Patient positioning device

Abstract

Patient positioning device (1) for standing or sitting patient positioning for a medical imaging device for digital radiography and / or fluoroscopy, in which imaging device for generating images of a patient (2) a radiation source and / or a radiation receiver (5) move around the patient (2) on coordinated movement paths (6), characterized by a substantially horizontally arranged base plate (7) for providing a standing surface (8) for the patient (2) and a positioning aid (9, 13, 15) for the patient (2) connected directly or indirectly to the base plate (7) and arranged substantially perpendicular to the base plate (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a patient positioning device for standing or sitting patient positioning for a medical imaging device for digital radiography and / or fluoroscopy, in which an imaging device, for generating images of a patient, incorporates a radiation source and / or a radiation receiver moving around the patient on coordinated movement paths.

[0002] Modern medical imaging devices for radiography no longer produce only two-dimensional images of a patient. X-ray systems are now used that are also designed to generate three-dimensional images. In these systems, the radiation source (X-ray source) and / or radiation receiver (X-ray detector) move around the patient along precisely coordinated paths. Such an imaging device can be used for both fluoroscopic and radiographic applications.

[0003] For standing or sitting images of patients, especially for images of the chest and abdomen or for orthopedic images, conventional patient positioning devices are no longer optimally suitable in these cases.

[0004] An object of the present invention is therefore to improve the standing or sitting patient positioning for such medical imaging devices. This object is achieved by a patient positioning device according to claim 1 and by a medical imaging device according to claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0005] The patient positioning device according to the invention has a substantially horizontally arranged base plate to provide a standing surface for the patient and a positioning aid for the patient that is directly or indirectly connected to the base plate and is arranged substantially perpendicular to the base plate.

[0006] While previously, during a standing X-ray examination, the patient simply approached one of the usual wall-mounted stands with their feet on the floor of the examination room, the use of a patient positioning device with a horizontal base plate that provides a standing surface for the patient offers several advantages. Firstly, the height of the standing surface, and thus the distance between the patient and the radiation source or detector, can be easily adjusted using suitable mechanisms, without requiring any modifications to these components themselves. Secondly, wheels can be attached to the base plate to make the patient positioning device mobile. A movable, mobile patient positioning device can be placed wherever needed in the room, thereby improving the utilization of the available examination space.It is also advantageous that the patient positioning device according to the invention can be positioned freely in space, independent of an image receiver unit or a patient bed. The installation space below the base plate can be used to accommodate the components required for moving the patient positioning device, in particular the drive mechanism.

[0007] The standing support aid connected to the base plate runs essentially vertically and can be used in various ways for precise patient positioning.

[0008] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the positioning aid comprises a bowl-shaped backrest. The backrest preferably extends from the base plate to an overhead height, so that the patient, when standing on the base plate, can lean completely against the backrest.

[0009] It is particularly advantageous if the cross-sectional shape of the backrest is adapted to the movement path of the X-ray receiver. If, for example, the X-ray receiver moves in a circular path around the patient, then the backrest advantageously has a horizontal cross-section that curves concavely towards the patient, with the curvature of the backrest corresponding to the movement path of the X-ray receiver. Such a design of the backrest has the advantage that the distance between the patient's body and the X-ray receiver is as constant and as small as possible at every point in the movement path of the X-ray receiver. This results in advantages when taking X-ray images and when evaluating the image data. In particular, there is practically no distortion, since the X-ray receiver is located very close to the patient.Compared to conventional patient positioning devices, this significantly improves the image quality of the recordings.

[0010] Optionally, the backrest is equipped with fastening straps and / or a headrest to fix and / or secure the patient.

[0011] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the positioning aid comprises a sheath that at least partially encloses the patient during the acquisition of the images and whose interior can be filled and / or evacuated, at least section by section, with a gaseous or liquid medium for positioning, fixing, and / or securing the patient. In this case, the patient positioning device includes suitable means for section by section filling and / or evacuating the sheath.

[0012] In the simplest case, this envelope is designed as a vacuum mattress. Vacuum mattresses are known from the prior art. They are filled with a granular material, usually plastic granules, which solidifies into a rigid body when the envelope is evacuated. This rigidity then surrounds the patient, who is thus simultaneously immobilized and secured.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing comprises a number of chambers that can be independently filled and / or evacuated with a gaseous or liquid medium, the shape, size, and arrangement of the chambers being oriented to the requirements for suitable patient positioning in a specific imaging position. By appropriately controlling the filling and / or evacuation of the chambers, the patient can also be positioned using such a positioning aid. This is particularly advantageous when communication with the patient is not possible for medical or other reasons and the patient is therefore unable to follow instructions from the operating personnel regarding correct positioning. The control of the chambers to achieve the correct patient position preferably occurs automatically after the operating personnel have selected the desired imaging position.

[0014] It is particularly advantageous if the positioning aid combines both functionalities, i.e., on the one hand, it has individually controllable chambers for the purpose of patient positioning and on the other hand, it enables the patient to be fixed and / or secured by evacuation in the manner of a vacuum mattress.

