Radiation imaging device, and acquisition procedure using the radiation imaging device.

Abstract

This provides a radiographic imaging device that is smaller in size, easier to transport, easier to use, and, in particular, allows for precise and rapid centering with respect to the part being analyzed, enabling the performance of several types of acquisitions. [Solution] A radiographic imaging device (1) is provided, comprising: a power source (21) that defines the acquisition axis (2a); a detector (22); a power supply (6); a control unit in the power source (21) and the detector (22); and a connector (26) for an auxiliary power source (27) to the power supply (6) and the control unit. The present invention relates to a radiographic imaging device with improved functionality. In particular, the present invention relates to a device configured for use in the medical / veterinary field to acquire at least radiographic images (such as tomography) of at least a portion of the internal anatomical structures of a patient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiation imaging device with improved functionality of the type defined in the preamble of claim 1. In particular, the present invention relates to a device configured to be used in the medical / veterinary field to at least acquire a radiation image (such as tomography) of at least a part of a patient's internal anatomical structure.

[0002] Regardless of the analysis (tomography, radiology or fluoroscopy) being performed, known radiation imaging devices have the same basic structure. This basic structure includes a table on which the patient is placed, a control station of the device; a gantry of O or C shape that defines an empty part into which a part for analyzing and performing radiation acquisition is inserted; and a support that supports the gantry and the table and allows the table and the gantry to translate relative to each other. The gantry is provided with an X-ray source; and a detector that receives the X-ray after passing through the table and the patient.

[0003] In the case of a radiation device for CAT (Computed Axial Tomography) or CT (Computed Tomography), there is a rotating organ that rotates the source and the detector around the patient, enabling the device to acquire images at various angles and thus generate a three-dimensional reconstruction of the patient. Examples of such devices are reported in US2004125915A1, WO2014001834, and US20030072416.

[0004] The known technologies described contain some significant drawbacks. In particular, known radiographic imaging devices are especially bulky and therefore have reduced portability. Another drawback is that aiming is slow and inaccurate with radiographic imaging devices currently in use. In fact, aiming is performed manually by the operator, who must use a camera near the source to understand when the source is centered with respect to the part being analyzed. Another significant drawback is that known radiographic imaging devices only make a limited range of acquisitions feasible, as it requires the purchase of multiple machines specific to each type of radiographic imaging. Another drawback is that known radiographic imaging devices consist of numerous complex components, which makes the devices particularly expensive (both at the purchase and maintenance stages) and, above all, difficult to manufacture and use.

[0005] In this context, the underlying technical problem of the present invention is to devise a radiographic imaging device that can substantially eliminate at least some of the aforementioned drawbacks. Within the scope of this technical problem, a key objective of the present invention is to obtain a radiographic imaging device that is smaller in size and easier to transport. Another objective of the invention is to provide a radiographic imaging device that is easy to use, in particular enables precise and rapid centering with respect to the part being analyzed, and enables the performance of several types of acquisitions. Another objective of the invention is to have an imaging device that is inexpensive and, above all, easy to manufacture and use.

[0006] The technical challenges and specified objectives are achieved by the radiographic imaging device described in the following detailed description. The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent below by a detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A reduced-size representation of the radiation-based imaging device according to the invention is shown. [Figure 2] A reduced version of the device in Figure 1 at a different location is shown. [Figure 3] A reduced-size model of the radiation imaging device assembly according to the invention is shown. [Figure 4] A reduced version of the second diagram of the assembly shown in Figure 3 is provided. [Figure 5] A reduced-size view of another radiation-based imaging device according to the invention is shown. [Figure 6] This is an outline of the operation of the radiation-based imaging device according to the invention. [Figure 7] This shows a medical device that may be used inside the imaging device according to the invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] In this document, measurements, values, shapes, and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism) are considered exceptions to errors or inaccuracies in measurements resulting from production and / or manufacturing errors, and in particular to slight deviations from the associated values, measurements, shapes, or geometric criteria, when associated with words such as “approximately” or other similar terms such as “roughly” or “substantially.” For example, when these terms are associated with values, they preferably indicate a deviation of 10% or less of the value. Furthermore, when used, terms such as “first,” “second,” “high,” “low,” “primary,” and “secondary” can be used simply to clearly distinguish between different components without necessarily identifying order, priority of relationship, or relative position. Unless otherwise specified, the measurements and data reported in this text are considered to be performed in accordance with the International Standard Atmosphere (ICAO) (ISO 2533).

[0009] Unless otherwise specified, as a result of the following discussion, terms such as “treatment,” “calculation,” “judgment,” and “calculation” refer to actions and / or processes of a computer or similar electronic computing device that manipulate and / or transform data, such as the amount of electrons in a computer system and / or memory register, or other data, similarly represented as physical quantities in a computer system, register, or other storage, transmission, or information display device.

[0010] Referring to the figure, the radiographic imaging device according to the invention is shown globally as number 1. It is configured for use in both the medical and veterinary fields for manufacturing and / or interpreting radiographic images (radiographic imaging) of at least a portion of a patient to be analyzed for diagnostic and / or therapeutic purposes. In particular, device 1 is configured to be performed with at least one tomography of a suitable multi-stack (or rather, radiographic (preferably in tomography) acquisition of a portion of a patient as described below). Note that during acquisition, the patient is on a radiographic support (such as a radiography table) that defines a support surface for the patient and, in particular, the portion to be analyzed.

[0011] A radiographic image represents at least the portion of a patient's body being analyzed. The radiographic image may include a target sector representing the portion to be appropriately analyzed internally, optionally surrounding sectors of the target sector (e.g., identifiable by the patient's skin), and preferably, non-target sectors that do not represent the patient and are visually separated from the target sector by surrounding sectors. In a 2D image, target and non-target sectors can be surfaces / regions, while surrounding sectors can be represented by lines; in a 3D image, target and non-target sectors can be volumes, while surrounding sectors can be represented by surfaces.

[0012] The radiographic imaging device 1 may include a radiographic support, which is known in itself. In addition, the radiographic image may preferably include an intervention target and an intervention trajectory. The radiographic imaging device 1 is configured to be stationary on a support surface 1b, such as a walkable surface in a health facility. Conveniently, it can move along the support surface 1b. The radiographic imaging device 1 may have a longitudinal axis 1a that is not substantially perpendicular to the support surface 1b, and more specifically substantially parallel to it, when the radiographic imaging device 1 is being used (hereinafter simply used), or rather stationary on the support surface 1b.

[0013] In this document, terms such as “vertical” and “horizontal” are defined as axes or displacements that are substantially perpendicular or substantially parallel to the support surface 1b when the radiographic imaging device 1 is in use.

[0014] The radiographic imaging device 1 may include a unit for controlling the operation of the device itself. The control unit is configured to control and / or actuate automatically in response to commands given by the operator, the device 1, and / or in particular the radiographic imaging device 1, and at least a portion of the radiographic imaging described below, preferably at least one acquisition procedure 100. The acquisition procedure 100 includes the use of the radiographic imaging device. The radiographic imaging device 1 may include a gantry 2 configured to perform radiographic acquisition of at least the portion to be analyzed. The gantry 2 may have a general deployment axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 1a. It may have a front, a back, and one or more sides (two in some cases). The front and back are substantially perpendicular to the general deployment axis, and then to the longitudinal axis 1a. The gantry 2 may be C-shaped (referred to as a "C-arm") or preferably O-shaped ("O-ring").

[0015] Gantry 2 can define the scanning zone 2d, where at least the portion to be analyzed is available. The front and rear surfaces can be on either side of the scanning zone 2d. More specifically, they can define the base of the volume that defines the scanning zone 2d.

[0016] Gantry 2 can have a front, a back, and two sides. When in use, the faces are substantially transverse and, more specifically, substantially perpendicular to the support face 1b. The faces can identify the four outer faces of the inscription cuboid of gantry 2. The back and front faces can be substantially transverse and, more specifically, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 1a. The outer faces can be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 1a.

[0017] The gantry 2 may include a source 21 (Schematically shown in Figure 1) configured to emit an acquisition beam and then define the acquisition axis 2a. The source 21 is data-connected to a control unit and can therefore be controlled by the control unit. When in use, the acquisition axis 2a can be substantially lateral to the support surface 1b. The source 21 may emit an X-ray acquisition beam. The source 21 may include a radiator 211 of the acquisition beam that defines the acquisition axis 2a; a collimator 212 configured to change the cross-section (in detail, the expansion and / or outline) of the acquisition beam; and in some cases, a light source configured to illuminate the scanning zone 2d, particularly the portion being analyzed, to assist in the precise positioning of the acquisition beam.

