Modular medical imaging system

Abstract

The invention relates to a medical imaging system comprising: a support (2) having a frame (20); and at least two wheels (21) directly or indirectly assembled to the frame (20) so as to allow the movement of the support (2); a medical imaging device; a control device (4) configured to control the medical imaging device (3); and a power supply device (5) configured to supply electrical energy to the medical imaging device and / or the control device (4), the medical imaging device, the control device (4) and the power supply device (5) each configured to be removably assembled to the support (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical imaging system. Background Art

[0002] In the medical field, tools or systems that allow medical imaging to be performed may be difficult or even impossible for a patient to access. Therefore, there are prior art medical imaging systems that allow a medical professional to come to a patient in order to perform medical imaging.

[0003] In this context, systems are known, for example, as described in document EP 3 064 140. These are medical imaging systems equipped with wheels allowing them to be moved over short distances, typically from room to room within a hospital.

[0004] Systems of this type are heavy, bulky and difficult to transport. For these reasons, these systems are used only in one location where they can be moved around, particularly in a hospital / medical environment, but they are not moved or transported outside of that location.

[0005] There are other portable medical imaging systems that are not too heavy and can be transported to different locations. However, these systems are either still so heavy and bulky that they require the use of a large vehicle such as a van to transport them, or, in the case of the lightest systems, are not powerful enough to allow more than only a limited number of examinations (radiographing only one limb, etc.). Summary of the invention

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to make available a medical imaging system which is easily transportable and which is powerful enough to enable a wide range of medical examinations to be performed.

[0007] To this end, the present invention proposes a medical imaging system, comprising:

[0008] - a support having a frame;

[0009] - at least two wheels assembled directly or indirectly to the frame so as to allow said support to be moved;

[0010] - Medical imaging devices;

[0011] - a control device configured to control the medical imaging device; and

[0012] - a power supply device configured to supply electrical energy to the medical imaging device and / or the control device,

[0013] The medical imaging device, the control device, and the power supply device are each configured to be removably assembled to the support.

[0014] The support further includes two longitudinal members, which are assembled to the frame and configured to pivot relative to the frame between an operating position and a storage position. The medical imaging system further includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector and a housing, which is sized to accommodate the X-ray source and / or the X-ray detector, and the housing has a width substantially equal to the distance between the longitudinal members.

[0015] The term "assembly" and in particular "removable assembly" is understood to refer to the fact that elements are connected or joined together in a detachable manner. The assembly may be, for example, a mechanical assembly (e.g. detachably fixed, elastically interlocked, clamped, arranged in a seat or on a receiving surface) or a magnetic assembly. By means of the removable assembly, the medical imaging system according to the invention is modular. This facilitates transportation, since the different parts of the medical imaging system can be handled and stored separately, for example in a vehicle for transportation. A medical imaging system configured in this way can typically be transported in a standard luggage compartment of a car, in particular of the type of a compact car or sedan.

[0016] Due to the modular nature of the medical imaging system, no compromises need to be made regarding its electrical power, since high-power batteries can be used.

[0017] The modular nature of the medical imaging system also makes it possible to replace or repair individual parts or modules of the system, for example in case of a malfunction, and to easily intervene in their replacement or repair.

[0018] The structure of the support with wheels also makes it easier to move and transport the medical imaging system.The support carrying the other parts of the medical imaging system (medical imaging device, control device and power supply device) can be pulled or pushed.

[0019] The medical imaging system is advantageously compact and lightweight.Preferably, the medical imaging system weighs less than 60 kg.

[0020] Some preferred and particularly convenient features of the medical imaging system according to the invention are described below.

[0021] The medical imaging system may further include a housing configured to be removably assembled to the support.

[0022] Wheels of the medical imaging system may be removably assembled to the frame.

[0023] Wheels of the medical imaging system may be assembled to a base that is removably assembled to the frame.

[0024] The frame has two uprights and a grip connecting the uprights.

[0025] In the operating position the longitudinal members may extend generally horizontally and in the storage position the longitudinal members extend parallel to and between the uprights of the frame.

[0026] Each longitudinal member may include a wheel at a free end.

[0027] The support member may further include a receiving plate configured to receive the power supply device, the receiving plate being assembled to the frame and configured to pivot relative to the frame between an operating position and a storage position, the receiving plate extending substantially horizontally in the operating position and extending substantially vertically orthogonal to the upright member of the frame in the storage position.

[0028] The receiving plate may comprise at least one wheel on the underside.

[0029] The X-ray source may have an upper tube loading limit greater than or equal to 40 mAs.

[0030] The support may include a housing configured to receive the X-ray detector.