[0015] It is particularly advantageous if the positioning aid combines the shell-shaped backrest with the cover that partially encloses the patient. In this case, the patient can be positioned, fixed, and / or secured at a very short distance from the radiation receiver.

[0016] The necessary images of a patient are usually taken with the patient lying down. The patient positioning device according to the invention, for standing or sitting patient positioning, is therefore not needed permanently. Up to now, the patient positioning device has been moved manually from a parked position to an operating position.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the patient positioning device is designed to move independently from a parked position to an operating position and back. Preferably, for this purpose, the patient positioning device comprises a number of drive wheels mounted on the base plate, each of which can be driven independently by a drive motor, a sensor arrangement for detecting the environment of the patient positioning device during movement from a parked position to an operating position and back, and an evaluation and control unit for evaluating the sensor data and controlling the drive motors based on the sensor data.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an omnidirectional drive is used. This allows the patient positioning device to be moved in any direction at any time. Two omnidirectional wheels, each driven by a drive motor, serve to move the patient positioning device. The two drive wheels can be driven independently of each other with respect to their speed and direction of rotation. At least a third wheel serves as a support wheel.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor arrangement comprises at least one video camera. Preferably, this is a 3D camera that captures the space and detects obstacles during the movement of the patient positioning device. Instead of the 3D camera, or in combination with the 3D camera, other suitable sensors, such as ultrasonic sensors, can also be provided.

[0020] The evaluation of the sensor data by the evaluation and control unit includes, in particular, the determination of distance and / or position information from the sensor data.

[0021] Preferably, the patient positioning device automatically moves into its correct operating position for the desired image as soon as the operator initiates an image acquisition while operating the medical imaging device, in which the patient is positioned sitting or standing. After the image acquisition, the patient positioning device preferably returns automatically to its parked position. This relieves the operator of physical labor and speeds up the workflow in the radiology laboratory.

[0022] Preferably, the patient positioning device is moved, positioned, and fixed fully automatically. In a simple case, the patient positioning device moves along a predetermined, defined path. The evaluation of the sensor data then primarily serves to detect obstacles. Alternatively, the path of movement from the parked position to the operating position and back is recalculated by the evaluation and control unit with each movement or as needed, depending on the acquired sensor data. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the patient positioning device is fixed in its parked position by means of a central braking system, i.e., one that acts on all drive wheels.

[0023] The patient positioning device is preferably moved using computer control. For this purpose, the evaluation and control unit comprises not only suitable hardware components but also suitable software components, which are specifically designed for evaluating sensor data and controlling the drive motors based on that data, provided this software is executed on a processor within the evaluation and control unit. It goes without saying that the evaluation and control unit can be connected to a central control unit of the medical imaging device via a suitable interface and remains in contact with this control unit during the use of the patient positioning device.

[0024] The invention can be used in various imaging devices, in particular in imaging devices for three-dimensional imaging, in imaging devices for two-dimensional imaging and in imaging devices for fluoroscopy applications.

[0025] The properties, features, and advantages of this invention described above, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more readily understandable in connection with the following description of the exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. These show:

[0026] Fig. 1 a patient positioning device according to the invention in an operating position in perspective view,

[0027] Fig. 2 a top view of a patient positioning device according to the invention with a bowl-shaped backrest,

[0028] Fig. 3 a perspective view of a patient positioning device according to the invention with a vacuum mattress,

[0029] Fig. 4 a top view of a part of a chambered shell of a patient positioning device according to the invention,

[0030] Fig. 5 a perspective view of a base plate of a movable patient positioning device according to the invention.

[0031] All figures show the invention schematically and with its essential components. Identical reference numerals correspond to elements with the same or comparable function.

[0032] The patient positioning device according to the invention 1 for positioning a patient in a standing or sitting position 2 is in its operating position in front of an image receiver unit 3 positioned on a medical imaging device for digital radiography and / or fluoroscopy, see Fig. 1. In this imaging device, the device moves to generate, for example, three-dimensional images of the patient. 2 a detector 5 on a defined path of movement 6 to treat the patient 2 around.

[0033] The patient positioning device 1 includes a substantially horizontally arranged base plate 7 to provide a standing area 8 for the patient 2 and one directly connected to the base plate 7 connected, essentially perpendicular to the base plate 7 prescribed positioning aid for the patient 2 .

[0034] The storage aid is included in the Fig. 1 shown embodiment as a backrest 9 trained. The backrest 9 is with the base plate 7 connected. Optional grab handles are available on the backrest. 12 attached to which the patient 2can be captured during the recording.

[0035] In the Fig. 2 illustrated embodiment of the patient positioning device 1 is the backrest 9 It is designed in a shell shape. More precisely, the cross-sectional shape of the backrest is... 9 to the path of movement 6 of the detector 5 adjusted. The backrest 9 points one in the direction of the patient 2 concave curved horizontal cross-section.

[0036] At the in Fig. 3 illustrated embodiment of the patient positioning device 1 The storage aid is in the form of a cover 13 designed, more precisely as a vacuum mattress. In its operating state, the cover surrounds 13 the patient 2 at least partially. For this purpose, the interior of the shell will be used. 13 evacuated after the patient 2 has assumed the desired position. The patient 2This fixes and secures the user in their standing or sitting position.

