X-ray diagnostic apparatus

Abstract

To provide an X-ray diagnostic apparatus capable of improving a work flow and a throughput of mammography examination.SOLUTION: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray tube, a placing table, an X-ray detector, an arm, and a support part. The X-ray tube generates an X-ray. The breast of a subject is placed on the placing table. The X-ray detector detects an X-ray made incident. The arm holds the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector. The support part supports an operator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an X-ray diagnostic apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] X-ray diagnostic equipment (hereinafter referred to as mammography equipment) that uses X-rays is used in many hospitals and screening centers to diagnose breast tissue. Radiologists interpret the X-ray images (mammography images) obtained by the mammography equipment and diagnose the presence or absence of breast cancer, etc. Mammography images are useful in discovering "calcification" and "tumors," which are typical findings when breast cancer is strongly suspected.

[0003] In a mammography device, the operator places either the left or right breast of the subject on the placement table, stretches the breast, and presses down the compression plate to compress and spread the breast between the compression plate and the placement table. The compressed breast is then photographed from the MLO (Mediо-Lateral-Oblique) and CC (Cranial-Caudal) directions. The operator assists the subject from behind, taking time to position the compressed breast.

[0004] In order to support the breast from behind the subject, the operator may be forced to work in an uncomfortable position, for example, with his / her hips lowered (for example, squatting). In addition, if there is a height difference between the operator and the subject, the operator's squatting position must be adjusted to match the subject's height. Therefore, the operator may be forced to work in the above-mentioned position, which may cause strain on the operator's lower back, for example. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2007 / 119459 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] One of the problems to be solved by the present invention and the embodiments disclosed in the drawings is to provide an X-ray diagnostic apparatus capable of improving the workflow and throughput of mammography examinations. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an X-ray tube, a mounting table, an X-ray detector, an arm, and a support. The X-ray tube generates X-rays. A subject's breast is placed on the mounting table. The X-ray detector detects the incident X-rays. The arm holds the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector. The support supports an operator. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example for explaining the operation of the support portion according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example for explaining the operation of the support portion according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example for explaining the operation of the support portion according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of a support portion according to the first modification. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of a support portion according to the second modification. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example for explaining the configuration of a support portion according to the third modification. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example for explaining the operation of the support portion according to the third modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts with the same reference numerals perform the same operations, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] (Embodiment) 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10 according to an embodiment. In the following, for the sake of specificity, a case will be described in which the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 10 is a mammography apparatus.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 includes a base 101 and a stand 102. The stand 102 is erected on the base 101 and supports an arm 103. Here, the stand 102 supports the arm 103 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The arm 103 is supported by the stand 102 so as to be rotatable via a connection part, and is a housing having an X-ray tube 104 and an X-ray aperture 105 at the upper part inside the arm 103. The arm 103 holds the X-ray tube 104 and the X-ray aperture 105.

[0012] The X-ray tube 104 generates X-rays. The X-ray tube 104 is a vacuum tube having a cathode (filament) that generates thermoelectrons and an anode (target) that generates X-rays upon collision with the thermoelectrons. The X-ray tube 104 generates X-rays by irradiating thermoelectrons from the cathode to the anode using a high voltage supplied from an X-ray high voltage device 113. Here, the X-ray tube 104 is configured to be movable so as to change the irradiation angle of the X-rays to the breast P.

[0013] The X-ray collimator 105 is disposed between the X-ray tube 104 and the compression plate 107, and controls the X-rays generated by the X-ray tube 104. For example, the X-ray collimator 105 has a collimator that narrows the irradiation range of the X-rays, and a filter that adjusts the X-rays.

[0014] The collimator in the X-ray aperture 105 has, for example, four slidable aperture blades, and by sliding these aperture blades, the X-rays generated by the X-ray tube 104 are narrowed down and irradiated onto the breast P. Here, the aperture blades are plate-shaped members made of lead or the like, and are provided near the X-ray irradiation port of the X-ray tube 104 in order to adjust the irradiation range of the X-rays.

[0015] The filter in the X-ray aperture 105 changes the radiation quality of the X-rays passing through it depending on its material and thickness, in order to reduce the radiation dose to the subject and improve the image quality of the X-ray image data, thereby reducing soft ray components that are easily absorbed by the subject and high energy components that cause a decrease in image contrast. In addition, the filter changes the dose and irradiation range of the X-rays depending on its material, thickness, position, etc., and attenuates the X-rays so that the X-rays irradiated to the breast P have a predetermined distribution.

