Medical device with contactless data transmission

Abstract

A medical device comprises a base body (1) that is arranged on a boundary surface (2) of a space. The medical device also comprises an accessory body (3) that is pivotably mounted on the base body (1) about a pivot axis (4). Thus, by pivoting the accessory body (3) about the pivot axis (4), its rotational position relative to the base body (1) can be adjusted. The accessory body (3) directly or indirectly carries a radiation source (5) for emitting ionizing radiation. A data transmission element (8, 9) is arranged on both the base body (1) and the accessory body (3). Data (D, D') can be transmitted contactlessly from the base body (1) to the accessory body (3) and / or from the accessory body (3) to the base body (1) by means of the data transmission elements (8, 9), so that with respect to each data transmission, one of the data transmission elements (8, 9) acts as both the sender and the receiver.The data transmission elements (8, 9) are arranged in alignment with respect to the pivot axis (4) on the base body (1) and on the additional body (3) and are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the pivot axis (4).

Description

[0001] The present invention is based on a medical device, - wherein the medical device has a base body which is arranged on a boundary surface of a room, - wherein the medical device comprises an additional body which is pivotably mounted on the base body about a pivot axis, so that by pivoting the additional body about the pivot axis, a rotational position of the additional body relative to the base body can be adjusted, - wherein the additional body directly or indirectly carries a radiation source for emitting ionising radiation, - wherein a data transmission element is arranged on the base body and on the additional body, - whereby data can be transmitted contactlessly from the base body to the additional body and / or from the additional body to the base body by means of the data transmission elements, so that with regard to a respective data transmission, one of the data transmission elements functions as a transmitter and as a receiver.

[0002] Such medical devices are well known. Computed tomography scanners, in particular, can be constructed in this way. For example, see DE 10 2021 213 027 A1. However, in a computed tomography scanner, the pivoting movement is degenerate in that the additional part (the gantry) often performs several complete revolutions around the "pivot axis," meaning it rotates rather than pivots.

[0003] Computed tomography scanners are not the only medical devices in which an additional body is rotatably mounted on a base body. Examples of such other medical devices include a C-arm system, a linear accelerator for radiation therapy, and a mammography device. The present invention relates to this type of medical device.

[0004] Even with such medical devices, it is necessary to exchange data between the (more or less stationary) base body and the (pivoting) additional body. This data transfer typically takes place via data lines. If data is transferred via data lines, the angle by which the additional body can be pivoted relative to the base body is limited. Furthermore, wear occurs with every pivoting movement—even if only very slight.

[0005] It is also known to use standardized wireless transmission, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, instead of wired data transmission. While this approach avoids the disadvantages of limited swivel angles and the associated wear, it is considerably more complex and must also meet legal requirements for wireless connections. Therefore, they are rarely or never used in practice.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide possibilities by means of which the disadvantages of the prior art can be avoided.

[0007] The object is achieved by a medical device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the medical device according to the invention are the subject of dependent claims 2 to 8.

[0008] According to the invention, a medical device of the type mentioned at the outset is designed in that the data transmission elements on the base body and on the additional body are arranged in alignment with respect to the pivot axis and are spaced apart from one another in the direction of the pivot axis.

[0009] Due to the way the data transmission elements are arranged on the base body and the additional body, it is clear that a CT scanner cannot be the subject of the present invention. This is because, in a CT scanner, the data transmission elements cannot be aligned with respect to the pivot axis. This is because the patient is positioned in this area. Rather, as already mentioned, the subject of the present invention is medical devices such as a C-arm system, a linear accelerator for radiotherapy, and a mammography device.

[0010] The boundaries of the room are the walls, ceiling, and floor. The arrangement of the device on the corresponding boundary surface is self-evident, because the medical device cannot float in space.

