An auxiliary device to reduce beam hardening artifacts in neck CT scans

Abstract

This utility model discloses an auxiliary device for reducing X-ray beam hardening artifacts in neck CT examinations, belonging to the field of CT examination. It includes a headrest with an upward-facing head groove and a neck groove communicating with the head groove on its side wall. Two shoulder protrusions are located on one side of the neck groove opening, on either side of the opening. A water-filled cavity is located inside the headrest. The headrest is installed on a CT examination bed. When an examination is needed, the person lies on the CT examination bed with their head and neck placed in the head groove and the two shoulder protrusions located above the shoulders. The headrest conforms to the neck and shoulders, thus minimizing the appearance of X-ray beam hardening artifacts at the junction of the neck and thoracic inlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of CT examination technology, specifically relating to an auxiliary device for reducing beam hardening artifacts in neck CT examinations. Background Technology

[0002] Beam hardening artifacts: An X-ray beam consists of individual photons with a certain energy range. When the beam passes through an object, it becomes "harder," meaning its average energy increases because low-energy photons are absorbed faster than high-energy photons. This effect results in two types of artifacts: so-called cupping artifacts and dark bands or streaks that appear between dense objects in an image.

[0003] In routine thyroid CT and head and neck CTA examinations, beam hardening artifacts are very noticeable at the junction of the neck and thoracic inlet. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an auxiliary device to reduce beam hardening artifacts in neck CT scans. By setting up this auxiliary device, the beam hardening artifacts at the junction of the neck and thoracic inlet will not be very noticeable.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: an auxiliary device for reducing beam hardening artifacts in neck CT examinations, comprising a headrest, a head groove with an upward-facing opening on the headrest, a neck groove communicating with the head groove on the side wall of the headrest, two shoulder protrusions on one side of the headrest located at the opening of the neck groove, the two shoulder protrusions being located on both sides of the opening of the neck groove, a water storage cavity inside the headrest containing water, and the headrest being installed on a CT examination bed.

[0006] Furthermore, a connecting water pipe is fixed on the headrest, the connecting water pipe is connected to the water storage cavity, and a water valve is installed on the connecting water pipe.

[0007] Furthermore, it also includes a support plate, one side of which is fixed with a plug rod that is inserted into a slot in the CT examination bed, and the headrest is placed on the support plate.

[0008] Furthermore, it also includes a head strap, one end of which is fixedly connected to the right side of the headrest, and the other end is provided with a first Velcro surface. The left side of the headrest is also fixed with a Velcro female surface.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes a support strap, one end of which is fixedly connected to the right side of the headrest, and the other end is provided with a second Velcro surface.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0011] (1) When an examination is required, the person lies on the CT examination bed with the head placed in the head groove, the neck in the neck groove, the two shoulder protrusions located above the shoulders, and the head pillow able to fit snugly against the neck and shoulders. In this way, the beam hardening artifact at the junction of the neck and the thoracic inlet will not be very obvious.

[0012] (2) After the water valve is opened, water can be introduced into or drained into the water storage chamber through the connecting water pipe so that the water volume inside the headrest is in a suitable position, so that the headrest can fit the neck and shoulders more closely.

[0013] (3) Attach the first Velcro side of the head strap to the Velcro side to fix the head in place and prevent the head from moving during the inspection.

[0014] (4) The support straps are fastened so that the second Velcro side is attached to the Velcro side after passing around the support plate, thereby fixing the headrest to the support plate. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the auxiliary device for reducing X-ray beam hardening artifacts in neck CT examinations when connected to a CT examination table.

[0016] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an auxiliary device to reduce beam hardening artifacts in neck CT scans.

[0017] In the diagram: 1. Headrest; 2. Head groove; 3. Neck groove; 4. Shoulder protrusion; 5. Connecting water pipe; 6. Water valve; 7. Support plate; 8. Insert rod; 9. Head strap; 10. First Velcro side; 11. Velcro backing side; 12. Support strap; 13. Second Velcro side; 14. CT examination bed. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0019] Please see Figures 1-2 This utility model provides a technical solution for an auxiliary device to reduce beam hardening artifacts in neck CT examinations.