[0031] The support may include an arm assembled to the frame and having a free end configured to receive the X-ray source.

[0032] The arm may comprise a front section and a rear section hinged relative to each other, the arm being movable between a service position and a retracted position, the front section and the rear section together forming a non-zero angle, preferably greater than 30°, when the arm is in the service position, and the front section and the rear section being folded onto each other when the arm is in the retracted position.

[0033] The medical imaging system may further comprise an actuator assembled to the arm and configured to move the arm between the service position and the retracted position, the actuator preferably being an electric actuator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description made with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples:

[0035] - Figure 1 shows a portion of a medical imaging system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] - Figure 2 showing a support of a medical imaging system in a first configuration;

[0037] - Figure 3 showing the support member in a second or storage configuration;

[0038] - Figure 4 The medical imaging system is shown in a third or mobile configuration;

[0039] - Figure 5 and Figure 6 showing a medical imaging system in the process of being deployed from a storage configuration; and

[0040] - Figure 7 The medical imaging system is shown in a fourth or deployed configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Figure 1 A portion of a medical imaging system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0042] The medical imaging system 1 comprises a support 2. The support 2 is also shown separately in Figure 2 and Figure 3 middle.

[0043] The support 2 comprises a frame 20 or base. This frame or base constitutes means enabling the assembly of the various elements. The frame 20 comprises two uprights 200. The uprights 200 are preferably parallel to each other.

[0044] The frame 20 here also comprises a grip 201. The grip 201 is connected to the uprights 200. The grip 201 comprises a rod 202 continued on both sides by two connecting portions 203. Preferably, the rod 202 is substantially orthogonal to the uprights 200. The connecting portions 203 are substantially orthogonal to the rod 202. Each connecting portion 203 continues one of the uprights 202.

[0045] The frame 20 is preferably made of metal.

[0046] The support 2 includes at least two wheels 21. The wheels 21 are assembled to the frame 20. For example, the wheels 21 are fixed to one end of each upright 200. The wheels 21 allow the support 2 to move.

[0047] According to an exemplary embodiment, the wheels 21 may be removably assembled to the frame 20. For example, the wheels 21 may be fixed to a base, which itself is removably assembled to the frame 20.

[0048] The support 2 further comprises two longitudinal members 22 (e.g. Figure 4 and Figure 5 2). A longitudinal member 22 is assembled to the frame 20. The longitudinal member 22 is pivotally mounted on the frame 20. The longitudinal member 22 is configured to pivot relative to the frame between an operating position and a storage position.

[0049] The frame 20 and the longitudinal members 22 are connected by hinges 220. In the example shown, the support 2 comprises a connecting beam 221 extending orthogonally from the longitudinal members 22. The connecting beam 221 is integral with the two longitudinal members 22 and is connected to the frame 20 by hinges 220.

[0050] Figures 1 to 4 The longitudinal members 22 are shown in a storage position. In the storage position, the longitudinal members 22 are parallel to the uprights 200. The longitudinal members 22 extend between the uprights 200. Each longitudinal member 22 is opposite one of the uprights 200. This configuration allows the support 2 to be relatively compact.

[0051] Figures 5 to 7 The longitudinal member 22 is shown in an operational position. In the operational position, the longitudinal member 22 extends substantially horizontally. The longitudinal member 22 extends orthogonally to the upright 200.

[0052] Each longitudinal member comprises a wheel 222 at a free end 223. When the longitudinal member 22 is in the operating position, the wheel 222 facilitates the movement of the support 2. Regardless of the position (operating position or storage position) in which the longitudinal member 22 is located, the support 2 can be pulled or pushed.

[0053] The medical imaging system 1 further comprises a medical imaging device 3 (in Figure 6 and Figure 7 3 and partially in other figures). Preferably, the medical imaging device 3 is an X-ray device. The medical imaging device 3 here comprises an X-ray source 30. The source 30 operates in association with an X-ray detector 31. Preferably, the X-ray source 30 has an upper tube load limit greater than or equal to 40 mAs, which in turn allows all desired examinations to be performed.

[0054] However, the medical imaging device 3 may be different, such as a tomographic or echographic device.

[0055] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the support 2 comprises a receiving tray 23. The receiving tray 23 comprises a seat 230 configured to receive the detector 31. The receiving tray 23 here has a parallelepiped shape. The receiving tray 23 is fixed to the upright 200 of the frame 20. Alternatively, the receiving tray 23 can be formed integrally with the upright of the frame 20.

[0056] The receiving tray 23 preferably extends between the uprights 200 of the frame 20. This configuration also allows the support 2 to be relatively compact.