[0011] The base body can be fixedly arranged on the corresponding boundary surface. This is often the case when it is arranged on a wall of the room. But it is also possible when it is arranged on the ceiling or floor of the room. Alternatively, the base body can be arranged so that it can move on the corresponding boundary surface. For example, the base body can have rollers by means of which the base body stands on the floor of the room, so that the medical device can be moved across the floor of the room. The base body can also be moved along a rail-like guide element, which in turn is connected to the corresponding boundary surface. If the rail-like guide element is attached to a wall of the room, height adjustment is particularly possible in this case; if it is attached to the ceiling of the room, positioning in the direction of the pivot axis is possible.

[0012] Particularly in the case of a C-arm system and a mammography device, the medical device can either be fixed to the corresponding boundary surface or be mobile. A linear accelerator is often fixed.

[0013] The radiation source for emitting ionizing radiation is often an X-ray source. However, it can also be a linear accelerator or a radiation source containing radioactive material.

[0014] The transmitted data can, for example, include control data for the radiation source. In this case, the data is transmitted from the base body to the additional body. Alternatively or additionally, the transmitted data can, for example, include metrologically recorded operating data of the radiation source or image data acquired by an X-ray detector arranged on the additional body. In this case, the data is transmitted from the additional body to the base body.

[0015] The type of carrier signal used for data transmission can be customized. In individual cases, the use of an ultrasonic signal is also conceivable. However, the data transmission elements are typically designed to transmit data by modulating an electromagnetic carrier signal.

[0016] In some cases, it may be necessary to provide metallic shielding around the data transmission elements. This reliably prevents any problems that might otherwise arise due to the carrier signal being radiated outward. However, in many cases, such shielding is not necessary.

[0017] In the case of an electromagnetic carrier signal, it is possible that the electromagnetic carrier signal is a light signal. The light signal can be visible light (wavelength approximately 400 nm to approximately 750 nm), infrared light (wavelength 750 nm to 1 mm), or, in individual cases, ultraviolet light (wavelength approximately 400 nm to approximately 100 nm).

[0018] Alternatively, and currently preferred, the electromagnetic carrier signal is an electromagnetic signal in the narrower sense, i.e., the electromagnetic carrier signal has a wavelength of at least 3 mm, in particular approximately 5 mm. A wavelength of 3 mm corresponds to a carrier signal frequency of approximately 100 GHz, and a wavelength of approximately 5 mm corresponds to a carrier signal frequency of approximately 60 GHz.

[0019] On the other hand, the electromagnetic carrier signal preferably has a wavelength of a maximum of 20 mm, in particular a maximum of 10 mm. A wavelength of 20 mm corresponds to a carrier signal frequency of approximately 15 GHz, and a wavelength of approximately 10 mm corresponds to a carrier signal frequency of approximately 30 GHz.

[0020] It is particularly preferred if the electromagnetic carrier signal has a wavelength at which the carrier signal interacts with oxygen or nitrogen. At such wavelengths or frequencies, oxygen and nitrogen have a significant attenuation effect. As a result, the carrier signal is quickly attenuated in air, so that the range in air is limited due to physical factors. Using such a carrier frequency also automatically ensures that the transmitted signal is highly immune to interference and secure against eavesdropping. In particular, such a frequency (a so-called absorption line for oxygen) exists at approximately 60 GHz.

[0021] Preferably, the electromagnetic carrier signal is circularly polarized. The circular polarization of the electromagnetic carrier signal ensures, in particular, that the data transmission between the two data transmission elements is independent of the extent to which the additional body is pivoted relative to the base body about the pivot axis.

[0022] In the case of a light signal, circular polarization can be achieved, for example, by first passing the light signal through a polarization filter within the data transmission element acting as a transmitter, so that it is initially linearly polarized after the polarization filter. In this case, a λ / 4 plate can be arranged downstream of the polarization filter, which converts the linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light. For an electromagnetic signal, corresponding data transmission elements are available on the market. In these, the electromagnetic carrier signal has a wavelength between 3 mm and 20 mm and the radiation is circularly polarized. For example, a corresponding transmitting and receiving arrangement is sold by Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH & Co. KG, 83413 Fridolfing, Germany, under the product name RoProxCon.

