Picker International, Inc.

Philips Medical Systems (cleveland), Inc.

Joseph S Deucher

Anton Z Zupancic

Kenneth L Freeman

Marc Piscitelli

Dennis K Everett

Pieter Gerhard Roos

Andrew J Ivan

Jeffrey Harold Yanof

Leonard F Plut

Anthony D Szpak

Charles A Gardner

Dominic J Heuscher

Donald E Negrelli

Robert E Shroy, Jr

John J Barni

Bruce Eliot Lutheran

Fred C Jensen

Anthony A Champa

Karl J West

Frank J Oblak

Leonard J Visdos

Nancy A Udovic

David W Hoffmeyer

Kim S Luckner

James G Mekker

Henry S Novak

Michael S Kacsala

A frame (A) of a diagnostic imaging device such as a CT scanner or an MRI device has a bore defining a patient examination region ( ). A first x-ray source (B) is mounted to a frame (C) for rotation around the examination region ( ). An arc of first radiation detectors ( ) detects x-rays which have traversed the examination region. A first image reconstruction processor ( ) reconstructs a tomographic image representation from signals generated by the first radiation detectors. A fluoroscopy device (D) is mechanically coupled to the diagnostic scanner for generating and displaying at least substantially real-time fluoroscopic projection image representations on a display monitor ( ). A second x-ray source ( ) transmits x-rays to an amorphous silicon flat panel radiation detector ( ). A second image reconstruction processor ( ) reconstructs the fluoroscopic projection image representations from signals generated by the flat panel radiation detector ( ). A C-arm ( ) supports the second x-ray source ( ) and the flat panel radiation detector ( ) in a plane offset from a plane of the C-arm. A movable mounting structure (E) is mechanically connected with the gantry (A) and the C-arm ( ) to move the C-arm between a stored position and an operating position adjacent the bore.

Fluoro-assist feature for a diagnostic imaging device

A patient supported on a patient support (12) is moved into a bore (22) of a planning imaging device, such as a CT scanner (20). A three-dimensional diagnostic image in three-dimensional diagnostic image space is generated and stored in a memory (130). The patient is repositioned outside of the bore with a region of interest in alignment with a real time imaging device, such as a fluoroscopic imaging device (40). A surgical planning instrument (60), such as a pointer or biopsy needle (62), is mounted on an articulated arm (64). As the instrument is inserted into the region of interest, fluoroscopic images are generated and stored in a memory (140). The coordinate systems of the CT scanner, the fluoroscopic device, and the surgical instrument are correlated (102, 104, 112, 120) such that the instrument is displayed on both the CT images (134) and the fluoroscopic images (50), such that cursors move concurrently along the fluoroscopic and CT images, and the like. In a preferred embodiment in which the cursor on the CT image display is at an intersection of transverse, sagittal, and coronal planes, the displayed planes change as the cursor moves coordinating the displayed CT image planes with the position of the cursor on the fluoroscopic image.

Integrated fluoroscopic projection image data, volumetric image data,

In an x-ray imaging system, an x-ray detector assembly includes an x-ray detector and a support assembly secured to the x-ray detector for supporting an antiscatter grid assembly. The x-ray detector preferably includes a matrix of crystal detectors. The support assembly includes a foam bezel having one or more magnets disposed therein. The antiscatter grid assembly includes an antiscatter grid secured to a metal frame. The one or more magnets disposed in the bezel are situated so as to align with the metal frame of the antiscatter grid assembly when the antiscatter grid assembly is coupled to the x-ray detector assembly. The strengths of the one or more magnets are such as to allow the antiscatter grid assembly to be removably secured to the x-ray detector assembly. Alternatively, the one or more magnets may be secured to the metal frame of the antiscatter grid assembly and corresponding metal plates may be placed in the support assembly.

