Combination of x-ray device to x-ray system

Abstract

The invention relates to a combination of an X-ray device to an X-ray system. The X-ray device has a base body on which a C-arm is arranged. An X-ray source and an X-ray detector are arranged on the C-arm. The C-shaped arms form halves of a closed convex point-symmetric curve. The X-ray source and / or the X-ray detector can move along the C-shaped arm. As a result, the angle formed by the X-ray source and the X-ray detector with the isocenter of the entire circle can be set to a minimum value of less than 180 DEG. Two such X-ray devices can form an X-ray system in which the two X-ray devices are arranged and set such that the closed convex point-symmetric curves of the two X-ray devices form a unified closed convex point-symmetric curve and the C-arms of the two X-ray devices form complementary halves of the unified closed convex point-symmetric curve. In this case, the control devices of the two X-ray devices are coupled to each other in such a way that the two X-ray devices operate in a coordinated manner. Furthermore, in this case, the X-ray sources of both X-ray devices illuminate the X-ray detector of the respective other X-ray device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an X-ray device, wherein the X-ray device has a substrate and a C-arm is arranged on the substrate, wherein an X-ray source and an X-ray detector are arranged on the C-arm.

[0002] The present invention also relates to an X-ray system comprising two X-ray devices. Background Technology

[0003] X-ray equipment is known in various different designs.

[0004] A CT system having a substantially annular gantry is known from DE 10 2010 020 605 A1 or the corresponding US 8 662 750 B2. The gantry has deployable sections, allowing the annular gantry to be opened and closed. In the open state, a patient can be introduced into and withdrawn from the space enclosed by the annular gantry. In the closed state, conventional examinations are performed. This X-ray device, known as the O-arm, is also sold by Medtronic Public Limited Company Ltd., located in Dublin, Ireland.

[0005] An X-ray apparatus is known from DE 10 2012 211 330 A1 or the corresponding US 9 055 912 B2, the X-ray apparatus having a C-shaped arm arranged on a substrate, on which an X-ray source and an X-ray detector are arranged. The C-shaped arm is divided into an upper segment and a lower segment, which can be opened and closed again at one end. In the closed state, the C-shaped arm forms a complete circle, on which the X-ray source and X-ray detector can move.

[0006] Brainlab AG (9 Olof Palmestrasse, Munich, Germany 81829) sells an X-ray device called Loop-X, which has a substrate on which a closed circular ring is arranged. An X-ray source and an X-ray detector are arranged on the ring, and these two components can move independently of each other on the ring.

[0007] In addition, a CT system sold by Boyilai AG under the name Airo has a base on which a closed circular gantry is arranged. An X-ray source and an X-ray detector are arranged on the gantry, wherein these two components can rotate about the isocenter point of the gantry, so that the two components are always opposite each other about the isocenter point.

[0008] An X-ray apparatus is known from EP 3 135 200 A1. This apparatus has a base on which a C-arm is arranged. The C-arm forms a portion slightly larger than a full circle. An X-ray source and an X-ray detector are arranged on the C-arm, wherein the X-ray source and the X-ray detector form an angle of 180° with the isocenter of the full circle. Another C-arm is supported on the first C-arm, such that the second C-arm is a configurable extension of the first C-arm. Thus, the angular range traversed by the combined extension of the two C-arms around the isocenter can be increased to almost 360° as needed. Another X-ray detector is arranged at the end of the second C-arm. The second X-ray source is either fixedly arranged at the other end of the second C-arm or movably arranged on the first C-arm, such that the second X-ray source and the second X-ray detector form an angle of 180° with the isocenter of the full circle.

[0009] An X-ray apparatus of the type described at the beginning is known from EP 3 598 947 A1 or the corresponding US10 595 799 B2. An X-ray system consisting of two such X-ray apparatuses is also known from these two documents. The two X-ray apparatuses can operate independently of each other or together. If the two X-ray apparatuses operate together, the controller of one X-ray apparatus functions as the master unit and the controller of the other X-ray apparatus functions as the slave unit. The two C-arms can, for example, be arranged and configured such that in one X-ray apparatus, the X-ray source is positioned above the object being examined and the X-ray detector is positioned below the object being examined, so that the beam path for that X-ray apparatus is substantially vertical; and in the other X-ray apparatus, the X-ray source and X-ray detector are arranged on either side of the object being examined, so that the beam path for that X-ray apparatus is substantially horizontal.

