Transport device for a medical device

Abstract

Transport device (1) for transporting a medical device (2a), comprising: - a traction unit (3) for moving the medical device (2a) between different operational sub-areas (10a, 10b, 10c) of a medical operational area (10), - an electrical energy storage unit (4) for supplying the traction unit (3) with electrical energy, - a docking unit (5) for connecting the medical device (2a) to a stationary docking station (6) for supplying the medical device (2a) with electrical energy and / or coolant and / or for data transmission during stationary use of the medical device (2a) in one of the operational sub-areas (10a, 10b, 10c) of the medical operational area (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transport device for transporting a medical device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a medical application.

[0002] The state of the art in this regard is US 2020 / 0 100 742 A1.

[0003] Medical devices, also known as medical equipment, that are intended for use in different locations, such as various rooms in a hospital, require supply lines for power, data transmission, and any necessary cooling. If the medical devices have a fixed connection to the building's utility system, relocating the supply lines is very cumbersome, thus limiting the mobility of the medical devices. Alternatively, a mobile medical device can be operated without supply lines, using batteries instead, but this significantly restricts the device's performance due to the limited energy capacity of the batteries.

[0004] When using CT systems (CT stands for "computed tomography"), relatively large and heavy scan units are currently employed, and their necessary supply lines, especially hoses and cables, must be carried along when transferring between two examination rooms. This is done using a so-called energy chain or a bundle of hoses and cables. Consequently, mobility is limited, as the distance that can be covered depends on the length of the supply lines.

[0005] Smaller CT systems, such as those specifically designed for head imaging, sometimes use batteries for power. In these systems, the scan units are not permanently connected, and the battery provides power for transport and operation. However, the battery's energy capacity and performance limit the application of such CT systems to imaging smaller areas, particularly the patient's head. Furthermore, the battery may need to be recharged frequently, possibly even during operation, which can interrupt the scan.

[0006] Consequently, the task is to develop a technical device that can improve the mobility of a medical device, expand the range of applications of a medical device, and extend the service life of a medical device.

[0007] This task is solved by a transport device for transporting a medical device according to claim 1 and a medical application area according to claim 11.

[0008] According to the invention, the transport device includes a traction unit for moving the medical device between different application areas within a medical application area. For this purpose, the transport device preferably comprises a loading platform on which the medical device is placed during transport. A traction unit is understood to be a technical unit that enables active movement of the transport device with and without the medical device. The traction unit includes drive elements and elements for transmitting the driving force in a relative motion, preferably wheels or rollers, for movement between several application areas in which the medical device is to be used for an examination or treatment.A medical device is a technical device used in the examination or treatment of a patient. The term "medical device" includes, but is not limited to, medical imaging devices such as CT or MRI systems ("MRI" stands for "magnetic resonance imaging") or ultrasound systems.

[0009] Furthermore, the transport device comprises an electrical energy storage unit, preferably a battery, for supplying the traction unit with electrical energy. The transport device also includes a docking unit for connecting the medical device to a stationary docking station for supplying the medical device with electrical energy, in particular via one or more electrical lines, and / or with coolant, in particular via one or more cooling lines, and / or for data transmission, in particular via one or more data transmission lines, during stationary use of the medical device in one of the operational areas of a larger medical operational area of ​​the medical device.

[0010] A docking station, also called a "docking station," is a stationary connection device that connects a mobile technical device to one or more stationary technical devices. This is achieved by establishing one or more connections via one or more connecting lines for supplying power to the mobile technical device or for data exchange between the mobile technical device and the one or more stationary technical devices. Preferably, the docking station bundles the connecting lines in such a way that connecting the mobile technical device to the docking station is simplified compared to a direct connection to the one or more stationary technical devices.

[0011] A docking unit provides the necessary interface on the mobile technical equipment side to connect it to the docking station. According to the invention, the transport device has a docking unit for connecting the medical device to a stationary docking station.