[0018] Advantageously, the supply source 21 can be without a light source, as will be described in detail below. It can be positioned corresponding to the front of the gantry 2. The supply source 21 may include a pointing device configured to project a shape for centering, and thus perform pointing of the supply source with respect to the scanning zone 2d, in particular the portion being analyzed.

[0019] The gantry 2 may include a detector 22 configured to etch a portion of the area to be analyzed after the acquired beam has crossed it. The detector 22 may be configured to acquire at least one radiation acquisition when etched by the beam. This at least one radiation acquisition is then used by the control unit, in known methods, to obtain at least a radiation image. The detector 22 defines a surface that is highly sensitive to the acquired beam. It is data-connected to the control unit and therefore can be controlled by the control unit. The highly sensitive surface can be substantially perpendicular to the acquisition axis 2a. The detector 22 may include a highly sensitive element 221 that defines the highly sensitive surface. The detector 22 may be positioned corresponding to the front of the gantry 2. The detector 22 may include a projector 222 configured to project an optical marker in the scanning zone 2d, or rather on a support surface, particularly the portion to be analyzed, in order to enable precise positioning of the detector 22 and therefore the source 21. The optical marker can cross. The projector 222 may include at least one light source (e.g., a laser source) that defines the optical marker. In detail, it includes two light sources appropriately configured to emit two optically incident light sources from each other, defining the intersecting optical marker. The projector 222 can be placed in close proximity to the high-sensitivity surface. It can be integrated with the high-sensitivity element 221.

[0020] The detector 22 may include a vibrating device 223 configured to translate at least the high-sensitivity element 221 along the vibration axis 2b. The vibration axis 2b can be substantially perpendicular to the acquisition axis 2a. The vibration axis 2b can be substantially parallel to the high-sensitivity surface.

[0021] The gantry 2 can include supports for the supply source 21 and the detector 22. The support, and thus the gantry 2, can include a rotor 23 that supports at least the supply source 21 and the detector 22; and a stator 24 that supports the rotor 23 and is configured to rotate the rotor 23 (and thus the components constrained thereby), properly define the rotation axis 2c, and preferably is controlled by a control unit. The rotation axis 2c can be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 1a. The back and front surfaces of the gantry 2 can be perpendicular to the rotation axis 2c. One or more outer surfaces of the gantry 2 can be parallel to the rotation axis 2c.

[0022] The gantry 2, and preferably the rotor 23, described above can define a scanning zone 2d. The supply source 21 and the detector 22 can be integral with the rotor 23. They can be on both sides with respect to the scanning zone 2d. Preferably, the stator 24 is configured to rotate the rotor 23 while keeping the acquisition axis 2a stationary on a stationary surface, which can be substantially horizontal during use and in particular substantially perpendicular to the support surface 1b. The stator 24 includes a rotating member 241 for the rotation of the rotor 23. The rotation axis 2c can be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 1a. During use, the rotation axis 2c can be not substantially perpendicular and in particular substantially parallel to the support surface 1b. The rotating member 241 can be of a known type. The rotating member 241 can include a rotary encoder configured to measure the rotation around the rotation axis 2c. Note that the control unit can be at least partially, and in particular entirely, constrained with respect to the stator 24.

[0023] The gantry 2 can include an optical pointer 25 (schematically shown in FIG. 1) that is integral with the rotor 23 and is configured to project an optical reference 2e in the scanning zone 2d or rather on the support surface, particularly on the portion to be analyzed. The optical references 2e can intersect. The optical pointer 25 is in data connection with the control unit and can thus be controlled by the control unit. The optical pointer 25 is configured to project the optical reference 2e by defining a pointing axis 2f.

[0024] The pointing axis 2f can be inclined with respect to the acquisition axis, and with respect to the rotation axis 2c, an appropriate diffusion angle is defined for the rotation axis 2c, and thus it has a vertex. The diffusion angle can be less than substantially 180°, specifically 90°, more specifically 60°, and even more specifically less than 45°. It is preferably included between substantially 5° and 45°, more precisely between 10° and 30°. The pointing 2f and acquisition 2a axes can be substantially coplanar, specifically can be stationary on the stationary surface. They can be appropriately incident on the rotation axis 2c at the same point substantially.

[0025] The optical pointer 25 can include at least one emitter (appropriately a laser) that defines the optical reference 2e. Specifically, it includes two emitters appropriately configured to emit two mutually incident light beams that define the cross-shaped optical reference 2e. The optical pointer 25 can be angularly separated from the detector 22 with respect to the rotation axis 2c by an angle equal to at least 120°, specifically included between substantially 130° and 160°. As a result, the operator can check the accurate positioning of the source 21 and the detector 22 with respect to the scanning zone 2d, particularly with respect to the part to be analyzed, by alternatively using the projector 223 or the optical pointer 25.

[0026] The gantry 2 can include a connector 26 for an additional source 27. The connector 26 is configured to enable an additional source 27 to be associated with the radiation imaging device 1, so that the sources 21 and 27 are equipped. In the data connection with the control unit, the connector 26 can thus be arranged in the data connection with the additional source 27, for example when there is an operation command. It is a connector of the type for quick adaptation. The connector 26 is of a detachable type that can restrain or separate the additional source 27 from the gantry 2. The connector 26 can be restrained on the opposite side with respect to the source 21 and the detector 22 (Fig. 4), specifically corresponding to the rear surface of the gantry 2. The connector 2 can be integrated with the support and specifically the stator 24 or alternatively the rotor 23.

[0027] Gantry 2 may include an additional source 27 (Figure 5). The additional source 27 may be of the same kind as source 21. Alternatively, it may be of a different type to enable radiation acquisition of different parameters and / or different types (e.g., magnetic) and therefore radiation imaging. The additional source 27 is configured to emit an additional acquisition beam that is configured to traverse the portion of the patient being analyzed and then acquired by an additional detector of the additional beam.

[0028] The additional source 27 may include an additional emitter 271. The additional emitter 271 may include an additional body for emitting the additional acquired beam, an additional collimator for the additional beam, and in some cases an additional light source for illuminating the scanning zone 2d, and in particular the portion to be analyzed.

[0029] The additional supply source 27 may include an additional connector 272 for engaging with the connector 26. The additional discharge device 271 may be located on the front of the gantry 2, particularly near the surrounding supply source 21 between the additional discharge device 271 and the support (in particular the rotor 23) when the additional supply source 27 is connected to the connector 26.

[0030] The additional source 27 does not have to be supported by the gantry 2. It may include a support 273 configured to restrain the additional source 27 (in detail, the additional discharge device 271) against an external structure (such as a support surface 1b, walls, and / or ceiling) and to load-bearing the weight of the additional source 27 onto it.

[0031] The additional supply source 27 may include a driver 274 configured to move an additional discharge device 271 relative to the support 273. The driver 274 may be configured to translate the additional discharge device 271 along the vertical and / or horizontal directions relative to the support 273.

[0032] The additional power source 27 may include an additional connector 272 and a connecting cable 275 (appropriately for data and / or power) for the additional emitter 271; and an additional support 276 configured to appropriately restrain the cable 275 to the external structure. The additional support 276 may define elements different from the gantry 2 (in detail relating to the rest of the radiographic imaging device 1); therefore the gantry 2 does not support the additional power source 27. In fact, the additional support 276 may include one or more attachments 276a configured to firmly secure the cable 275 to the external structure (preferably in a disassemblable manner).

[0033] The control unit should take note of how to prevent the movement of the gantry 2, particularly the rotation of at least the rotor 23, when an additional power source 27 is associated with the connector 26.

[0034] Gantry 2 may include a casing 28 that defines the housing for the above-mentioned components of gantry 2, with the exception of a possible additional supply source 27. Note that the connector 26 is accessible from the outside of the casing 28.

[0035] The connector 26 may be configured to connect to the casing 28, and therefore to the gantry 2, to an additional external power source 27. Thus, the mounting of the additional power source 27 is visible from the outside with respect to the casing 28.

[0036] The gantry 2 may include an acquirer 29 configured to perform optical acquisition. The acquirer 29 may be integrated with the rotor 23. The acquirer 29 is configured to perform optical acquisition along an axis substantially parallel to the positioning plane of the acquisition axis 2a, more specifically an axis substantially parallel to the pointing axis 2f, and more specifically an axis substantially coinciding with the pointing axis 2f. It is data-connected to the control unit. The acquirer 29 is configured to perform optical acquisition of at least a portion of the scanning zone 2d, in particular the portion of the patient being analyzed, and thus at least a portion of the scanning zone 2d. The acquirer 29 may be configured to perform optical acquisition of at least an optical reference 2e. This can be configured to perform optical acquisition of at least one medical instrument 1c to enable proper identification of the actual position of the instrument, in particular the medical instrument 1c, with respect to the scanning zone 2d, in particular with respect to the portion being analyzed, and to enable accuracy with respect to the optical reference 2e.

