Medical diagnostic mechanical positioner

Abstract

A mechanical support structure which coordinates patient positioning and medical diagnostic equipment positioning in a unified system. More particularly, the system includes a vertically adjustable patient table supported at both ends by substantial upright end support members. Also suspended between these two end supports is a radiation detector such as a scintillation camera head whose position relative to the patient table is conveniently and accurately adjustable from an operator control panel provided on one end support. Each degree of freedom afforded the detector is accomplished independently of the other and, if desired, simultaneously, or in any desired combination. To perform static imaging the separation between the detector and the patient table is adjustable, as is the lateral position of the detector between the two end stands and hence along the span of the patient table. In a detector having a non-symmetrical field of view, its length and width orientation may be reversed. The plane of focus of the detector is selectable within a range of pivot angles. Alternatively, to accomplish ECT imaging, the detector is orbited about the patient at a selected intermediate position between the two end stands and at a selected radius of rotation. This orbital motion may be circular relative to a fixed patient position or, if desired, may be non-circular by adjusting the radial position of the scintillation detector, the height of the support structure or a synchronized combination of both. In non-circular orbital motion, the detector may also be rotated off of a radial focus.