[0010] Most X-ray equipment and systems (this applies to both fixed and mobile devices) are limited in their imaging capabilities. Their installation and operation are often cumbersome. Therefore, some X-ray equipment is, for example, only suitable for 2D imaging, or only suitable for 3D imaging, or only suitable for biplane radiography with a fixed 90° offset geometry. Dual-energy imaging is also generally not possible.

[0011] Some of the problems mentioned above can be solved by using higher-level systems. Examples of such systems are intraoperative MR / CT systems and other surgical equipment. However, using these systems is cumbersome and expensive. Furthermore, these systems are not mobile and are always located in the same space.

[0012] Advances have been made in X-ray equipment and systems known from EP 3 598 947 A1. Here, two X-ray devices can be connected to form a unified X-ray system. Dual-energy imaging is also possible.

[0013] In an X-ray system known from EP 3 598 947 A1, two sub-devices can be used not only in a coordinated manner but also independently and separately from each other. However, in order to use two X-ray devices in a coordinated manner, the correct arrangement of the two X-ray devices relative to each other is complex, cumbersome, and prone to error. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The objective of this invention is to provide a feasible solution by which two X-ray devices can be correctly arranged relative to each other in a simple manner and method.

[0015] This task is accomplished by the X-ray apparatus according to the present invention. Advantageous designs of the X-ray apparatus are the subject of this specification.

[0016] According to the present invention, the X-ray device of the type described at the beginning is designed such that the C-arm forms half of a closed convex point-symmetric curve, and the X-ray source and / or X-ray detector can move along the C-arm, so that the angle formed by the X-ray source and X-ray detector with the isocenter point of the closed convex point-symmetric curve can be set to a minimum value of less than 180°. Particularly preferred is that the X-ray source and X-ray detector can move on the C-arm.

[0017] Closed convex point-symmetric curves can be constructed as needed. For example, the point-symmetric curve can be circular, elliptical, or oval. If necessary, the C-arm can have straight end segments at one or both ends. The end segments can also be movable / extendable or insertable / removable if necessary.

[0018] When the angle is set to 180°, isocentric imaging can be achieved using X-ray equipment. When the angle is set to a value below 180°, non-isocentric imaging can be achieved using X-ray equipment.

[0019] Since the C-arms extend along half of a closed, convex point-symmetric curve, two such X-ray devices can be arranged such that the two C-arms form two halves of a common, unified closed, convex point-symmetric curve. This design facilitates the correct arrangement of the two X-ray devices relative to each other. By allowing the X-ray sources and / or X-ray detectors of the two X-ray devices to move along the corresponding C-arms, the X-ray sources and detectors can be arranged in pairs such that the X-ray sources of one X-ray device irradiate the X-ray detector of the corresponding X-ray device.

[0020] Therefore, it is currently important that, in the corresponding X-ray device, the X-ray source and / or X-ray detector can move along the C-arm. Thus, it is not necessary for the C-arm itself to move, but only the X-ray source and / or X-ray detector to move. Of course, as in the prior art, it is also possible for the C-arm as a whole to move around an isocentric point. However, this mobility (if it is achieved) is not an alternative to the mobility of the X-ray source and / or X-ray detector along the C-arm, but rather a complement to it.

[0021] The minimum value can be determined as needed. Preferably, the minimum value is 150° or less, more preferably 120° or less, and especially 100° or less. It is even possible that the minimum value is 90° or less. Thus, when two such X-ray devices are combined to form an X-ray system, biplane image detection can be achieved, in particular, in orthogonal imaging geometries.

[0022] Preferably, the X-ray device is constructed as a mobile X-ray device. This allows for particularly flexible use of the X-ray device.