[0037] In particular, the radiographic imaging device 1, more precisely the control unit, can determine the actual position of the medical instrument 1c based on at least the acquisition of the optical reference 2e. The term “position” in this document refers to one or more coordinates intended to identify the position of the medical instrument 1c with respect to the reference system, for example, the intersection of the rotation axis 2c (which defines the X-axis of the reference system) and the stationary plane of the gantry 2 in the end stroke along axis 4a (which defines the Y-axis and Z-axis, which can be identified as vertical axes defined relative to each other based on the angular position of the rotor-stator along the transverse plane).

[0038] The optical reference 2e can identify the origin of a reference system for positioning the medical instrument 1c. For example, the optical reference 2e can identify the point where the operator places / positions the medical instrument 1c. It can identify, for example, the insertion point of the medical instrument 1c. Thus, the optical reference 2e can identify a point on the medical instrument 1c, such as the functional end 1d of the instrument, i.e., the end of the instrument used on the patient, such as the cutting outline of a scalpel. In addition, or alternatively, the actual position / orientation of the medical instrument 1c can be determined at least based on the acquisition of the medical instrument 1c. In particular, the acquirer 29 is configured to perform optical acquisition of the medical instrument 1c, through which the control unit can determine the actual position of the medical instrument 1c.

[0039] In some cases, device 1, more specifically the control unit, may have an instrument database that associates the external shape (preferably three-dimensional) of a medical instrument 1c, particularly the functional end 1d, with respect to each instrument, thereby enabling verification of the precise positioning of the medical instrument 1c, and therefore the functional end 1d, with respect to the scanning zone 2d, particularly the part being analyzed, and for accuracy, the optical reference 2e.

[0040] The acquirer 29 can be integrated with the rotor 23. Therefore, it can be rotated around the rotation axis 2c to perform optical acquisition of at least a portion of the whole and details of the part to be analyzed.

[0041] The radiographic imaging device 1 may include a support structure 3 for supporting the gantry 2 and for resting on a support surface 1b, and for use as appropriate. When in use, the support structure 3 is configured to position the gantry 2 differently from the support surface 1b. In detail, the support structure 3 can define a vertical distance between the gantry 2 and the support surface 1b, which is actually less than 30 cm, in detail 20 cm, and appropriately substantially between 1 cm and 10 cm. The support structure 3 may comprise a first column 31 coupled to the gantry 2, preferably to a first outer surface of the gantry 2, and a second column 32 coupled to the gantry 2, preferably corresponding to a second outer surface of the gantry 2, which is appropriately opposite to the first surface with respect to the gantry 2. In detail, the first column 31 may be positioned opposite to the second column 32 with respect to the longitudinal axis 1a and / or rotation axis 2c. The columns 31 and 32 do not overlap the scanning zone 2d along the longitudinal axis 1a and / or rotation axis 2c, specifically the projection of the gantry 2. Therefore, the gantry 2 slides freely with respect to columns 31 and 32 along the longitudinal axis 1a and / or rotation axis 2c without interfering with columns 31 and 32, as will be further described below. The length of the gantry 2 in the longitudinal direction (or rather, the length along the longitudinal axis 1a) is at least approximately equal to, and in detail generally superior to, the length of the support structure 3, and therefore columns 31 and 32.

[0042] The radiographic imaging device 1 can be made movable, and therefore the support structure 3 may include means for moving the radiographic imaging device 1 on the support surface 1b.

[0043] The moving means may be data-connected to a control unit and therefore controlled by the control unit. The moving means can define the moving axis 3a of the device 1 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 1a. In detail, they comprise a first moving means 33 associated with a first column 31 and a second moving means 34 associated with a second column 32. The first moving means 33 may be motorized and, in detail, comprises at least one drive wheel that appropriately defines a traction axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 1a. Furthermore, the first moving means 33 may include at least one idler rotation element. The second moving means 34 may include an idler, in detail, at least one idler wheel that pivots appropriately.

[0044] To stabilize the radiographic imaging device 1 during radiation acquisition, the support structure 3 may include at least one stopper configured to lock the device 1 to the support surface 1b. The at least one stopper can define, for the radiographic imaging device 1, a transport configuration in which the moving means identify the sole contact between the device 1 and the support surface 1b, and a non-transport configuration in which the moving means does not identify the sole contact between the device 1 and the support surface 1b, and more specifically, does not contact the support surface 1b. The at least one stopper may include at least one first stopper 35, which is integrated with the first column 31 and is appropriately single, and at least one second stopper 36, which is integrated with the second column 32. The first stopper 35 includes a first plug 351 configured to contact the support surface 1b, and a first actuator 352 configured to move the first plug 351, which is substantially perpendicular to the support surface 1b. In the transport configuration, the first plug 351 is not in contact with the support surface 1b; in the non-transport configuration, the first plug 351 is in contact with the support surface 1b. The first plug 351 may include rubber or other high-friction contact elements, including the support surface 1b.

[0045] The second stopper 36 comprises a second plug 361 configured to contact the support surface 1b, and a second actuator 362 configured to move the first plug, which is substantially perpendicular to the support surface 1b. In the transport configuration, the second plug 361 is not in contact with the support surface 1b; in the non-transport configuration, the second plug 361 is in contact with the support surface 1b.

[0046] The second plug 361 may include rubber or other high-friction contact elements, including the support surface 1b.

[0047] The radiographic imaging device 1 may include at least one guide 4 that defines the translation axis 4a of the gantry 2 with respect to a support structure 3 which is appropriately substantially parallel to the rotation axis 2c. The translation axis 4a can be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 1a. It can be substantially parallel to the support surface 1b. The translation axis 4a can be substantially perpendicular to the scanning axis, more specifically to the vibration axis 2b.

[0048] Guide 4 may be outside the vertical projection of scanning zone 2d, which defines the free access area to scanning zone 2d, so that the patient can position themselves near it through it, and so that gantry 2 can translate along the translation axis 4a by performing multi-stack radiation acquisition. In particular, it can be outside the vertical projection of gantry 2. Guide 4 can be outside the horizontal projection of the entire gantry 2. The vertical projection is therefore identified as the projection onto support surface 1b. Thus, guide 4 can be outside the vertical projection of scanning zone 2d, and therefore the projection of scanning zone 2d onto support surface 1b (more simply, the vertical projection can be substantially imaged as a virtual shadow of scanning zone 2d onto the support surface given by light (in detail, a virtual cylindrical beam of light) that is perfectly perpendicular to the support surface in this case).

[0049] The gantry 2 has a longitudinal length at least substantially equal to, and more specifically substantially longer than, the longitudinal length of the guide 4, and therefore the stroke length of the guide 4. At least one guide 4 may comprise a first guide 4 sandwiched between a first column 31 and the gantry 2, and thus connecting the first column 31 to the gantry 2, and a second guide 4 sandwiched between a second column 32 and the gantry 2, and thus connecting the second column 32 and the gantry 2. Preferably, both guides 4 are electrically operated.

[0050] These can be performed synchronously. Guide 4 may be data-connected to a control unit and therefore controlled by the control unit. At least one guide 4 may include a translation encoder configured to measure translation along the translation axis 4a. Optionally, the control unit prevents movement of the gantry 2 along the translation axis 4a when an additional power source 27 is associated with the connector 26.

[0051] The radiographic imaging device 1 may include a transmission device 5 configured to control the movement of the device 1 along a support surface 1b, preferably at least moving means 33 and / or 34. The transmission device 5 can be data-connected to a control unit. It may include an imaging block 51 that defines an imaging axis 51a which is appropriately lateral to the longitudinal axis 1a, and more specifically, approximately perpendicular. The imaging axis 51a can be substantially horizontal. The imaging block 51 may include a camera of appropriate optics. It may be integrated with a second column 32. The transmission device 5 may include control means 52.

[0052] The control means 52 is configured to control the movement of the imaging device 1 on the support surface 1b. Preferably, the control means can enable manual control and therefore may include at least one handle. In addition and / or alternatively, the control means can be exclusively controlled by a control unit that enables automatic guidance of the device, i.e., can be equipped with, for example, a geolocation system. The control means 52 can be integrated with the first column 31. It can be understood how the control means 52 enables an operator to control the operation of the entire radiation imaging device 1 and therefore control the execution of radiation acquisition.

