of the holder illustrated in Fig. 14, showing a receptor applied to the holder'.
  • Fig. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative arrangement in which the examination table extends at right angles to the wall and the X and Y axes have subsequently exchanged places. This arrangement deviates from the aforementioned embodiments in a number of respects.
  • Fig. 17 illustrates the arrangement of Fig. 16 in an opera- tive state.
  • Fig. 18 illustrates a further method of use of the appara ⁇ tus according to Figures 16 and 17.
  • FIG. 19 finally, illustrates the principle use of an arrangement according to the invention in linear tomography.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates an arrangement of apparatus intended for X-ray photography and comprising a raisable and lower- able patient examination table 1 , which is preferably firmly mounted on the floor, and a floor-mounted and ceiling-mounted tower stand 2 which carries a radiation source.
  • the stand is mounted in a lower floor guide 3 and an upper ceiling guide 4, for movement along the table 1 in the X- direction.
  • the stand 2 carries an outwardly projecting arm 5 which can be moved up and down, i.e. in the Z- direction.
  • the arm 5 also carries a radiation source 6, which can be moved along the arm in the Y-direction and which can also be pivoted about a horizontal axis.
  • a holder 7. which is intended for a receptor 7a and which has the form of a carriage capable of movement in the X- and Y-directions.
  • Extending from each side of the carriage is a holder part 7b for an operating handle 8.
  • the carriage and receptor holder are caused to move in the X- and Y-direction by gripping the handle 8, so as to bring the image receptor into an ac ⁇ curately defined position in relation to the X-ray picture to be taken.
  • the operating handle part 8 presents a recess 8a in which an alternative secondary receptor holder 15 for horizontal ray path can be inserted, or applied, as de- scribed in more detail hereinafter.
  • the outwardly projecting arm 5 carries a downwardly pro ⁇ jecting part 5a which supports a laterally and outwardly projecting further holder 9 intended for a tertiary or third receptor, which consequently accompanies the arm in its movement in the X- and Z-directions.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates the arrangement shown in Fig. 1 in a basic setting position for vertical, centered ray path onto a receptor 7a located in the receptor holder 7.
  • the receptor may have various construction, size and shape, and the receptor holder 7 may be constructed, irrespective hereof, to automatically center the receptor when the receptor is inserted into the holder.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates the radiation source in a position for angled ray path, the stand 2 and the arm 5 being moved in the X-direction from the position illustrated in Fig. 2, and the radiation source being rotated about a horizontal axis through an angle ⁇ , with the aid of a drive motor (not shown) , this angle normally lying between 0 and 20 , depending on the nature of the picture to be taken.
  • the setting of a given angle ⁇ on an operating panel (not shown) - the operating system as a whole preferably being disconnected prior to making said adjustment by means of a separate auxiliary device or "slave button" 11 in the vicinity of the operating handle 8 - causes the stand 2 and the arm 5 to be moved through a corresponding, pre-determined distance, so that subsequent to rotating through said angle ⁇ about the horizontal axis the radiation source will transmit rays, or beams, which impinge in the manner intended on a recep ⁇ tor located in the receptor holder 7.
  • Displacement of the receptor holder 7 in the X- and Y- directions results in corresponding, programmed displace ⁇ ment of the tower stand 2 and the outwardly projecting arm 5 in the X-direction, and of the arm 12 carrying the radi ⁇ ation source 6 in the Y-direction.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates the sequence of events taking place when a secondary receptor holder 15 is placed in the holes 8a in the operating-handle part 8 of the recptor holder 7. Subsequent to manipulating the aforesaid "slave button" 3, insertion of the secondary receptor holder 15 causes the arm 5 to move downwards in the Z-direction, the angled arm 12 to be swung upwardly and the radiation source to be rotated through 90° about the horizontal axis to a basic setting position for horizontal, centered ray path onto a receptor located in the applied receptor holder 15.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates a basic setting position for horizontal ray path onto a receptor in a tertiary receptor holder 9 carried by the arm 5 via the downwardly directed part 5a. This position is also adopted automatically upon receipt of a command.
  • This basic setting position enables, for example, photo- graphs to be taken of the lungs of a patient, with the patient being positioned close to the receptor in the hold ⁇ er 9 and with the back of the patient facing the radiation source 6.
  • Manipulation of means on the operating panel (not shown) for this basic setting position results in corresponding movements of the radiation source 6.