[0012] The advantages are twofold: firstly, it enables the transport of medical devices independently of utility lines, thus improving the mobility of the transport equipment; secondly, the docking unit allows for unrestricted power supply to the medical device during stationary operation, as the device is connected to locally available utility lines via the docking unit and docking station. Because of the externally provided resources, limitations on the application area, dimensions, electrical power, or operating time, which are often found in conventional battery-powered, mobile medical devices, are eliminated.Since the supply lines are connected at the respective local docking station and do not need to be carried along during transport, the space required for the transfer routes can be reduced, as no guide for the supply lines or a supply unit is needed in the transfer area. This reduced space requirement frees up more room for other equipment, and the risk of collision during the transport of medical technology equipment is also reduced. Furthermore, no rails are needed to guide the transport, allowing the transport equipment to move freely, which increases mobility during transport. In particular, operational areas, such as examination rooms in a medical department or facility used as a medical operating area, like a hospital, do not need to be located next to each other.The medical device can therefore be used in a larger spatial area and in a large number of sub-areas, particularly in numerous examination or treatment rooms. Since the electrical energy storage unit is not required for the operation of the medical device itself due to its connection with the docking station, it can be charged via the docking station during operation or alternatively via a separate power supply.

[0013] According to the invention, the medical application area comprises a plurality of application sub-areas, each with a docking station, a medical device configured to be used in each of the plurality of application sub-areas, and a transport device according to the invention. The transport device can be configured, in particular, for transporting the medical device between the application sub-areas and / or for connecting the medical device to the respective docking station.

[0014] The medical application area comprises a spatial area in which the medical device is to be used. This area preferably includes one or more departments within a medical care facility, such as an outpatient clinic, a doctor's office, or a hospital. A sub-area of ​​use comprises a portion of the medical application area, preferably a treatment room, an examination room, an operating room, or a combination thereof. Advantageously, the medical application area can be significantly expanded compared to a conventional scenario due to the use of an independent transport system, without limiting the medical device's resource supply (such as energy) or data exchange capabilities.In particular, guide rails do not need to be laid between the operational areas.

[0015] Due to its expanded range of applications and increased flexibility, the medical technology system offers significant economies of scale. For example, it can be transferred between different medical departments, thereby reducing the number of medical devices in a hospital and increasing their utilization compared to purely stationary systems. Since the medical technology system can be moved between a larger number of departments, its deployment frequency can also be increased. For instance, a patient can change in one room, and a medical professional can then prepare them for treatment or examination using the medical technology system.Simultaneously, the medical device can be used in a second room on a second patient, attended by a second physician. In a third room, a third patient can discuss the results of an application of the medical device with a third physician at the same time. The medical device is then transported back to the first room, and the first patient can be treated with it by the first physician. Meanwhile, in the second room, the second physician discusses the examination results with the second patient, and in the third room, a fourth patient is being prepared for an examination and undresses. The medical device is then moved to the third room, and so on.Advantageously, due to the expanded spatial deployment possibilities, apart from the transfer time for moving the medical equipment between the three different rooms, there are no idle times for the medical equipment, so that the throughput of the medical equipment is increased compared to use in only one room or in two rooms, as is conventional.

[0016] Furthermore, a method for operating a transport device for transporting a medical device is hereby disclosed, comprising the steps of: - moving the medical device between different operational areas of a medical operational area using a traction unit of the transport device, - supplying the traction unit with electrical energy by means of an electrical energy storage unit included in the transport device, connecting the medical device to a stationary docking station using a docking unit to supply the medical device with electrical energy and / or coolant and / or to transmit data during stationary use of the medical device in one of the operational sub-areas of the medical field.

[0017] In an exemplary procedure for operating a transport device for transporting a medical device, the medical device is moved between different operational areas of a medical operational area using a traction unit of the transport device.

[0018] In the exemplary process, the traction unit is supplied with electrical energy by an electrical energy storage unit, which is part of the transport system. Carrying the electrical energy required for traction allows for greater independence, range, and flexibility of transport, as no supply lines need to be carried along during transport. As already mentioned, the space required for the transport routes is also reduced, since no guides for supply lines are needed in the transport area. The installation effort can also be advantageously reduced, as, for example, no rails need to be laid in the floor for transfer.

[0019] In the exemplary method, the medical device can be connected to a stationary docking station by means of a docking unit, in particular for supplying the medical device with electrical power, for example via one or more electrical lines, and / or with coolant, in particular via one or more cooling lines, and / or for data transmission, in particular via one or more data transmission lines, during stationary use of the medical device in one of the operational sub-areas of the medical field. The disclosed method enables a more flexible and expanded use of medical devices compared to conventional use.