[0023] Typically, a number of electrical energy consumers are arranged on the additional body. These energy consumers can, in particular, include the radiation source. However, other energy consumers are also possible—either in addition or alternatively. The energy consumers are connected to energy transfer elements on the additional body side via cables arranged in the additional body. Similarly, a room's energy supply is connected to energy transfer elements on the main body side via cables arranged in the main body. The energy transfer elements, in turn, are energetically coupled to one another for energy transfer from the main body to the additional body. Preferably, the energetic coupling of the energy transfer elements to one another is independent of the rotational position of the additional body relative to the main body.The phrase "independent of the rotational position of the additional body relative to the base body" does not imply that the additional body can only be pivoted relative to the base body over a specific and therefore limited angular range around the pivot axis, with the energetic coupling being present in any rotational position within the angular range. Rather, the phrase means that the additional body can be brought into any rotational position relative to the base body (i.e., over the full 360°) and that the energetic coupling is then present in any rotational position within the angular range. The energetic coupling therefore does not represent a limitation on the pivoting of the additional body relative to the base body, so that the additional body could, in principle, be pivoted further and further, even over any number of complete revolutions around the pivot axis.

[0024] This allows complete freedom to pivot the add-on body relative to the base body. Unlike with a cable connection, the pivoting movement is no longer limited. This offers workflow advantages.

[0025] In the simplest case, the interface is designed as a number of slip rings. Contactless transmission via a magnetic coupling similar to a transformer is also possible. In this case, the primary winding and the secondary winding of the "transformer" can, for example, be ring-shaped and arranged concentrically to one another, so that the two windings are arranged at the same height when viewed in the direction of the pivot axis and, viewed orthogonally to the pivot axis, one winding surrounds the other radially on the outside. Alternatively, the two windings can, for example, each be ring-shaped and encircle the pivot axis at the same distance and are only slightly spaced from one another when viewed in the direction of the pivot axis. In both cases, the magnetic coupling can be reinforced by an iron core.

[0026] The above-described properties, features, and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more readily understood in connection with the following description of the embodiments, which are explained in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. Herein, in schematic representation: Fig. 1 a medical device, Fig. 2 a detail of Fig. 1 in the transition area from a base body to an additional body of the medical device in section, Fig. 3 a plan view of a data transmission element of the base body seen from the additional body, Fig. 4 a plan view of a data transmission element of the additional body seen from the base body, Fig. 5 a radiation lobe, Fig. 6 a block diagram of data transmission elements and Fig. 7 another block diagram of data transmission elements.

[0027] According to Fig. 1, a medical device comprises a base body 1. The base body 1 is arranged at a boundary surface 2 of a room. In this case, the boundary surface 2 is the floor of the room. Alternatively, it could also be a wall or a ceiling of the room. Furthermore, the base body 1 is arranged in a fixed (stationary) manner at the boundary surface 2. However, it could also be arranged in a movable (mobile, movable) manner at the boundary surface 2.

[0028] The medical device further comprises an additional body 3. The additional body 3 is pivotally mounted on the base body 1. The additional body 3 can thus be pivoted relative to the base body 1 about a pivot axis 4. By pivoting the additional body 3 about the pivot axis 4, a rotational position of the additional body 3 relative to the base body 1 can be adjusted.

[0029] Where the terms axial, radial, and tangential are used below, they always refer to the pivot axis 4. Axial is a direction parallel to the pivot axis 4. Radial is a direction orthogonal to the pivot axis 4, directly toward or away from the pivot axis 4. Tangential is a direction that is circular around the pivot axis 4 at a constant axial position and a constant radial distance.

[0030] The additional body 3 directly or indirectly carries a radiation source 5 for emitting ionizing radiation. In this case, the radiation source 5 is an X-ray source that is part of a C-arm 6. Thus, the additional body 3 indirectly carries the radiation source 5. The C-arm 6 also carries an X-ray detector 7. The medical device is therefore designed as a C-arm system. However, other configurations of the medical device are also possible, for example, as a mammography device or as a radiotherapy device.

