Modular medical imaging system

Abstract

The invention relates to a medical imaging system comprising: - a support (2) comprising a frame (20); and - at least two wheels (21) assembled directly or indirectly to the frame (20) so as to allow the 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 energy 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) being configured to each be assembled to the support (2) in a removable manner. Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Modular medical imaging system

[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 move to the tools or systems for performing medical imaging. There are then medical imaging systems of the prior art allowing a medical professional to move to the patient in order to perform medical imaging.

[0003] In this context, systems such as that described in document EP3064140 are known. 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] This type of system is heavy, bulky and difficult to transport. For these reasons, these systems are used only in a single location within which they are possibly moved, in particular the hospital / medical environment, but are not moved or transported outside this location.

[0005] There are also other less heavy transportable medical imaging systems that can be transported to different locations. These systems nevertheless remain either sufficiently heavy and bulky to require the use of a large vehicle such as a van for their transport, or for the lighter ones, insufficiently powerful to allow only a limited number of examinations (X-ray of a limb only, etc.).

[0006] The invention aims to provide a medical imaging system that is both easily transportable and sufficiently powerful to enable a wide range of medical examinations to be carried out.

[0007] 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 energy 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 each be removably assembled to the support.

[0008] By assembly and in particular by removable assembly is meant the act of joining together or linking elements together in a removable manner. This assembly may be, for example, a mechanical assembly (such as a removable attachment, elastic fitting, clipping, arrangement 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 makes it easier to transport since the different parts of the medical imaging system can be separately handled and stored, for example, in a vehicle for transport. The medical imaging system thus configured can typically be transported in a standard car trunk (particularly a compact car or sedan).

[0009] Thanks to the modularity of the medical imaging system, there is no need to make any concessions on electrical power, as a powerful battery can be used.

[0010] The modularity of the medical imaging system also makes it possible, in the event of a breakdown for example, to replace or repair a single part or module of the system and to easily intervene for the replacement or repair.

[0011] The structure of the support with wheels also makes it easier to move and transport the medical imaging system. The support carrying the other parts of the medical imaging system (the medical imaging device, the control device and the power supply device) can be pulled or pushed.

[0012] The medical imaging system is advantageously compact and lightweight. Preferably, the medical imaging system weighs less than 60 kilograms.

[0013] Particularly convenient preferred features of the medical imaging system according to the invention are presented below.

[0014] The medical imaging system further comprises a housing configured to be removably assembled to the support.

[0015] The wheels of the medical imaging system are removably assembled to the frame.

[0016] The wheels of the medical imaging system are assembled to a base, said base being removably assembled to the frame.

[0017] The frame comprises two uprights and a gripping portion connecting the uprights.

[0018] The support further comprises two side members assembled to the frame, the side members preferably being configured to pivot between an operating position and a storage position, the side members in the operating position extending substantially horizontally, the side members in the storage position being parallel to the uprights of the frame and extending between said uprights.

[0019] Each spar includes a wheel at a free end.

[0020] The support further comprises a receiving plate configured to receive the power supply device, the receiving plate being assembled to the frame and configured to pivot between an operating position and a position storage, the receiving plate in the operating position extending substantially horizontally, the receiving plate in the storage position being orthogonal to the uprights of the frame and extending substantially vertically.

[0021] The receiving plate comprises at least one wheel on a lower face.

[0022] The medical imaging device comprises an X-ray source and a detector of X-rays.

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

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

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

[0026] The arm comprises 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 onto each other when the arm is in the retracted position.

[0027] The medical imaging system further comprises 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] The medical imaging system further comprises a case sized to house the X-ray source and / or the X-ray detector.

[0029] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the description below with reference to the appended drawings, given as non-limiting examples: - [Fig.l] represents a part of a medical imaging system according to an embodiment of the invention; - [Fig.2] represents a support for the medical imaging system in a first configuration; - [Fig.3] represents the support in a second configuration or storage configuration; - [Fig.4] represents the medical imaging system in a third configuration or movement configuration; - Figures 5 and 6 show the medical imaging system being deployed from the stowed configuration; and - [Fig.7] represents the medical imaging system in a fourth configuration or deployment configuration.

[0030] [Fig.l] represents a part of a medical imaging system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] The medical imaging system 1 comprises a support 2. The support 2 is also shown individually in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0032] The support 2 comprises a frame 20 or chassis. The frame or chassis constitutes a device allowing the assembly of elements. The frame 20 comprises two uprights 200. The uprights 200 are preferably parallel to each other.

