Modular medical imaging system

Abstract

The invention relates to a medical imaging system comprising: - a support (2) having a frame (20); and - at least two wheels (21) assembled directly or indirectly to the frame (20) so as 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 removably assembled to the support (2). Figure for the 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 travel to the tools or systems used to perform medical imaging. Prior art medical imaging systems exist that allow a medical professional to travel to the patient to perform the medical imaging.

[0003] In this context, systems such as the one 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 may be moved, in particular the hospital / medical environment, but are not moved or transported outside of this location.

[0005] There are also other, lighter, portable medical imaging systems that can be transported to different locations. However, these systems are still either heavy and bulky enough to require the use of a large vehicle such as a van for their transport, or, in the case of the lighter ones, insufficiently powerful to allow only a limited number of examinations (radiography of a limb only...).

[0006] The invention aims to provide a medical imaging system that is both easily transportable and powerful enough to allow a wide range of medical examinations to be performed.

[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 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 assembled to the support in a removable manner.

[0008] 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).

[0009] Thanks to the modularity of the medical imaging system, it is not necessary to compromise on electrical power, as a powerful battery can be used.

[0010] 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.

[0011] The wheeled support structure also facilitates the movement and transport of 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 assembled to the support in a removable manner.

[0015] The wheels of the medical imaging system are assembled to the frame in a removable manner.

[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 longitudinal members assembled to the frame, the longitudinal members preferably being configured to pivot between an operating position and a storage position, the longitudinal members in the operating position extending substantially horizontally, the longitudinal members in the storage position being parallel to the frame uprights and extending between said uprights.

[0019] Each longitudinal member 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 frame and configured to pivot 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.

[0021] The receiving plate includes at least one wheel on an underside 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 with respect to each other, the arm being mobile 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 further includes 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 following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples: - [Fig.1] represents part of a medical imaging system according to one 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 displacement configuration; - Figures 5 and 6 represent the medical imaging system being deployed from the storage configuration; and - Fig. 7 represents the medical imaging system in a fourth configuration or deployment configuration.

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

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

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

[0033] 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.

[0034] The frame 20 is preferably metallic.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

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

[0038] 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 connected to the frame 20 by the hinge 220.

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

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

[0041] Each longeron includes a wheel 222 at a free end 223. The wheels 222 facilitate the movement of the support 2 when the longerons 22 are in the operating position. The support 2 can be pulled or pushed, regardless of the position in which the longitudinal members 22 are located (operating position or storage position).

[0042] The medical imaging system 1 further comprises a medical imaging device 3 (fully visible in Figures 6 and 7 and partially visible 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 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.

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

[0044] In the embodiment shown, the 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 may be formed as a single unit 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 gain in compactness.

[0046] 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 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 with respect 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 shown in Figures 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 30°). For example, as shown in [Fig. 7], the angle formed between the front section 242 and the rear section 243 is substantially a right angle.

[0049] The arm 24 can be moved between the service position and the retracted position manually or automatically. For example, the medical imaging system The unit 1 further includes an actuator 245 assembled to the arm 24. The actuator 245 is configured to move the arm 24 between the operating position and the retracted position. 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 cylinder.

[0050] 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 removable fastening method, typically clipping, spring fitting, bolting, etc.

[0051] 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.

[0052] The use of an actuator reduces the effort required by the operator / medical personnel. Indeed, the latter does not have to lift the arm 24 with the beam source 30 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 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.

[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 interlocking, 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 onto a fastening piece 40 (visible in [Fig. 7]) which is itself assembled to the bar 202. The fastening piece 40 includes a hook-shaped attachment portion 400 conforming to the bar 202. The attachment portion 400 is elastic. The fastening 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, 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 the use of a fixing part.

[0058] 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 can power all or some 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 includes a receiving plate 25 (clearly visible in [Fig. 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.

[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 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.

[0063] Figure 3 shows the receiving plate 25 in the stored 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 assembled or mounted removably to the support 2.

[0065] 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 position or storage position).