Magnetic support for removable antiscatter grid

A frameless stereotactic tomographic scanner includes an imaging device defining a coordinate system in scanner space (.PI.). A localizer device includes a base portion mounted in a fixed relationship to the imaging device and a free end adapted for selective movement into varied positions near a patient body disposed on the imaging device. A position transducer associated with the localizer device generates, in a localizer space (), localizer device tip location information as the localizer device is moved near the patient body. A localizer space to scanner space transform processor converts the localizer tip location information to converted localizer tip location information in an image space (). The imaging device is adapted to generate patient body image information in the image space () regarding the patient body disposed on the device. A display unit is included for displaying the patient body image information together with the localizer tip position information on a human readable display monitor. The base portion of the localizer device is adapted for mounting onto the imaging device at a plurality of fixed positions. The imaging device includes an overhead track assembly defining the set of fixed localizer device positions. A calibration phantom is provided including a set of imagable touch point sites for generating a localizer space to scanner space vector based on a pair of centroids developed in the scanner space (TT) and the localizer space (RR) during a calibration and verification process.

Frameless stereotactic tomographic scanner for image guided

A frame (A) of a diagnostic imaging device such as a CT scanner or an MRI device has a bore defining a patient examination region (12). A first x-ray source (B) is mounted to a frame (C) for rotation around the examination region (12). An arc of first radiation detectors (14) detects x-rays which have traversed the examination region. A first image reconstruction processor (18) reconstructs a tomographic image representation from signals generated by the first radiation detectors. A fluoroscopy device (D) is mechanically coupled to the diagnostic scanner for generating and displaying at least substantially real-time fluoroscopic projection image representations on a display monitor (60). A second x-ray source (32) transmits x-rays to an amorphous silicon flat panel radiation detector (36). A second image reconstruction processor (58) reconstructs the fluoroscopic projection image representations from signals generated by the flat panel radiation detector (36). A C-arm (30) supports the second x-ray source (32) and the flat panel radiation detector (36) in a plane offset from a plane of the C-arm. A movable mounting structure (E) is mechanically connected with the gantry (A) and the C-arm (30) to move the C-arm between a stored position and an operating position adjacent the bore.

A gantry (A) has a bore defining a first patient examination region (12). A first x-ray source (B) is mounted to a frame (C) for rotation around the examination region (12). An arc of first radiation detectors (14) detects x-rays which have traversed the examination region. A first image reconstruction processor (18) reconstructs a tomographic image representation from signals generated by the first radiation detectors. An angiographic device (D) is positioned remote from the gantry along a longitudinal axis (25) for generating and displaying angiographic image representations on a display monitor (46). A second examination region is defined along the longitudinal axis (25) between a second x-ray source (36) and an image intensifier tube (38). A second processor (44) reconstructs the angiographic projection image representations from signals generated by the image intensifier tube (38). A C-arm (30) can be suspended from an overhead track (50) for supporting the second x-ray source (36) and the image intensifier tube (38). A common patient support (24-28) extends along the longitudinal axis between the gantry and the angiographic device for positioning a patient within the first and second examination regions. The patient support includes a slide mechanism (60-64) which permits the patient support to be retracted from the gantry. The processors (18, 44) can be a incorporated into a single controller (E) which fuses or combines an image generated by the angiographic imaging subsystem with an image generated by the tomographic imaging subsystem.

Angiographic system incorporating a computerized tomographic (CT) scanner

An imaging device includes a support member (30), a x-ray source (32) mounted to the support member via a first arm (34), and an x-ray detector (36) mounted to the support member via a second arm (38). The x-ray detector includes a sealed housing (72) mounted to the second arm and a flat panel image receptor (74) retained within the housing. A cooling system (G) exchanges heated air in the housing with ambient air located remote from the housing. The support member (30) includes an open channel (68), a closed channel (70), a common wall (106) separating the open channel from the closed channel, and a series of vents (108) through the common wall. The second arm (38) includes an inlet passage (92) and an exhaust passage (90) each of which communicate with the closed passage (70) and interior cavity (98) of the housing. At least one fan (100) is positioned in at least one of the exhaust passage and the inlet passage. An air deflector (102) extends over the inlet passage and the outlet passage at the first end thereof to prevent exhaust air from being drawn into the inlet passage. A baffle (96) extends through the cavity (98) to direct the flow of air within the cavity.