[0053] The transmission device 5 may include, for example, an obstacle detection unit 53, such as a camera. The detection unit 53 is configured to detect the presence of an obstacle during any movement of the radiation imaging device 1. More specifically, it can detect the presence of an obstacle during the movement of the device 1 along the support surface 1b. It can be integrated with the first column 31 and / or the second column 32. Alternatively or additionally, the detection unit 53 can detect the presence of an obstacle during the translation of the gantry 2 along the translation axis 4a. It can be integrated with the gantry 2. It may include a sensor configured to emit waves (such as ultrasonic waves and / or electromagnetic waves) configured to interfere with the obstacle. The sensor may be a known parking sensor.

[0054] The transmission device 5 may include at least one screen 54 for viewing images of the imaging block 51 and / or the detection unit 53. The screen 54 can be integrated with the first column 31.

[0055] The radiographic imaging device 1 may include a power supply 6 for the entire radiographic imaging device 1. In particular, the power supply 6 may have connectors 26 connected to power a possible additional power source 27. The power supply 6 may be integrated with the gantry 2 or support structure 3 (specifically, the first column 31 or the second column 32). Preferably, it is integrated with the gantry 2. It may be constrained to the stator 24, at least partially, and specifically, entirely. The power supply 6 may include at least one battery. It may include a connection to an external power network.

[0056] The radiographic imaging device 1 may include an interface 7 for data exchange between the operator and the control unit (and therefore various components of the device). The interface 7 can be integrated with the gantry 2 and, more specifically, with the stator 24. The interface 7 may be an input, thus allowing the operator to input data such as command data for the device 1. In addition or alternatively, the interface 7 may be an output, thus allowing the device 1 to transmit data to the operator, such as the results of radiographic acquisition, i.e., radiographic images.

[0057] It should be noted that, in any case, the radiographic imaging device 1 does not need to have any patient support structure (such as a radiography table) that can be used in combination with the device 1 during radiographic acquisition. Therefore, it is structurally separated from the patient support structure and is thus movable relative to the patient support structure (either as a whole or only the gantry 2).

[0058] In some cases, the radiographic imaging device 1 and, more specifically, the control unit may include an acquisition database associated with each radiographic acquisition and point / angle (or rather coordinate) where the radiographic acquisition was performed. In particular, the acquisition database associates each point (appropriately constructed based on one or more acquisitions) of the radiographic image with at least one virtual coordinate that identifies the location of the point in the image, or rather with respect to the scanning zone 2d, particularly the portion being analyzed. The at least one virtual coordinate may include the angular position (or rather angle) of the rotor 23 with respect to the stator 24. Finally, the device 1 may include one or more medical instruments.

[0059] It should be noted that the radiographic imaging device 1 may be equipped with an encoder or other means for measuring one or more, preferably all, of the movements (rotations and / or translations) performed by it, making it possible to associate each point in the radiographic image with a point in space relative to the same device. The device 1, in particular the control unit, is conveniently configured, due to the acquired database and / or the measurement means, to associate each virtual coordinate of a point in the radiographic image with an actual coordinate (relative to an absolute reference and / or the device), thereby identifying the position of the point relative to the device.

[0060] The operation of the radiographic imaging device 1, which was previously described from a structural standpoint, is as follows. This operation defines a new acquisition procedure 100 that enables radiographic imaging by the radiographic imaging device 1, which is described below. The radiographic imaging acquisition procedure 100 is controllable and therefore can be executed by the control unit, preferably automatically and / or in response to at least one command given by the operator. The acquisition procedure 100 is represented in Figure 6. The acquisition procedure 100 can be performed when the portion to be analyzed or at least a part thereof is in the scanning zone 2d.

[0061] The acquisition procedure 100 may include a placement phase 110 for positioning the device. In phase 110, the radiographic imaging device 1, having stoppers 35 and 36 in a transport configuration, is operated in response to the environment in which acquisition occurs due to the drive means 33 and 34 and the transmission device 5. This operation can be performed automatically (and therefore controlled by the control unit) and / or manually (and therefore controlled by the operator). Once the desired position is reached, the placement phase 110 is terminated by converting the radiographic imaging device 1 to a non-transport configuration, or rather by bringing the stoppers 35 and 36 into contact with the support surface 1b, preferably exclusively.

[0062] The acquisition procedure 100 may include a radiation acquisition parameter selection phase 120. This phase may be controlled by an operator via the interface.

[0063] The acquisition procedure 100 may include a centering phase 130 of device 1 with respect to the scanning zone 2d, particularly the portion to be analyzed. This operation can be performed, for example, using at least one of the pointing device of source 21, the projector 222 of detector 22, and radiation acquisition, such as lateral, and preferably of the type of fluoroscopy. In some cases, the centering phase 130 can be performed by utilizing an optical reference 2e with respect to the scanning zone 2d, particularly the portion to be analyzed. In this case, source 21, detector 22, and optical pointer 25 are moved (appropriately by translating along the translation axis 4a and / or rotating around the translation axis 4a and / or they can rotate with respect to the rotation axis 2c) to position the optical reference 2e corresponding to the scanning zone 2d, particularly the portion to be analyzed. In this case, the acquisition procedure 100 may include a rotation phase 140, in which the rotor 23 rotates by an angle equal to the diffusion angle between the acquisition axis 2a and the pointing axis 2f, so that in the centering phase 130 the acquisition axis 2a is substantially parallel to the pointing axis 2f. More specifically, at the end of phase 140, the acquisition axis 2a is substantially in the position of the pointing axis 2f at the end of the centering phase 130.

[0064] After centering, the acquisition procedure 100 may include at least an acquisition phase 150 of the radiographic image. The acquisition phase 150 may include at least one scanning subphase 151 in which the source 21 emits an acquisition beam that intersects the portion to be analyzed and is therefore detected by the detector 22 to obtain a radiographic acquisition. In the acquisition subphase 151, the rotor 23 can rotate appropriately around the scanning zone 2d by the acquisition angle to move the source 21 and the detector 22 simultaneously around the portion to be analyzed.

[0065] Conveniently, in each acquisition subphase 151, each acquisition can be defined in the acquisition database as being associated with the point / angle at which the radiation acquisition is performed. The number of scanning subphases 151, or rather the radiation acquisition, identifies a stack number. This is proportional to a appropriately rounded ratio between the scan length (or rather the length of the portion analyzed along the translation axis 4a) and the effective length (or rather the length of the highly sensitive surface of the detector 22 along the translation axis 4a). The effective length can be stored in the control unit. The acquisition length can be defined by the operator via this interface.

[0066] In detail, the acquisition phase 150 may include only one scanning subphase 151 if the effective length is substantially less than the acquisition length, and more specifically, substantially shorter. In this case, device 1 performs single-stack acquisition. Alternatively, the acquisition phase 150 may include multiple scanning subphases 151 if the effective length is substantially longer than the acquisition length. In this case, device 1 performs multi-stack radiation acquisition. In this case, phase 150 may appropriately include at least one translational subphase 152 in which at least one guide 4 translates the gantry 2 along the translation axis 4a. This translation of the gantry 2 can be less than the effective length. Each translational subphase 152 is sandwiched between two uninterrupted scanning subphases 151. Note that in the acquisition phase 150, and more specifically in each scanning subphase 151, optical acquisition of at least a portion, and more specifically, the entire portion, of the area being analyzed may be performed. In particular, the acquirer 29 can rotate around the rotation axis 2c by performing this optical acquisition.

[0067] At the end of the acquisition phase 150, the acquisition procedure 100 may include a reconstruction phase 160, where the radiographic image is reconstructed based on one or more radiographic acquisitions performed in the acquisition phase 150; and a video display phase 170 of the radiographic image via the interface, appropriately. Phases 160 and 170 are known in themselves. The acquisition procedure 100 may include a planning phase 180, where the ideal position of the medical instrument 1c is appropriately determined with respect to the scanning zone 2d, particularly the portion to be analyzed, and the light pointer 25, and therefore the reference 2e, is moved according to the ideal position. The ideal position of the medical instrument 1c identifies the point and preferably direction that the medical instrument 1c should ideally assume with respect to the radiographic image (and therefore to the patient) before the commencement of the intervention. Thus, it can only identify the position of the medical instrument 1c with respect to the patient, not the method of inserting it into the patient's body and / or performing the action itself. The ideal positioning includes a set of coordinates. More specifically, it includes a first set of coordinates (hereinafter referred to as the ideal target) that defines the point in the radiographic image where the medical instrument 1c, in particular its functional end 1d, is positioned; and a second set of coordinates (hereinafter referred to as the ideal inclination) that defines the inclination / direction of the medical instrument 1c when its functional end 1d is on the ideal target. The ideal target is substantially outside the patient, more specifically on the patient's skin or other visible surface, or rather in the surrounding sector. The planning phase 180 may follow the reconstruction phase 160, more specifically the video display phase 170. It may also precede and / or coincide with the video display phase 170. The ideal position identifies the position where the instrument 1c must begin and then perform its action precisely. The planning phase 180 determines the ideal contact position of the medical instrument 1c with the patient before performing its action.