[0020] The dependent claims and the subsequent description each contain particularly advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention. In particular, the claims of one claim category may also be further developed analogously to the dependent claims of another claim category. Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, the various features of different embodiments and claims may also be combined to form new embodiments.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the docking unit includes an interface designed to connect the medical device to a stationary power supply network and / or a stationary data communication network via the docking station. This connection provides electrical power and / or coolant via cooling lines and data transmission via data transmission lines. The interface provides a defined port through which the medical device can be connected.The interface is preferably designed in such a way that different connections are spatially grouped together via the interface and can be connected to the docking station via a simple docking process, so that the connection between the medical device and a stationary supply network and / or data communication network, which is connected to the docking station, can be carried out particularly quickly and easily and, in particular, also automatically.

[0022] The docking unit's interface is also preferably designed to connect the medical device to an interface on the docking station. Advantageously, the connection and disconnection of the medical device to a stationary supply network and / or data communication network can be achieved via two coordinated, predefined interfaces on the docking unit and the docking station.

[0023] For automated transport and / or automated docking and / or automated uncoupling, the transport system can be equipped with additional sensors to perceive the environment for autonomous driving and maneuvering. Alternatively, transport can be semi-autonomous, with the transport journey or movement monitored by an operator and, if necessary, corrected remotely. With automated transport, the advantage is that only the next destination, i.e., the next operational area, needs to be specified. This input can also be automated according to a predefined schedule and usage plan, possibly supported by a management algorithm.

[0024] In one embodiment, the transport device includes an interface unit, which provides an interface for connecting the medical device to the docking station. Advantageously, the medical device is connected directly to the docking station, making the coupling between these components particularly simple and robust.

[0025] In an alternative configuration, the transport device includes an interface unit, which comprises a first interface for connecting the medical device to the docking unit and a second interface for connecting the docking unit to the docking station. Advantageously, the medical device itself and its connections do not need to be disconnected from or connected to the docking unit before and after transport. In this configuration, connection and disconnection occur only between the second interface of the docking unit and the docking station.With this variant, the medical device can remain permanently on the transport system, even when used in a stationary position. This eliminates the need to lift the medical device onto or off the transport system when docking or uncoupling it. The advantage is that the medical device can be transferred between different operational areas particularly easily and quickly.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the traction unit comprises a plurality of rollers or wheels with which the transport device can be moved across a floor area of ​​the medical operating area. The rollers or wheels allow for free maneuvering during transport and also enable the device to avoid obstacles if an object or person is located in the current transport path.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the docking unit is designed to be detachable from the docking station in order to transport the medical device from a first deployment location to a second deployment location. Advantageously, the connection and detachment process is limited to the docking station and the docking unit. Individual supply lines or data transmission lines do not need to be connected or disconnected, since only the preferably combined second interface needs to be connected to or disconnected from the docking station.

[0028] In one embodiment, the traction unit is designed, for example by being equipped with rollers that can be aligned in all directions or wheels that can be steered with respect to their direction of movement, such that the transport device can be moved freely in any direction after being uncoupled from the docking station. Advantageously, the movement of the transport device is not limited to a predetermined transport route, so that the transported medical device can be transported to any location where a docking station is available.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the docking unit is designed to be connected to the stationary docking station via a flexible, distance-variable connection, allowing the medical device to be moved relative to the docking station during its use in one of the operational areas. This flexible design is advantageous when the medical device needs to be moved relative to a patient or a patient bed during operation. This design is particularly advantageous for a CT system as a medical device whose scan unit needs to be moved relative to a patient for image acquisition.

[0030] Preferably, the docking unit has a connection for charging the electrical energy storage unit via a mains connection of the docking station. Advantageously, the mains connection can be integrated into the interface between the docking unit and the docking station, so that only a single, combined connection is required to connect the medical device to the docking station. Alternatively, the mains connection can also be made directly between the medical device and the docking station or an additional stationary mains connection device, i.e., an electrical outlet.

[0031] In one variant, the traction unit is designed to be moved along a guide device during operation, so that the medical device performs a defined, guided movement during its use in one of its application areas. Advantageously, the medical device, particularly when used for imaging, can be used as a guided, sliding medical device, with a scan unit sliding along a guide device, especially rails, while an image is acquired of a patient lying motionless on a patient table. For such guidance, the transport device can have engagement elements on its wheels or rollers that engage with a guide rail or other guide element.Other engagement elements on the transport device for engaging a rail or other guide device may also be provided on the transport device.