[0066] In the embodiment where the wheels 21 are removably attached to the frame 20 (for example, 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- even when attached to frame 20, for example to 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.

[0067] The medical imaging system 1 may also include a housing 6. The housing 6 is configured to be removably assembled to the support 2. The housing 6 is shown here clipped to the mounting bar 204. The housing 6 can be assembled to the support 2 by other means, for example by elastic snap-fit ​​or bolting.

[0068] The housing 6 can serve as storage for medical personnel using the medical imaging system 1. The housing 6 includes, for example, a drawer 60 sliding on rails as seen in [Fig. 7]. The housing 6 here 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 image capture. The assembly bracket 61 thus allows the remote control 63 to be stored while remaining easily accessible when needed.

[0069] Advantageously, the case 6 has the same shape and / or dimensions as the battery 5. This allows, if necessary to store or transport the case 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 includes a case 7 shown in Figures 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 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.

[0072] Preferably, the case 7 has a width substantially equal to the distance between the longitudinal members 22 of the support 2. This allows, as shown in [Fig. 6], the case 7 to be positioned between the longitudinal members 22 when the longitudinal members 22 are in the operating position. The case 7, thus dimensioned, is wedged between the longitudinal members 22.

[0073] The case 7 is preferably equipped with two wheels 70. The case 7 also preferably includes a handle 71. Medical personnel or technicians can thus easily pull and handle the case 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] During transport or storage of the medical imaging system 1, its various parts (support, battery, housing, etc.) can be stored compactly. The medical imaging device 3, the control device 4, and the power supply device 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 part 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 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 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 assume a movement configuration shown 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 rails 22 are in the storage position. The receiving plate 25 is in the operating position to receive the battery 5. The movement configuration allows the operator / medical personnel to move easily by pushing the support 2 and pulling the case 7. A single operator can move the medical imaging system 1 easily and with little effort.

[0077] When the operator arrives at the medical examination location, particularly near the patient, they can easily deploy the medical imaging system 1. The struts 22 are first moved into the operating position, as shown in [Fig. 5]. The case 7 is then positioned between the struts 22 as shown in [Fig. 6]. A cover 72 of the case 7 is opened and the X-ray source 30 is extended. The cover 72 may then be closed, and the X-ray source 30 is placed on the closed cover 72. Figure 6 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, for example, that shown in Figure 7.The medical imaging system 1 is thus in a so-called deployed configuration. It should be noted that the case 7 has not been shown in [Fig.7] but it can be kept between the stringers 22 if needed in the deployed configuration (for example if objects stored in the case need to be accessed during a medical examination).

[0078] 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.

[0079] The operator can easily and effortlessly arrange the medical imaging system 1 in the various configurations (transport configuration, movement configuration, and deployed configuration). All operations (storage, transport, deployment, etc.) can be performed 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

Demands

1. A medical imaging system comprising: - a stand (2) having a frame (20); - at least two wheels (21) assembled directly or indirectly to the frame (20) so as to allow movement of said stand (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 power 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 be each removably assembled to the stand (2), wherein the frame (20) has two uprights (200) and a gripping portion (201) connecting the uprights (200),in which the support (2) further comprises two longitudinal members (22) assembled to the frame (20) and 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), 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 longitudinal members (22) of the support (2).

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

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

4. Medical imaging system according to any 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 any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each spar (22) comprises a wheel (222) at a free end (223).

6. Medical imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 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.

7. Medical imaging system according to claim 6, wherein the receiving plate (25) comprises at least one wheel (250) on a lower face (251).

8. Medical imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the X-ray source (30) has an upper tube charge limit greater than or equal to 40 mAs.

9. Medical imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the support (2) includes a housing (230) configured to receive the X-ray detector (31).

10. Medical imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, 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).

11. Medical imaging system according to claim 10, wherein the arm (24) comprises a front section (242) and a rear section (243) articulated with respect 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 on each other when the arm (24) is in the retracted position.

12. Medical imaging system according to claim 11, 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) preferably being an electric cylinder.

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