[0057] The support 2 further includes an arm 24. The arm 24 is assembled to the frame 20. The arm 24 includes a fixed end 240 assembled to the frame 20, and a free end 241. The fixed end 240 may be fixed to a fixed rod 204 of the frame 20 extending orthogonally to the upright 200. The free end 241 is configured to receive the X-ray source 30.

[0058] The arm 24 includes a front section 242 and a rear section 243. The rear section 243 is fixed to the fixing rod 204 via a fixing end 240. The front section 242 includes a free end 241.

[0059] The front section 242 and the rear section 243 are hinged relative to each other. The front section 242 and the rear section 243 are hinged about the pivot axis 244 (at Figure 7 (clearly visible in FIG. 1 ). The arm 24 is movable between a service position and a retracted position. Figures 1 to 6 As can be seen in FIG. 2 , when the arm 24 is in the retracted position, the front section 242 and the rear section 243 are folded onto each other. When the arm 24 is in the service position, the front section 242 and the rear section 243 together form a non-zero angle, preferably greater than a predefined angle (e.g., an angle greater than 30°). For example, Figure 7 As can be seen in the figure, the angle formed between the front section 242 and the rear section 243 is substantially a right angle.

[0060] The arm 24 is movable between the service position and the retracted position manually or automatically. For example, the medical imaging system 1 further comprises an actuator 245 assembled to the arm 24. The actuator 245 is configured to move the arm 24 between the service position and the retracted position. The actuator 245 makes it possible to position the arm 24 at a desired height for performing a medical examination. The actuator 245 is preferably an electric actuator.

[0061] The X-ray source 31 is assembled to the support in a removable manner by means of the arm 24. The assembly is performed at the free end 241 of the arm 24. The removable assembly may be realized by any means of removable fixing, typically clamping, elastic interlocking, bolting or the like.

[0062] The free end 241 advantageously comprises a secondary alignment system which together with the primary alignment system for the X-ray source 31 allows an optimized alignment of the X-ray source 31 with the target, ie the patient and the detector 30. For example, the primary and secondary alignment systems are magnetic.

[0063] The use of actuators limits the effort of the operator / medical staff. In fact, they do not need to lift the arm 24 together with the X-ray source 30 in order to position it in the service position.

[0064] The medical imaging system 1 further comprises a control device 4. The control device 4 is configured to control the medical imaging device 3.

[0065] Preferably, the control device 4 is also configured to read and display images received from the medical imaging device 3 .

[0066] The control device 4 typically comprises computer tools for data and image management. The control device 4 may comprise or be a tablet, in particular a touch-sensitive tablet (as in the example shown) or a computer. The control device 4 comprises in particular a display for displaying the received images.

[0067] The control device 4 is removably assembled to the support 2. The control device 4 can be assembled by any removable means, such as clamping, elastic interlocking, bolting, etc. The control device 4 is assembled to the grip 201 of the frame 20. In particular, the control device 4 is assembled to the rod 202. The control device 4 is assembled to the fixing member 40 (at Figure 7 202). The fixing 40 itself is assembled to the rod 202. The fixing 40 comprises an attachment portion 400 shaped in the form of a hook that matches the rod 202. The attachment portion 400 is elastic. The fixing 40 further comprises a support portion 401 that continues the attachment portion 400. The support portion 401 is configured to allow the control device 4 (here a tablet) to be assembled. The control device 4 can be assembled to the support portion 401, for example, by clamping or magnetically.

[0068] The control device 4 may also be joined to (or mounted on) the housing 6 described below without using a fixing.

[0069] The medical imaging system 1 further comprises a power supply 5. The power supply preferably comprises at least one battery. The power supply 5 is configured to supply electrical energy to electrical components of the medical imaging system 1 (e.g., the medical imaging device 3 and / or the control device 4). The power supply 5 may supply all or some electrical components of the medical imaging system 1.

[0070] The power supply device 5 is removably assembled to the support 2 .

[0071] In the example shown, the support 2 comprises a receiving plate 25 (in Figure 2 The receiving plate 25 is configured to receive the power supply device 5. For this purpose, the receiving plate 25 has a size and shape similar to that of the power supply device 5.

[0072] The receiving plate 25 is assembled to the frame 20, for example by a hinge connection. The receiving plate 25 is configured to pivot between an operating position and a storage position.

[0073] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figures 4 to 7 The receiving plate 25 is shown in an operating position. The receiving plate 25 extends substantially horizontally. The receiving plate 25 is orthogonal to the upright portion 200 of the frame 20. The receiving plate 25 in the operating position is able to receive the battery 5.