[0032] In one embodiment, the docking station is arranged on the ceiling of an examination or treatment room encompassed by a deployment area. In another embodiment, the docking station is arranged on or in a floor area of ​​an examination or treatment room encompassed by a deployment area.

[0033] Generally, positioning the docking station on the floor is less complicated. However, it can be advantageous if there are no installations on the floor that could obstruct free movement in the room, and therefore a docking station is mounted overhead on the ceiling.

[0034] The medical device may, in particular, be and / or include a scanning unit. In one embodiment, at least one of the application areas comprises a device for patient positioning, preferably a patient table, for positioning a patient during an examination with the medical device, in particular during an examination with the scanning unit. With this embodiment, imaging can be performed at different locations. For example, a first application area comprises a standard radiology examination room, a second application area comprises an operating room where internal imaging of a patient is also required, and a third application area comprises an intensive care unit.It is advantageous to be able to perform imaging in a wide variety of locations with one and the same scanning unit, even if these are far apart, at least if a docking station is available in each of the operational areas.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the patient positioning device, preferably the patient table, is configured to be moved relative to the medical device, particularly the scan unit, during the examination of the patient with the medical device, in particular during an examination of the patient with the scan unit, in order to examine a longitudinally extended area of ​​the patient's body. In this embodiment, the scan unit remains stationary during imaging, and the patient table is moved to scan an examination area in the z-direction, i.e., along the patient's longitudinal axis. In this embodiment, no guide device for the transport device is required, as only the patient table is moved.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the deployment areas has a guide device arranged in a floor area for guiding the movement of the medical device during its use in that deployment area. Furthermore, at least one of the docking stations is arranged in a floor area or on the ceiling, particularly the ceiling of a room, of one of the deployment areas. As already mentioned, it can be advantageous to use a medical device, particularly a scanning unit, as a guided, sliding medical device and to move it relative to a patient in order to achieve a precise action, in particular a precise image acquisition of the patient. If necessary, the docking unit of the transport device in this variant must be designed to be sufficiently flexible to be movable relative to the docking station, even when the docking unit is coupled to the docking station.

[0037] The invention further relates to the use of a transport device according to the invention in a medical application area according to the invention. In particular, the transport device according to the invention can be used for transporting the medical device between the application areas and / or for connecting the medical device to the respective docking station of the respective application area.

[0038] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures and exemplary embodiments. The figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a first medical application area with a transport device according to a first embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a second medical application area with a transport device according to a second embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a third medical application area with a transport device according to a third embodiment of the invention, Fig. 4 a schematic top view of a medical application area according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 5. A flowchart illustrating a procedure for operating a transport device for transporting a medical device. Fig. 6 an enlarged representation of the in Fig. 1. Transport device shown.

[0039] In Fig. Figure 1 is a first medical application area 10a, in particular an examination room in a hospital, shown schematically. The examination room has a floor 9 in which a docking station 6 is embedded. A patient bed 14 is also arranged in the examination room, on which a patient (not shown) can lie for an examination and whose patient table, i.e. the support for the patient, can be moved back and forth in the direction of the arrow.

[0040] In Fig. Figure 1 also shows a transport device 1 in the form of a shuttle. A medical device in the form of a scan unit 2a is positioned on the transport device 1, which was transported to the patient bed 14 for a medical examination.

[0041] The transport device 1 has a docking unit 5 for connecting the scan unit 2a to the docking station 6. The transport device 1 is already connected to the docking station 6, which is embedded in the ground 9, via its docking unit 5. The docking station 6 serves to supply the scan unit 2a with electrical power and / or to supply the scan unit 2a with coolant via cooling lines and / or to enable data transmission via data transmission lines between the scan unit 2a and external devices, such as a control device 2b, during stationary use of the scan unit 2a.The scan unit 2a is part of a medical technology system 2, in this case a computed tomography system, which, in addition to the scan unit 2a, also includes a control unit 2b in the form of a computer for controlling the scan unit 2a and for evaluating projection data acquired by the scan unit 2a from a patient (not shown). The patient table of the patient bed 14, i.e., the upper part of the patient bed 14, which can be used as a support for the patient, can be moved relative to the scan unit 2a to perform an examination or imaging of the patient. In this configuration, however, the scan unit 2a, which is connected to the docking station 6 during the examination, cannot be moved during the examination, as this would interrupt the fixed connection between the scan unit 2a and the docking station 6.

