Modular medical imaging system

Abstract

The invention relates to a medical imaging system comprising: - a support (2) with a frame (20); and - at least two wheels (21) assembled directly or indirectly to the frame (20) to allow movement of said support (2); - a medical imaging device; - a control device (4) configured to control the medical imaging device (3); and - a power supply device (5) configured to supply electrical power to the medical imaging device and / or the control device (4), the medical imaging device, the control device (4) and the power supply device (5) each being configured to be detachably assembled to the support (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a medical imaging system.

[0002] In the medical field, it can be difficult or even impossible for a patient to travel to the equipment or systems used for medical imaging. Prior art medical imaging systems exist that allow a medical professional to travel to the patient to perform the imaging procedure.

[0003] In this context, we know of systems such as the one described in document EP3064140. These are medical imaging systems equipped with wheels allowing them to be moved over short distances (typically from room to room within a hospital).

[0004] These types of systems are heavy, bulky, and difficult to transport. For these reasons, these systems are used only in a single location within which they may be moved, such as a hospital / medical environment, but are not moved or transported outside of that location.

[0005] There are also other, lighter, portable medical imaging systems that can be transported to different locations. However, these systems are either still heavy and bulky enough to require a large vehicle such as a van for transport, or, in the case of the lighter models, not powerful enough to allow only a limited number of examinations (X-ray of a single limb, for example).

[0006] Patent CN 87100501 A describes a mobile radiological imaging system consisting of a detachable stand to which the X-ray tube and detector are separately attached. The two modules are connected to the stand by one-piece electromechanical connectors (rod guides, spring-loaded plugs) that ensure precise assembly and prevent operation until the parts are correctly positioned, thus guaranteeing safety and protection against vibration during transport.

[0007] The invention aims to provide a medical imaging system that is both easily transportable and powerful enough to allow for a wide range of medical examinations.

[0008] The invention proposes for this purpose a medical imaging system comprising: a support comprising a frame; at least two wheels assembled directly or indirectly to the frame so as to allow the movement of said support; a medical imaging device; a control device configured to control the medical imaging device; and a power supply device configured to supply electrical power to the medical imaging device and / or the control device, the medical imaging device, the control device and the power supply device being configured to be each removably assembled to the support, the support further comprising two stringers assembled to the frame and configured to pivot relative to the frame between an operating position and a storage position, the medical imaging system further comprising an X-ray source, an X-ray detector and a case, the case being dimensioned to house the X-ray source and / or the X-ray detector, the case having a width substantially equal to a distance between the stringers.

[0009] An assembly, and in particular a removable assembly, refers to the joining or linking of elements together in a detachable manner. This assembly can be, for example, a mechanical assembly (such as a removable fastener, elastic interlocking, clipping, placement in a housing or on a receiving surface) or a magnetic assembly. Thanks to the removable assembly, the medical imaging system according to the invention is modular. This facilitates transport since the different parts of the medical imaging system can be handled and stored separately, for example, in a vehicle for transport. The medical imaging system thus configured can typically be transported in the trunk of a standard car (particularly a compact car or sedan).

[0010] Thanks to the modularity of the medical imaging system, there is no need to compromise on electrical power, as a powerful battery can be used.

[0011] The modularity of the medical imaging system also allows, in the event of a breakdown for example, to replace or repair a single part or module of the system and to intervene easily for the replacement or repair.

[0012] The wheeled support structure also facilitates the movement and transport of the medical imaging system. The support, which carries the other components of the medical imaging system (the imaging device, the control unit, and the power supply), can be pulled or pushed.

[0013] The medical imaging system is advantageously compact and lightweight. Preferably, the medical imaging system weighs less than 60 kilograms.

[0014] Particularly convenient preferred features of the medical imaging system according to the invention are presented below.

[0015] The medical imaging system may also include a housing configured to be removably assembled to the support.

[0016] The wheels of the medical imaging system can be assembled to the frame in a removable manner.

[0017] The wheels of the medical imaging system can be assembled to a base, said base being removably assembled to the frame.

[0018] The frame consists of two uprights and a gripping portion connecting the uprights.

[0019] The longitudinal members in the operating position can extend substantially horizontally, the longitudinal members in the storage position being then parallel to the frame uprights and extending between said uprights.

[0020] Each side member can include a wheel at one free end.

[0021] The support may further include a receiving plate configured to receive the power supply device, the receiving plate being assembled to the frame and configured to pivot relative to the frame between an operating position and a storage position, the receiving plate in the operating position extending substantially horizontally, the receiving plate in the storage position being orthogonal to the frame uprights and extending substantially vertically.