[0020] An auxiliary device for reducing beam hardening artifacts in neck CT examinations includes a headrest 1, a head groove 2 with an upward-facing opening on the headrest 1, a neck groove 3 communicating with the head groove 2 on the side wall of the headrest 1, two shoulder protrusions 4 on one side of the headrest 1 at the opening of the neck groove 3, the two shoulder protrusions 4 being located on both sides of the opening of the neck groove 3, a water storage cavity inside the headrest 1 filled with water, and the headrest 1 being installed on a CT examination bed 14.

[0021] When an examination is needed, the person lies on the CT examination bed 14 with the head placed in the head groove 2, the neck in the neck groove 3, the two shoulder protrusions 4 located above the shoulders, and the head pillow 1 able to fit snugly against the neck and shoulders, so that the beam hardening artifacts at the junction of the neck and the thoracic inlet are not very obvious.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, a water pipe 5 is fixed to the headrest 1, and the water pipe 5 is connected to the water storage cavity. A water valve 6 is installed on the water pipe 5. After the water valve 6 is opened, water can be introduced into or drained from the water storage cavity through the water pipe 5, so that the water level inside the headrest 1 is at an appropriate level. The headrest 1 is made of an elastic material, so as to provide better support.

[0023] like Figure 2 As shown, the auxiliary device for reducing beam hardening artifacts in neck CT examinations also includes a support plate 7. A rod 8 is fixed to one side of the support plate 7 and is inserted into a slot in the CT examination bed 14. A headrest 1 is placed on the support plate 7, and the support plate 7 can support the headrest 1.

[0024] like Figure 2 As shown, the auxiliary device for reducing beam hardening artifacts in neck CT examinations also includes a head strap 9. One end of the head strap 9 is fixedly connected to the right side of the headrest 1, and the other end has a first Velcro surface 10. The left side of the headrest 1 also has a Velcro backing surface 11. After the head is placed in the head slot 2, the first Velcro surface 10 and the Velcro backing surface 11 of the head strap 9 are glued together to fix the head and prevent the head from moving during the examination.

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, it also includes a support strap 12, one end of which is fixedly connected to the right side of the headrest 1, and the other end is provided with a second Velcro surface 13.

[0026] The support strap 12 is used to wrap around the support plate 7 and then the second Velcro side 13 is attached to the Velcro side 11, thereby fixing the headrest 1 to the support plate 7.

[0027] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An auxiliary device for reducing beam hardening artifacts in neck CT examinations, characterized in that, The device includes a headrest with an upward-facing head groove and a neck groove communicating with the head groove on the side wall. The headrest has two shoulder protrusions on one side of the neck groove opening, and the two shoulder protrusions are located on both sides of the neck groove opening. The headrest has a water storage cavity inside, which is filled with water. The headrest is installed on a CT examination bed.

2. The auxiliary device for reducing beam hardening artifacts in neck CT examinations according to claim 1, characterized in that, A water pipe is fixed to the headrest, and the water pipe is connected to the water storage cavity. A water valve is installed on the water pipe.

3. The auxiliary device for reducing beam hardening artifacts in neck CT examinations of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a support plate, on one side of which is fixed a rod that is inserted into a slot in the CT examination bed, and the headrest is placed on the support plate.

4. The auxiliary device for reducing beam hardening artifacts in neck CT examinations of claim 3, wherein, It also includes a head strap, one end of which is fixedly connected to the right side of the headrest, and the other end is provided with a first Velcro surface. The left side of the headrest is also fixed with a Velcro female surface.

5. The auxiliary device for reducing beam hardening artifacts in neck CT examinations of claim 4, wherein, It also includes a support strap, one end of which is fixedly connected to the right side of the headrest, and the other end is provided with a second Velcro surface.

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