Cooling system for a sealed housing positioned in a sterile environment

An anode (16), (16') and a cathode (14), (14') are mounted in an evacuated envelope (12), (12') of an x-ray tube (10). One of the anode and cathode is rotatably mounted on bearings (20), (20') relative to the evacuated envelope. In the embodiment in which the anode is rotatably mounted relative to the evacuated housing, a rolling ring assembly (40) provides a current path from the anode through the evacuated housing to ground without the current path passing through the bearing (20). In this manner, pitting and other damage to the bearing due to arcing is eliminated. In the embodiment in which the cathode is rotatably mounted relative to the evacuated envelope, the anode and envelope rotate as the cathode is held stationary (58, 60). A plurality of rolling ring assemblies (40'.sub.1, 40'.sub.2, . . . ) provide electrical communication between electrical control circuitry disposed outside the rotating housing and the cathode assembly (14'). The electrical communication includes providing current to filaments of cathodes (30'.sub.1, 30'.sub.2) of the cathode assembly.

Electrical coupling of rotating members of medical imaging devices

A CT scanner includes a stationary gantry (C) having an examination region (12) centrally therein. A rotating frame or gantry (C) which is mounted for rotation about the examination region carries an x-ray tube assembly (B), a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger (34), and a liquid-to-air heat exchanger (48) around a peripheral edge thereof. A first closed loop (30) carries a first cooling fluid, particularly oil, between a housing (22) which surrounds an x-ray tube (68) and the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger to remove heat from the x-ray tube. A second closed loop (40) conveys a second cooling fluid, particularly water, between the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger and the peripheral liquid-to-air heat exchanger. The second closed loop includes a reservoir (44) for storing a substantial volume of water such that a significant portion of the heat generated during an x-ray examination can be stored by the water in the reservoir. After the x-ray examination while the patient is being repositioned or removed, the water continues to be circulated to the liquid-to-air heat exchanger cooling the water from the reservoir.

High capacity cooling system for CT gantry

The power brush block assembly (26) and a communication signal brush block assembly (28) are mounted to a rotating gantry portion (20) of a CT scanner in sliding communication with a stationary slip ring (16). The power communication brush block includes a plurality of like mounting blocks which when interconnected together in alignment define a locator aperture (64') and a shaft aperture (26') in radial alignment. A brush (70) includes a tip (72) and a shaft (76) around which a coil spring (100) is slidably received. The brush and spring assemblies are slidably received through the locator aperture until the brush tip is in sliding communication therewith and the shaft is in sliding communication with the shaft aperture. A retainer (102) prevents the spring from propelling the brush completely through the locator aperture. An electrical lead (104, 104') has a friction connector (106) which is connected to one end (78) of the brush shaft and connected at its other end with an electrical contact (88, 88' ). In the power brush block assembly, the locator and shaft apertures are defined by mounting together like mounting blocks (110). In the communication signal brush block assembly, the locator and shaft apertures are defined in circuit boards (60, 80) which are held in an arcuate figuration by identical spacer plates (44). Identical side plates (42) interconnect the slide plates and to provide a mounting arrangement for mounting the brush block to the rotating gantry portion.