  • the receptor holder 9 and the radiation source 6 execute mechanically synchronized movements in the X- and Z-directions, and that consequently it is only nee- essary to displace the radiation source relative to the receptor in the Y-direction. It will be understood that the angular setting of the radiation source can also be adjusted.
  • Fig. 7 illustrates substantially the same basic setting positions as those illustrated in Fig. 5, although with the exception that the receptor holder 9 and the radiation source 6 are displaced downwardly in the Z-direction. This position can be used, for example, for taking pictures of a loaded knee, etc.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates a modified version of the patient examination table 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 , in which the table has been extended in order to accommodate a seat assembly 18 for enabling pictures to be taken of the pa- tient in a sitting position.
  • the seat assembly 18 is move- able in the width direction of the table 1 , and can also be rotated in the horizontal plane.
  • a secondary receptor holder 15' constructed particularly for this purpose is inserted, or applied, in a hole 8a in one of the operating-handle parts 8.
  • the receptor holder 15' has a longer holder part than the re ⁇ ceptor holder 15 illustrated in Fig. 4.
  • Insertion of the receptor holder 15' results in the transmission of corre ⁇ sponding information to the operating system of the radia- tion source, which in accordance with the aforegoing auto ⁇ matically adjusts the radiation source to its basic setting position for horizontal, centered ray path onto a receptor located in the holder 15. Desirable adjustments to the setting of the radiation source can then be made from this basic setting position.
  • Figs. 8-10 illustrate examples of a driving arrangement for movement of the radiation source 6 in the Y-direction.
  • the radiation source 6 is carried by the angled arm 12, which is suspended in a carriage 21 on pins 20, the car ⁇ riage being mounted on the outwardly projecting arm 5 on ball bearings 22 for movement along said arm.
  • the car- riage is driven by a motor 23 provided with a pulley 23a carrying a line 24 connected to the carriage.
  • the pin 20 carries a sprocket wheel 25 on the upper side of the car ⁇ riage 21. When the sprocket wheel 25 passes over a tooth ⁇ ed segment 26 mounted on the arm 5, in response to move- ent of the carriage 21, the pin 20 is caused to rotate and therewith swing the radiation source 6 to the position illustrated in Figs. 4-7.
  • Fig. 12 which is in two parts, illustrates an embodiment of a drive arrangement for movement of the tower stand in the X-direction and for movement of the outwardly pro ⁇ jecting arm 5 in the Z-direction.
  • the tower stand 2 is provided with a bracket structure which projects inwardly downwards in the guide means 3 and which comprises two mutually parallel parts 30, 31, of which the part 31 carries a drive motor 32.
  • the output shaft of the motor 32 carries, between the bracket part 30, 31, a wheel 33 having a V-profile which runs on a guide 34 of circular cross-section.
  • a ball bearing 35 is journalled in the lower part of the tower stand 2, so as to run on the upper surface of the guide 3. Rotation of the motor 32 results in movement of the tower stand in the X-direction.
  • a drive motor 35 which co-acts with a spindle 38 provided with a trapezium thread via a gear 36, 37.
  • the arm 5 and the arm part 5a which projects downwardly therefrom and carries the receptor holder 9, incorporates two bearing parts 5b which embrace the spindle 38 and present corresponding trapezium threads.
  • Fig. 13 illustrates that the operating-handle parts 8 connected to the receptor holder 7 located beneath the table 1 are able to accept receptor holders 15 and 15' ' respectively of varying construction for horizontal ray path.
  • Accommodation holes 8a in respective operating-han ⁇ dle parts 8 are so formed that only a given receptor holder can be mounted in corresponding pairs of holes. In this way, the drive system of the arrangement obtains information concerning the type of receptor holder which has been mounted in position, and the position of the radiation source is adjusted in correspondence herewith.
  • the invention thus enables the use of a plurality of different types of secondary receptor holder, which can be alternatively mounted in position.
  • the radiation source is automatically moved, in the aforedescribed manner, to a basic setting for horizontal, centered ray path onto the receptor located in the holder concerned.
  • This holder has a bracket part 15a with connecting pins 15b.
  • a pack of microswitches which enable the combination of movements required for the correct function of the ar ⁇ rangement to be achieved may optionally be provided in the close proximity of the operating panel or console.
  • a slave button 11 which serves as a main switch for activating and de-activating the aforesaid movements
  • a "dead mans grip” which causes the receptor holder 17 to move when the operating- handle part 8a is gripped.