[0022] The receiving plate may include at least one wheel on one underside.

[0023] The X-ray source may have an upper tube charge limit greater than or equal to 40 mAs.

[0024] The support may include a housing configured to receive the X-ray detector.

[0025] The support may include an arm assembled to the frame and having a free end configured to receive the X-ray source.

[0026] The arm may comprise a front section and a rear section articulated relative to each other, the arm being movable between a service position and a retracted position, the front section and the rear section together forming a non-zero angle, preferably greater than 30°, when the arm is in the service position, the front section and the rear section being folded on each other when the arm is in the retracted position.

[0027] The medical imaging system may further include an actuator assembled to the arm and configured to move the arm between the service position and the retracted position, the actuator preferably being an electric cylinder.

[0028] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following description with reference to the attached drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples: there figure 1 represents a part of a medical imaging system according to an embodiment of the invention; the figure 2 represents a support for the medical imaging system in an initial configuration; the figure 3 represents the support in a second configuration or storage configuration; the figure 4 represents the medical imaging system in a third configuration or displacement configuration; the figures 5 et 6 represent the medical imaging system being deployed from the storage configuration; and the figure 7 represents the medical imaging system in a fourth configuration or deployment configuration.

[0029] There figure 1 represents a part of a medical imaging system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] The medical imaging system 1 includes a support 2. The support 2 is also represented individually in figures 2 And 3 .

[0031] The support 2 comprises a frame 20 or chassis. The frame or chassis is a device for assembling elements. The frame 20 includes two uprights 200. The uprights 200 are preferably parallel to each other.

[0032] The frame 20 further includes a gripping portion 201. The gripping portion 201 connects the uprights 200. The gripping portion 201 comprises a bar 202 extended on either side by two connecting portions 203. Preferably, the bar 202 is substantially orthogonal to the uprights 200. The connecting portions 203 are substantially orthogonal to the bar 202. Each connecting portion 203 extends one of the uprights 202.

[0033] Frame 20 is preferably made of metal.

[0034] The support 2 has at least two wheels 21. The wheels 21 are assembled to the frame 20. For example, one wheel 21 is fixed to one end of each upright 200. The wheels 21 allow the support 2 to move.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the wheels 21 can be removably assembled to the frame 20. For example, the wheels 21 can be fixed to a base, itself removably assembled to the frame 20.

[0036] Support 2 also includes two longerons 22 (better visible in figures 4 And 5 (for example). The side rails 22 are assembled to the frame 20. The side rails 22 are pivotally mounted on the frame 20. The side rails 22 are configured to pivot relative to the frame between an operating position and a storage position.

[0037] The frame 20 and the stringers 22 are connected by a hinge 220. In the example shown, the support 2 has a connecting beam 221 extending orthogonally from the stringers 22. The connecting beam 221 is fixed to the two stringers 22 and is connected to the frame 20 by the hinge 220.

[0038] THE figures 1 à 4 The diagram shows the stringers 22 in their stowed position. In the stowed position, the stringers 22 are parallel to the uprights 200. The stringers 22 extend between the uprights 200. Each stringer 22 is opposite one of the uprights 200. This configuration allows the support 2 to be more compact.

[0039] THE figures 5 à 7 The diagrams show the longitudinal members 22 in their operating position. In their operating position, the longitudinal members 22 extend substantially horizontally. The longitudinal members 22 extend orthogonally to the uprights 200.

[0040] Each side member includes a wheel 222 at one free end 223. The wheels 222 facilitate the movement of the support 2 when the side members 22 are in the operating position. The support 2 can be pulled or pushed, regardless of the position of the side members 22 (operating or stowed position).

[0041] The medical imaging system 1 further comprises a medical imaging device 3 (visible in its entirety on the figures 6 , 7 (and partly on the other figures). Preferably, the medical imaging device 3 is an X-ray radiography device. The medical imaging device 3 here includes an X-ray source 30. This source 30 operates in conjunction with an X-ray detector 31. Preferably, the X-ray source 30 has an upper tube charge limit greater than or equal to 40 mAs, which then allows all the desired examinations to be performed.

[0042] Medical imaging device 3 may however be different, for example a tomography or ultrasound device.

[0043] In the embodiment shown, support 2 includes a receiving tray 23. The receiving tray 23 comprises a housing 230 configured to receive the detector 31. The receiving tray 23 is shown here in a parallelepiped shape. The receiving tray 23 is fixed to the uprights 200 of the frame 20. Alternatively, the receiving tray 23 can be formed as a single unit with the uprights of the frame 20.