[0033] The frame 20 here further comprises 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.

[0034] The frame 20 is preferably metallic.

[0035] The support 2 comprises at least two wheels 21. The wheels 21 are assembled to the frame 20. For example, a wheel 21 is fixed to one end of each upright 200. The wheels 21 allow the support 2 to be moved.

[0036] According to an exemplary 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.

[0037] The support 2 further comprises two side members 22 (better visible in figures 4 and 5 for example). The side members 22 are assembled to the frame 20. The side members 22 are pivotally mounted on the frame 20. The side members 22 are configured to pivot between an operating position and a storage position.

[0038] The frame 20 and the side members 22 are connected by a hinge 220. In the example shown, the support 2 comprises a connecting beam 221 extending the side members 22 orthogonally. The connecting beam 221 is connected to the frame 20 by the hinge 220.

[0039] Figures 1 to 4 show the side members 22 in the storage position. In the storage position, the side members 22 are parallel to the uprights 200. The side members 22 extend between the uprights 200. Each side member 22 is opposite one of the uprights 200. This configuration allows the support 2 to become more compact.

[0040] Figures 5 to 7 show the side members 22 in the operating position. In the operating position, the side members 22 extend substantially horizontally. The side members 22 extend orthogonally to the uprights 200.

[0041] Each side member comprises a wheel 222 at a 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 in which the side members 22 are located (operating position or storage position).

[0042] The medical imaging system 1 further comprises an imaging device medical imaging device 3 (visible in full in figures 6, 7 and in part in the other figures). Preferably, the medical imaging device 3 is an X-ray radiography device. The medical imaging device 3 here comprises an X-ray source 30. This source 30 operates in association with an X-ray detector 31. Preferably, the X-ray source 30 has an upper tube load limit greater than or equal to 40 mAs, which then makes it possible to carry out all of the desired examinations.

[0043] The medical imaging device 3 may however be different, for example a tomography or ultrasound device.

[0044] The support 2 comprises, in the embodiment shown, a receiving tray 23. The receiving tray 23 comprises a housing 230 configured to receive the detector 31. The receiving tray 23 here has 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 in one piece with the uprights of the frame 20.

[0045] The receiving tray 23 preferably extends between the uprights 200 of the frame 20. This configuration also allows the support 2 to become more compact.

[0046] The support 2 also comprises 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 on a fixing 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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 about a pivot axis 244 (clearly visible in [Fig.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 visible in FIGS. 1 to 6. The front section 242 and the rear section 243 together form a non-zero angle when the arm 24 is in the service position, preferably greater than a predefined angle (for example greater than an angle of 30°). For example, as visible in [Fig.7], the angle formed between the front section 242 and the rear section 243 is substantially right.

[0049] The arm 24 may be movable between the service position and the retracted position manually or automatically. For example, the medical imaging system 1 further comprises an actuator 245 assembled to the arm 24. The actuator 245 is configured to move the arm 24 between the service position and the retracted position. The actuator 245 makes it possible to position the arm 24 at the desired height to achieve the medical examination. The actuator 245 is preferably an electric cylinder.

[0050] By means of the arm 24, the X-ray source 31 is assembled to the support in a removable manner. The assembly is carried out at the free end 241 of the arm 24. The removable assembly can be carried out by any removable fixing means, typically clipping, elastic fitting, bolting, etc.

[0051] The free end 241 advantageously comprises a secondary alignment system allowing, with a primary alignment system of the ray source 31, an optimized alignment of the X-ray source 31 with the target (namely a patient and the detector 30). The primary alignment system and the secondary alignment system are for example magnetic.

[0052] The use of an actuator limits the efforts of the manipulator / medical personnel. Indeed, the latter does not have to lift the arm 24 with the source 30 of rays to position it in the service position.

[0053] The medical imaging system 1 further comprises a control device 4. The control device 4 is configured to control the medical imaging device 3.

[0054] Preferably, the control device 4 is also configured to read and display an image received from the medical imaging device 3.

[0055] The control device 4 typically comprises a computer tool for managing data and images. The control device 4 may comprise or be a tablet, in particular a touch tablet (as in the example shown) or a computer. The control device 4 comprises in particular a display for displaying the received image.

