Threaded table for integrating radiological imaging and medical equipment

Abstract

This invention addresses the aforementioned drawbacks and limitations of conventional X-ray tables and provides a structurally stronger table design without restricting the functionality of the table. The present invention also provides a device for reinforcing and strengthening existing tables. [Solution] An X-ray treatment table with improved structural strength to enable radiation shielding, an integrated medical device, and a monitoring system. This design allows for the integration of an integrated patient support structure, radiation shielding, and related devices, as well as conduits for medical care, in procedures using X-ray imaging diagnostics.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Related Application) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 734,190, filed on September 20, 2018, entitled "Thread Table for Integrated Radiation Imaging Diagnosis and Medical Devices", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background Art

[0002] When undergoing a medical procedure for radiographic imaging of the body, a patient generally lies horizontally on an X-ray transparent X-ray table 1 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The table is often made of carbon fiber and has a shape like a thin beam. The beam extends from a pedestal 2 fixed to the floor or ceiling. The patient lies horizontally on a foam pad placed independently on top of the table top. The pedestal often includes an electric system for adjusting the height and pitch of the table relative to the floor of the treatment room. Typically, the carbon fiber beam extends asymmetrically from the pedestal, like a diving board.

[0003] The shape like a diving board forms a lever, and the weight of the patient at the end of the diving board places a large load on the table. When an excessive load is applied, the table may bend or structurally break, leading to injury or death. Importantly, this table is subjected not only to the patient's weight but also to the load of any attached components and the load applied during procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation. As a result, weight limits are provided for the X-ray table, and these weight limits restrict the addition of other devices to the table. Consequently, there are multiple devices in the X-ray room with cables hanging within the sterile treatment area, near the table, on the floor mount. This results in safety and infection risks, and since the floor-mounted devices do not move in synchronization with the movement of the table, the workflow and movement within the treatment room are often slowed down.

[0004] Another problem in X-ray examination rooms is staff exposure to radiation scattered from patients. X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube housing leak or are reflected from patients, leading to radiation exposure for staff. This exposure is recognized as a significant health risk. Radiation shielding for such procedures is limited due to the weight of the shielding. Due to structural limitations of the X-ray table and the lack of mounting points beyond the midpoint of the table, it has been impossible to install significant shielding on the X-ray table, particularly around the center and head of the table where scattered radiation is greatest.

[0005] Patients undergoing X-ray examinations often require monitoring of vital signs such as blood pressure, electrocardiogram, respiration, and blood oxygen saturation. Furthermore, many devices other than X-ray imaging are frequently used during these procedures. For example, ultrasound imaging is often used for vascular access and biopsy. Intravascular ultrasound is used to image blood vessels during the procedure. Intravascular pressure catheters are attached to external electronic devices. Infusion pumps are used for administering fluids such as saline or X-ray contrast agents. Therapeutic devices such as atherectomy equipment are also used. Additionally, patients often require medical gases such as oxygen, nitrous oxide, air, nitric oxide, or other chemicals during the procedure. In some cases, suction may be necessary to draw out bodily fluids.

[0006] Typical X-ray tables cannot address these additional needs because they lack internal chambers, and their structural design imposes significant weight limitations due to the limited beam intensity inherent in the structure. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] This invention addresses the aforementioned drawbacks and limitations of conventional X-ray tables and provides a structurally stronger table design without restricting the functionality of the table. The invention also provides a device for reinforcing and strengthening existing tables.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention provides an X-ray table having a pedestal and a threaded table, wherein the threaded table is attached to the pedestal and has a bottom portion having a first end and a second end, the second end being attached to the pedestal and the first end extending from the pedestal such that only the second end is supported by the pedestal; and a side member extending along the bottom portion between the first end and the second end, adding structural rigidity to the threaded table.

[0009] The bottom portion and the side member may have an upper range and a lower range, and the lower range may be attached to the bottom portion such that the side member extends upward from the bottom portion.

[0010] The bottom portion and the side members may have a double-wall structure.

[0011] The bottom and the side members may have an upper and a lower range, and the side members may be attached to the bottom between the upper and lower ranges to form an I-beam structure having the bottom. In some embodiments, the I-beam structure may form a first cavity above the bottom and between the side members, and a second cavity below the bottom and between the side members, the upper cavity being larger than the lower cavity.

[0012] One aspect of the present invention provides a mattress that is received in the upper cavity.

[0013] In another embodiment, the side member further comprises an armrest having an upper range and extending outward from the upper range of the side member.