[0074] Figure 3The receiving plate 25 is shown in a storage position. The receiving plate 25 extends substantially vertically. The receiving plate 25 is orthogonal to the upright portion 200 of the frame 20.

[0075] The receiving plate 25 allows the battery 5 to be removably assembled to the support 2 or mounted on the support 2 .

[0076] The receiving plate 25 preferably comprises at least one wheel 250. The receiving plate 25 comprises here two wheels 250. The wheels 250 are fixed to the underside 251 of the receiving plate 25. When the receiving plate 25 is in the operating position, the wheels 250 facilitate the movement of the support 2. Regardless of the position of the receiving plate 25 (operating position or storage position), the support 2 can be pulled or pushed.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment in which the wheels 21 are removably assembled to the frame 20 (e.g., by means of a base that is itself removably assembled to the frame 20), the power supply 5 is assembled to the frame 20 by a removable assembly system (e.g., a hook, a clip, or any other means of mechanical or magnetic assembly). The removable assembly system is itself fixed to the frame 20, for example to a fixing rod 204. This configuration has the advantage of having a lower overall mass and providing a medical imaging system with fewer wheels. For example, the medical imaging system may have only four wheels in total, instead of six wheels in the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures.

[0078] The medical imaging system 1 may further comprise a housing 6. The housing 6 is configured to be removably assembled to the support 2. The housing 6 is here clamped onto the fixing rod 204. The housing 6 may be assembled to the support 2 in other ways, for example by elastic interlocking or by bolting.

[0079] The housing 6 may be used for storage purposes by medical personnel using the medical imaging system 1. The housing 6 includes a drawer 60 that slides, for example, on rails, such as in Figure 7 . The housing 6 here comprises a component support 61. The component support 61 is fixed to a side wall 62 of the housing 6. The component support 61 is configured to receive a remote control 63 for imaging. Thus, the component support 61 allows the remote control 63 to be stored while keeping the remote control 63 easily accessible when needed.

[0080] Advantageously, the housing 6 has the same shape and / or size as that of the battery 5. If it is necessary to store or transport the housing 6 and the battery 5, this makes it possible to stack them and thereby facilitate storage / transportation.

[0081] The housing 6 can also serve as a support for the control device 4 .

[0082] The medical imaging system 1 advantageously also comprises Figures 4 to 6. The housing 7 is dimensioned to accommodate at least an X-ray source 30 and / or a detector 31. The housing may comprise at least one seat for accommodating an X-ray source 30 and / or a detector 31. The housing 7 may also accommodate the control device 4. For this purpose, the housing 7 may then comprise a specific seat for the control device 4. The housing 7 may also contain other elements that may prove useful for performing a medical imaging examination.

[0083] Preferably, the housing 7 has a width l substantially equal to the distance d between the longitudinal members 22 of the support 2. In the example shown, the longitudinal members 22 are parallel to each other. Figure 6 This makes it possible to arrange the housing 7 between the longitudinal members 22 when the longitudinal members 22 are in the operating position. The housing 7 is thus sized to be wedged between the longitudinal members 22.

[0084] The housing 7 is preferably provided with two wheels 70. The housing 7 also preferably comprises a handle 71. Thus, a medical staff or an operator can easily pull and manipulate the housing 7.

[0085] According to another alternative or complementary exemplary embodiment, the housing 7 may comprise straps which allow it to be transported on the back. Thus, the housing 7 may be transported like a backpack.

[0086] When transporting or storing the medical imaging system 1, the various parts of the latter (support, battery, housing, etc.) can be stored in a compact manner. The medical imaging device 3, the control device 4, the power supply device 5 are separated from the support 2. If the medical imaging system 1 includes a housing, the housing 6 is also separated from the support 2. Each of the parts of the medical imaging system 1 can thus be handled separately for its storage or transportation. The medical imaging system 1 is dimensioned to allow it to be transported and stored in a standard trunk of a car. During transport or storage, the longitudinal member 22 and the receiving plate 25 are in the storage position, and the arm 24 is in the retracted position. Thus, the medical imaging system 1 is in the so-called transport configuration.

[0087] To move within the same location, such as from room to room in a hospital, the medical imaging system 1 may be used in accordance with a specific example. Figure 4 . In this configuration, the control device 4, the battery 5 and the housing 6 are assembled to the support 2. The X-ray detector 31 is accommodated in the receiving tray 23. The X-ray source 30 is stored in the housing 7. The longitudinal member 22 is in the storage position. The receiving plate 25 is in the operating position so as to be able to receive the battery 5. This mobile configuration allows easy movement by the operator / medical staff by pushing the support 2 and pulling the housing 7. A single operator can easily and with little effort move the medical imaging system 1.

