X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices – Source support – Including movable source
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-20
2001-03-20
Church, Craig E. (Department: 2876)
X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices
Source support
Including movable source
C378S198000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06203196
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to an X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the type having a beam transmitter and a beam receiver mounted opposite one another on a curved holder.
2. Description of the Prior Art
An X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the above type is known, for example, as a ceiling-mounted or floor-mounted apparatus from German Utility Model 89 05 588, and as a mobile apparatus from German PS 195 35 583. In particular, these X-ray diagnostic apparatuses have a C-arm-type holder that can be displaced on a mount along its circumference, and can be displaced around a horizontal axis, as well as also in the vertical direction if necessary. In this way, X-ray examinations can be carried out from various irradiation directions.
German OS 197 11 499 discloses an X-ray diagnostic apparatus with a CT means and with an X-ray transirradiation means. With this X-ray diagnostic apparatus, transillumination examinations, angiography examinations, and computed tomography examinations can be carried out.
Computed tomography apparatuses have a cube-like gantry with a center opening in which an examination subject can be arranged so that the subject can be examined using X-ray radiation. Accessibility to the subject is not possible, or is at least hindered. If a repositioning of the subject is required, displacement must take place out of the gantry, followed by repositioning and reintroduction into the gantry.
If both angiography and computed tomography examinations are required, in the most advantageous case a computed tomography apparatus and an angiography apparatus are arranged in the same examination room. A repositioning of the subject from the computed tomography apparatus to the angiography apparatus must however still be carried out. A possibility for avoiding this repositioning is disclosed in the aforementioned German OS 197 11 499. It is often the case, however, for the computed tomography apparatus and the angiography apparatus to be arranged in different rooms, so that not only a repositioning but also a transporting of the subject is required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the type initially described wherein both transirradiation examinations and computed tomography examinations can be carried out.
This object is achieved in accordance with the principles of the present invention in an X-ray diagnostic apparatus having, in a first operating mode, in particular a transirradiation mode, a curved holder with at least one first circular ring segment on which the beam transmitter and beam receiver are mounted. In this operating mode, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus, and in particular the curved holder that is open at one side, can be oriented—particularly if it is constructed as a C-arm—with the beam transmitter and the beam receiver to the subject under examination for transirradiation from various directions. In a second operating mode, in particular a computed tomography mode, a second circular ring segment is combined with the first circular ring segment so that a closed ring results. A subject can be arranged inside the closed ring. Displacement means, as well as an energy supply for the beam transmitter and beam receiver, as well as a signal transmission system allocated to the beam receiver, are provided, and the beam transmitter and the beam receiver can be driven, positioned opposite one another, in rotation around the subject. The signals emanating, from the beam receiver corresponding to radiation incident during an examination of the subject can be supplied to a computing unit for display at a monitor as a transirradiation image. As a result, with an inventive X-ray diagnostic apparatus both transirradiation exposures and computed tomography exposures are possible, without requiring a repositioning of the subject, or transportation into another examination room. Such an X-ray diagnostic apparatus can be used with particular advantage in the operating room, since it occupies little space and nonetheless enables both transirradiation exposures and computed tomography exposures.
It is advantageous for the first and second circular ring segments to be mounted on respective mount apparatuses, and for the mount apparatuses to permit coupling and decoupling of the circular ring segments by means of a corresponding displacement. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus thus can be converted in a simple and economical manner from a transirradiation apparatus into a computed tomography apparatus, and vice versa.
In order to increase the displaceability of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus, it is particularly advantageous for the second circular ring segment to be decouplable from its mount apparatus.
In order also to enable examinations from various directions, it is advantageous for the mount apparatus of the first ring segment and/or of the second ring segment to be spatially displaceable.
The design of an inventive X-ray diagnostic apparatus is particularly advantageous when the second circular ring segment can be displaced on the first circular ring segment so as to form a closed ring. A separate mount apparatus for the second circular ring segment thus can be foregone.
In this version it is particularly advantageous for the second circular ring segment to be adjusted on the first circular ring segment in a telescoping arrangement.
In a further embodiment of the inventive X-ray diagnostic apparatus, the second circular ring segment can be pivoted around an axle on the first circular ring segment, so that a complete ring can be formed. This particularly facilitates easy use of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus both as a transirradiation apparatus and as a computed tomography apparatus.
In another embodiment of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the invention, end extensions are provided on an additional curved holder, these extensions being constructed as rails or as a telescoping assembly and allow the beam transmitter and the beam receiver to be displaced, in the range of displacement of the extension, away from a third mount apparatus for the additional curved holder or toward this third mount apparatus. The third mount apparatus can enable rotation of the additional curved holder around an axis of rotation, so that besides transirradiation exposures it is also possible to produce computed tomography exposures during a rotation, and in addition a larger area of the subject can be scanned using the extensions.
The inventive X-ray diagnostic apparatus can be displaceable on ceiling rails and/or on floor rails or via a carriage or cart that can be moved freely.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3549885 (1970-12-01), Andersson
patent: 5661772 (1997-08-01), Bär et al.
patent: 89 05 588 (1990-10-01), None
patent: 195 35 583 (1997-03-01), None
Meyer Michael
Seubert Hans-Peter
Church Craig E.
Schiff & Hardin & Waite
Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
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