Patient handling system for a medical imaging system

Abstract

A patient handling system (PHS) for a medical imaging system having a tunnel extending through at least one scanning portion of the system. The PHS includes a first movable base supporting a detachable first pallet including a first patient. The first base moves the first pallet through the tunnel to enable scanning of the first patient. The PHS also includes a second movable base located at an exit of the tunnel. The second base attaches to the first pallet as the first pallet moves through the tunnel, and the first base is subsequently detached from the first pallet. The second base then moves away from the exit of the tunnel to remove the first pallet from the tunnel. A second patient to be scanned is simultaneously prepared on a second pallet for scanning as the first pallet moves through the tunnel in order to increase patient throughput through the system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present invention relate to a patient handling system (PHS) for a medical imaging system having a tunnel extending through at least one scanning portion of the imaging system, and more particularly, to a PHS comprising a first movable base and a second movable base, the first movable base supporting a detachable first tray that moves through the tunnel to enable scanning of a first patient, the second movable base being located at the tunnel exit and attached to the first tray as the first tray moves through the tunnel, wherein the first base is subsequently detached from the first tray, and then the second base moves away from the tunnel exit to remove the first tray from the tunnel. Background Technology

[0002] Positron emission tomography (PET) is a nuclear medicine imaging technique that produces three-dimensional images or maps of functional processes within a patient's body. The sensitivity of PET systems has been improved by enhancing time-of-flight (ToF) performance and by extending the axial field of view (FoV) of the PET system to provide greater solid angle coverage for the PET detector. Such long-axial FoV systems are expensive, and therefore it is cost-effective to scan as many patients as possible per day. The improved sensitivity and ToF performance of long-axial FoV systems allow for reduced patient scan time. However, the number of additional patients that can be scanned within a given time period is limited by the amount of time required to prepare patients for scans, including loading and unloading patients on the system's patient bed before and after the scan.

[0003] For example, hybrid PET / CT imaging systems are often used to generate PET and CT images separately, which are then co-registered to provide a combined image that gives medical personnel anatomical and metabolic information about the patient's body. (Reference) Figure 1 An exemplary PET / CT imaging system 10 with a CT section 12 and a PET section 14 is shown. The CT section 12 includes a gantry 15 with a recording unit that includes an X-ray source 16 and an X-ray detector 18. The recording unit rotates about a longitudinal axis 20 during the recording of tomographic images, and the X-ray source 16 emits X-rays 22 during recording.

[0004] The PET section 16 of system 10 includes at least one PET detector ring, each PET detector ring comprising a plurality of known PET detectors arranged in a ring configuration on a backplane. The PET detectors define a FoV extending in the same direction as the longitudinal axis 20. During known operation of the PET section of the system, an annihilation event occurs in the FoV, where electrons interact with positrons to induce the generation of gamma radiation, which is then detected by the PET detectors. The detection of gamma radiation is used to generate a PET image, which is then combined with a CT image generated by the CT section 14 of system 16 to provide an image as previously described.

[0005] System 10 includes a gantry and tunnel 24 extending through the CT 12 and PET 14 sections, and a worktable base 26 with a movable patient bed 28 supporting a patient 30. In an initial position, the bed 28 is located outside the tunnel 24 to allow loading of the patient 30. In use, the bed 28 moves from the initial position and then through the tunnel 24 to translate the patient along the longitudinal axis 20 and through the CT 12 and PET 14 sections to generate PET and CT images, respectively. After scanning, the bed 28 then returns to the initial position to unload the patient 30. The worktable base 26 includes a control unit 32 connected to a computer 34 that controls the operation of system 10. System 10 can be configured by a determining unit 36 ​​using a stored computer program executable on the computer 34. The computer 34 is connected to an output device 38 (such as a computer monitor) and an input device 40. The output 42 on the output device 38 includes, for example, a graphical user interface for actuating individual units and the control unit 32 of system 10. Additionally, different views of the recorded data can be displayed on output device 38. For example, input device 42 may include a keyboard and a mouse. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A patient handling system (PHS) for a medical imaging system is disclosed, wherein the imaging system includes a tunnel extending through at least one scanning portion of the imaging system. The PHS includes a first movable base supporting a removable first tray including a first patient. The first base moves the first tray through the tunnel to enable scanning of the first patient. The PHS also includes a second movable base located at the tunnel exit. As the first tray moves through the tunnel, the second base attaches to the first tray, and the first base is subsequently detached from the first tray. The second base then moves away from the tunnel exit to remove the first tray from the tunnel. As the first tray moves through the tunnel, a second patient to be scanned is simultaneously prepared for scanning on the second tray, thereby increasing patient throughput through the system.