[0044] The receiving tray 23 preferably extends between the uprights 200 of the frame 20. This configuration also allows the support 2 to gain in compactness.

[0045] The support 2 also includes an arm 24. The arm 24 is assembled to the frame 20. The arm 24 comprises a fixed end 240 assembled to the frame 20 and a free end 241. The fixed end 240 can be fixed to a mounting bar 204 of the frame 20 extending orthogonally to the uprights 200. The free end 241 is configured to receive the X-ray source 30.

[0046] The arm 24 comprises a front section 242 and a rear section 243. The rear section 243 is fixed to the fixing bar 204 by the fixed end 240. The front section 242 comprises the free end 241.

[0047] The front section 242 and the rear section 243 are articulated relative to each other. The front section 242 and the rear section 243 are articulated around a pivot axis 244 (clearly visible in figure 7 The arm 24 is movable between a service position and a retracted position. The front section 242 and the rear section 243 are folded onto each other when the arm 24 is in the retracted position, as shown in the figures 1 à 6 The front section 242 and the rear section 243 together form a non-zero angle when the arm 24 is in the operating position, preferably greater than a predefined angle (for example, greater than 30°). For example, as seen in figure 7 , the angle formed between the front section 242 and the rear section 243 is approximately right-angled.

[0048] The arm 24 can be moved between the extended and retracted positions manually or automatically. For example, the medical imaging system 1 also includes an actuator 245 mounted to the arm 24. The actuator 245 is configured to move the arm 24 between the extended and retracted positions. The actuator 245 allows the arm 24 to be positioned at the desired height for performing the medical examination. The actuator 245 is preferably an electric actuator.

[0049] Thanks to the arm 24, the X-ray source 31 is removably attached to the support. The attachment is made at the free end 241 of the arm 24. The removable attachment can be made by any means of removable fastening, typically clips, spring clips, bolts, etc.

[0050] The free end 241 advantageously includes a secondary alignment system which, together with a primary alignment system for the X-ray source 31, enables optimized alignment of the X-ray source 31 with the target (namely a patient and the detector 30). The primary and secondary alignment systems are, for example, magnetic.

[0051] The use of an actuator reduces the effort required from the operator / medical personnel. Indeed, they do not have to lift the arm 24 with the beam source 30 to position it in the operating position.

[0052] The medical imaging system 1 further includes a control device 4. The control device 4 is configured to control the medical imaging device 3.

[0053] Preferably, the control device 4 is also configured to read and display an image received from the medical imaging device 3.

[0054] The control device 4 typically includes a computer tool for managing data and images. The control device 4 may include or be a tablet, in particular a touchscreen tablet (as in the example shown) or a computer. The control device 4 includes, in particular, a display for showing the received image.

[0055] The control device 4 is removably attached to the support 2. The control device 4 can be attached by any removable means, such as clips, spring clips, bolts, etc. The control device 4 is shown here attached to the gripping portion 201 of the frame 20. In particular, the control device 4 is attached to the bar 202. The control device 4 is shown here attached to a mounting piece 40 (visible in figure 7 The mounting piece 40 is itself assembled to the bar 202. The fastening piece 40 includes a hook-shaped attachment portion 400 shaped to fit the bar 202. The attachment portion 400 is elastic. The mounting piece 40 also includes a support portion 401 extending from the attachment portion 400. The support portion 401 is configured to allow the assembly of the control device 4, in this case the tablet. The control device 4 can, for example, be clipped or magnetically attached to the support portion 401.

[0056] The control device 4 can also be joined to (or placed on) a housing 6 described later, without the use of a fixing part.

[0057] The medical imaging system 1 also includes a power supply device 5. The power supply device preferably includes at least one battery. The power supply device 5 is configured to supply electrical power to electrical components of the medical imaging system 1, for example, the medical imaging device 3 and / or the control device 4. The power supply device 5 may power all or some of the electrical components of the medical imaging system 1.

[0058] The power supply unit 5 is removably assembled to the support 2.

[0059] In the example shown, support 2 has a receiving plate 25 (clearly visible at the figure 2 The receiving plate 25 is configured to receive the power supply device 5. The receiving plate 25 therefore has dimensions and a shape similar to those of the power supply device 5.

[0060] The receiving plate 25 is assembled to the frame 20, for example by a hinge connection. The receiving plate 25 is configured to pivot between an operating position and a storage position.

[0061] THE figures 1, 2 And 4 à 7 The diagram shows the receiving plate 25 in its operating position. The receiving plate 25 extends substantially horizontally. The receiving plate 25 is perpendicular to the uprights 200 of the frame 20. The receiving plate 25 in its operating position is suitable for receiving the battery 5.