[0031] On the base body 1 and the additional body 3, according to Fig. 2, a transmission element 8, 9 is arranged in each case. By means of the transmission elements 8, 9, data D, D' can be transmitted contactlessly from the base body 1 to the additional body 3 and / or from the additional body 3 to the base body 1. In this case, the data D is transmitted from the base body 1 to the additional body 3, and the data D' from the additional body 3 to the base body 1. For the data D, the transmission element 8 thus functions as the transmitter, while the transmission element 9 functions as the receiver. For the data D', the situation is reversed.

[0032] According to the Fig. 2 to 4, the transmission elements 8, 9 on the base body 1 and on the additional body 3 are arranged in alignment with respect to the pivot axis 4. The transmission elements 8, 9 are therefore arranged directly on the pivot axis 4 in a plane orthogonal to the pivot axis 4. Furthermore, the transmission elements 8, 9 are arranged according to Fig. 2 are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the pivot axis 4. The distance is usually quite small and lies in the single-digit or low double-digit millimeter range.

[0033] Fig. Figure 5 shows a preferred radiation characteristic with which the transmission element 8, 9 acting as a transmitter emits a carrier signal by means of which the data D, D' are transmitted. Fig. 5, the respective transmitter transmits essentially in the direction of the pivot axis 4, thus exhibiting a narrow radiation beam. Specifically, at an angle of 30° to the pivot axis 4, the radiation intensity drops to 1 / 4 of the value with which the respective transmitter radiates in the direction of the pivot axis 4. However, radiation characteristics are also possible in which the radiation beam has a larger opening angle. In any case, however, the transmission element 8, 9 acting as the receiver generally exhibits a corresponding sensitivity with regard to reception.

[0034] Preferably, the transmission elements 8, 9 are designed according to the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are designed to transmit the data D, D' by modulating an electromagnetic carrier signal.

[0035] When designing according to Fig. 6, the electromagnetic carrier signal is a light signal. This is in Fig. 6 is indicated by the fact that the wavelength λ of the carrier signal is given as less than 1 mm, and the speed of light c is the product of the wavelength λ and the frequency f of the carrier signal. 1 mm is usually regarded as the boundary between infrared on the one hand and "normal" electromagnetic waves on the other.

[0036] When designing according to Fig. 7, the carrier signal is a "normal" electromagnetic carrier signal. It therefore has a wavelength λ of at least 3 mm. On the other hand, the electromagnetic carrier signal is still very high frequency. Specifically, it has a wavelength λ of a maximum of 20 mm, preferably a maximum of 10 mm. In particular, the electromagnetic carrier signal can have a wavelength λ of approximately 5 mm. For an electromagnetic carrier signal, this corresponds to a frequency f of approximately 60 GHz. Specifically, the frequency f can be between 61 GHz and 61.5 GHz. In this case, the frequency f lies in an ISM band. However, it can also be at the frequency of approximately 60 GHz, at which oxygen interacts with the carrier signal.

[0037] The electromagnetic carrier signal is preferably circularly polarized. Methods for generating a circularly polarized electromagnetic carrier signal are known to those skilled in the art.

[0038] A number of electrical energy consumers are arranged on the additional body 3. Typically, the radiation source 5 is such a consumer. If present, the X-ray detector 7 is also such a consumer. The energy consumers are connected to the additional body 3 via lines 10 (see Fig. 2) are connected to energy transmission elements 11 on the additional body side. In a similar manner, an energy supply for the room is connected to energy transmission elements 13 on the main body side via lines 12 arranged in the main body 1. The energy transmission elements 11 on the additional body side and the energy transmission elements 13 on the main body side are energetically coupled to each other for energy transmission from the main body 1 to the additional body 3. The energetic coupling of the energy transmission elements 11, 13 is independent of the rotational position of the additional body 3 relative to the main body 1. For example, according to the illustration in Fig. 2 the energy transmission elements 13 on the base body side are designed as slip rings and the energy transmission elements 11 on the additional body side are designed as tapping elements that slide on the slip rings.

