Medical x-ray imaging apparatus
Inventors
Laukkanen, Tapio • Hyvärinen, Pentti • Tawast, Juha
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9687202-B2
Publication Date
2017-06-27
Expiration Date
Abstract
The invention relates to a medical x-ray imaging apparatus which is specifically designed for enabling three-dimensional imaging of relatively small volumes from the area of extremities of a patient. The apparatus includes a support construction (1) supporting a substantially ring-shaped structure (2), an O-arm (2), which in turn supports imaging means (21, 22) and which O-arm (2) is arranged with an examination opening (4). The imaging means (21, 22) are arranged movable within the O-arm (2). A positioning support (8) is arranged in connection with said examination opening (4) whose location with respect to the O-arm (2) is arranged adjustable. Preferably the apparatus comprises a control system comprising a control function for moving the positioning support (8) in a first direction at a first speed within the area of the examination opening (4) and for simultaneously moving the O-arm (2) with respect to its support construction (1) substantially at said first speed in substantially opposite direction than said first direction.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a medical x-ray imaging apparatus having a support construction arranged to support a substantially ring-shaped structure. The ring-shaped structure supports imaging means that include a source of radiation and a receiver of image information arranged within the ring substantially on opposite sides of each other, and the imaging means are movable within the substantially ring-shaped structure.
The beam generated by the source of radiation is arranged to be limited to a true two-dimensional beam and further to provide a cone beam. The apparatus includes an examination opening in the substantially ring-shaped structure, enabling an anatomy to be positionable for imaging within the ring, and the substantially ring-shaped structure supporting the imaging means is arranged movable in at least a vertical direction with respect to the support construction.
A positioning support is connected to and supported by the substantially ring-shaped structure defining the examination opening, and the positioning support is adjustable with respect to the substantially ring-shaped structure. This adjustability enables respective positioning of an anatomy to be imaged within the substantially ring-shaped structure and defines a field of view formed by the movement of the imaging means inside the substantially ring-shaped structure.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims define a medical x-ray imaging apparatus with a substantially ring-shaped structure carrying movable imaging means on opposite sides, an examination opening for positioning the anatomy or object, and an adjustable positioning support that determines a field of view based on movement of the imaging means. The key inventive features center on the ring-based imaging arrangement and adjustable positioning support, with further claim members constraining beam limitation and movement relationships.
Substantially ring-shaped structure supporting movable imaging means on opposite sides
A medical x-ray imaging apparatus with a support construction arranged to support a substantially ring-shaped structure supporting imaging means, wherein the imaging means include a source of radiation and a receiver of image information arranged within said substantially ring-shaped structure substantially on opposite sides of each other and movable within said substantially ring-shaped structure.
True two-dimensional beam with cone beam arrangement
The beam generated by said source of radiation is arranged to be limited to a true two-dimensional beam and a cone beam.
Examination opening for positioning anatomy within the ring
An examination opening in said substantially ring-shaped structure supporting the imaging means, wherein an anatomy or an object to be imaged is positionable for imaging.
Adjustable positioning support connected to the examination opening to enable positioning and define field of view
A positioning support connected to and supported by the substantially ring-shaped structure defining said examination opening, said positioning support being adjustable with respect to said substantially ring-shaped structure so as to enable respective positioning of an anatomy to be imaged within said substantially ring-shaped structure and a field of view formed by said movement of the imaging means inside said substantially ring-shaped structure.
Movement parallel to the central axis when the ring structure is horizontal
A positioning support arranged into connection with said examination opening whose location with respect to said substantially ring-shaped structure is arranged adjustable, wherein said positioning support is arranged moveable substantially in a direction parallel to the direction of the central axis of said substantially ring-shaped structure when said substantially ring-shaped structure supporting imaging means is in the horizontal orientation.
Ring rotatable with respect to the support construction
In an apparatus where said substantially ring-shaped structure supporting the imaging means is arranged rotatable with respect to said support construction.
The independent claim set centers on a compact ring-shaped medical x-ray imaging apparatus that supports movable radiation source and image receiver on opposite sides, includes an examination opening for positioning the anatomy or object, and uses an adjustable positioning support connected to the examination opening. The claims further specify motion relationships for the positioning support and ring structure, including movement parallel to the central axis when the ring is horizontal, while the ring structure provides movement that forms a field of view.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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