[0062] There figure 3 The diagram shows the receiving plate 25 in its stored position. The receiving plate 25 extends substantially vertically. The receiving plate 25 is perpendicular to the uprights 200 of the frame 20.

[0063] The receiving plate 25 allows the battery 5 to be assembled or removably mounted to the support 2.

[0064] The receiving plate 25 preferably includes at least one wheel 250. Here, the receiving plate 25 includes two wheels 250. The wheels 250 are fixed to an underside 251 of the receiving plate 25. The wheels 250 facilitate the movement of the support 2 when the receiving plate 25 is in the operating position. The support 2 can be pulled or pushed, regardless of the position of the receiving plate 25 (operating or storage position).

[0065] In the embodiment where the wheels 21 are removably attached to the frame 20 (e.g., by means of a base, itself removably attached to the frame 20), the power supply device 5 is attached to the frame 20 by a removable fastening system (e.g., hooks, clips, or any other mechanical or magnetic fastening means). The removable fastening system is itself attached to the frame 20, for example, to the mounting bar 204. This configuration has the advantage of a lower overall mass and a medical imaging system with fewer wheels. For example, the medical imaging system may have only four wheels in total instead of six wheels as in the embodiment shown in the figures.

[0066] The medical imaging system 1 may also include a housing 6. Housing 6 is configured to be removably attached to the support 2. Here, housing 6 is clipped to the mounting bar 204. Housing 6 can be attached to the support 2 by other means, for example, by snap-fit ​​or bolting.

[0067] Case 6 can be used for storage by medical personnel using the medical imaging system 1. Case 6 includes, for example, a drawer 60 sliding on rails as seen in the figure 7 The housing 6 includes an assembly bracket 61. The assembly bracket 61 is fixed to a side panel 62 of the housing 6. The assembly bracket 61 is configured to receive a remote control 63 for shooting. The assembly bracket 61 thus allows the remote control 63 to be stored while remaining easily accessible when needed.

[0068] Advantageously, the case 6 has the same shape and / or dimensions as the battery 5. This allows, if needed to store or transport the case 6 and the battery 5, to be stacked and thus facilitate storage / transport.

[0069] The housing 6 can also serve as a support for the control device 4.

[0070] The medical imaging system 1 also advantageously includes a case 7 shown in the figures 4 à 6 The case 7 is sized to house at least the X-ray source 30 and / or the detector 31. The case may include at least one compartment for housing the X-ray source 30 and / or the detector 31. The case 7 may also house the control device 4. The case 7 may then include a specific compartment for the control device 4. The case 7 may also contain other elements that may prove useful for performing the medical imaging examination.

[0071] Preferably, the case 7 has a width l approximately equal to a distance d between the stringers 22 of the support 2. In the example shown, the stringers 22 are parallel to each other. This allows, as can be seen on the figure 6 The suitcase 7 is positioned between the longitudinal members 22 when the longitudinal members 22 are in their operating position. The suitcase 7, thus sized, is wedged between the longitudinal members 22.

[0072] Suitcase 7 is preferably equipped with two wheels 70. Suitcase 7 also preferably includes a handle 71. Medical or technical staff can thus easily pull and maneuver suitcase 7.

[0073] According to another alternative or complementary embodiment, suitcase 7 can include straps allowing it to be carried on the back. Suitcase 7 can thus be carried like a backpack.

[0074] During transport or storage of the medical imaging system 1, its various components (support, battery, housing, etc.) can be compactly packed. The medical imaging device 3, the control unit 4, and the power supply unit 5 are separated from the support 2. The housing 6 is also separated from the support 2 if the medical imaging system 1 includes a housing. Each component of the medical imaging system 1 can thus be handled individually for storage or transport. The medical imaging system 1 is designed to fit in a standard car trunk. During transport or storage, the side rails 22 and the receiving plate 25 are in the stowed position, and the arm 24 is in the retracted position. The medical imaging system 1 is therefore in its transport configuration.

[0075] In order to move within the same place, for example from room to room in a hospital, the medical imaging system 1 can take on a visible movement configuration at the figure 4 according to a specific example. In this configuration, the control unit 4, the battery 5, and the housing 6 are assembled to the support 2. The X-ray detector 31 is housed in the receiving tray 23. The X-ray source 30 is stored in the case 7. The cross members 22 are in the storage position. The receiving plate 25 is in the operating position to receive the battery 5. The transport configuration allows the operator / medical personnel to move easily by pushing the support 2 and pulling the case 7. A single operator can easily and effortlessly move the medical imaging system 1.