  • the receptor holder may have the form of a box into which a cassette is in ⁇ serted.
  • the box may be provided with an additional slot, into which a grid-means can be inserted.
  • an arrangement according to the invention is able to operate with all kinds of image receptors that may be used.
  • the actual receptor holder may, in certain cases, have the form of a frame into which cassettes of different sizes can be introduced, preferably cassettes which in ⁇ corporate grid means, in order to simplify cassette re ⁇ placement.
  • the holder 40 is intended to replace a separate holder intended for different image formats with a versatile holder which can be used with all available formats of, for example, X-ray film cassettes or imaging plates.
  • the holder comprises two rails 41, 42 of U-shaped cross- section, which are joined together, to form a corner, and to an angled bracket part 15a by means of connecting pins or studs 15b.
  • a telescopic, diagonal arm 43 is pivotally journalled in the aforesaid corner on a horizontal journal pin 43a.
  • the diagonal arm 43 carries on its outer end an angular plate 44, which is intended to engage a receptor 45 inserted in the holder and which is spring biased and/or provided with manual locking means.
  • a sensor for example a potentiometer or a pulse emitter, which detects the length D to which the arm is extended is arranged in the diagonal arm 43.
  • a further sensor Located at the end of the arm is a further sensor (not shown) which detects the angle v between the arm and the horizontal plane. All that is required to determine the format of a four-cornered receptor inserted in the holder is knowledge of the aforesaid arm-length and of the angle v. Thus, the height of the receptor is the arm-length x sine v, whereas the sine of the cassette is the arm- length x cos v.
  • Measurement of the format necessary for automatic focusing can also be used for image centering purposes, by servo controlling the radiation source 6 of the arrangement in the X- and Z-direction.
  • the angle plate 41, 42, 44 is provided with two or more electrical contacts (not shown) , e.g. microswitches, which are activated when an image receptor 45 is correctly posi ⁇ tioned. These contacts are connected in series with an exposure contact (not shown) , in order to prevent an exposure oc- curing when the receptor is not centrally positioned. This avoids a patient being subjected to an unnecessary dosage of radiation.
  • electrical contacts e.g. microswitches
  • the bracket part 15a has a further pivot shaft 46, which enables the versatile holder 40 to be swung to a horizon ⁇ tal position, as illustrated in broken lines in Fig. 14.
  • Further electric contacts (not shown) indicate to the operating system whether the receptor holder is in a vertical or horizontal position, and prevents an exposure from occurring when the receptor holder is located in an intermediate position.
  • this procedure is facilitated when the receptor holder can be swung to a horizontal position, in the aforesaid manner, thereby enabling an exposure to be taken with the radiation source in a vertical position.
  • X-ray photograph a patient placed on, for example, a stretcher carrier in an arrangement according to the in- vention, without needing to move the patient from the stretcher.
  • This can be achieved by removing the patient examination table 1b, thereby to expose the receptor hold ⁇ er 7 (vide Fig. 1) in the form of the carriage arranged for movement in the X- and Y-directions and being moveable in its frame or stand.
  • the moveable stretcher can then be moved into position and the receptor holder adjusted to a position as close to the underside of the stretcher as possible. Synchronization of the movements of said re ⁇ ceptor holder and the radiation source made possible by the invention is also-achieved in this case.
  • Fig. 16 illustrates in principle the manner in which such an arrangement, or system, can be constructed.
  • the ar- rangement illustrated in Fig. 16 differs in several signi ⁇ ficant respects from the aforedescribed main embodiments.
  • the examination table of this arrangement extends at right angles to the wall along which the tower stand 2 is arranged to move.
  • the table top has been o it- ted from the illustration, so as to show the base struc ⁇ ture 1 * of the table assembly.
  • all reference to movement in the X-direction is concerned with movement parallel with the longitudinal axis of the table.
  • the X- and Y- axes have changed places. Consequently, when the tower stand 2 of the Figure 16 embodiment moves in the horizontal plane it travels in the Y-direction.
  • the arm 5 that juts out from the stand 2 and carries the radiation source 6 is firmly attached to the stand 2 and will thus move in the Y-direction together with the stand.
  • the radiation source 6 is carried by a telescopic arm 12' such as to allow the radiation source to move in the Z- direction.
  • the telescopic arm 12' can also move along the arm 5 in the X-direction.
  • the radiation source can also be swung about a horizontal axis.