[0007] In another embodiment, a patient processing system (PHS) for a medical imaging system is disclosed, the medical imaging system having a tunnel extending through at least one scanning portion of the imaging system. The PHS includes a first movable base supporting a first tray including a first patient, wherein the first base moves the first tray through the tunnel to enable scanning of the patient. The PHS also includes a second movable base supporting a second tray including a second patient, wherein the first and second trays are oriented at an angle relative to each other. Additionally, the PHS includes a stage for rotating the imaging system to align the imaging system with either the first or second tray, wherein when scanning of the first patient is completed, the stage rotates to align the imaging system with the second tray, and the second base moves the second tray through the tunnel to enable scanning of the second patient.

[0008] Those skilled in the art can apply the corresponding features of the present invention in any combination or sub-combination, either together or separately. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are further described in the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 An exemplary PET / CT imaging system having a CT section and a PET section is described.

[0011] Figures 2A-2C A patient management system (PHS) according to one aspect of the present invention is described.

[0012] Figure 3 A PHS according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0013] Figure 4 A PHS according to another alternative embodiment of the invention is described.

[0014] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 and Figure 4 A flowchart of the acquisition and motion control system of the alternative embodiment shown. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Although various embodiments incorporated into the teachings of this disclosure have been shown and described in detail herein, those skilled in the art can readily devise embodiments that still incorporate these teachings. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to the application of the construction details and component arrangements of the exemplary embodiments set forth in the specification or illustrated in the drawings. This disclosure covers other embodiments practiced or implemented in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. The use of “comprising,” “including,” or “having,” and variations thereof herein is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional items. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled,” and variations thereof are used extensively and cover direct and indirect mounting, connection, support, and coupling. Additionally, “connected” and “coupled” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0016] refer to Figures 2A-2C A patient processing system (PHS) 50 according to one aspect of the present invention is shown. The PHS 50 can be used in conjunction with medical imaging systems having a patient tunnel for receiving patients—such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, positron emission tomography (PET) systems, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) systems, PET / MRI systems, X-ray computed tomography (CT) systems, PET / CT systems, SPECT / CT systems, and other systems. For illustrative purposes, the invention will be described in conjunction with a PET / CT imaging system 10 comprising CT 12 and PET 14 portions having PET detectors 16. Additionally, system 10 may include an elongated axial field of view forming a long-axis viewing system. For example, the length of the long-axis field of view may be approximately 1 meter or longer. Alternatively, the invention can be used in conjunction with a PET scanner having a standard or shorter field of view.

[0017] Tunnel 24 extends through the CT 12 and PET 14 sections and includes a tunnel entrance 52 and a tunnel exit 54. PHS 50 and System 10 are shown located in a radiation-shielded scanning room 56 of a medical facility, for example, having an entrance 58 and an exit 60, as well as an operator's room 62 shielded by radiation glass 64. PHS 50 includes a first base 66 and a second base 68, and a first patient tray 70 supporting a first patient 72. The first base 66 and the second base 68 are each independently movable toward and away from System 10. In one aspect of the invention, the first base 66 and the second base 68 are movably mounted to a first rail or guide rail 74 and a second rail or guide rail 76, respectively, to guide movement of the first base 66 and the second base 68. Each of the first rail 74 and the second rail 76 includes a linear actuator (such as a linear motor) to independently move either or both of the first base 66 and the second base 68 toward or away from System 10 in a horizontal direction 78. The linear motor is controlled using a motion controller that communicates with a computer (such as computer 34) associated with system 10. The first end 80 and the second end 82 of the first tray 70 include a first attachment device 84 and a second attachment device 86, which are removably attached to the first base 66 and the second base 68, respectively.