[0088] When the operator reaches the medical examination site, especially near the patient, he can easily deploy the medical imaging system 1. The longitudinal member 22 is first moved to the operating position, such as Figure 5 The housing 7 is then arranged between the longitudinal members 22, as Figure 6 The cover 72 of the housing 7 is opened and the X-ray source 30 is taken out. The cover 72 is optionally closed again, and then the X-ray source 30 is placed on the closed cover 72. Figure 6 The closed cover 72 and the X-ray source 30 removed from the housing 7 and placed on the cover 72 are shown. The arm 24, which was in the retracted position until then, is deployed, for example by means of the actuator 245, so as to be moved as far as the X-ray source 30. The arm 24 can be automatically assembled to the X-ray source 30. The arm 24 finally adopts the service position, for example Figure 7 . Thus, the medical imaging system 1 is in the so-called deployed configuration. It should be noted that the housing 7 is not in the service position shown in FIG. Figure 7 2, but in the deployed configuration (eg, where an item contained in the housing is desired during a medical examination), it may be retained between the longitudinal members 22 if necessary.

[0089] After deployment of the medical imaging system 1 , the X-ray detector 31 is removed from the receiving tray 23 in order to be positioned behind the patient to capture images.

[0090] The operator can easily and effortlessly arrange the medical imaging system 1 in different configurations (transportation configuration, mobile configuration and deployment configuration). All operations (storage, transportation, deployment, etc.) can be done by one person.

[0091] The medical imaging system according to the invention is modular, ergonomic, compact and of low weight, while at the same time allowing a wide range of medical examinations.

Claims

1. Medical imaging systems, including: - a support (2) having a frame (20); - at least two wheels (21) assembled directly or indirectly to said frame (20) so as to allow said support (2) to be moved; - Medical imaging devices (3); - a control device (4) configured to control the medical imaging device (3); and - a power supply device (5) configured to supply electrical energy to the medical imaging device (3) and / or the control device (4), The medical imaging device (3), the control device (4) and the power supply device (5) are each configured to be removably assembled to the support (2), The medical imaging system is characterized in that the support member (2) further includes two longitudinal members (22), which are assembled to the frame (20) and are configured to pivot relative to the frame between an operating position and a storage position, and the medical imaging system further includes an X-ray source (30), an X-ray detector (31) and a shell (7), the shell (7) being sized to accommodate the X-ray source (30) and / or the X-ray detector (31), and the shell (7) having a width substantially equal to the distance between the longitudinal members (22).

2. The medical imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising a housing (6) configured to be removably assembled to the support (2).

3. The medical imaging system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the wheels (21) are removably assembled to the frame (20).

4. The medical imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the wheels (21) are assembled to a base, which is removably assembled to the frame (20).

5. The medical imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the frame (20) comprises two upright members (200) and a gripping portion (201) connecting the upright members (200).

6. A medical imaging system according to claim 5, wherein the longitudinal member (22) extends substantially horizontally in the operating position, and the longitudinal member (22) extends parallel to the uprights (200) of the frame (20) and between the uprights (200) in the storage position.

7. The medical imaging system of claim 6, wherein each longitudinal member (22) comprises a wheel (222) at a free end (223).

8. A medical imaging system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the support member (2) further includes a receiving plate (25) configured to receive the power supply device (5), the receiving plate (25) being assembled to the frame (20) and being configured to pivot relative to the frame between an operating position and a storage position, the receiving plate (25) extending substantially horizontally in the operating position, and the receiving plate (25) extending substantially vertically and orthogonal to the upright member of the frame (20) in the storage position.

9. The medical imaging system according to claim 8, wherein the receiving plate (25) comprises at least one wheel (250) on the underside (251).

10. The medical imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the X-ray source (30) has an upper tube loading limit greater than or equal to 40 mAs.

11. The medical imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the support (2) comprises a seat (230) configured to receive the X-ray detector (31).

12. A medical imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the support (2) comprises an arm (24) assembled to the frame (20) and having a free end (241) configured to receive the X-ray source (30).

13. A medical imaging system according to claim 12, wherein the arm (24) includes a front section (242) and a rear section (243) hinged relative to each other, and the arm (24) is movable between a service position and a retracted position, when the arm (24) is in the service position, the front section (242) and the rear section (243) together form a non-zero angle, preferably greater than 30°, when the arm (24) is in the retracted position, the front section (242) and the rear section (243) are folded onto each other.

14. The medical imaging system according to claim 13, further comprising an actuator (245), which is assembled to the arm (24) and is configured to move the arm (24) between the service position and the retracted position, and the actuator (245) is preferably an electric actuator.

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