[0056] The control device 4 is removably assembled to the support 2. The control device 4 can be assembled by any removable means, such as clipping, elastic fitting, bolting, etc. The control device 4 is here assembled to the gripping portion 201 of the frame 20. In particular, the control device 4 is assembled to the bar 202. The control device 4 is here assembled on a fixing part 40 (visible in [Fig.7]) itself assembled to the bar 202. The fixing part 40 comprises a hook-shaped attachment portion 400 shaped to the bar 202. The attachment portion 400 is elastic. The fixing part 40 further comprises a support portion 401 extending the attachment portion 400. The support portion 401 is configured to allow the assembly of the control device 4, here the tablet. The control device 4 can for example be clipped or magnetically assembled to the support portion 401.

[0057] The control device 4 can also be joined to (or arranged on) a housing 6 described later, without using a fixing part.

[0058] The medical imaging system 1 also comprises a power supply device electrical 5. The electrical power supply device preferably comprises at least one battery. The electrical power supply device 5 is configured to supply electrical energy to electrical components of the medical imaging system 1, for example the medical imaging device 3 and / or the control device 4. The electrical power supply device 5 can supply all or part of the electrical components of the medical imaging system 1.

[0059] The power supply device 5 is removably assembled to the support 2.

[0060] In the example shown, the support 2 comprises a receiving plate 25 (clearly visible in [Fig.2]). The receiving plate 25 is configured to receive the electrical power supply device 5. For this purpose, the receiving plate 25 has dimensions and a shape similar to those of the electrical power supply device 5.

[0061] 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.

[0062] Figures 1, 2 and 4 to 7 show the receiving plate 25 in the operating position. The receiving plate 25 extends substantially horizontally. The receiving plate 25 is orthogonal to the uprights 200 of the frame 20. The receiving plate 25 in the operating position is capable of receiving the battery 5.

[0063] [Fig. 3] shows the receiving plate 25 in the storage position. The receiving plate 25 extends substantially vertically. The receiving plate 25 is orthogonal to the uprights 200 of the frame 20.

[0064] The receiving plate 25 allows the battery 5 to be removably assembled or mounted to the support 2.

[0065] The receiving plate 25 preferably comprises at least one wheel 250. The receiving plate 25 here comprises two wheels 250. The wheels 250 are fixed on a lower face 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 position or storage position).

[0066] In the exemplary embodiment where the wheels 21 are removably assembled to the frame 20 (for example by means of a base, itself removably assembled to the frame 20), the electrical power supply device 5 is assembled to the frame 20 by a removable assembly system (e.g. hooks, clips, or any other mechanical or magnetic assembly means). The removable assembly system is itself fixed to the frame 20, for example to the fixing bar 204. This configuration has the advantage of having 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 example embodiment shown in the figures.

[0067] The medical imaging system 1 may also comprise a housing 6. The housing 6 is configured to be assembled to the support 2 in a removable manner. The housing 6 is here clipped to the fixing bar 204. The housing 6 may be assembled to the support 2 otherwise, for example by elastic fitting or bolting.

[0068] The housing 6 can serve as storage for medical personnel using the medical imaging system 1. The housing 6 comprises, for example, a drawer 60 sliding on rails as seen in [Fig.7]. The housing 6 here comprises an assembly support 61. The assembly support 61 is fixed to a side wall 62 of the housing 6. The assembly support 61 is configured to receive a remote control 63 for shooting. The assembly support 61 thus makes it possible to store the remote control 63 while keeping it easily accessible when needed.

[0069] Advantageously, the housing 6 has a shape and / or dimensions identical to those of the battery 5. This allows, if necessary to store or transport the housing 6 and the battery 5, to stack them and thus facilitate storage / transport.

[0070] The housing 6 can also serve as a support for the control device 4.

[0071] The medical imaging system 1 advantageously also comprises a case 7 shown in FIGS. 4 to 6. The case 7 is sized to house at least the X-ray source 30 and / or the detector 31. The case may comprise at least one housing 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 comprise for this purpose a specific housing for the control device 4. The case 7 may also contain other elements which may prove useful for carrying out the medical imaging examination.

[0072] Preferably, the suitcase 7 has a width substantially equal to the distance between the side members 22 of the support 2. This makes it possible, as can be seen in [Fig. 6], to place the suitcase 7 between the side members 22 when the side members 22 are in the operating position. The suitcase 7 thus dimensioned is wedged between the side members 22.

[0073] The suitcase 7 is preferably provided with two wheels 70. The suitcase 7 also preferably comprises a handle 71. The medical or manipulative personnel can thus easily pull and handle the suitcase 7.

[0074] According to another alternative or complementary embodiment, the suitcase 7 may include straps allowing it to be carried on the back. The suitcase 7 can thus be carried like a backpack.