[0042] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a second medical deployment area 10b in the form of an examination room, which, however, differs from the one in Fig. The first medical application area shown in section 10a differs in that in the Fig. In the examination room shown in Figure 2, a guide device 12 in the form of a guide rail is formed in the floor 9, over which a transport device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention can slide in order to scan an examination area with the scan unit 2a transported by the transport device 1 during an examination of a patient. Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the docking station 6 is housed in the guide unit 12, such that the transport unit 1, which moves along with the scan unit 2a during an examination, and its docking unit 5 are constantly connected to the docking station 6 in the guide unit 12. In the embodiment shown in Fig. In the arrangement shown in Figure 2, the patient table of the patient bed 14 remains fixed and the scan unit 2a moves relative to the patient table in the direction of the arrow to generate projection data and from this image data of an examination area.

[0043] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a third medical deployment area 10c in the form of an examination room, which differs from the ones in Fig. 1 and Fig. The first and second medical application areas 10a, 10b shown in the diagram differ in that the docking station 6 is not located in the floor 9, but on the ceiling 17 of the examination room.

[0044] To contact docking station 6, which is located on ceiling 17, the [instruction] indicates Fig. 3 Transport device 1 shown includes a docking unit 5 which makes contact with the docking station 6 on the ceiling 17 via a vertically extending arm.

[0045] The docking station 6 is extended in the direction of movement of the scan unit 2a carried by the transport device 1 in such a way that movement of the transport device 1 and thus movement of the scan unit 2a transported by the transport device 1 relative to a patient bed 14 along a guide device 12 is possible during an examination, whereby the docking unit 5 remains in contact with the docking station 6 and the supply of the scan unit 2a with required resources, in particular energy or coolant, and data communication of the scan unit 2a with external systems (not shown) is possible even during an image acquisition in which the scan unit 2a moves relative to the patient bed 14.

[0046] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of a medical application area 10 in the form of a hospital department with several application sub-areas 10a, 10b in the form of examination rooms, each with a docking station 6. The examination rooms 10a, 10b are separated by a wall 16 and connected by a door 15. In the right examination room 10b, a transport device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention with a scan unit 2a is also shown. Patient couches 14 are located in both examination rooms 10a, 10b. However, there is currently no scan unit 2a in the left examination room 10a. If the scan unit 2a is to be used in the left examination room 10a, the transport device 1 will move the scan unit 2a from the right examination room 10b to the left examination room 10a and connect it to a docking station 6, which is also located in the left examination room 10a, for an examination.Therefore, only a single scan unit 2a is required for multiple examination rooms 10a and 10b. In particular, examination rooms 10a and 10b do not need to be directly adjacent to each other, but can be arranged any distance apart.

[0047] In Fig. Figure 5 shows a flowchart 500 illustrating a procedure for operating a transport device 1 for transporting a medical device 2a.

[0048] In step 5.1, a scan unit 2a is moved between different examination rooms, in this embodiment a left examination room 10a (see Fig. 4) and a right-hand examination room 10b (see Fig. 4) of an operational area 10 of a hospital (see Fig. 4), moved from the left examination room 10a to the right examination room 10b using a transport device 1 with a traction unit 3.

[0049] In step 5.II, the traction unit 3 is supplied with electrical energy by an electrical energy storage unit 4 encompassed by the transport device 1.

[0050] In step 5.III, the medical device 2a is connected to a stationary docking station 6 in the right-hand examination room 10b using a docking unit 5. During a patient examination using the scan unit 2a, the docking station 6 supplies the unit with electrical power and coolant, and also transmits data between the scan unit 2a and external resources, in particular a network with data storage devices and databases, which is installed in the hospital.

[0051] In Fig. Figure 6 is an enlarged representation of Figure 60 of the figure in Fig.Figure 1 shows the transport device 1 in conjunction with a scan unit 2a and a docking station 6. The transport device 1, or its docking unit 5, comprises an interface unit 7 with an interface 7b for connecting the scan unit 2a to the docking station 6.

[0052] Similarly, the docking station 6 includes an interface unit 8 with an interface 8a, which is connected to the interface 7b of the docking unit 5 and establishes a connection between the docking unit 5 and thus the scan unit 2a with a stationary supply line V and stationary data transmission lines L.