[0023] Even when such an X-ray device is used alone (independently), it has the advantage over conventional X-ray devices that non-isocentric imaging is possible in addition to isocentric imaging. However, when the X-ray device according to the invention is combined with another X-ray device according to the invention to form a corresponding X-ray system, the X-ray device according to the invention exhibits all its advantages. In this case, the two X-ray devices are arranged and configured such that the complete circles of the two X-ray devices form a unified complete circle and the C-arms of the two X-ray devices form complementary halves of the unified complete circle. Furthermore, in this case, the controllers of the two X-ray devices are coupled to each other so that the two X-ray devices operate in a coordinated manner. Finally, the X-ray sources of the two X-ray devices irradiate the X-ray detector of the corresponding other X-ray device. This irradiation is of course only possible when the angle formed by the X-ray source and X-ray detector of the corresponding X-ray device with the isocentric point of the unified complete circle is less than 180°. For this reason, the mobility of the corresponding X-ray source and / or the corresponding X-ray detector on the corresponding C-arm is also necessary, so that the angle can be set between 180° and the minimum value.

[0024] Preferably, the X-ray source and / or X-ray detector can be switched from the C-arm of one X-ray device to the C-arm of another X-ray device. This enables very flexible operation of the X-ray system.

[0025] The operation is particularly flexible when the X-ray sources and detectors of two X-ray devices can be positioned arbitrarily on a unified full circle. Thus, for example, it is possible, similar to in a CT system, that the X-ray sources and detectors can also, if necessary, orbit around an isocenter point of a unified full circle in multiple complete rotations. The required energy supply to the X-ray sources and detectors can be, for example, via orbiting slip rings. Data transmission can be performed non-contactly or contactally via orbiting data transmission elements. The purely mechanical guidance of the X-ray sources and detectors can be achieved via track systems arranged within a C-arm and transitioning into each other.

[0026] Preferably, the C-arm has a positioning aid that, when the C-arms of two X-ray devices are joined, causes the orientation of the C-arm of one X-ray device relative to the C-arm of the other. Corresponding devices are known to those skilled in the art. For example, the device can be constructed as a fixed, descendable, or removable centering pin on the C-arm of one X-ray device, which is inserted into a corresponding recess on the C-arm of the other X-ray device. Alternatively, the device can be constructed, for example, as an electromagnetically interacting component. Other designs are also possible.

[0027] Preferably, the C-arms of both X-ray devices have a releasable locking device that secures the C-arm of one X-ray device relative to the C-arm of the other. This ensures that the (correct) orientation of the C-arms of the X-ray devices relative to each other is not accidentally reversed. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The features, characteristics, and advantages of the present invention described above, as well as the ways and methods of achieving these features, characteristics, and advantages, will become clearer and more apparent from the following description of the embodiments, which are illustrated in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Herein, in the schematic diagrams:

[0029] Figure 1 An X-ray device was shown.

[0030] Figures 2 to 5 It shows Figure 1 The C-arm of the X-ray equipment,

[0031] Figure 6 Another X-ray device was shown.

[0032] Figure 7 An X-ray system with two X-ray devices is shown.

[0033] Figure 8 Shown for Figure 7 The control system of X-ray equipment

[0034] Figure 9 It shows Figure 7 Modification plan for the X-ray system,

[0035] Figures 10 to 13 It shows Figure 7 Different states of an X-ray system

[0036] Figure 14 The upper ends of the two C-shaped arms are shown from the side.

[0037] Figure 15 Shown from above Figure 14 The upper ends of the two C-shaped arms, and

[0038] Figure 16 An additional X-ray system with two X-ray devices is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0039] according to Figure 1X-ray device A has a substrate 1. A C-shaped arm 2 is arranged on the substrate 1. The C-shaped arm 2 forms either half of a complete circle or, generally, half of a closed convex point-symmetric curve 3. That is, in the case of a complete circle with at least substantially constant intervals, the C-shaped arm extends 180° around the isocenter point 4 of the closed convex point-symmetric curve 3. An X-ray source 5 and an X-ray detector 6 are arranged on the C-shaped arm 2. Figure 1 In the diagram, the X-ray source 5 and the X-ray detector 6 are arranged at the end of the C-shaped arm 2, such that the angle α formed by the X-ray source 5 and the X-ray detector 6 with the isocenter point 4 is at its maximum value of 180°.