[0068] The planning phase 180 may include a selection subphase 181 in which the ideal position of the medical device 1c is determined by identifying at least an ideal target and an ideal inclination on the radiographic image, and a pointing subphase 182 of the optical pointer 25 and thus the optical reference 2e. The radiographic image can therefore be defined in detail, including the intervention target and intervention trajectory, in addition to preferably the re-creation of the graphic of at least the target sector. Thus, in the selection subphase 181, the intervention target and intervention trajectory can be selected on the radiographic image. This selection may be automatic, or rather, performed solely by the control unit according to input given, for example, by an operator, or it may be performed manually, or rather by an operator who selects the intervention target and insertion trajectory on the radiographic image. The intervention target identifies a point on the radiographic image, while the intervention trajectory identifies the direction along which to move / insert and then position the medical device 1c. In this regard, the ideal position of the medical device 1c is appropriately determined by the control unit alone as a function of the intervention target trajectory.

[0069] The ideal target depends on the intervention objective and, in some cases, the intervention trajectory. Specifically, if the intervention objective is a point in the peripheral sector of the radiographic image (e.g., a point on the patient's skin), then the intervention objective is the ideal target. Alternatively, if the target is a point within the target sector of the radiographic image (and therefore a point inside the patient's body, such as an organ or bone), then the ideal target is identified as the intersection of the peripheral sector and the intervention trajectory at that target. The ideal slope can be a function of the intervention trajectory. In particular, it is substantially parallel to the insertion trajectory and preferably roughly coincides with it.

[0070] Once an ideal position is identified, a pointing subphase 182 occurs, and the gantry 2 can move the optical pointer 25 by positioning a pointing axis 2f incident on the ideal target, and therefore an optical reference 2e corresponding to the ideal target. In the pointing subphase 182, the optical pointer 25 is moved by rotating the rotor 23 around the rotation axis 2c and / or by translating the gantry 2 along the translation axis 4a, so that it has an optical reference 2e corresponding to the ideal target of the selection subphase 181. Note how this operation, and any other operation if not specified, is possible as a result of relating each virtual coordinate of a point in the radiographic image to its actual coordinate, and therefore the virtual coordinate of the ideal target to the actual coordinate of the same ideal target, and the virtual coordinate of the ideal inclination to the actual coordinate of the same ideal inclination.

[0071] The acquisition procedure 100 may include an orientation phase 190 of the medical instrument 1c with respect to the scanning zone 2d, particularly the portion to be analyzed. The orientation phase 190 may follow the planning phase 180, and more specifically, the pointing subphase 182. This may be before and / or simultaneously with the video display phase 170. In the orientation phase 190, the control unit compares the actual position of the medical instrument 1c, or rather the position obtained by optical acquisition, with respect to an ideal position, and more specifically, with respect to an ideal target and an ideal inclination.

[0072] The orientation phase 190 may include a positioning subphase 191 of the medical instrument 1c in the scanning zone 2d (in particular, in contact with the portion to be analyzed), preferably appropriately corresponding to, and more specifically in contact with, the optical reference 2e having an adjacent functional end 1d. The positioning subphase 191, and therefore the orientation phase 190, can provide only the positioning of the medical instrument 1c. The insertion of the medical instrument 1c and / or the performance of intervention can therefore be excluded from these.

[0073] The orientation phase 190 may include an imaging subphase 192 in which optical acquisition of the position of the instrument 1c, and preferably the optical reference 2e, is performed. In the imaging subphase 192, the acquirer 29 engages the medical instrument 1c (in detail, at least the functional end 1d), and preferably the optical reference 2e. The imaging subphase 192 can be performed when, as a result of optical acquisition, the functional end 1d is identified in correspondence with the optical reference 2e.

[0074] The orientation phase 190 may include a verification subphase 193 in which the actual position of the medical instrument 1c is determined and then checked to see if it is in an ideal position with respect to the scanning zone 2d, particularly the part being analyzed and / or the optical reference 2e. In the verification subphase 193, the actual positioning of the medical instrument 1c is determined as a function of the optical acquisition performed in subphase 192 (or preferably the tool database), and therefore the actual position is compared to the ideal position, and therefore the ideal inclination and ideal target. The actual position may be a function of the optical acquisition of the medical instrument 1c, preferably the optical reference 2e, and in some cases the instrument database. In this subphase 193, the control unit identifies the actual position by defining the actual target, preferably the actual inclination, and preferably the absolute and / or specific standard of the device, with respect to the scanning zone 2d, particularly the part being analyzed (in detail the optical reference 2e). The actual target identifies the point where the medical instrument 1c actually identifies with respect to the scanning zone 2d, particularly the part being analyzed (particularly the functional end 1d).

[0075] The orientation phase 190 may include a signaling subphase 194, for example via interface 7, whether or not the medical device 1c is substantially in the ideal position. In detail, the control unit compares the actual position to the ideal one. If the difference between these positions is substantially lower than an acceptable threshold in the signaling subphase 194, the control unit signals the accuracy of the position of the medical device 1c.

[0076] As anticipated above, it is noted that phases 190, 180, and / or 170 (specifically 150 and 160) can be performed simultaneously to allow the operator to track the movement of medical device 1c.

[0077] The radiographic imaging device 1 and procedure 100 according to the invention achieve significant advantages. In fact, the radiographic imaging device 1 and procedure 100 produce particularly rapid and precise targeting in use, and especially due to the specific position of the optical pointer 25. Another significant advantage is represented by the fact that the radiographic imaging device 1 and procedure 100 enable the performance of a wide range of radiographic acquisitions, due, among other things, to the presence of a connector 26 that allows the use of an additional power source 27. Another advantage is that the radiographic imaging device 1 has a relatively simple structure compared to known radiographic imaging devices, and therefore has low purchase and maintenance costs, and is easy to manufacture and use.

[0078] A non-secondary advantage is that the guide 4, specifically provided by the specific structure 3, allows the gantry 2 to translate, and thus perform multi-stack radiation acquisition without operator interference. In fact, the guide 4 is located outside the scanning zone 2d, specifically the vertical projection of the gantry, and it defines a free access area that allows the patient to easily position themselves near the scanning zone 2d and enables the gantry to move along the translation axis 4a without interfering with the patient themselves and / or components of the device 1.

[0079] The access area substantially identifies a free space (i.e., not occupied by device 1) in which a patient (appropriately supported by a table or other radiation support) can be positioned between radiation acquisitions. The access area may be, for example, the space defined by the horizontal projection of the gantry 2 due to the positions of columns 31 and 32 with respect to the gantry 2 itself.

[0080] In this document, "projection" is defined as an orthogonal projection, and then as a space / region demarcated by a projection of a point / region / volume along a line perpendicular to a given plane. Thus, for example, the vertical projection of scanning zone 2d identifies the space enclosed by the projection of scanning zone 2d along a line substantially perpendicular to the support surface 1b when device 1 is stationary on the support surface 1b. Similarly, for example, the horizontal projection of gantry 2 identifies the space enclosed by the projection of scanning zone 2d, preferably gantry 2, along a line substantially parallel to the support surface 1b when device 1 is stationary on the support surface 1b.

[0081] Furthermore, the use of a specific guide 4 and a support structure that allows the gantry 2 to be separated from the support surface 1b makes it possible to position, for example, a radiography table or other radiography support very close to the device 1. In particular, the space between the support surface 1b and the gantry 2 allows for the insertion of one of the radiography support supports between the support surface 1b and the gantry 2, enabling the practical juxtaposition of the support surface of the radiography support, in particular, with the patient positioned in the scanning zone 2d.

[0082] The invention may accept modifications that fall within the scope of the inventive concept as defined by the claims. For example, the detection unit 53 may include a hinge configured to allow the camera itself to rotate with respect to the device 1 (specifically the second column 32) by changing the inclination of the imaging axis 53a with respect to the longitudinal axis 1a and / or support surface 1b. The hinge may be motorized. This inclination variation may be controlled automatically (or rather from the control unit) and / or manually by an operator, for example, via an interface.

[0083] In another example, the additional discharge device 271 can be located near the rear of the gantry 2, and therefore on the opposite side of the source 21 with respect to the gantry itself, when the additional source 27 is connected to the connector 26.

[0084] In another example, in reconstruction phase 160, an optical image can be reconstructed based on one or more optical acquisitions performed in acquisition phase 150. Preferably, in reconstruction phase 160, a composite image of the optical image and a radiographic image can be reconstructed. The composite image can be identified by the image, for example, three-dimensionally, the optical image represents the outline, and the radiographic image identifies the internal structure. The operator may then decide whether to display the outline to identify the area of ​​interest (easily identifiable in the patient) and then display the internal structure below the area of ​​interest.