[0037] Instead of a simple vacuum mattress, one with chambers can also be used as a storage aid. 14 fitted cover 15 can be used. In Fig. 4 is part of such a shell 15 The individual chambers are shown. 15 the case 14 can be filled independently with a gaseous or liquid medium, allowing the standing or sitting patient 2 , which is from the shell 15 It can be positioned, at least partially, according to the patient's anatomy. 2 selected chambers 14 to be filled wholly or partially with the medium in order to achieve a specific position of the patient's upper body 2 to reach.

[0038] In another embodiment, the patient positioning device 1Designed to be movable for independent movement of the patient positioning device 1 from a parking position to an operating position and back.

[0039] For this purpose, the patient positioning device includes 1 , as in Fig. 5 shown, two at the rear end of the base plate 7 attached omnidirectional drive wheels 16 , each independently powered by its own drive motor 17 are driveable. At the front end of the base plate 7 There is a support wheel 18 Furthermore, the patient positioning device includes 1 a 3D camera 19 for capturing the environment of the patient positioning device 1 during the movement of the patient positioning device 1 from a parking position to an operating position and back, whose camera lens 20 according to the direction of travel 21 the patient positioning device1 on the front 22 the base plate 7 is appropriate. Alternatively, the 3D camera can be used. 19 also in an elevated position on the patient positioning device 1 , for example on a backrest 9 It may be appropriate to cover a larger area.

[0040] Finally, the patient positioning device includes 1 one with the drive motors 17 Evaluation and control unit connected via at least one signal line (not shown) 23 for evaluating camera data and controlling the drive motors 17 depending on the camera data.

[0041] As an alternative to the variant shown, in which the 3D camera 19 at the patient positioning device 1 If it is attached, the 3D camera can 19It can also be installed in the room, for example on the ceiling or at another suitable location in the room, with a corresponding, preferably wireless, signal connection to the evaluation and control unit. 23 is planned.

[0042] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived by the person skilled in the art without leaving the scope of protection of the invention. Reference symbol list 1 patient positioning device 2 patients 3 Image receiver unit 4 (free) 5 Detector 6 Movement path 7 Base plate 8 Standing area 9 Backrest 10 (free) 11 (free) 12 Handle 13 Cover 14th Chamber 15 Sheaths with chambers 16 drive wheel 17 Drive motor 18 Support wheel 19 3D camera 20 lenses 21 Direction of travel 22 Front of the base plate 23 Evaluation and control unit

Claims

[1] Patient positioning device ( 1 ) for standing or sitting patient positioning for a medical imaging device for digital radiography and / or fluoroscopy, in which imaging device is used to produce images of a patient ( 2 ) a radiation source and / or a radiation receiver ( 5 ) on coordinated movement paths ( 6 ) to treat the patient ( 2 ) move around, characterized by a substantially horizontally arranged base plate ( 7 ) to provide a stand area ( 8 ) for the patient ( 2 ) and one directly or indirectly connected to the base plate ( 7 ) connected, essentially perpendicular to the base plate ( 7 ) arranged storage aid ( 9 , 13 , 15 ) for the patient ( 2 ). [2] Patient positioning device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the storage aid has a bowl-shaped backrest ( 9 ) includes. [3] Patient positioning device ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized by that the cross-sectional shape of the backrest ( 9 ) to the path of motion of the radiation receiver ( 5 ) is adapted. [4] Patient positioning device ( 1 ) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by that the backrest ( 9 ) one towards the patient ( 2 ) has a concave curved horizontal cross-section. [5] Patient positioning device ( 1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the positioning aid is a patient ( 2 ) a shell that at least partially surrounds the body during operation ( 13 , 15 ) includes the interior of which is used for positioning, fixing and / or securing the patient ( 2 ) can be filled and / or evacuated, at least in sections, with a gaseous or liquid medium. [6] Patient positioning device ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterized by that the case ( 13 ) a vacuum mattress. [7] Patient positioning device ( 1 ) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that the case ( 15 ) a number of chambers ( 14 ) which can be filled and / or evacuated independently of each other with a gaseous or liquid medium. [8] Patient positioning device ( 1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that it has means for independently moving the patient positioning device ( 1 ) from a parking position to an operating position and / or back. [9] Patient positioning device ( 1 ) according to claim 8, characterized by – a number on the base plate ( 7 ) attached drive wheels ( 16 ), each independently powered by its own drive motor ( 17are propellable, – a sensor array ( 19 ) to detect the environment of the patient positioning device ( 1 ) during the movement of the patient positioning device ( 1 ) from a parking position to an operating position and / or back, – an evaluation and control device ( 23 ) for evaluating the sensor data and controlling the drive motors ( 17 ) depending on the sensor data. [10] Medical imaging device for digital radiography and / or fluoroscopy, in which a patient is used to produce an image ( 2 ) a radiation source and / or a radiation receiver ( 5 ) on coordinated movement paths ( 6 ) to treat the patient ( 2 ) move around, using a patient positioning device ( 1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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