  • the table base-structure 1 ' of this embodiment is compli- mented with a mobile table unit 51 , which comprises a wheeled under carriage 51a and a table top 51b.
  • the mobile unit 51 thus has the form of a wheeled stretcher.
  • the base structure 1 ' comprises frame parts 1 'a which sup- port a telescopic arrangement 1 'c, 1'd, which in turn carries end supports 1'f, which present support surfaces 1 'e upon which the table top 51b is placed.
  • the end sup ⁇ ports 1 'f are mutually connected by longitudinally extend ⁇ ing guides 1 'b for the receptor 7.
  • Transverse guides 1'i are also provided, for guiding the movement of the recep ⁇ tor in the Y-direction.
  • the wheels 51 of the table unit are guided in floor tracks 1 'g.
  • the table-top support surfaces Te on the end supports 1'f of the mobile unit are inclined in a manner to cause the wheels of the mobile unit 51 to be lifted clear of the floor when moving in the unit over the base structure 1 ' , wherewith a guide provided in respective surfaces 1 'f ensures that the mobile unit is positioned correctly.
  • the unit and base structure are automatically locked together by co-acting locking devices 53, 54 which "snap" into one another.
  • the telescopic function of the mobile unit is disengaged so that the table top 51b is able to accompany movement of the base structure 1 ' in the Z-direction, with the aid of its tele ⁇ scopic arrangement 1 'c, 1'd.
  • a receptor holder 7' can be moved along the base structure 1 ' .
  • the application of a secondary re- ceptor holder will cause a) the radiation source 6 to move in the Z-direction, b) the tower stand and the radiation source to be displaced in the Y-direction and possibly also in the X-direction, and c) the radiation source to rotate about its horizontal axle to a basic setting for horizontal ray path.
  • the receptor holder 15 has a hinged arm 8' , such as to enable the holder to be folded down to an inactive storage position.
  • the receptor holder can be swung up to an active posi ⁇ tion, when a receptor holder is to be applied.
  • the receptor may be activated by an auxiliary device pro- vided on a panel 55.
  • the receptor holder 15 of the illustrated embodiment is provided with telescopic arms 15d, such as to enable move ⁇ ment in the Y-direction from one edge of the table to its centre line. Consequently, insertion, or application, of the receptor holder from the other direction enables the whole of the examination area on the table to be covered from both directions.
  • the arrangement of apparatus illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17 also includes further significant features.
  • the arrangement includes a tertiary receptor holder 9, although in this case the holder is not attached to the arm 5,- but is instead carried by the tower stand 2 and balanced by a counter-weigh (not shown) .
  • the receptor holder 9 When the receptor holder 9 is activated, for instance from the control panel 55, the radiation source will move to a basic setting for horizon ⁇ tal beam path with a pre-determined SID.
  • the radiation source is also connected to one end of an arm 57, which has an approxima ⁇ tive Z-shaped configuration and which carries a fourth re- ceptor holder 58 on its other end.
  • the arm 57 can be swung about the same geometric axis as the radiation source 6 and can be adjusted to various rotational posi ⁇ tions.
  • Fig. 18 illustrates a modification in which the stretcher carriage 51 has a pivotable end part 51c.
  • the Figure il ⁇ lustrates how an X-ray photograph can be taken of, e.g., the skull with the aid of the fourth receptor holder 58 when the stretcher carrier is freely positioned, i.e. not connected to the base structure 1 ' . This enables the exposure angle most favourable in relation to the patient (not shown) to be selected.
  • the radiation source 6 can be swung about its horizontal axle with the aid of a setting motor 60 mounted on the angle shelf 13" connected to the lowermost part 12'b of the telescopic arm 12'.
  • the telescopic arrangement of the tower stand is activated so that the table top will remain in its adjusted vertical position while blocking the possibility of ele ⁇ vating the base structure 1 1 at the same time.
  • Fig. 18 illustrates the improved X-ray tomographic facili ⁇ ties afforded by an arrangement constructed in accordance with the invention. The section height is changed by varying the movement path of the receptor in relation to the focus.
  • a receptor assembly according to the invention may also incorporate an image intensifier (not shown) of conven ⁇ tional kind to produce a visible image of an irradiated area of the patient.
  • Any type of grid used can be entered in the operating panel together with a receptor in a given case in question, the system sensing the focusing made.
  • a display may be provided for presenting the values entered.
  • a given type of grid has a pre-determined number of lines/centimetres and "ratio", i.e. the relationship between grid height/ lamella spacing.