[0018] exist Figure 2A In the diagram, a first base 66 is shown spaced apart from the tunnel entrance 52 in the loading position 88, and a second base 68 is located adjacent to the tunnel exit 54 in the tray retrieval position 90. In the loading position 88, a first end 80 of the first tray 70 is attached to the first base 66 via a first attachment device 84, such that only the first base 66 supports the first tray 70. Furthermore, a first patient 72 on the first tray 70 is prepared for scanning via the CT 12 and PET 14 sections and is ready for scanning. The first base 66 is actuated to move toward the system 10, which moves the first tray 70 such that a second end 82 is inserted into the tunnel 24 via the tunnel entrance 52. The first tray 70 is advanced by the first base 66 through the tunnel 24 to enable continuous CT and PET scans of the first patient 72, and continues to advance until the second end 82 extends from the tunnel exit 54. Figure 2A In this process, the previously scanned patient 92 is positioned on another tray 94, which has been removed from tunnel 24 and unloaded from system 10. The tray 94 is positioned on a stretcher 96 with wheels 98 to allow the previously scanned patient 92 to be transported out of room 56 via exit 60.

[0019] refer to Figure 2BThe second end 82 of the first tray 70 is shown attached to a second base 68 in the tray retrieval position 90 by a second attachment device 86. The second end 82 is attached to the second base 68 as it extends from the tunnel exit 54. The first end 80 of the first tray 70 is then detached from the first base 66, such that only the second base 68 supports the first tray 70. Figure 2B A new or second patient 100 is also depicted positioned on a second tray 102 located on a second stretcher 104, the second stretcher 104 having wheels 106 to allow the second patient 100 to be transported into room 56 via entrance 58. While the first tray 70 advances through tunnel 24 for consecutive CT and PET scans, the second patient 100 on the second tray 102 is simultaneously prepared for CT and PET scans by medical personnel. For example, preparing a patient for CT and PET scans may include attaching leads from an electrocardiogram device to the patient and / or connecting and setting up a breathing device.

[0020] refer to Figure 2C The second base 68 is moved away from the pallet retrieval position 90 to the retracted position 108, where the second base 68 is spaced apart from the system 10, and the first pallet 70 is removed from the tunnel 24. The first pallet 70 is then detached from the second base 68 to allow unloading of the first pallet 70 from the second base 68. The first pallet 70 is then positioned on the stretcher 96 (e.g., Figure 2A As shown in the diagram, while the first pallet 70 is being removed from the tunnel 24 by the second base 68, the first base 66 simultaneously returns to the loading position 88 (as shown in the diagram). Figure 2A As shown in the diagram, the first end 80 of the second tray 102 is attached to the first base 66 via the first attachment device 84, as previously described. When the first tray 70 is removed from the tunnel 24, the first base 66 then moves toward the system 10 such that the second end 82 of the second tray 102 enters the tunnel 24, enabling continuous CT and PET scans of the previously prepared second patient 100, and this process is repeated.

[0021] Therefore, due to the time savings, patient throughput through system 10 is optimized, which in turn reduces the total cost of ownership of system 10. Specifically, while the first patient is being scanned, the second patient is simultaneously prepared for scanning. Furthermore, while the first tray containing the first patient is being removed from the tunnel by the second base, the second tray containing the previously prepared second patient is simultaneously loaded onto the first base and ready to be inserted into tunnel 24 for scanning the second patient. Additionally, standard production PET / CT systems and software can be used in conjunction with the PHS of the current embodiment, thereby minimizing costs.

[0022] Chamber 56 is defined by radiation-shielded walls 110 and can be configured as a single elongated chamber comprising: a first base 66 and a second base 68, trays 70, 94, 102, stretchers 96, 104, and system 10. Radiation-shielded glass or a radiation-shielded folding chamber separator 112 can be used to separate chamber 56. This reduces the exposure of medical personnel and / or patients preparing for a scan to X-ray radiation from another patient being scanned and / or to radioactivity from radioactive isotopes injected into the patient, for example, in connection with a PET scan. Alternatively, chamber 56 can be separated by walls to form adjacent chambers, with system 10 extending through openings in the walls. In another configuration, two chambers and a utility room located between the two chambers can be used, with a portion of system 10 located in the utility room and the remainder of system 10 extending through the walls of the utility room into scanning chamber 56.