[0039] In summary, the present invention relates to the following: A medical device comprises a base body 1 arranged on a boundary surface 2 of a room. The medical device further comprises an additional body 3 mounted on the base body 1 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 4. Thus, by pivoting the additional body 3 about the pivot axis 4, a rotational position of the additional body 3 relative to the base body 1 can be adjusted. The additional body 3 directly or indirectly carries a radiation source 5 for emitting ionizing radiation. A data transmission element 8, 9 is arranged on each of the base body 1 and the additional body 3. By means of the data transmission elements 8, 9, data D, D' can be transmitted contactlessly from the base body 1 to the additional body 3 and / or from the additional body 3 to the base body 1, so that for a respective data transmission, one of the data transmission elements 8, 9 functions as a transmitter and one as a receiver.The data transmission elements 8, 9 are arranged on the base body 1 and on the additional body 3 in alignment with respect to the pivot axis 4 and are spaced apart from one another in the direction of the pivot axis 4.

[0040] The present invention has many advantages. Data transmission can be implemented cost-effectively, reliably, and robustly. With a suitable design, it does not constitute a radio link in the legal sense, meaning that no radio approval is required. High data rates of several gigabits per second can be achieved. Unidirectional or bidirectional data transmission is possible as needed. The required alignment accuracy of the data transmission elements 8, 9 is very low. Particularly when using an electromagnetic carrier signal with a wavelength λ between 3 mm and 20 mm, it is also not a problem if a separating plate or the like is arranged between the data transmission elements 8, 9, provided the separating plate is not electrically conductive. This can be important for a hermetic seal. This results in complete freedom of pivoting movement. Wear does not occur.Due to the inherently short range of data transmission, data transmission is practically impossible to intercept and virtually impossible to disrupt, resulting in a very high level of data security.

[0041] 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 may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0042] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female or other gender identities are included. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2021 213 027 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Medical device, - wherein the medical device has a base body (1) which is arranged on a boundary surface (2) of a space, - wherein the medical device comprises an additional body (3) which is pivotably mounted on the base body (1) about a pivot axis (4), so that by pivoting the additional body (3) about the pivot axis (4), a rotational position of the additional body (3) relative to the base body (1) can be adjusted, - wherein the additional body (3) directly or indirectly carries a radiation source (5) for emitting ionizing radiation, - wherein a data transmission element (8, 9) is arranged on the base body (1) and on the additional body (3), - wherein data (D, D') can be transmitted contactlessly from the base body (1) to the additional body (3) and / or from the additional body (3) to the base body (1) by means of the data transmission elements (8, 9), so that with regard to a respective data transmission, one of the data transmission elements (8, 9) functions as a transmitter and as a receiver, characterized by that the data transmission elements (8, 9) on the base body (1) and on the additional body (3) are arranged in alignment with respect to the pivot axis (4) and are spaced apart from one another when viewed in the direction of the pivot axis (4). [2] Medical device according to claim 1, characterized by that the data transmission elements (8, 9) are designed such that they transmit the data (D, D') by modulating an electromagnetic carrier signal. [3] Medical device according to claim 2, characterized by that the electromagnetic carrier signal is a light signal. [4] Medical device according to claim 2, characterized bythat the electromagnetic carrier signal has a wavelength (λ) of at least 3 mm, in particular of approximately 5 mm. [5] Medical device according to claim 4, characterized by that the electromagnetic carrier signal has a wavelength (λ) of maximum 20 mm, in particular of maximum 10 mm. [6] Medical device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by that the electromagnetic carrier signal has a wavelength (λ) at which the carrier signal interacts with oxygen or nitrogen. [7] Medical device according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized by that the electromagnetic carrier signal is circularly polarized. [8] Medical device according to one of the above claims, characterized bythat a number of electrical energy consumers are arranged on the additional body (3), that the energy consumers are connected to energy transmission elements (11) on the additional body side via lines (10) arranged in the additional body (3), that an energy supply for the room is connected to energy transmission elements (13) on the base body side via lines (12) arranged in the base body (1), that the energy transmission elements (11, 13) are energetically coupled to one another for energy transmission from the base body (1) to the additional body (3), and that the energetic coupling of the energy transmission elements (11, 13) to one another is independent of the rotational position of the additional body (3) relative to the base body (1).

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