[0075] When transporting or storing the medical imaging system 1, the various parts (support, battery, housing, etc.) of the latter can be stored compactly. The medical imaging device 3, the control device 4, the power supply device 5 is separated from the support 2. The housing 6 is also separated from the support 2 if the medical imaging system 1 comprises a housing. Each of the parts of the medical imaging system 1 can thus be handled individually for storage or transport. The medical imaging system 1 is sized to allow its transport and storage in a standard car trunk. During transport or storage, the side members 22 and the receiving plate 25 are in the storage position, and the arm 24 is in the retracted position. The medical imaging system 1 is thus in a so-called transport configuration.

[0076] In order to move within the same location, for example from room to room in a hospital, the medical imaging system 1 can take a movement configuration visible in [Fig.4] according to a particular example. In this configuration, the control device 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 side members 22 are in the storage position. The receiving plate 25 is in the operating position to be able to receive the battery 5. The movement configuration allows the manipulator / medical personnel to move easily by pushing the support 2 and pulling the case 7. A single manipulator can move the medical imaging system 1 easily and with little effort.

[0077] When the manipulator arrives at the medical examination location, in particular near the patient, he can easily deploy the medical imaging system 1. The longitudinal members 22 are first moved into the operating position, as in [Fig. 5]. The suitcase 7 is then placed between the longitudinal members 22 as in [Fig. 6]. A cover 72 of the suitcase 7 is opened and the X-ray source 30 is removed. The cover 72 is possibly closed and then the X-ray source 30 is placed on the closed cover 72. [Fig. 6] shows the cover 72 closed and the X-ray source 30 removed from the case 7 and arranged on the cover 72. The arm 24, previously in the retracted position, is deployed, for example by means of the actuator 245, to move to the X-ray source 30. The arm 24 can be automatically assembled to the X-ray source 30. The arm 24 finally takes the service position, such as, for example, that shown in [Fig. 7].The medical imaging system 1 is thus in a so-called deployed configuration. It should be noted that the suitcase 7 has not been shown in [Fig.7] but it can be kept between the side members 22 if necessary in the deployed configuration (for example in the event of need during a medical examination of objects housed in the suitcase).

[0078] After deployment of the medical imaging system 1, the X-ray detector 31 is removed from the receiving tray 23 in order to be positioned behind the patient for taking an image.

[0079] The manipulator can arrange the medical imaging system 1 in the different configurations (transport configuration, movement configuration and deployed configuration) easily and effortlessly. All manipulations (storage, transport, deployment, etc.) can be done by a single person.

[0080] The medical imaging system according to the invention is modular, ergonomic, compact, lightweight while allowing a wide range of medical examinations.

Claims

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 the movement of said support (2); - a medical imaging device (3); - a control device (4) configured to control the medical imaging device (3); and - a 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 power supply device (5) being configured to each be assembled to the support (2) in a removable manner.

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

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

4. A 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, in which the frame (20) comprises two uprights (200) and a gripping portion (201) connecting the uprights (200).

6. A medical imaging system according to claim 5, wherein the support (2) further comprises two longitudinal members (22) assembled to the frame (20), the longitudinal members (22) preferably being configured to pivot between an operating position and a storage position, the longitudinal members (22) in the operating position extending substantially horizontally, the longitudinal members (22) in the storage position being parallel to the uprights (200) of the frame (20) and extending between said uprights (200).

7. A medical imaging system according to claim 6, wherein each spar (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 power supply device (5), the receiving plate (25) being assembled to the frame (20) and configured to pivot 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 uprights of the frame (20) and extending substantially vertically.

9. A 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 medical imaging device (3) comprises an X-ray source (30) and an X-ray detector (31).

11. The medical imaging system of claim 10, wherein the X-ray source (30) has an upper tube load limit greater than or equal to 40 mAs.

12. A medical imaging system according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the support (2) comprises a housing (230) configured to receive the X-ray detector (31).

13. Medical imaging system according to one of claims 10 to 12, 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).

14. A medical imaging system according to claim 13, wherein the arm (24) comprises a front section (242) and a rear section (243) articulated relative to each other, the arm (24) being movable 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 onto each other when the arm (24) is in the retracted position.

15. The medical imaging system of claim 14, further comprising an actuator (245) assembled to the arm (24) and configured to moving the arm (24) between the service position and the retracted position, the actuator (245) preferably being an electric cylinder.

16. Medical imaging system according to one of claims 10 to 15, further comprising a case (7) sized to house the X-ray source (30) and / or the X-ray detector (31).

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