[0085] Note that in video display phase 170, medical device 1c may be exposed to optical and / or composite images as appropriate. The association between optical and radiographic images can be made, for example, by utilizing an acquisition database, particularly the association between each single radiographic acquisition and the point / corner where the acquisition was made. Optical images, especially composite images, may be used in planning phase 180. In this case, in planning phase 180, the operator can select a target for the outline.

[0086] In some cases, the medical device 1c may include one or more additional optical references 1e (e.g., color blocks) that can be acquired by the acquirer 29 to perform identification of its position and / or orientation. Preferably, one or more additional optical references 1e are available distally from each other, particularly from optical reference 2e (more specifically from the functional end 1d of the device). In this case, during the orientation phase 190 (more specifically in the imaging subphase 192), the acquirer 29 also acquires one or more additional optical references 1e. Thus, during the verification subphase 193, the actual position of the medical device 1c with respect to the scanning zone 2d is also determined as a function of one or more additional optical references 1e.

[0087] It should be noted that one or more of the aforementioned examples can be simultaneously provided in the radiographic imaging device 1 and / or integrated with any of the features of the device 1 described above. In this context, all details can be replaced with equivalent elements or materials, and the shape and dimensions can be any of them.

[0088] The following items may be included in the claims: [Item 1] A radiographic imaging device configured to be placed on a support surface and having a longitudinal axis defined: A gantry configured to perform radiation acquisition on at least a portion of the patient being analyzed, A source configured to define the acquisition beam and acquisition axis; A detector configured to be etched by the acquired beam after passing through the portion to be analyzed; A rotor that supports the supply source and the detector and defines a scanning zone in which at least the portion to be analyzed is available; A stator that supports the rotor and is configured to rotate the rotor around the scanning zone, which defines an axis of rotation that is not substantially perpendicular to the support surface; A gantry with A support structure for the gantry, which rests on the support surface; At least one guide that defines the translation axis of the gantry with respect to the support structure which is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation; It is equipped with, and The guide is located outside the vertical projection of the scanning zone, defines an access area to the scanning zone, through which the patient can position themselves near the scanning zone, and is characterized by enabling the gantry to translate along the translation axis by performing multi-stack radiation acquisition. Radiation-based imaging device. [Item 2] The aforementioned support structure is The first column and the second column are located on both sides of the gantry. Having; The aforementioned at least one guide is A first guide for connecting the first column to the gantry, and a second guide for connecting the second column to the gantry. Having; The aforementioned guide is motorized and operates synchronously. The radiographic imaging device described in item 1. [Item 3] A guide device configured to control the movement of the radiographic imaging device along the support surface, and a transmission device for the radiographic imaging device. Equipped with; The aforementioned transmission device is A shooting block that defines a shooting axis that is appropriately and substantially transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis, Control means for displacing the radiographic imaging device along the support surface, and A screen configured to display the image taken from the aforementioned shooting block. Having; The shooting block is integrated with the second column, and the control means and the screen are integrated with the first column. Radiation imaging devices as described in item 2. [Item 4] A radiation-type imaging device, A gantry configured to perform radioactive acquisition on at least a portion of the patient being analyzed, A source configured to define the acquisition beam and acquisition axis; A detector configured to be etched by the acquired beam after passing through the portion to be analyzed; A rotor that supports the supply source and the detector and defines a scanning zone in which at least the portion to be analyzed is available; A stator that supports the rotor and is configured to rotate the rotor around the scanning zone A handsome gantry Equipped with; The aforementioned gantry is By having an optical pointer integrated with the rotor, configured to project an optical reference along a pointing axis that is inclined with respect to the acquisition axis of the diffusion angle; and X-ray image acquisition device controller, A centering phase in which at least the supply source, the detector, and the optical pointer are moved to position the optical reference in the portion being analyzed; and The rotor, when in the centering phase, rotates by an angle equal to the diffusion angle that positions the acquisition axis substantially parallel to the pointing axis during the rotation phase. X-ray imaging device controller configured to drive the device Characterized by having, Radiation-based imaging device. [Item 5] The radiation imaging device according to item 4, wherein the pointing axis and the acquisition axis are substantially coplanar; the stator defines the axis of rotation of the rotor; and the pointing axis and the acquisition axis substantially enter the axis of rotation at a single point. [Item 6] The radiographic imaging device according to item 4 or 5, wherein the light pointer is angularly separated from the detector by an angle equal to at least 120°; and the projector is configured to project an optical marker onto the portion to be analyzed, enabling an operator to verify accurate aiming with respect to the portion to be analyzed by using the projector or the light pointer as an alternative to the detector. [Item 7] An acquisition procedure comprising a radiographic imaging device, wherein the radiographic imaging device is: A gantry configured to perform radioactive acquisition on at least a portion of the patient being analyzed, A source configured to define the acquisition beam and acquisition axis; A detector configured to be etched by the acquired beam after passing through the portion to be analyzed; A rotor that supports the supply source and the detector and defines a scanning zone in which at least the portion to be analyzed is available; A stator that supports the rotor and is configured to rotate the rotor around the scanning zone Gantry Having; The aforementioned gantry is An optical pointer integrated with the rotor, configured to project an optical reference along a pointing axis that is inclined with respect to the acquisition axis of the diffusion angle. Including; Furthermore, the acquisition procedure is as follows: A centering phase in which at least the supply source, the detector, and the optical pointer are moved to position the optical reference in the portion being analyzed; A rotation phase in which the rotor rotates by an angle equal to the diffusion angle, so that the acquisition axis is substantially parallel to the pointing axis when the rotor is in the centering phase; and Acquisition phase of radiographic images of at least the portion to be analyzed A radiographic imaging device characterized by having Acquisition procedure, which includes the following. [Item 8] A radiographic imaging device: A source configured to define the acquisition beam and acquisition axis; A detector configured to be etched by the acquired beam after passing through the portion to be analyzed; Support for the aforementioned supply source and the aforementioned detector; Power supply for the aforementioned radiation imaging device; at least the control unit of the supply source and the detector Equipped with; Connector for additional power source Equipped with; The connector is characterized by being connected to the power supply so that the power supply can supply power to the additional power source, and to the control unit so that the control unit can control the additional power source. Radiation-based imaging device. [Item 9] Gantry having the aforementioned support Equipped with; The aforementioned support is A rotor that supports the supply source and the detector and defines the scanning zone, and A stator that supports the rotor and is configured to rotate the rotor around the scanning zone. Having; The connector is integrated with the stator. Radiation imaging devices as described in item 8. [Item 10] The radiographic imaging device according to item 9, wherein the gantry has a front and a rear opposite to the front; the source and the detector are constrained to the rotor at the front, and the connector is constrained to the stator at the rear. [Item 11] The radiographic imaging device according to any one of items 8 to 10, wherein the connector is configured to be secured to the additional supply source in a disassemblable manner. [Item 12] A radiographic imaging device configured to be placed on a support surface and having a longitudinal axis defined: A gantry configured to perform radioactive acquisition on at least a portion of the patient being analyzed, A source configured to define the acquisition beam and acquisition axis; A detector configured to be etched by the acquired beam after passing through the portion to be analyzed; It has a gantry Equipped with, The support structure of the gantry is placed on the support surface; the support structure is A first column and a second column, positioned on either side of the aforementioned gantry; Driving means for the radiographic imaging device on the support surface, including a first driving means associated with the first column and a second driving means associated with the second column. This includes, and At least one guide that defines the translation axis of the gantry with respect to the support structure including; and The at least one guide is characterized by including a first guide sandwiched between the first column and the gantry, and thus constraining the first column to the gantry, and a second guide sandwiched between the second column and the gantry, and thus constraining the second column to the gantry. Radiation-based imaging device. [Item 13] A transmission device configured to control the movement of the radiographic imaging device along the support surface. Equipped with; The aforementioned transmission device is A shooting block that defines a shooting axis that intersects the aforementioned longitudinal axis, Control means for movement on the support surface of the radiographic imaging device; and A screen configured to display the image taken from the aforementioned shooting block. Having; The shooting block is integrated with the second column, and the control means and the screen are integrated with the first column. A radiographic imaging device as described in item 12. [Item 14] A radiographic imaging device that defines the longitudinal axis: Control unit for the operation of the aforementioned radiation imaging device A gantry configured to perform radioactive acquisition on at least a portion of the patient being analyzed, A source configured to define the acquisition beam and acquisition axis; A detector configured to etch the portion to be analyzed after it has passed through, by at least acquiring a radiographic image; It has a gantry Equipped with; The aforementioned gantry is A light pointer configured to project an optical reference along the pointing axis; An acquirer configured to perform optical acquisition of at least the optical reference and a medical device positioned in correspondence with the optical reference; It has, The control unit is characterized by determining the actual position of the medical device based at least on the optical reference and the optical acquisition of the medical device. Radiation-based imaging device. [Item 15] The radiographic imaging device according to item 14, wherein the gantry comprises a rotor that supports the source, the detector, the optical pointer, and the acquirer and defines a scanning zone, and at least the portion to be analyzed and a stator that supports the rotor and is configured to rotate the rotor around the scanning zone are available. [Item 16] The radiographic imaging device according to item 14 or 15, wherein the acquisition is configured to perform optical acquisition along an axis substantially parallel to the pointing axis. [Item 17] An acquisition procedure comprising a radiographic imaging device, wherein the radiographic imaging device is: A gantry configured to perform radioactive acquisition on at least a portion of the patient being analyzed, A source configured to define the acquisition beam and acquisition axis; A detector configured to be etched by the acquired beam after passing through the portion to be analyzed; Gantry It has, The aforementioned gantry is A rotor-integrated optical pointer configured to project an optical reference along a pointing axis inclined with respect to the acquisition axis of the diffusion angle; and Acquirer configured to perform optical acquisition Including; Furthermore, the acquisition procedure is as follows: A centering phase in which at least the supply source, the detector, and the optical pointer are moved to position the optical reference in the portion being analyzed; A rotation phase in which the rotor rotates by an angle equal to the diffusion angle that positions the acquisition axis substantially parallel to the pointing axis when it is in the centering phase; and The acquiring unit performs optical acquisition of the medical device positioned in accordance with the optical reference, and the control unit determines the actual position of the medical device, at least based on the optical acquisition of the medical device, in the medical device orientation phase. A radiographic imaging device characterized by the fact that it has Acquisition procedure, which includes the following. [Item 18] At least the phase of acquiring radiographic images, and Planning phase for the ideal position of medical instruments in the aforementioned radiographic image Equipped with, The aforementioned orientation phase is A photographic subphase in which the actual position of the medical device is restored, and The aforementioned position is the position of the medical device compared to the actual position of the medical device, verification subphase The acquisition procedure described in item 17, which includes the following: [Item 19] A radiographic imaging device configured to define a longitudinal axis and acquire a radiographic image including a target sector representing the portion of a patient to be analyzed, and surrounding sectors of the target sector, wherein the radiographic imaging device is: A gantry configured to acquire radiation from at least a portion of the patient to be analyzed, A source configured to define the acquisition beam and acquisition axis; A detector configured to obtain at least one radiation acquisition when it is etched by the acquired beam after passing through the portion to be analyzed; A rotor supporting at least the supply source and the detector; A stator configured to support the rotor and determine its axis of rotation, and to rotate the rotor; A gantry with a gantry; A control unit for the operation of the radiographic imaging device, configured to define the at least one radiographic image as a function of the at least one radiographic acquisition. Equipped with, The aforementioned gantry is An optical pointer, integrated with the rotor and configured to project an optical reference along the pointing axis; An acquirer, integrated with the rotor, configured to perform optical acquisition of at least the optical reference and a medical device positioned corresponding to the optical reference. Having; and The intervention target and intervention trajectory are identified in the radiographic image; the command unit determines the ideal tilt of the medical device, at least according to the intervention trajectory, the ideal target on the surrounding sector according to at least the intervention purpose, the ideal tilt, and the ideal target, and determines the ideal position of the medical device; the command unit instructs the optical pointer to position the optical reference corresponding to the ideal target by rotating the rotor around the axis of rotation, and the command unit instructs the acquirer to perform an optical acquisition of the medical device positioned corresponding to the optical reference that determines the actual position of the medical device, and thus compares the actual position of the medical device in the optical acquisition with respect to the ideal position. A radiographic imaging device characterized by the fact that... [Item 20] An acquisition procedure comprising the use of a radiographic imaging device configured to acquire a radiographic image including a target sector representing the portion of a patient to be analyzed, and surrounding sectors of the target sector; The aforementioned radiographic imaging device is: A gantry configured to acquire radiation from at least a portion of the patient to be analyzed, A source configured to define the acquisition beam and acquisition axis; A detector configured to be etched by the acquired beam after passing through the portion to be analyzed; Gantry Having; The aforementioned gantry is An optical pointer, integrated with the rotor and configured to project an optical reference along a pointing axis inclined with respect to the acquisition axis of the diffusion angle; and An acquirer configured to perform optical acquisition of at least the optical reference and a medical device positioned in correspondence with the optical reference. Including; Furthermore, the acquisition procedure is as follows: At least the phase of acquiring a radiographic image of the portion being analyzed; A selection subphase in which the intervention target and intervention trajectory are identified in the radiographic image, and the command unit and the medical device are configured to determine an ideal inclination at least according to the intervention trajectory and an ideal target at least according to the intervention objective on the surrounding sector; the ideal inclination and the ideal target determine the ideal position of the medical device; and By rotating the rotor around the axis of rotation, the optical pointer moves in a pointing subphase, causing the pointing axis to be incident on the ideal target and thus positioning the optical reference in accordance with the ideal target. A subphase of imaging in which optical acquisition of the medical device positioned in accordance with the optical reference is performed; and A verification subphase in which the actual position of the medical device is determined as a function of the optical acquisition, and the actual position of the medical device is compared with the ideal position of the medical device. An acquisition procedure characterized by the fact that it includes [a certain feature]. [Item 21] A device database that associates the external shape of each of the aforementioned medical devices; and In this, the actual position of the medical device is determined as a function of the external shape of the medical device in the imaging subphase. The acquisition procedure described in item 20, which includes the following: [Item 22] The acquisition procedure described in item 20 or 21, wherein the medical device comprises at least one additional optical reference that can be acquired from the acquirer, the optical acquisition of the additional optical reference is performed in the imaging subphase; and in the verification subphase, the actual position of the medical device is defined as a function of the additional optical reference.