  • ratio i.e. the relationship between grid height/ lamella spacing.
  • the photographic exposure is automatically controlled and the maximum fo ⁇ cusing achieved. This avoids the possibility of deviating from the focus distance relevant in different individual cases, which assists in achieving optimum quality, which in turn forms a basis for correct diagnosis and reduces the risk of a patient being subjected to an unnecessary dosage of radiation.
  • radiation receptors can be used instead of an X-ray cassette.
  • so called image plates can be used, which normally have the same external measurements as X- ray film cassettes, and the ability of which to absorb radiation corsesponding to an X-ray image is used for electronic image storage.
  • the invention affords the important advantage that personnel are able to work at a comfortable working height and need only manipu ⁇ late a small weight when adjusting the receptor in the X- and Y-directions.
  • the work carried out by personnel can be further facilitated by utilizing movement of the holder when changing a receptor for automatically de-centering and centering the receptor in both the X-direction and the Y-direction, this de-centering movement releasing the re ⁇ ceptor for replacement with another.
  • the advantages afforded by the invention are dependent on the co-action between receptors and radiation source in ⁇ corporated in the system.
  • the operator decides which re- ceptors shall be used from case to case, and takes the necessary measures for applying and activating the recep ⁇ tor, e.g. passes a corresponding button on the control panel, whereupon the radiation source will move automati ⁇ cally to a corresponding basic setting.
  • the receptor selected can be applied to the system by, e.g., raising the receptor from a downwardly swung inactive position (parking position) on one side of or beneath the table top.
  • the control panel may also incorporate a separate button by means of which the equipment applied can be moved to one side to a parking position, quickly and effectively, e.g. in an emergency, without detriment to the patient, so as to enable requisite auxiliary devices or assistance to be introduced or administered immediately without hindrance from the X-ray equipment.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Radiation Diagnosis (AREA)

Abstract

Lors d'une radiographie, on utilise un montant de support (2) muni d'un bras s'étendant à l'extérieur (5) sur lequel est placée une source de rayonnement (6), pouvant se déplacer dans des directions correspondant aux axes des X, des Y et des Z et pouvant pivoter autour d'un axe horizontal. Un support (7) pour plaques réceptrices, pouvant se déplacer dans les directions correspondant aux axes des X et des Y est placé sous la table d'examen (1) du patient. Le fait de placer dans le support (7) de la plaque réceptrice un support (15) pour une seconde plaque réceptrice, disposée verticalement et destinée à recevoir un faisceau horizontal de rayons X, provoque automatiquement le déplacement de la source de rayonnement (6) dans les directions correspondant aux axes des X, des Y et/ou des Z et la rotation de la source de rayonnement autour de l'axe horizontal, vers une position de réglage de départ permettant d'obtenir un faisceau horizontal, centré dirigé vers la seconde plaque réceptrice d'image. Différents types de support (15) destinés à la seconde plaque réceptrice sont prévus. Le montant de support peut également porter un support (9) pour une troisième plaque réceptrice.
PCT/SE1986/000580 1985-12-20 1986-12-18 Procede et dispositif de radiographie, utilisant un montant de support mobile dans le voisinage d'une table d'examen pour patient WO1987003795A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE8506093-7 1985-12-20
SE8506093A SE455568B (sv) 1985-12-20 1985-12-20 Sett och anleggning for rontgenfotografering eller motsvarande med anvendning av ett utmed ett patientbord rorligt pelarstativ

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1987003795A1 true WO1987003795A1 (fr) 1987-07-02

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/SE1986/000580 WO1987003795A1 (fr) 1985-12-20 1986-12-18 Procede et dispositif de radiographie, utilisant un montant de support mobile dans le voisinage d'une table d'examen pour patient

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU6838287A (fr)
SE (1) SE455568B (fr)
WO (1) WO1987003795A1 (fr)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4875228A (en) * 1988-07-12 1989-10-17 Davru Manufacturing Ltd. X-ray gantry
