X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices – Accessory – Testing or calibration
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-04
2001-05-01
Bruce, David V. (Department: 2876)
X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices
Accessory
Testing or calibration
C378S018000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06224257
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention belongs to the field of devices that make it possible to simulate the body or a part of the body, particularly a patient's blood vessels, for the testing of an X-ray apparatus.
An X-ray apparatus generally comprises a tube that allows the emission of an X-ray beam in a given direction, means for positioning at least one part of a patient's body in the X-ray beam, and receiving means that sense the X-rays disposed in the beam after it has passed through the patient's body part. An X-ray apparatus requires the control of many parameters that can deviate over the course of time, which requires maintenance interventions at regular intervals. The reduction in the quality of the images obtained by the receiving means can be linked, for example, to slight changes in the geometry of the apparatus due to wear on the parts, or to variations in the magnetic field surrounding the apparatus.
In order to characterize such deviations, it is necessary to obtain a device that makes it possible to simulate the body of a patient. The display of the simulation device on a screen takes place in a way that is identical to that of the patient's body, and makes it possible to reveal possible deviations and thus to determine whether the X-ray apparatus is working with a precision greater than the minimal precision required or whether, on the contrary, the X-ray apparatus should undergo a maintenance operation in order to restore the precision of the images obtained.
Simulation devices of this type are particularly useful in the field of vascular imaging by image subtraction. The blood vessels of the human body being naturally transparent to X-rays, an image is first taken without the addition of an opacifying product, after which an opacifying product, for example iodine-based, is injected into the patient's blood, which makes the blood opaque to X-rays, then a second image is taken after the opacifying product has been properly distributed through the patient's vascular network. The two images or series of images obtained being numbered by electronic means, an image subtraction is then carried out, making it possible to remove from the second image the organs visible in the first one, i.e., the organs naturally visible to X-rays such as the bones, etc.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a simulation device that is easy to handle while being adaptable to various types of X-ray apparatuses. It is more particularly adapted to the testing of three-dimensional imaging apparatuses.
The device for simulating a patient's body is intended for the testing of a vascular X-ray apparatus of the type comprising a means for emitting an X-ray beam, and a means for receiving the X-ray beam after it has passed through a part of the patient's body, the X-ray beam being centered on an axis and rotatable. The simulation device comprises at least one metal wire disposed at least partially transversely relative to the axis.
In one embodiment of the invention, the wire is disposed helicoidally relative to the axis normal to the plane of rotation of the axis of the X-ray beam. Each wire can be disposed on a spire. Preferably, the wires have diameters that are different from one another. Each wire can be disposed at a distance from the axis normal to the plane of rotation of the axis of the X-ray beam that is different from that of the other wires.
In one embodiment of the invention, each wire is disposed on a support with a shape adapted to the shape of the means for receiving the X-ray ray beam. The support can be cubical or spherical with a polygonal equatorial section.
In one embodiment of the invention, the support comprises elements with low X-ray absorption to which the wires are attached, said elements extending from one end of the support to the other.
In one embodiment of the invention, the support comprises a central shaft perpendicular to the axis and made of a material with average X-ray absorption.
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Launay Laurant
Romeas Rene
Trousset Yves Lucien Marie
Vaillant Regis
Bruce David V.
Chaskin Jay L.
Ho Allen C.
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