Self-shielded CT scanner
Inventors
Sukovic, Predrag • Clinthome, Neal • Rakic, Miodrag • Bertolina, James A. • Stayman, Joseph Webster
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-7593503-B2
Publication Date
2009-09-22
Expiration Date
Abstract
A CT scanner includes a pair of shields to protect an operator from x-rays from the CT scanner. The CT scanner has a gantry that provides structural support and housing for the components including an x-ray source and a detector arranged on the gantry to face one another. Lead shields are located on opposing sides of the x-ray source and extend between the x-ray source and the detector. The CT scanner further includes a computer located on an opposing side of the gantry from the x-ray source and the detector. The lead shields rotate with the gantry and prevent the x-ray from reaching the operator while the CT scanner is in operation.
Core Innovation
A computed tomography scanner is provided with a rotatable gantry having opposing sides, where the gantry is rotatable about an axis of rotation. An x-ray source is mounted to the gantry, and an x-ray detector is mounted to the gantry opposite the x-ray source. Shields are disposed on each of the opposing sides of the gantry and extend from the x-ray source to the x-ray detector so as to prevent x-rays from passing through.
The shields comprise leaded glass and are fixed relative to the gantry while the gantry is operated. In a described configuration, the gantry forms a C-shaped assembly with opposing sides that each define an opening, and the shields extend between the x-ray source and the x-ray detector to close the openings. The shields have a primarily rectangular shape to close one of the openings.
A compact, self-shielded arrangement is described in which the lead shields rotate with the gantry to prevent x-rays from reaching the operator. An onboard computer/monitor is mounted on the opposite side of the gantry, facing away so the operator faces the patient while using the system, and the system is described as reducing or eliminating the need to line the room with lead while providing lower-cost, compact operation.
Claims Coverage
The partial content includes four independent claims directed to a computed tomography scanner architecture and a method of directing x-rays using fixed shields that prevent x-rays from passing through while the gantry is moved or rotated.
Fixed leaded-glass shields on rotatable gantry sides for CT x-ray containment
A computed tomography scanner with a rotatable gantry having opposing sides, an x-ray source mounted to the gantry, an x-ray detector mounted to the gantry opposite the x-ray source, and a shield disposed on each opposing side extending from the x-ray source to the x-ray detector, where the shields are fixed relative to the gantry and prevent x-rays from passing through, and the shields comprise leaded glass.
C-shaped movable gantry with primarily rectangular shields closing gantry openings
A computed tomography scanner comprising a moveable gantry forming a c-shaped assembly with opposing sides each defining an opening; an x-ray source mounted to the gantry; an x-ray detector mounted to the gantry opposite the x-ray source; and a shield disposed on each opposing side extending from the x-ray source to the x-ray detector, where the shields each have a primarily rectangular shape to close one of the openings.
Directing CT x-rays away from opposing sides using leaded-glass shields while rotating a gantry
A method of directing x-rays of a computed tomography scanner by emitting x-rays from an x-ray source toward an x-ray detector mounted to opposing sides of a moveable gantry; directing the x-rays from the x-ray source away from the opposing sides of the gantry with a shield disposed on each opposing side and extending from the x-ray source to the x-ray detector, wherein the shields comprise leaded glass; and rotating the gantry about an axis of rotation, wherein the shields are fixed relative to the gantry.
C-shaped gantry arms with fixed primarily rectangular shields between CT source and detector
A computed tomography scanner comprising a moveable gantry having opposing sides including a first arm and a second arm to define a c-shaped assembly with opposing sides each defining an opening; an x-ray source mounted to the gantry with the first arm housing the x-ray source; an x-ray detector mounted to the gantry opposite the x-ray source with the second arm housing the x-ray detector; and a shield disposed on each opposing side and extending from the x-ray source to the x-ray detector, where the shields are fixed relative to the gantry and prevent x-rays from passing through, and the shields each have a primarily rectangular shape to close one of the openings.
Across the independent claims, the inventive concept is a computed tomography scanner using opposing-side shields that extend between an x-ray source and an x-ray detector, are fixed relative to a moveable or rotatable gantry, and prevent x-rays from passing through, with shield construction, material, and primarily rectangular shapes used to close openings in a C-shaped gantry.
Stated Advantages
Reduces or eliminates the need to line the room with lead.
Provides lower-cost, compact operation.
Documented Applications
Operator use of a compact self-shielded CT scanner in which shields rotate with the gantry to prevent x-rays from reaching the operator while the operator faces the patient using an onboard computer/monitor.
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