Claims

1. A radiation-type imaging device, A gantry configured to perform radioactive acquisition on at least a portion of the patient being analyzed, A source configured to define the acquisition beam and acquisition axis; A detector configured to be etched by the acquired beam after passing through the portion to be analyzed; A rotor that supports the supply source and the detector and defines a scanning zone in which at least the portion to be analyzed is available; A stator that supports the rotor and is configured to rotate the rotor around the scanning zone A handsome gantry Equipped with; The aforementioned gantry is By having an optical pointer integrated with the rotor, configured to project an optical reference along a pointing axis that is inclined with respect to the acquisition axis of the diffusion angle; and X-ray image acquisition device controller, A centering phase in which at least the supply source, the detector, and the optical pointer are moved to position the optical reference in the portion being analyzed; and The rotor, when in the centering phase, rotates by an angle equal to the diffusion angle that positions the acquisition axis substantially parallel to the pointing axis during the rotation phase. X-ray imaging device controller configured to drive the device Characterized by having, Radiation-based imaging device.

2. The radiation imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the pointing axis and the acquisition axis are substantially coplanar; the stator defines the axis of rotation of the rotor; and the pointing axis and the acquisition axis substantially enter the axis of rotation at a single point.

3. The radiographic imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light pointer is angularly separated from the detector by an angle equal to at least 120°; and the projector is configured to project an optical marker onto the portion to be analyzed, so that the detector may use the projector or the light pointer as an alternative, enabling an operator to verify accurate aiming with respect to the portion to be analyzed.

4. An acquisition procedure comprising a radiographic imaging device, wherein the radiographic imaging device is: A gantry configured to perform radioactive acquisition on at least a portion of the patient being analyzed, A source configured to define the acquisition beam and acquisition axis; A detector configured to be etched by the acquired beam after passing through the portion to be analyzed; A rotor that supports the supply source and the detector and defines a scanning zone in which at least the portion to be analyzed is available; A stator that supports the rotor and is configured to rotate the rotor around the scanning zone Gantry Having; The aforementioned gantry is An optical pointer integrated with the rotor, configured to project an optical reference along a pointing axis that is inclined with respect to the acquisition axis of the diffusion angle. Including; Furthermore, the acquisition procedure is as follows: A centering phase in which at least the supply source, the detector, and the optical pointer are moved to position the optical reference in the portion being analyzed; A rotation phase in which the rotor rotates by an angle equal to the diffusion angle, so that the acquisition axis is substantially parallel to the pointing axis when the rotor is in the centering phase; and Acquisition phase of radiographic images of at least the portion to be analyzed A radiographic imaging device characterized by having Acquisition procedure, which includes the following.