[0016] For example, the X-ray aperture 105 has a driving mechanism such as a motor and an actuator, and controls the irradiation of X-rays by operating the driving mechanism under the control of the processing circuitry 116 described later. For example, the X-ray aperture 105 applies a driving voltage to the driving mechanism in response to a control signal received from the processing circuitry 116, thereby adjusting the opening of the aperture blades of the collimator, and controls the irradiation range of the X-rays irradiated to the breast P. Also, for example, the X-ray aperture 105 applies a driving voltage to the driving mechanism in response to a control signal received from the processing circuitry 116, thereby adjusting the position of the filter, and thereby controlling the distribution of the dose of X-rays irradiated to the breast P.

[0017] The compression paddle holder 106 supports the compression paddle 107. Here, the compression paddle holder 106 holds the compression paddle 107 so that it can move toward or away from the mounting table 108. When imaging in the CC direction is performed, the compression paddle holder 106 can move the compression paddle 107 in the Z direction. The mounting table 108 is a table that supports the breast P of the subject.

[0018] During imaging, the subject's breast P is placed on the placement table 108 and compressed by the compression plate 107. Specifically, after the breast P is placed on the placement table 108, the compression plate holder 106 moves the compression plate 107 in a direction approaching the placement table 108 to compress the breast P. The compressed breast P is spread thinly and the overlap of the mammary glands is reduced. The mammary glands are tissue within the breast. The breast P is mainly composed of mammary glands and fat.

[0019] An X-ray detector 109 is built into the mounting table 108. The X-ray detector 109 detects incident X-rays. The X-ray detector 109 is, for example, an X-ray flat panel detector (FPD) having detection elements arranged in a matrix. The X-ray detector 109 detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 104 and transmitted through the breast P, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the detected X-ray amount to a signal processing circuit 110. The X-ray detector 109 may be an indirect conversion type detector having a grid, a scintillator array, and a photosensor array, or may be a direct conversion type detector having a semiconductor element that converts incident X-rays into an electric signal.

[0020] For example, the X-ray detector 109 detects an X-ray pulse irradiated from the X-ray tube 104, and generates a detection signal corresponding to the detected X-ray amount. Here, the X-ray detector 109 holds the generated detection signal. In addition, the X-ray detector 109 outputs the detection signal to the signal processing circuit 110 after irradiating the X-ray pulse. Then, the signal processing circuit 110 generates projection data based on the detection signal output from the X-ray detector 109, and stores the projection data in the memory 114.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 further includes an input interface 111, an elevation driver 112, an X-ray high voltage device 113, a memory 114, a display 115, and a processing circuit .

[0022] The input interface 111 accepts various input operations from an operator, converts the accepted input operations into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuit 116. For example, the input interface 111 can be realized by a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a switch, a button, a joystick, a touchpad that performs input operations by touching the operation surface, a touchscreen in which a display screen and a touchpad are integrated, a non-contact input circuit using an optical sensor, a voice input circuit, or the like.

[0023] The input interface 111 may be configured as a tablet terminal or the like capable of wireless communication with the processing circuitry 116. The input interface 111 is not limited to an interface having physical operation parts such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an example of the input interface 111 includes an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the main body of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 and outputs the electrical signal to the processing circuitry 116.

[0024] The lifting drive device 112 is connected to the compression plate 107 and the mounting table 108. For example, the lifting drive device 112 lifts and lowers the mounting table 108 in the vertical direction. Also, for example, the lifting drive device 112 lifts and lowers the compression plate 107 in the vertical direction (the direction toward and away from the mounting table 108). For example, the lifting drive device 112 has a drive mechanism such as a motor and an actuator, and controls the lifting and lowering of the compression plate 107 and the mounting table 108 by operating the drive mechanism under the control of the processing circuit 116.

[0025] The X-ray high voltage device 113 supplies a high voltage to the X-ray tube 104 under the control of the processing circuit 116. For example, the X-ray high voltage device 113 has electric circuits such as a transformer and a rectifier, and includes a high voltage generating device that generates a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube 104, and an X-ray control device that controls the output voltage according to the X-rays irradiated by the X-ray tube 104. The high voltage generating device may be of a transformer type or an inverter type.