[0053] Finally, it should be noted once again that the devices described above are merely preferred embodiments of the invention and that the invention can be varied by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, insofar as it is defined by the claims. For the sake of completeness, it should also be noted that the use of the indefinite articles "a" or "an" does not preclude the possibility that the features in question may be present multiple times. Likewise, the term "unit" does not preclude the possibility that it consists of several components, which may also be spatially distributed. Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons of male, female, or other gender identities are included.

Claims

[1] Transport device (1) for transporting a medical device (2a), comprising: - a traction unit (3) for moving the medical device (2a) between different operational sub-areas (10a, 10b, 10c) of a medical operational area (10), - an electrical energy storage unit (4) for supplying the traction unit (3) with electrical energy, - a docking unit (5) for connecting the medical device (2a) to a stationary docking station (6) for supplying the medical device (2a) with electrical energy and / or coolant and / or for data transmission during stationary use of the medical device (2a) in one of the operational sub-areas (10a, 10b, 10c) of the medical operational area (10). [2] Transport device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the docking unit (5) comprises an interface (7b) which is configured to connect the medical device (2a) to a stationary supply network and / or a stationary data communication network for the purpose of supplying the medical device (2a) with electrical energy and / or with coolant and / or for data transmission via the docking station (6). [3] Transport device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the interface (7b) is designed to connect the medical device (2a) to an interface (8a) of the docking station (6). [4] Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the traction unit (3) comprises a plurality of rollers or wheels with which the transport device (1) can be moved over a floor (9) of the medical application area (10). [5] Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the docking unit (5) is designed to be detachable from the docking station (6) in order to transport the medical device (2a) from a first deployment area (10a) to a second deployment area (10b). [6] Transport device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the traction unit (3) is designed such that the transport device (1) can be moved freely in any direction after being uncoupled from the docking station (6). [7] Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the docking unit (5) is configured to be connected to the docking station (6) via a flexible, distance-variable connection, so that the medical device (2a) can be moved relative to the docking station (6) during its use in one of the deployment areas (10a, 10b, 10c) without interrupting the supply. [8] Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the docking unit (5) has a connection for charging the electrical energy storage unit (4) via a mains connection of the docking station (6) or via a mains connection outside the docking station (6). [9] Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the traction unit (3) is configured to be moved on a guide device (12) during the use of the medical device (2a), so that the medical device (2a) performs a defined, guided movement during its use in one of the operating areas (10a, 10b, 10c). [10] Transport device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the docking station (6) is arranged on the ceiling (17) of an examination room encompassed by an application area (10c) and the docking unit (5) has a vertically oriented connecting arm between the docking station (6) and a floor-level area of ​​the transport device (1) or - wherein the docking station (6) is arranged on the floor (9) of an investigation room encompassed by an operational area (10a, 10b) and the docking unit (5) is arranged on an underside of the transport device (1) facing the floor (9). [11] Medical application area (10), exhibiting: - a plurality of deployment sub-areas (10a, 10b, 10c) each with a docking station (6), - a medical device (2a) which is designed to be used in the majority of operational sub-areas (10a, 10b, 10c), and - a transport device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, in particular for transporting the medical device (2a) between the deployment areas (10a, 10b, 10c) and / or for connecting the medical device (2a) to the docking station (6) in the respective deployment area (10a, 10b, 10c). [12] Medical application area (10) according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the application areas (10a, 10b, 10c) comprises a device for patient positioning, preferably a patient bed (14), for positioning a patient during an examination of the patient with the medical device (2a). [13] Medical application area (10) according to claim 12, wherein the patient positioning device is configured to be moved relative to the medical device (2a) during the examination of the patient with the medical device (2a) in order to examine a body area of ​​the patient extending in the longitudinal direction of the patient. [14] Medical application area (10) according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein - at least one of the operational sub-areas (10a, 10b, 10c) has a guidance device (12) arranged on the ground (9) for guiding a movement of the medical device (2a) during its use in the operational sub-area (10b, 10c) and / or - at least one of the docking stations (6) is located on the floor (9) or on the ceiling (17) of one of the deployment areas (10a, 10b, 10c). [15] Use of a transport device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10 in a medical application area (10) according to one of claims 11 to 14, in particular for transporting the medical device (2a) between the application areas (10a, 10b, 10c) and / or for connecting the medical device (2a) to the docking station (6) in the respective application area (10a, 10b, 10c).

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