[0014] Yet another aspect of the present invention includes the side member which is curved and extends upward from the bottom.

[0015] The bottom portion may be a beam structure.

[0016] In one embodiment, the system further includes a beam, the bottom of which is coupled to the top of the beam.

[0017] The table may include a cross member, which extends between the side walls and is positioned away from the bottom, forming a cavity between the cross member, the bottom, and the side members.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for improving the strength and rigidity of an existing X-ray table having a table top and a pedestal, the method comprising attaching side members along the longitudinal sides of the table top.

[0019] In one embodiment of this method, the side member has a bracket that receives the longitudinal side portion of the top of the table.

[0020] Attaching the side member along the longitudinal side of the table top may include connecting the table top to the bracket.

[0021] In at least one embodiment of this method, the side members are attached to each other by upper and lower cross members to form a sleeve, and the side members are attached to the table top by sliding the sleeve on the table top.

[0022] Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a threaded table that can be attached to a pedestal for forming an X-ray table. The threaded table is attached to the pedestal and has a first end and a second end, the second end being attached to the pedestal, and the first end extending from the pedestal such that only the second end is supported by the pedestal, a bottom, a side member extending along the bottom between the first end and the second end and adding structural rigidity to the threaded table, a foam mattress within a cavity formed between the side members and on the bottom, and a cover covering the foam mattress, sealed to the side members, and including an impermeable upper surface.

[0023] The cover can be a pad.

[0024] The threaded table can have rails that extend along the side members and define a cavity capable of accommodating wires and gas lines.

[0025] The threaded table according to claim 18 can include components within the cavity, including an electronic controller supplied by the wires and / or the gas line.

[0026] The components can have vent holes for releasing heat from the components.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from and elucidated in the following description of embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the following drawings.

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art table top.

[0029] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a prior art table.

[0030] [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment to Figure 3A, when cut along the cutting line AA of Figure 3A.

[0032] [Figure 3C] Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment to Figure 3A, when cut along the cutting line AA of Figure 3A.

[0033] [Figure 3D] Figure 3D is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment to Figure 3A, when cut along the cutting line AA of Figure 3A.

[0034] [Figure 3E] Figure 3E is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment to Figure 3A, when cut along the cutting line AA of Figure 3A.

[0035] [Figure 3F] Figure 3F is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment to Figure 3A, when cut along the cutting line AA of Figure 3A.

[0036] [Figure 3G] Figure 3G is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment to Figure 3A, when cut along the cutting line AA of Figure 3A.

[0037] [Figure 3H] Figure 3H is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment to Figure 3A, when cut along the cutting line AA of Figure 3A.

[0038] [Figure 3I] Figure 3I is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment to Figure 3A, when cut along the cutting line AA of Figure 3A.

[0039] [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0045] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be carried out in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so as to fully convey to those skilled in the art that this disclosure is complete and concise. The terms used in the detailed description of the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings are not intended to limit the present invention. In the drawings, similar numbers refer to similar elements. (Thread table)

[0046] Referring here to the figures, first to Figures 3A-3I, an embodiment 10 of the table of the present invention is shown. The threaded table 10 is designed for radiographic imaging procedures and has an open thread configuration in which the table top 12, mounted on a standard pedestal, has a bottom 14, a head wall 18, and side walls or side members 20 having upper and lower ranges. Adding the open side members 20 to the threaded table increases the rigid strength of the threaded table 10, allowing for a greater weight limit. These side members 20 also significantly increase the torsional strength of the table, which is an important factor when the table is subjected to uneven loading (for example, when a patient is getting on / off, or often during emergency procedures such as manual chest compressions).

[0047] The structure of the thread table 10 can take many forms, and they can still achieve the structural objectives of the present invention. For example, Figures 3B to 3I show various embodiments of the cross-section of the thread table 10. Figure 3B shows embodiment 10b in which the bottom 14b and side members 20b are all single-wall structures.

[0048] Figure 3C shows embodiment 10c in which the bottom 14c and side members 20c are all double-walled structures.

[0049] Figure 3D shows embodiment 10d, in which the bottom portion 14d and the side member 20d form an I-beam so that they extend below the bottom portion 14d.

[0050] Figure 3E shows an embodiment 10e that includes an armrest 24 extending outward from the top of the side member 20e. These armrests 24 add further structural rigidity because the horizontal plane along the top surface of the structure is highly resistant to beam bending.

[0051] Figure 3F shows embodiment 10f in which the side member 20f is slightly curved and flares outward from the bottom 14f.