Low inertia brush block assembly

In a stowed configuration, a gantry (32) of a CT scanner is mounted by helical, wire rope shock isolators (78) to a floor (12) of an ISO shelter at about a 60.degree. angle relative to a central axis (48) of the shelter. Mechanical assemblies (84, 100) limit movement of a tiltable gantry portion (82) relative to fixed gantry portions (60, 62, 64). A CT scanner control console (36) is mounted adjacent an opposite end of the ISO shelter on shock isolators (140). A patient couch (34) is mounted on shock isolators (122) in a stowed configuration in the available space between the gantry and the console. To deploy the system, foldable walls (26, 30), a foldable ceiling panel (28), and a foldable floor panel (24) of the ISO shelter are folded out. The patient couch is lowered onto casters (124) and moved into alignment with a central axis of the gantry. Jacks (128, 130) lower the patient couch from the casters and shock isolators onto the floor of the ISO shelter for fixed engagement. Jacks (70) lower the gantry from the isolators (78). Pivotal panels (42) of a lead screened viewing windows are pivoted about hinges (150) and lock (152) into an operating position. A track (162) is positioned over a patient access (54) to the ISO shelter and a lapped lead fabric curtain (190) is hung by hangers (170) from the track.

Deployable CT medical system

A deformable, inner ring (22) is mounted by spokes (24) to internal structure (26) of a CT scanner. A plurality of circuit boards (32) are bent in a circular arc that is concentric with an inner circular surface of the first ring and secured to the first ring such that the arcuate bend is maintained. Bending the flexible circuit boards into an arc stresses them such that they are cantilevered outward from the first ring, yet are held along the circular arc. A second ring (44) is connected to the outer ends of the circuit boards to assure that both ends of the circuit board are held in like diameter parallel circles. Brackets (52) hold the side edges of the circuit boards straight and linear. In this manner, the circuit boards on which radiation detectors (36) are mounted become a rigid, circular mounting assembly for the radiation detectors and provide the sole support for the second ring.

Composite detector mounting ring for CT scanners

A peripheral cooling duct (36) is mounted on a removable front door panel (26) of a CT scanner (10). A pressure source (74) supplies ambient air at elevated pressure through air inlet means (70) defined by an inner wall (78) of the cooling duct. Concentric flanges (58, 60) extending inward toward the inner region (76) of the CT scanner define a slit-like circular nozzle opening (56). Air is directed from the cooling duct through the nozzle opening across radiation detectors (20) for cooling the detectors and other features of the CT scanner during scanner operation.

CT scanner cooling duct

A computerized tomographic scanning apparatus comprises a gantry assembly for performing tomographic examination and including a detector and data acquisition assembly carried on a first frame for selective rotation about a first axis. A base frame supports the first frame for limited tilting movement about a second axis which lies in a plane generally perpendicular to the first axis. A selectively operable drive assembly for tilting the gantry assembly about the first axis comprises first and second extensible and retractable rotary drive screw assemblies connected between the first frame and the second frame at locations spaced laterally outwardly on opposite sides of the first axis. Each drive screw assembly includes a first end connected to the base frame and a second end connected to the first frame at a point radially outwardly of the second axis. Electric motor and control units are provided for producing simultaneous operation of the first and second drive screw assemblies for producing controlled tilting movement of the first frame about the second axis. Also, the control units includes controls for deenergizing the electric motors if either of the drive screw assemblies fails to operate when its respective electric motor is energized.

Gantry tilt and support assembly for CT scanner

A compact, lightweight, portable, versatile and modular field x-ray system is disclosed. A base member is provided and supports an x-ray table. Two vertical masts are also coupled to the base, for movement alongside the table in a direction parallel to its longitudinal dimension. The masts move independently of one another but can also be linked together for movement in unison. A tube head is attached to one mast by articulated structure, including a series of offset arms, which affords the tube head 6 degrees of freedom of movement, both above and below the x-ray table. A spot film device is movable coupled to the second mast. The second mast and spot film device are manually removable from the remainder of the system for operation in radiographic only mode. When the masts are linked together, the tube head, because of the offsetting nature of the coupling arms, can be precisely vertically aligned with respect to the spot film device, and the entire assembly of masts, tube head and spot film device can be moved in unison for fluoroscopic panning.

Growing community of inventors

Lyndhurst, OH, United States of America

Joseph S Deucher