[0023] refer to Figure 3 This illustrates a PHS 120 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the first tray 70 is oriented at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the second tray 102 (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown in the top view). The first tray 70 and the second tray 102 are attached to the first base 66 and the second base 68. Furthermore, the system 10 is situated on a rotatable table 122, which allows the system 10 to rotate 90 degrees to align with either the first tray 70 or the second tray 102. It should be understood that the first tray 70 and the second tray 102 can be oriented relative to each other at an angle greater than or less than 90 degrees, and the table 122 rotates at a rotation angle corresponding to the orientation of the first tray 70 and the second tray 102.

[0024] The workbench 122 is shown oriented such that system axis 124 is aligned with the first axis 126 of the first tray 70, and the second axis 128 of the second tray 102 is oriented at a 90-degree angle relative to system axis 124. A first base 66 is shown spaced from tunnel entrance 52 in a first initial position 130, in which patients can be loaded or unloaded. A first patient 72 and a second patient 100 are located on the first tray 70 and the second tray 102, respectively.

[0025] Actuating the first base 66 to move toward the system 10, the system 10 moves the first tray 70 such that the second end 82 is inserted into the tunnel 24 via the tunnel entrance 52. The first base 66 advances the first tray 70 through the tunnel 24 to enable continuous CT and PET scans of the first patient 72. While the first tray 70 advances through the tunnel 24 for CT and PET scans, the second patient 100 on the second tray 102 is simultaneously prepared for CT and PET scans by medical personnel. For example, preparing a patient for CT and PET scans may include attaching leads from an electrocardiogram device to the patient and / or connecting and setting up a breathing device.

[0026] Once the scan of the first patient 72 is completed, the first base 66 and the first tray 70 are moved back to the first initial position 130. The stage 122 is then rotated approximately 90 degrees until the system axis 124 is aligned with the second axis 128 of the second tray 102. In this position, the second base 68 is spaced apart from the tunnel entrance 52 in the second initial position 132, where patients can be loaded and unloaded. The second base 68 then advances the second tray 102 through the tunnel 24 to enable continuous CT and PET scans of the second patient 100. As the second tray 102 advances through the tunnel for CT and PET scans, the first patient 72 is unloaded from the first tray 70, and a third patient is loaded and simultaneously prepared for CT and PET scans by medical personnel on the first tray 70. Once the scan of the second patient 100 is completed, the second base 68 and the second tray 102 are moved back to the second initial position 132, and the process is repeated as previously described. In another aspect of the invention, the first base 66 and the second base 68 may each include a collision avoidance system to move the base 66 or the base 68 and thus the associated trays 70, 102 toward or away from the CT section 12, thereby preventing collisions between the system 10 and the trays 70, 102. For example, if a bed extension is used, the collision avoidance system can be activated.

[0027] Therefore, patient throughput through system 10 is optimized due to time savings, which in turn reduces the total cost of ownership of the system. Specifically, while a patient is being scanned on the first tray 70, previously scanned patients are unloaded from the second tray 102, and the next patient is loaded and simultaneously prepared for scanning. Additionally, standard production PET / CT systems and software can be used in conjunction with the PHS 120 of the current embodiment, thereby minimizing costs. The chamber 56 can have a square or rectangular shape. Furthermore, the operator chamber 62 can be located in a corner of the chamber 56, allowing the operator to continuously observe both sides of system 10, thereby monitoring patients and the scanning chamber 56.

[0028] refer to Figure 4The diagram illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the PHS 134 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the first tray 70 is oriented at an angle of approximately 180 degrees relative to the second tray 102. As previously described, the first tray 70 and the second tray 102 are attached to a first base 66 and a second base 68, respectively. Furthermore, the system 10 is situated on a rotatable stage 136, which allows the system 10 to rotate 180 degrees so that the system 10 can be aligned with either the first tray 70 or the second tray 102.

[0029] The workbench 136 shown is oriented such that the system axis 124 is aligned with the first axis 126 and the second axis 128 of the first tray 70 and the second tray 102, respectively. The first base 66 is shown spaced from the tunnel entrance 52 in a first initial position 130, in which patients can be loaded or unloaded. The first patient 72 and the second patient 100 are located on the first tray 70 and the second tray 102, respectively.