EP0379629A1 (fr) * 1989-01-27 1990-08-01 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Appareil diagnostic à rayons X pour les mammographies
WO1990014748A1 (fr) * 1989-05-24 1990-11-29 Orion-Yhtymä Oy Dispositif a rayons x
WO2000009015A1 (fr) * 1998-08-11 2000-02-24 Lena Harning Dispositif de compression
WO2005087108A1 (fr) * 2004-03-10 2005-09-22 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Systeme pour examen par rayons x, a monter au plafond
EP1053659B1 (fr) * 1998-12-08 2008-09-24 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Appareil d'examen radiologique a commande de brillance dependant de l'absorption d'un objet
US9307946B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2016-04-12 Dental Imaging Technologies Corporation Ceiling mounted medical imaging system
CN112568917A (zh) * 2019-09-27 2021-03-30 西门子医疗有限公司 具有安装至地面的载体单元的射线照相系统

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3492482A (en) * 1966-09-27 1970-01-27 Leslie M Forsyth Apparatus employing balanced electrical bridge circuit means to coordinate the movements of cooperating x-ray film and x-ray tubehead holders
GB1323769A (en) * 1969-11-28 1973-07-18 Picker Corp Shutter control in x-ray apparatus
US4024403A (en) * 1976-03-19 1977-05-17 General Electric Company X-ray cardiovascular examination apparatus
DE2831058A1 (de) * 1978-07-14 1980-01-24 Philips Patentverwaltung Roentgenuntersuchungsgeraet mit einem um eine horizontale achse schwenkbaren patientenlagerungstisch
US4365345A (en) * 1978-11-21 1982-12-21 The Machlett Laboratories, Incorporated Servo operated fluoroscopic table
US4365344A (en) * 1980-02-04 1982-12-21 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Stand for an x-ray image detection apparatus which is insertable beneath the patient support of an x-ray examination apparatus
US4501011A (en) * 1982-09-22 1985-02-19 General Electric Company Angulating lateral fluoroscopic suspension
DE3406717A1 (de) * 1984-02-24 1985-08-29 Philips Patentverwaltung Gmbh, 2000 Hamburg Roentgenschichtaufnahmegeraet

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3492482A (en) * 1966-09-27 1970-01-27 Leslie M Forsyth Apparatus employing balanced electrical bridge circuit means to coordinate the movements of cooperating x-ray film and x-ray tubehead holders
GB1323769A (en) * 1969-11-28 1973-07-18 Picker Corp Shutter control in x-ray apparatus
US4024403A (en) * 1976-03-19 1977-05-17 General Electric Company X-ray cardiovascular examination apparatus
DE2831058A1 (de) * 1978-07-14 1980-01-24 Philips Patentverwaltung Roentgenuntersuchungsgeraet mit einem um eine horizontale achse schwenkbaren patientenlagerungstisch
US4365345A (en) * 1978-11-21 1982-12-21 The Machlett Laboratories, Incorporated Servo operated fluoroscopic table
US4365344A (en) * 1980-02-04 1982-12-21 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Stand for an x-ray image detection apparatus which is insertable beneath the patient support of an x-ray examination apparatus
US4501011A (en) * 1982-09-22 1985-02-19 General Electric Company Angulating lateral fluoroscopic suspension
DE3406717A1 (de) * 1984-02-24 1985-08-29 Philips Patentverwaltung Gmbh, 2000 Hamburg Roentgenschichtaufnahmegeraet

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4875228A (en) * 1988-07-12 1989-10-17 Davru Manufacturing Ltd. X-ray gantry
EP0379629A1 (fr) * 1989-01-27 1990-08-01 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Appareil diagnostic à rayons X pour les mammographies
WO1990014748A1 (fr) * 1989-05-24 1990-11-29 Orion-Yhtymä Oy Dispositif a rayons x
WO2000009015A1 (fr) * 1998-08-11 2000-02-24 Lena Harning Dispositif de compression
EP1053659B1 (fr) * 1998-12-08 2008-09-24 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Appareil d'examen radiologique a commande de brillance dependant de l'absorption d'un objet
WO2005087108A1 (fr) * 2004-03-10 2005-09-22 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Systeme pour examen par rayons x, a monter au plafond
US7559691B2 (en) 2004-03-10 2009-07-14 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Ceiling-mounted x-ray examination device
US9307946B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2016-04-12 Dental Imaging Technologies Corporation Ceiling mounted medical imaging system
US10244998B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2019-04-02 Dental Imaging Technologies Corporation Ceiling mounted medical imaging system
CN112568917A (zh) * 2019-09-27 2021-03-30 西门子医疗有限公司 具有安装至地面的载体单元的射线照相系统

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU6838287A (en) 1987-07-15
SE8506093D0 (sv) 1985-12-20
SE455568B (sv) 1988-07-25
SE8506093L (sv) 1987-06-21

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