5. A radiographic imaging device: A source configured to define the acquisition beam and acquisition axis; A detector configured to be etched by the acquired beam after passing through the portion to be analyzed; Support for the aforementioned supply source and the aforementioned detector; Power supply for the aforementioned radiation imaging device; at least the control unit of the supply source and the detector Equipped with; Connector for additional power source Equipped with; The connector is characterized by being connected to the power supply so that the power supply can supply power to the additional power source, and to the control unit so that the control unit can control the additional power source. Radiation-based imaging device.

6. Gantry having the aforementioned support Equipped with; The aforementioned support is A rotor that supports the supply source and the detector and defines the scanning zone, and A stator that supports the rotor and is configured to rotate the rotor around the scanning zone. Having; The connector is integrated with the stator. The radiation imaging device according to claim 5.

7. The radiation imaging device according to claim 6, wherein the gantry has a front surface and a rear surface opposite to the front surface; the supply source and the detector are constrained to the rotor at the front surface and the connector is constrained to the stator at the rear surface.

8. The radiographic imaging device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the connector is configured to be constrained to the additional supply source in a disassemblable manner.

9. A radiographic imaging device configured to be placed on a support surface and having a longitudinal axis defined: A gantry configured to perform radioactive acquisition on at least a portion of the patient being analyzed, A source configured to define the acquisition beam and acquisition axis; A detector configured to be etched by the acquired beam after passing through the portion to be analyzed; It has a gantry Equipped with, A support structure for the gantry that rests on the support surface; the support structure is A first column and a second column are located on either side of the gantry; Driving means for the radiation imaging device on the support surface, including a first driving means associated with the first column and a second driving means associated with the second column. This includes, and At least one guide that defines the translation axis of the gantry with respect to the support structure Including; and The at least one guide is characterized by including a first guide sandwiched between the first column and the gantry, and thus constraining the first column to the gantry, and a second guide sandwiched between the second column and the gantry, and thus constraining the second column to the gantry. Radiation-based imaging device.

10. A transmission device configured to control the movement of the radiographic imaging device along the support surface. Equipped with; The aforementioned transmission device is A shooting block that defines a shooting axis that intersects the aforementioned longitudinal axis, Control means for movement on the support surface of the radiographic imaging device; and A screen configured to display the image taken from the aforementioned shooting block. Having; The shooting block is integrated with the second column, and the control means and the screen are integrated with the first column. The radiation-type imaging device according to claim 9.

11. A radiographic imaging device that defines the longitudinal axis: Control unit for the operation of the aforementioned radiation imaging device A gantry configured to perform radioactive acquisition on at least a portion of the patient being analyzed, A source configured to define the acquisition beam and acquisition axis; A detector configured to etch the portion to be analyzed after it has passed through, by at least acquiring a radiographic image; It has a gantry Equipped with; The aforementioned gantry is A light pointer configured to project an optical reference along the pointing axis; An acquirer configured to perform optical acquisition of at least the optical reference and a medical device positioned in correspondence with the optical reference; It has, The control unit is characterized by determining the actual position of the medical device based at least on the optical reference and the optical acquisition of the medical device. Radiation-based imaging device.

12. The radiographic imaging device according to claim 11, wherein the gantry comprises a rotor that supports the source, the detector, the optical pointer, and the acquirer and defines a scanning zone, and a stator is available that supports at least the portion to be analyzed and is configured to rotate the rotor around the scanning zone.

13. The radiographic imaging device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the acquisition is configured to perform optical acquisition along an axis substantially parallel to the pointing axis.

14. An acquisition procedure comprising a radiographic imaging device, wherein the radiographic imaging device is: A gantry configured to perform radioactive acquisition on at least a portion of the patient being analyzed, A source configured to define the acquisition beam and acquisition axis; A detector configured to be etched by the acquired beam after passing through the portion to be analyzed; Gantry It has, The aforementioned gantry is A rotor-integrated optical pointer configured to project an optical reference along a pointing axis inclined with respect to the acquisition axis of the diffusion angle; and Acquirer configured to perform optical acquisition Including; Furthermore, the acquisition procedure is as follows: A centering phase in which at least the supply source, the detector, and the optical pointer are moved to position the optical reference in the portion being analyzed; A rotation phase in which the rotor rotates by an angle equal to the diffusion angle that positions the acquisition axis substantially parallel to the pointing axis when it is in the centering phase; and The acquiring unit performs optical acquisition of the medical device positioned in accordance with the optical reference, and the control unit determines the actual position of the medical device, at least based on the optical acquisition of the medical device, in the medical device orientation phase. A radiographic imaging device characterized by the fact that it has Acquisition procedure, which includes the following.

15. At least the phase of acquiring radiographic images, and Planning phase for the ideal position of medical instruments in the aforementioned radiographic image Equipped with, The aforementioned orientation phase is A photographic subphase in which the actual position of the medical device is restored, and The aforementioned position is the position of the medical device compared to the actual position of the medical device, verification subphase The acquisition procedure according to claim 14, comprising:

16. A radiographic imaging device configured to define a longitudinal axis and acquire a radiographic image including a target sector representing the portion of a patient to be analyzed, and surrounding sectors of the target sector, wherein the radiographic imaging device is: A gantry configured to acquire radiation from at least a portion of the patient to be analyzed, A source configured to define the acquisition beam and acquisition axis; A detector configured to obtain at least one radiation acquisition when it is etched by the acquired beam after passing through the portion to be analyzed; A rotor supporting at least the supply source and the detector; A stator configured to support the rotor and determine the axis of rotation, and to rotate the rotor; A powerful gantry; A control unit for the operation of the radiographic imaging device, configured to define the at least one radiographic image as a function of the at least one radiographic acquisition. Equipped with, The aforementioned gantry is An optical pointer, integrated with the rotor and configured to project an optical reference along the pointing axis; An acquirer, integrated with the rotor, configured to perform optical acquisition of at least the optical reference and a medical device positioned corresponding to the optical reference. Having; and The intervention target and intervention trajectory are identified in the radiographic image; the command unit determines the ideal tilt of the medical device, at least according to the intervention trajectory, the ideal target on the surrounding sector according to at least the intervention purpose, the ideal tilt, and the ideal target, and determines the ideal position of the medical device; the command unit commands the optical pointer to position the optical reference corresponding to the ideal target by rotating the rotor around the axis of rotation, and commands the acquirer to perform an optical acquisition of the medical device positioned corresponding to the optical reference that determines the actual position of the medical device, and thus compares the actual position of the medical device in the optical acquisition with respect to the ideal position. A radiographic imaging device characterized by the fact that...

17. An acquisition procedure comprising the use of a radiographic imaging device configured to acquire a radiographic image including a target sector representing the portion of a patient to be analyzed, and surrounding sectors of the target sector; The aforementioned radiographic imaging device is: A gantry configured to acquire radiation from at least a portion of the patient to be analyzed, A source configured to define the acquisition beam and acquisition axis; A detector configured to be etched by the acquired beam after passing through the portion to be analyzed; Gantry Having; The aforementioned gantry is An optical pointer, which is integrated with the rotor and configured to project an optical reference along a pointing axis that is inclined with respect to the acquisition axis of the diffusion angle; and An acquirer configured to perform optical acquisition of at least the optical reference and a medical device positioned in correspondence with the optical reference. Including; Furthermore, the acquisition procedure is as follows: At least the acquisition phase of a radiographic image of the portion to be analyzed; A selection subphase in which the intervention target and intervention trajectory are identified in the radiographic image, and an ideal tilt and an ideal target are determined for the command unit and the medical device, at least according to the intervention trajectory and at least according to the intervention objective on the surrounding sector; and the selection subphase in which the ideal tilt and the ideal target determine the ideal position of the medical device; and By rotating the rotor around the axis of rotation, the optical pointer moves in a pointing subphase, causing the pointing axis to be incident on the ideal target and thus positioning the optical reference in accordance with the ideal target. A imaging subphase in which optical acquisition of the medical device positioned in accordance with the optical reference is performed; and A verification subphase in which the actual position of the medical device is determined as a function of the optical acquisition, and the actual position of the medical device is compared with the ideal position of the medical device. An acquisition procedure characterized by the fact that it includes [a certain feature].

18. A device database that associates the external shape of each of the aforementioned medical devices with the aforementioned medical devices; and In this, the actual position of the medical device is determined as a function of the external shape of the medical device in the imaging subphase. The acquisition procedure according to claim 17, comprising:

19. The acquisition procedure according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the medical device comprises at least one additional optical reference that can be acquired from the acquirer, the optical acquisition of the additional optical reference is performed in the imaging subphase; and in the verification subphase, the actual position of the medical device is defined as a function of the additional optical reference.

Images