[0076] When the operator arrives at the medical examination location, particularly near the patient, they can easily deploy the medical imaging system 1. The longitudinal members 22 are first moved into the operating position, as on the figure 5 The suitcase 7 is then placed between the longitudinal members 22 as on the figure 6 A lid 72 of the case 7 is opened and the X-ray source 30 is removed. The lid 72 is then closed and the X-ray source 30 is placed on the closed lid 72. figure 6 The diagram shows the closed cover 72 and the X-ray source 30 removed from the case 7 and placed on the cover 72. The arm 24, previously in the retracted position, is extended, for example by means of the actuator 245, to move towards the X-ray source 30. The arm 24 can be automatically assembled onto the X-ray source 30. The arm 24 then assumes the operating position, such as the one shown in the diagram. figure 7 Medical imaging system 1 is thus in a so-called deployed configuration. It should be noted that case 7 was not shown in the diagram. figure 7 but this can be kept between the 22 stringers if needed in deployed configuration (for example in case of need during medical examination of objects housed in the suitcase).

[0077] After deployment of the medical imaging system 1, the X-ray detector 31 was taken out of the receiving tray 23 in order to be positioned behind the patient for imaging.

[0078] The operator can easily and effortlessly position the medical imaging system 1 in various configurations (transport configuration, movement configuration, and deployed configuration). All operations (storage, transport, deployment, etc.) can be performed by a single person.

[0079] The medical imaging system according to the invention is modular, ergonomic, compact, lightweight while allowing a wide range of medical examinations.

Claims

1. Medical imaging system comprising: - a support (2) comprising a frame (20); - at least two wheels (21) assembled directly or indirectly to the frame (20) so as to allow said support (2) to be moved; - a medical imaging device (3); - a control device (4) configured to control the medical imaging device (3); and - an electric power supply device (5) configured to supply electrical energy to the medical imaging device (3) and / or the control device (4), the medical imaging device (3), the control device (4) and the electric power supply device (5) each being configured to be removably assembled to the support (2), the medical imaging system being characterized in that the support (2) further comprises two outriggers (22) assembled to the frame (20) and configured to pivot with respect to the frame between an operational position and a storage position, the medical imaging system further comprising an X-ray source (30), an X-ray detector (31) and a case (7), the case (7) being dimensioned to house the X-ray source (30) and / or the X-ray detector (31), the case (7) having a width substantially equal to the distance between the outriggers (22).

2. Medical imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising a housing (6) configured to be removably assembled to the support (2).

3. Medical imaging system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the wheels (21) are removably assembled to the frame (20).

4. Medical imaging system according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the wheels (21) are assembled to a base, said base being removably assembled to the frame (20).

5. Medical imaging system according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the frame (20) comprises two riser sections (200) and a grip portion (201) connecting the riser sections (200).

6. Medical imaging system according to claim 5, wherein the outriggers (22) in the operating position extend substantially horizontally, the outriggers (22) in the storage position being parallel to the riser sections (200) of the frame (20) and extending between said riser sections (200).

7. Medical imaging system according to claim 6, wherein each outrigger (22) comprises a wheel (222) at a free end (223).

8. Medical imaging system according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the support (2) further comprises a receiving plate (25) configured to receive the electric power supply device (5), the receiving plate (25) being assembled to the frame (20) and configured to pivot with respect to the frame between an operating position and a storage position, the receiving plate (25) in the operating position extending substantially horizontally, the receiving plate (25) in the storage position being orthogonal to the riser sections of the frame (20) and extending substantially vertically.

9. Medical imaging system according to claim 8, wherein the receiving plate (25) comprises at least one wheel (250) on a lower face (251).

10. Medical imaging system according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the X-ray source (30) has an upper tube charge limit greater than or equal to 40 mAs.

11. Medical imaging system according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the support (2) comprises a housing (230) configured to receive the X-ray detector (31).

12. Medical imaging system according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the support (2) comprises an arm (24) assembled to the frame (20) and having a free end (241) configured to receive the X-ray source (30).

13. Medical imaging system according to claim 12, wherein the arm (24) comprises a front section (242) and a rear section (243) articulated relative to one another, the arm (24) being mobile between a service position and a retracted position, the front section (242) and the rear section (243) together forming a non-zero angle, preferably greater than 30°, when the arm (24) is in the service position, the front section (242) and the rear section (243) being folded one over the other when the arm (24) is in the retracted position.

14. Medical imaging system according to claim 13, further comprising an actuator (245) assembled to the arm (24) and configured to move the arm (24) between the service position and the retracted position, the actuator (245) being preferably an electric cylinder.

Images