[0040] X-ray source 5 and / or X-ray detector 6, preferably both X-ray source 5 and X-ray detector 6 can move along C-arm 2. Thus, angle α can also have a value less than 180°. Figure 2 A design is shown in which not only the X-ray source 5 but also the X-ray detector 6 moves along the C-shaped arm 2 and the angle α is set to its minimum value. According to... Figure 2 The minimum value is less than 90°. However, in principle, the minimum value can also have other values. Preferably, the minimum value is 150° or less, for example 120° or less, and especially 100° or less. If possible, efforts should be made to achieve a minimum value of at least 90°. Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, the minimum value can be very small, so that the X-ray source 5 and the X-ray detector 6 are directly adjacent to each other.

[0041] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Similarly, a case is shown where the angle α is set to its minimum value. However, in Figure 3 In this configuration, the X-ray source 5 is located at the end of the C-shaped arm 2, and the X-ray detector 6 is moved as far as possible toward the X-ray source 5. Figure 4 The situation in China is the opposite.

[0042] In addition to the mobility of the X-ray source 5 and / or the X-ray detector 6 along the C-arm 2, the C-arm 2 can also generally move as a whole relative to the substrate 1, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5 However, this movement is different from the movement of the X-ray source 5 and / or the X-ray detector 6 along the C-arm 2. Different degrees of freedom can be provided for the movement of the C-arm 2, such as movement along the entire circle 3, rotation of the C-arm 2, or longitudinal or lateral movement of the C-arm 2. These possibilities of movement are generally known to those skilled in the art. Figure 5 The illustrations in the diagrams are purely illustrative. Figure 5 In this process, the C-shaped arm 2 moves 45° as a whole along the closed convex point-symmetric curve 3.

[0043] Preferably, Figures 1 to 5 The X-ray device A is mobile as a whole. For example, X-ray device A may have wheels 7, which allow it to move on the ground 8. Furthermore, in many cases, a monitoring station 9 is attached to X-ray device A. The monitoring station 9 may be integrated into the substrate 1 or be a separate unit.

[0044] Figure 6 Another X-ray device, A', is shown. Figure 6 X-ray equipment A' can be used with Figures 1 to 5 The X-ray equipment A is constructed in the same way. Figure 6 Components 1' to 7' and 9' are represented in this way with Figures 1 to 5 Components 1 to 7 and 9 of X-ray equipment A correspond in a 1:1 ratio. The same applies to angle α'. Ground 8 is of course the same as... Figures 1 to 5 Same as above.

[0045] exist Figure 7 In China, X-ray systems not only have Figures 1 to 5 X-ray equipment A and has Figure 6 X-ray equipment A'. According to Figure 7 Two X-ray devices A and A' are arranged and configured such that the closed convex point symmetry curves 3 and 3' of the two X-ray devices A and A' form a unified closed convex point symmetry curve. The isocenter point of the unified closed convex point symmetry curve is represented by 4". The C-arms 2 and 2' of the two X-ray devices A and A' are arranged according to... Figure 7 Complementary halves of a unified, closed, convex point-symmetric curve are formed. Furthermore, two X-ray sources 5, 5' and two X-ray detectors 6, 6' are arranged such that the X-ray sources 5, 5' of two X-ray devices A, A' irradiate the X-ray detectors 6, 6' of the corresponding other X-ray device A, A'. Thus, the X-ray source 5 of one X-ray device A irradiates the X-ray detector 6' of the other X-ray device A', and vice versa.

[0046] according to Figure 8Two X-ray devices A and A' have controllers 10 and 10'. The controllers 10 and 10' are coupled to each other, enabling the two X-ray devices A and A' to operate in a coordinated manner. For example, controller 10 of one X-ray device A can function as a master device for both X-ray devices A and A', and controller 10' of the other X-ray device A' can function as a slave device, controlling the other X-ray device A' according to preset parameters of controller 10. Similarly, it is possible to have a higher-level device 11 that functions as a master device for both controllers 10 and 10', thus making the two controllers 10 and 10' slave devices of the higher-level device 11. The corresponding process is explained in EP 3 598 947A1. The higher-level device 11 may, for example, include an operating interface.