[0026] The memory 114 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. For example, the memory 114 stores projection data generated by the signal processing circuit 110, mammography images such as MLO (Mediolateral-Oblique) images, and CC (Cranio-Caudal) images. Also, for example, the memory 114 stores a program for enabling a circuit included in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 to realize its function. Note that the memory 114 may be realized by a group of servers (cloud) connected to the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 via a network.

[0027] The display 115 displays various types of information. For example, the display 115 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various instructions and various settings from an operator via the input interface 111. The display 115 also displays various types of image data collected about the breast P. For example, the display 115 is a liquid crystal display or a CRT display. The display 115 may be a desktop type, or may be configured as a tablet terminal or the like capable of wireless communication with the main body of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100.

[0028] The processing circuitry 116 executes a control function 1161 and a display control function 1162 to control the operation of the entire X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100. For example, the processing circuitry 116 reads out a program corresponding to the control function 1161 from the memory 114 and executes it to control various functions of the processing circuitry 116 based on an input operation received from an operator via the input interface 111.

[0029] The control function 1161 controls the collection of mammography images such as MLO images and CC images. Specifically, the control function 1161 fixes the positions of the compression paddle 107 and the placement table 108 in the MLO direction and CC direction, and collects mammography images such as MLO images and CC images by irradiating X-rays while keeping the X-ray irradiation angle to the breast P constant.

[0030] In addition, the processing circuit 116 displays various types of image data on the display 115 by reading out a program corresponding to a display control function 1162 from the memory 114 and executing it.

[0031] 1, each processing function is stored in the memory 114 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The signal processing circuit 110 and the processing circuit 116 are processors that realize the function corresponding to each program by reading and executing the program from the memory 114. In other words, the signal processing circuit 110 and the processing circuit 116 in a state in which a program has been read out have the function corresponding to the read out program.

[0032] 1, the control function 1161 and the display control function 1162 are realized by a single processing circuit 116. However, the processing circuit 116 may be configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to realize the functions. Also, each processing function of the processing circuit 116 may be appropriately distributed or integrated and realized by a single or a plurality of processing circuits.

[0033] The term "processor" used in the above description means a circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). The processor realizes functions by reading and executing a program stored in the memory 114.

[0034] In FIG. 1, a single memory 114 is described as storing a program corresponding to each processing function. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of memories 114 may be distributed and the processing circuit 116 may read out the corresponding program from each memory 114. Also, instead of storing the program in the memory 114, the program may be directly built into the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes the function by reading and executing the program built into the circuit. Also, the processing circuit 116 may realize the function by using a processor of an external device connected to the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 via a network.

[0035] For example, in a mammography apparatus, an operator places either the left or right breast P of a subject on a placement table 108, and while the breast P is stretched, the operator presses down on the compression plate 107 to compress and spread the breast P between the compression plate 107 and the placement table 108. In order to achieve positioning of the breast P in the compressed state, the operator assists the subject from behind, taking time to do so.

[0036] In order to support the breast P from behind the subject, the operator may be forced to work in an uncomfortable position, for example, with his / her waist bent over (for example, squatting). In addition, if there is a height difference between the operator and the subject, the operator's squatting position must be adjusted to match the subject's height. Therefore, the operator may be in the above-mentioned position, which may cause strain on the operator's waist, for example.

[0037] Therefore, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the embodiment further includes a support unit for supporting the operator. Next, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the embodiment.

[0038] 2, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the embodiment includes a base 101, a stand 102, an arm 103, a compression plate 107, a mounting table 108, an X-ray high voltage device 113, a processing circuit 116, a support section 117, a connection member 118, a face guard 119, a compression foot pedal 1111, a C-arm up / down / rotation fine adjustment switch 1112, a side panel 1113, an information display panel 1151, and an imaging condition setting panel 1152. Note that a description of the configuration described in FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0039] The stand 102 is connected to the connection member 118. The support unit 117 is a member that supports the operator. For example, the support unit 117 has a shape that functions as a backrest that supports the back of the operator, and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The support unit 117 is connected to the connection member 118 extending from the stand 102. In other words, the support unit 117 is connected to the stand 102. The support unit 117 has a drive mechanism such as a motor and an actuator, and is operated by operating the drive mechanism under the control of the processing circuit 116. The operation of the support unit 117 will be described later.