[0052] Figure 3G shows embodiment 10g in which the bottom 14g is a beam structure.

[0053] Figure 3H shows an embodiment 10h having a bottom portion 14b and a side member 20b, the bottom portion 14b being connected to the top of the beam 26.

[0054] Figure 3I shows an embodiment 10i having a base 14i and side members 20i, further including a cross member 28 extending between the side members 20i and positioned above the base 14i. Placing the second carbon fiber layer on a structure above the bending neutral axis of the thread table offers two advantages: namely, the bending strength of the system is greatly improved by increasing the distance of the horizontal beam from the thread base; and further, the space between the two layers at the bottom of the thread can be used to include wiring or other components separate from the patient's weight.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, the cavity 22 is formed by the side portion 20 and can be filled with a foam mattress 30 or other compressible material to form a surface 32 that is comfortable for the patient to lie on.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, the top of the thread 10 and the mattress 30 can be reversibly sealed by a molded foam top 40 which includes a circumferential channel 42 that engages with the free edge (head wall 18 and side wall 20) of the thread top. This reversible seal can be made relatively impermeable, reducing the risk of infectious contamination, while allowing re-access to the inside of the thread table to remove, add, or repair internal components.

[0057] In a further embodiment 50 shown in Figures 6-8, an existing table 1 is converted into a threaded table 50 using the I-beam feature 52 of the threaded table. This I-beam shape increases the strength and rigidity of the table, allowing for higher weight loads, particularly at the end opposite the pedestal 2. Two mounting methods are shown in Figures 7-8. In the embodiment of Figure 7, the I-beam 52 is coupled to both sides of the table within a bracket 58. This forms a first cavity 54 above the existing table 1 and a second cavity 56 below the existing table 1. The I-beam is optimally configured as an asymmetrical I-beam, as the cavity 54 above the table is larger, allowing for the placement of foam for patient comfort.

[0058] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the I-beam 52 has a bracket 58 for receiving and connecting to an existing table and forming a support surface. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 8, the I-beam mounting to the existing table may take the form of a sleeve 60 that fits over the existing table 1. This configuration provides additional strength with an inner beam surrounding the top of the existing table.

[0059] The key to improving the rigidity of a table is to increase the table's sectional moment of inertia (I). The greatest increase in the sectional moment of inertia is achieved by positioning the material away from the bending plane of the structure. For a standard table with a roughly rectangular cross-section, this increase is achieved by making the table thicker. The top and bottom surfaces of the table are the furthest distances from the bending plane, also known as the neutral axis, which is the centerline of the table's height. Increasing the moment of inertia of a rectangular cross-section is achieved by making the table thicker. However, a carbon fiber table that is too thick will affect how close the beam can be brought to the patient and thus affect the quality of the X-ray image. In this invention, since the structural thread table incorporates the height of the mattress, the overall height of the structural components is considerably higher than the height of a standard table, and therefore increases the sectional moment of inertia and overall rigidity of the system. As an example, a hypothetical rectangular table that is 2 inches high and 18 inches wide and has a wall thickness of 0.150 inches would have a sectional moment of inertia of 4.75 in 4 It has a cross-sectional moment of inertia of . In a simple I-beam design, as shown in Figure 3D, if the flange height is 3 inches, the wall thickness is 0.150 inches, and the width is 18 inches both above and below the table, the cross-sectional moment of inertia is 5.40 in. 4 This application results in a 13.6% increase in the moment of inertia, which directly correlates with the weight capacity during bending under a cantilever load. More complex cross-sections, such as those shown in 3E and 3G-3I, have even larger cross-sectional moments of inertia, which further improves system performance under load and increases the weight capacity of the catheterization lab table.

[0060] The thread table has sides, allowing for rail mounting and radiation shielding. In a further embodiment, radiation shielding material can be mounted to the side of the thread, including mounting to an armboard which may have vertical edges to facilitate shielding installation. In a further embodiment, one or more rail systems can be mounted to the side of the thread. The rail systems may be closed or hollow. Hollow rails can be used to isolate medical gas, power, electronic data wiring, or other conduits from sterile areas. In one embodiment, disposable conduit material may be mounted on the rail and extend into a sterile area. Furthermore, an automated cardiopulmonary resuscitation device can be mounted on the rail to increase the speed and stability of installation around the patient.