[0047] In the simplest design, X-ray sources 5, 5' and / or X-ray detectors 6, 6' can only move along their respective C-arms 2, 2'. In this case, X-ray sources 5, 5' and X-ray detectors 6, 6' can be configured, for example, such that X-ray detector 6' is diametrically opposed to X-ray source 5 about isocenter point 4" and similarly, X-ray detector 6 is also diametrically opposed to X-ray source 5' about isocenter point 4" . Furthermore, as in Figure 7 As shown, when viewed in the periphery of the isocenter point 4” of a uniform closed convex point-symmetric curve, there are precise or at least approximately 90° angular distances between directly adjacent X-ray sources 5, 5' and X-ray detectors 6, 6'.

[0048] exist Figure 7 In this configuration, the beam paths from the corresponding X-ray sources 5 and 5' to the corresponding X-ray detectors 6 and 6' extend obliquely, that is, neither horizontally nor vertically. However, this can also be achieved with the simplest design. For this, it is only necessary to... Figure 9 The diagram shows the two C-arms 2 and 2' moving accordingly as a whole. For example, the two C-arms 2 and 2' can be moved approximately 45° around the isocenter point 4” of the point-symmetric curve of a unified closed convex shape. However, it is better to... Figures 10 to 13 As illustrated in the diagram, X-ray sources 5, 5' and / or X-ray detectors 6, 6' can be switched from the C-arms 2, 2' of the corresponding X-ray devices A, A' to the C-arms 2', 2 of the corresponding other X-ray device A', A'. Preferably, the X-ray sources 5, 5' and X-ray detectors 6, 6' of the two X-ray devices A, A' can even be positioned at arbitrary locations on a uniform closed convex point-symmetric curve. The required energy supply and data communication can be easily achieved in this way.

[0049] Only C-arms 2, 2', X-ray sources 5, 5', and X-ray detectors 6, 6' are shown. Figures 10 to 13 In the exemplary illustration, X-ray sources 5, 5' and X-ray detectors 6, 6' move uniformly and at 90° angular intervals along C-shaped arms 2, 2' in a clockwise direction. According to... Figure 10 In this state, the X-ray source 5 is located at the upper end of the C-shaped arm 2 and the X-ray detector 6' is located at the lower end of the C-shaped arm 2'. Due to the clockwise movement, according to Figure 11 The illustration shows that shortly thereafter, the X-ray source 5 is positioned at the upper end of the C-arm 2' and the X-ray detector 6' is positioned at the lower end of the C-arm 2. Similarly, according to... Figure 12 At a later point in time, X-ray detector 6 is located at the upper end of C-arm 2 and X-ray source 5' is located at the lower end of C-arm 2'. Due to the clockwise movement, according to Figure 13 As shown in the illustration, shortly thereafter, the X-ray detector 6 is positioned at the upper end of the C-arm 2' and the X-ray source 5' is positioned at the lower end of the C-arm 2.

[0050] Preferably, the C-arms 2, 2' have positioning aids that, when the C-arms 2, 2' of the two X-ray devices A, A' are combined, cause the orientation of the C-arm 2 of one X-ray device A relative to the C-arm 2' of the other X-ray device A'. For example, the C-arms 2, 2' can be positioned according to... Figure 14 and 15 The illustration shows a cylindrical pin 12 as a positioning aid, which can be recessed into a corresponding recess 13 of another C-shaped arm 2, 2'. The pin 12 may taper at its front end, and / or the recess 13 may widen at its entrance to facilitate the introduction of the pin 12 into the recess 13.

[0051] Furthermore, the C-arms 2 and 2' of the two X-ray devices A and A' preferably have a releasable locking device, by means of which the C-arm 2 of one X-ray device A can be fixed relative to the C-arm 2' of the other X-ray device A'. For example, a transverse hole 14 can be inserted into the pin 12 and the C-arms 2 and 2', and a fixing bolt 15 can be inserted into the transverse hole.