[0030] Figure 4 The operation of the alternative embodiments shown is similar to Figure 3 The embodiment shown is similar. The first base 66 advances the first tray 70 through the tunnel 24 to enable continuous CT and PET scans of the first patient 72. While the first tray 70 advances through the tunnel 24 for CT and PET scans, the second patient 100 on the second tray 102 is simultaneously ready for CT and PET scans by medical personnel.

[0031] Once the scan of the first patient 72 is completed, the first base 66 and the first tray 70 are moved back to the first initial position 130. The stage 136 is then rotated 180 degrees until the system axis 124 is aligned with the second axis 128 of the second tray 102. In this position, the second base is spaced apart from the tunnel entrance 52 in the second initial position 132, where patients can be loaded and unloaded. The second base 66 then advances the second tray 102 through the tunnel 24 to enable continuous CT and PET scans of the second patient 100. As the second tray 102 advances through the tunnel 24 for CT and PET scans, the first patient 72 is unloaded from the first tray 70, and a third patient is loaded and simultaneously prepared for CT and PET scans by medical personnel on the first tray 70. Once the scan of the second patient 100 is completed, the second base 68 and the second tray 102 are moved back to the second initial position 132, and the process is repeated as previously described.

[0032] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 and Figure 4The flowchart 140 of the acquisition and motion control system of the illustrated embodiment shows the following: A console computer serves as the interface between the system and the operator and includes one or more displays showing the status of each scan. At step 150, the operator inputs patient information, scanning protocol, dose, the base used for scanning the patient, and other information into the computer. Then, at step 160, the scanning protocol is passed to the acquisition system, which manages data acquisition from the system. At step 170, the base used for scanning the patient is switched. At step 180, the motion control system controls the selected base. Furthermore, at step 190, the stage rotation is controlled by the motion control system.

[0033] While specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications be covered within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A patient processing system for a medical imaging system, the medical imaging system having a tunnel extending through at least one scanning portion of the imaging system, the patient processing system comprising: A first movable base supports a removable first tray for a first patient, wherein the first base moves the first tray through a tunnel to enable scanning of the first patient. and A second movable base is located at the tunnel exit, wherein the second base is attached to the first tray as the first tray moves through the tunnel, and the first base is subsequently detached from the first tray, wherein the second base moves away from the tunnel exit to remove the first tray from the tunnel. This includes attaching a second tray for a second patient to a first base for scanning, while the second base removes the first tray from the tunnel, and during scanning, as the first tray moves through the tunnel, the second patient is simultaneously prepared for scanning on the second tray, in order to increase the patient throughput through the imaging system.

2. The patient handling system of claim 1, wherein the second patient is prepared for scanning by attaching the leads of the medical device to the second patient or by connecting and setting the medical device.

3. The patient handling system of claim 1, wherein when the second tray is attached to the first base, the first base is spaced apart from the tunnel in the loading position.

4. The patient handling system of claim 1, wherein a first end and a second end of the first tray are removably attached to a first base and a second base, respectively.

5. The patient handling system of claim 1, wherein when the first tray is removed from the tunnel, the second base moves to a retracted position, wherein the second base is spaced apart from the tunnel exit in the retracted position.

6. The patient handling system according to claim 1, wherein the first base and the second base are movably mounted to the first track and the second track, respectively, and the first track and the second track guide the movement of the first base and the second base.

7. The patient processing system of claim 1, wherein the imaging system is a PET / CT imaging system.

8. The patient processing system of claim 7, wherein the PET portion of the PET / CT imaging system has a long-axis field of view.

9. A method for increasing patient throughput of a medical imaging system, the medical imaging system having a tunnel extending through at least one scanning portion of the imaging system, the method comprising: A first movable base is provided, which supports a removable first tray for a first patient, wherein the first base allows the first tray to move through a tunnel to enable scanning of the patient; A second movable base is provided at the tunnel exit, wherein the second base is attached to the first tray as the first tray moves through the tunnel, and the first base is subsequently detached from the first tray, wherein the second base moves away from the tunnel exit to remove the first tray from the tunnel; and A second tray, including a second patient ready for scanning, is attached to a first base while the second base removes the first tray from the tunnel, and during scanning, as the first tray moves through the tunnel, the second patient on the second tray is simultaneously prepared for scanning on the second tray.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising removably attaching a first end and a second end of the first tray to a first base and a second base, respectively.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the imaging system is a PET / CT imaging system having a long axial field of view.

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