[0040] The connecting member 118 is a member that connects the stand 102 and the support portion 117. For example, the connecting member 118 is connected to a side surface of the stand 102. The connecting member 118 has a driving mechanism such as a motor and an actuator, and is operated by operating the driving mechanism under the control of the processing circuit 116.

[0041] The face guard 119 is a protective device for protecting the patient during imaging. The compression foot pedal 1111 is a pedal for adjusting the vertical position of the compression plate 107. The C-arm up / down / rotation fine adjustment switch 1112 is a switch for moving the arm 103 up and down and rotating it. The side panel 1113 is an operation panel for controlling each part of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100. The compression foot pedal 1111, the C-arm up / down / rotation fine adjustment switch 1112, and the side panel 1113 are examples of the input interface 111.

[0042] The information display panel 1151 is a panel for displaying various information such as compression information. The imaging condition setting panel 1152 is a panel for setting conditions for X-ray imaging. The information display panel 1151 and the imaging condition setting panel 1152 are examples of the display 115.

[0043] Next, the operation of the support unit 117 will be described with reference to Figs. 3, 4, and 5. Figs. 3, 4, and 5 are schematic diagrams showing an example for explaining the operation of the support unit 117. Figs. 3, 4, and 5 show the stand 102, the arm 103, the support unit 117, the connection member 118, the compression foot pedal 1111, the operator H1, and the subject H2. Figs. 3, 4, and 5 also show a case where the breast P of the subject H2 is imaged from the MLO direction. Furthermore, Fig. 3 shows the position of the support unit 117 before the placement table is moved. Figs. 4 and 5 show the position of the support unit 117 after the placement table is moved.

[0044] In Fig. 3, when performing positioning, for example, the operator H1 uses his / her hands to stretch the breast P of the subject H2 and supports the back of the subject H2 to stabilize the posture of the subject H2. In this state, the operator H1 needs to operate the compression foot pedal 1111 to lower the compression plate 107 toward the mounting table 108. In particular, when imaging in the MLO direction, the arm 103 tilts. Therefore, in order to perform positioning of the breast P, the operator H1 needs to lower his / her waist, bend down, and perform the operation of stretching the breast P of the subject H2 in a posture with the upper body placed between the arms 103.

[0045] Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to alleviate the state in which the operator H1 is forced to assume an awkward posture during positioning, the support unit 117 is operated. Specifically, when the mounting table 108 moves, the support unit 117 moves relative to the operator H1. That is, the support unit 117 changes its position in accordance with the timing of the vertical movement of the mounting table 108. The position of the support unit 117 is changed, for example, by changing the vertical position of the support unit 117 in the height direction.

[0046] For example, as shown in Fig. 4, the support section 117 moves to a position where it can support the operator H1. Then, as shown in Fig. 5, the support section 117 unfolds a backrest to support the operator H1. As a result, when positioning, the operator H1 can be supported by the support section 117, thereby reducing an uncomfortable posture.

[0047] Furthermore, the position of the support part 117 is, for example, a height that matches the height of the operator H1 stored in advance in the memory 114, and the control function 1161 of the processing circuit 116 changes the height in response to the operator H1. Furthermore, for example, when positioning the right breast, the operator H1 stands on the left side as viewed from the mounting table 108, so the position of the support part 117 is located on the right side as viewed from the mounting table 108. Furthermore, for example, when positioning the left breast, the operator H1 stands on the right side as viewed from the mounting table 108, so the position of the support part 117 is located on the left side as viewed from the mounting table 108.

[0048] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100. In the following, for the sake of concrete explanation, it is assumed that the flow starts when the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 starts positioning and completes moving the subject H2 in front of the mounting table 108.

[0049] The control function 1161 of the processing circuit 80 cooperates with the lifting drive device 112 to control the movement of the mounting table 108 in accordance with the imaging conditions (step S61). Next, the control function 1161 controls the movement of the support unit 117 to a position where the operator H1 can be supported, and the movement of the support unit 117 to a position where the operator H1 can be supported (step S62).