[0052] Figure 16 An additional X-ray system with two X-ray devices A and A' is shown. (Compared to...) Figure 7 The main difference between the X-ray systems is that, Figure 16 In the X-ray system, the C-arms 2 and 2' of the two X-ray devices A and A' are not directly connected to each other, but are connected to each other through end sections 16 and 16'. End sections 16 and 16' are... Figure 16The design is either insertable or removable. This is particularly advantageous if X-ray sources 5, 5' and / or X-ray detectors 6, 6' can be switched from the C-arms 2, 2' of the corresponding X-ray devices A, A' to the C-arms 2', 2 of another corresponding X-ray device A', A. This design is also (naturally) feasible if X-ray sources 5, 5' and / or X-ray detectors 6, 6' should only be movable along their respective C-arms 2, 2'. If X-ray sources 5, 5' and / or X-ray detectors 6, 6' should only be movable along their respective C-arms 2, 2', it is also possible that the end sections 16, 16' are fixed, removable, or removable components of the respective C-arms 2, 2'.

[0053] This invention has many advantages. In particular, it allows two structurally identical X-ray devices A and A' to be combined into an X-ray system that can operate as a single unit in a simple and reliable manner.

Claims

1. An X-ray device, wherein, The X-ray device has a substrate (1, 1'), on which C-shaped arms (2, 2') are arranged. An X-ray source (5, 5') and an X-ray detector (6, 6') are arranged on the C-shaped arms (2, 2'). Its features are, The C-arms (2, 2') form half of a closed convex point-symmetric curve (3, 3'), and the X-ray source (5, 5') and / or the X-ray detector (6, 6') can move along the C-arms (2, 2') such that the angle (α, α') formed by the X-ray source (5, 5') and the X-ray detector (6, 6') with the isocenter point (4, 4') of the closed convex point-symmetric curve (3, 3') can be set to a minimum value, which is less than 180°.

2. The X-ray device according to claim 1, Its features are, The minimum value is 150° or less, preferably 120° or less, and especially 100° or less.

3. The X-ray device according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The X-ray device is configured as a mobile X-ray device.

4. An X-ray system comprising two X-ray devices (A, A'), Its features are, - The two X-ray devices (A, A') are constructed according to claim 1, 2 or 3 respectively. The two X-ray devices (A, A') are arranged and configured such that the closed convex point-symmetric curves (3, 3') of the two X-ray devices (A, A') form a unified closed convex point-symmetric curve, and the C-shaped arms (2, 2') of the two X-ray devices (A, A') form complementary halves of the unified closed convex point-symmetric curve. The controllers (10, 10') of the two X-ray devices (A, A') are coupled to each other so that the two X-ray devices (A, A') operate in a coordinated manner, and - The X-ray sources (5, 5') of the two X-ray devices (A, A') irradiate the X-ray detectors (6, 6') of the corresponding other X-ray device (A, A').

5. The X-ray system according to claim 4, Its features are, The X-ray source (5, 5') and / or the X-ray detector (6, 6') can be switched from the C-arm (2, 2') of the corresponding X-ray device (A, A') to the C-arm (2, 2') of the corresponding other X-ray device (A, A').

6. The X-ray system according to claim 5, Its features are, The X-ray sources (5, 5') and X-ray detectors (6, 6') of the two X-ray devices (A, A') can be positioned at any location on the uniform, closed, convex point-symmetric curve.

7. The X-ray system according to claim 4, 5 or 6, Its features are, The C-arms (2, 2') have positioning aids (12, 13) which, when the C-arms (2, 2') of the two X-ray devices (A, A') are joined, cause the orientation of the C-arm (2) of one X-ray device (A) relative to the C-arm (2') of the other X-ray device (A').

8. The X-ray system according to any one of claims 4 to 7, Its features are, The C-arms (2, 2') of the two X-ray devices (A, A') have releasable locking devices (14, 15) by means of which the C-arm (2) of one X-ray device (A) can be fixed relative to the C-arm (2') of the other X-ray device (A').

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