[0050] Next, the control function 1161 cooperates with the lifting drive device 112 to control the compression plate 107 to move toward the placement table 108 in response to the compression foot pedal 1111 operated by the operator H1 (step S63). Next, when the compression plate 107 moves, the control function 1161 controls the support portion 117 to move and be stored (step S64). When this process ends, the processing circuit 116 ends the process.

[0051] As described above, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the embodiment includes an X-ray tube 104 that generates X-rays, a mounting table 108 on which the breast P of the subject H2 is placed, an X-ray detector 109 that detects the incident X-rays, an arm 103 that holds the X-ray tube 104 and the X-ray detector 109, and a support part 117 that supports an operator H1.

[0052] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, for example, when performing positioning, the operator H1 can use the support part 117 to support the posture of the operator H1. By using the support part 117, it is possible to reduce the state in which the operator H1 is forced to assume an awkward posture, and it becomes possible to perform positioning in a natural posture. This makes it possible to improve the workflow and throughput of mammography examinations.

[0053] The above-described embodiment can be modified as appropriate by changing a part of the configuration or function of each device. Therefore, some modified examples of the above-described embodiment will be described below as other embodiments. The following mainly describes the differences from the above-described embodiment, and the same reference numerals will be given to the points that are common to the contents already described, and detailed description will be omitted. The other embodiments described below may be implemented individually or in appropriate combination.

[0054] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, the support portion 117 is connected to the connection member 118 connected to the side surface of the stand 102, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the support portion may be connected to a connection member connected to the bottom of the base 101, and may be stored under the base 101.

[0055] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the support section according to Modification 1. Fig. 7 shows the base 101, the stand 102, the arm 103, the compression foot pedal 1111, the support section 1171, the connection member 1181, the operator H1, the subject H2, and the floor F. Fig. 7 shows the position of the support section 1171 in a state after the mounting table has been moved.

[0056] For example, the support portion 1171 is connected to the connection member 1181. Furthermore, the support portion 1171 is stored on the floor F (under the base 101) before the mounting platform is moved. Furthermore, the support portion 1171 is deployed from the floor F to a position where the support portion 1171 can support the operator H1 after the mounting platform is moved. The connection member 1181 connects the base 101 to the floor F from below. Furthermore, the connection member 1181 is connected to the support portion 1171.

[0057] The support section 1171 according to the first modification is deployed from the floor F when supporting the operator H1, and is stored in the floor F when not supporting the operator H1. By using the support section 117, it is possible to reduce the state in which the operator H1 is forced into an awkward posture. This makes it possible to improve the workflow and throughput of the mammography examination.

[0058] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment, the support portion 117 is described as having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but is not limited thereto. For example, the support portion may be shaped like an arc.

[0059] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the support section according to Modification 2. Fig. 8 shows an operation M1 indicating the movements of the stand 102, the compression plate 107, the support section 1172, the connection member 1182, the operator H1, the subject H2, the breast P of the subject H2, and the support section 1172. Fig. 8 is a diagram seen from above showing the state in which positioning is performed.

[0060] For example, the support portion 1172 has an arc shape that is movable left and right, and is connected to a connection member 1182. Furthermore, the support portion 1172 is located at the rear of the stand 102 before the mounting base is moved. Furthermore, the support portion 1171 is located behind the operator H1 at a position where the support portion 1172 can support the operator H1 after the mounting base is moved. The connection member 1182 is connected to the rear of the stand 102. Furthermore, the connection member 1182 is connected to the support portion 1172.

[0061] For example, the support portion 1172 may have a backrest so that the operator H1 can sit on it. Also, for example, the position of the support portion 1172 may be adjusted by manual operation of the operator H1. Furthermore, for example, the support portion 1172 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape or an arc shape, and may be, for example, an L-shape or a U-shape.

[0062] (Variation 3) For example, the support part may be cylindrical. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the support part according to the third modification. Fig. 9 shows the stand 102, the arm 103, the support part 1173, the connection member 1183, the compression foot pedal 1111, the operator H1, and the subject H2. Fig. 9 also shows a case where the breast P of the subject H2 is imaged from the MLO direction. Fig. 9 also shows the position of the support part 1173 before the mounting table is moved.

[0063] For example, the support unit 1173 has a shape that functions as a seat on which an operator sits, and is cylindrical. The support unit 1173 has a column inside the column, and the column is connected to a connection member 1183 extending from the stand 102. In other words, the support unit 1173 is connected to the stand 102. The support unit 1173 has a drive mechanism such as a motor and an actuator, and is operated by operating the drive mechanism under the control of the processing circuit 116.

[0064] The connecting member 1183 is a member that connects the stand 102 and the support section 1173. For example, the connecting member 1183 is connected to a side surface of the stand 102. The connecting member 1183 is, for example, L-shaped, and is connected to the support section 1173 in a state where one side of the connecting member 1183 is inserted into a support column of the support section 1173. The connecting member 1183 has a driving mechanism such as a motor and an actuator, and is operated by operating the driving mechanism under the control of the processing circuit 116.

[0065] Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example for explaining the operation of the support part according to Modification 3. Fig. 10 shows a case where the breast P of the subject H2 is imaged from the MLO direction, similar to Fig. 9. Fig. 10 shows the position of the support part 1173 after the mounting table has moved. When the mounting table moves, the support part 1173 moves relative to the operator H1.

[0066] That is, the support portion 1173 changes its position in conjunction with the vertical movement of the mounting table. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, the support portion 1173 moves to a position where the operator H1 can be supported. As a result, when positioning is performed, the operator H1 can be supported by the support portion 1173, thereby reducing an uncomfortable posture.

[0067] (Variation 4) For example, the support unit 117 may further include at least one of a first operation unit for moving the position of the mounting table 108 and a second operation unit for moving the position of the arm 103. Specifically, the support unit 117 is provided with a first operation unit for moving the position of the mounting table 108 and a second operation unit for moving the position of the arm 103 within reach of the operator H1 in a state in which the operator H1 is supported. This allows the operator H1 to operate the vertical movement of the mounting table 108 and the rotational movement of the arm 103 at hand using the operation units including the first operation unit and the second operation unit.

[0068] (Variation 5) The timing at which the support unit 117 operates is synchronized with the timing at which the mounting table 108 moves, but is not limited to this. For example, the timing at which the support unit 117 operates may be when the subject H2 stands at a predetermined position, when the operator H1 and the subject H2 stand at predetermined positions, or when the compression plate 107 moves down toward the mounting table 108. This allows the support unit to support the operator H1 without reducing the throughput of the operator H1.

[0069] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the workflow and throughput of mammography examinations can be improved.

[0070] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 100 X-ray diagnostic equipment 101 Foundation 102 Stand 103 Arm 104 X-ray tube 105 X-ray squeezer 106 Compression plate holder 107 Compression Plate 108 Placement table 109 X-ray detector 111 Input Interface 112 Lifting drive unit 113 X-ray high voltage device 114 Memory 115 Display 116 Processing Circuit 117 Support part 118 Connection parts 1111 Compression Foot Pedal 1171, 1172, 1173 Support part 1181, 1182, 1183 Connection parts

Claims

1. An X-ray tube that generates X-rays; a placement table on which the subject's breast is placed; an X-ray detector for detecting incident X-rays; an arm for holding the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector; A support portion that supports an operator; An X-ray diagnostic apparatus comprising:

2. A stand supporting the arm is further provided. The support is connected to the stand.

2. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

3. Further, a base is provided below the stand, The support portion is stored under the base.

3. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2.

4. the support portion changes its position in accordance with a timing of vertical movement of the mounting table.

3. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2.

5. the support portion changes its up-down position in the height direction in accordance with a movement timing of the placement table moving up and down.

5. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The support part changes a vertical position in a height direction of the support part in accordance with a timing when the operator is positioned at a predetermined position.

5. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4.

7. The support unit changes a vertical position in a height direction of the support unit in accordance with a timing when the operator and the subject are positioned at predetermined positions.

5. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4.

8. The support unit changes a vertical position in a height direction of the support unit at a timing when a compression plate that compresses the breast descends toward the placement table.

5. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4.

9. The support portion changes a vertical position in a height direction of the support portion in response to a height of the operator.

5. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4.

10. the support unit further includes at least one of a first operation unit for moving the position of the mounting table and a second operation unit for moving the position of the arm; 4. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2.

11. The shape of the support portion is at least one of a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a circular arc shape, an L-shape, a U-shape, and a cylindrical shape.

4. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

Images