[0061] Closed rails can be mounted to the vertical surface of the thread table, and radiation shielding can also be mounted to the rails. Circular rails allow the radiation shielding material to oscillate along the rails. This is advantageous for C-arm X-ray systems, where the X-ray gantry can push the shield aside by oscillating it outwards along the rails.

[0062] In another embodiment, the horizontal (bottom) portion of the thread may include conduit material. The conduit can be in the form of an I-beam, such that one portion is closed by the horizontal plane and the opposite portion is open. It is recognized that the conduit can take many different embodiments based on the required size, the need for further rigidity and strength, and radiation impermeability. (Thread table cavity sealing problems and solutions)

[0063] The presence of cavities created by the form of the thread table presents an opportunity to fill the cavities with foam to improve patient comfort while they lie on the thread table during the procedure (Figure 4). One problem with inserting foam is that blood or other bodily fluids may enter the foam or the cavity inside the thread table. One solution is to wrap the table with an impermeable material (such as a covered vinyl cloth or polymer sheet material). The drawback of such a wrap is that it prevents re-entry into the cavity of the thread table without damaging the cover. Another problem with providing a cover with a reversible seal, such as a zipper or hook-and-eye seal, is that the seal is often broken and the sealer itself has gaps that are difficult to clean.

[0064] In the inventions described herein, the top of a thread table can be sealed with a pad having an impermeable surface (Figure 5). The pad has a channel around it. The channel reflects the edge of the side rim of the thread table and has a width such that the channel fits snugly into the channel (Figure 5). Elastic foam material may be used, and the dimensions of the foam channel are expected to be adjusted to provide a friction fit sufficient to prevent fluid intrusion through the sealing edge.

[0065] Several other embodiments of the seal pad exist. The foam pad can be wrapped in an impermeable cloth or similar material, with the cloth forming the surface of the foam. The cloth material can be bonded to all or part of the foam pad. The channels within the seal pad can consist of U-shaped channels (or other shapes) set or molded within the seal pad. The foam itself can be a blend of different types of foam and different elastic materials. The seal pad can also be constructed without foam. Another polymer, or simply an impermeable cloth bonded to or otherwise attached to the seal channels, can be used. (Rails and electronic components within the thread table)

[0066] Unlike existing table designs, as mentioned above, the presence of a vertical surface on the thread table allows for the addition of mounting rails 70, as shown in Figure 9. Using the hollow rails 70, conduits 72, 74, 76, and 78 for medical gas, suction, electricity, and electronic data transmission can be incorporated, respectively. This reduces the need for wires, cables, and tubes to hang from instruments and power sources around the room into the sterile area, improving safety from accidental cuts, reducing the risk of tripping, and decreasing infectious intrusion into the sterile area. The thread table is expected to be attached to the sources for medical gas and suction at a single point (for each agent) at the end of the thread table, so that the connections do not interfere with the room's workflow. Similarly, connections to other medical device networks and power sources are positioned to minimize their impact on the workflow.

[0067] The presence of rails with internal conductors on the vertical surface of the thread table allows these conductors to be connected to the internal thread table cavity. This allows electronic controllers 80, monitors, and other devices used to monitor, diagnose, and treat patients to be placed on the thread table. As a result, these devices do not need to be mounted on the floor or ceiling. In many cases, internal devices and attachments to medical gases are on or extending from the rails. Consequently, the length of the cables to the patient is minimized because the rails extend the length of the thread table due to the vertical surface of the thread table.

[0068] Because it is possible to re-enter the internal threaded table cavity, it is possible to maintain the internal components so that the cavity can be resealed. The vent holes 82 at the bottom of the threaded table allow for ventilation of the cavity and ventilation of heat generated by the electronic components, minimizing the risk of bodily fluid contamination. To increase cooling, an additional fan 84 can be included in the table.

[0069] While the present invention has been described in relation to specific embodiments and uses, those skilled in the art can, in light of this teaching, generate additional embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of the claimed invention or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the drawings and the description herein are provided as examples to facilitate understanding of the invention and should not be construed as limiting its scope.

Claims

1. An X-ray table having a pedestal and a thread table, wherein the thread table is Attached to the pedestal, having a first end and a second end, the second end being attached to the pedestal, and the first end extending from the pedestal such that only the second end is supported by the pedestal, with a bottom portion, An X-ray table comprising: a side member extending along the bottom between the first end and the second end, which adds structural rigidity to the thread table.

2. The X-ray table according to claim 1, wherein the bottom and the side member have an upper range and a lower range, and the lower range is attached to the bottom such that the side member extends upward from the bottom.

3. The X-ray table according to claim 2, wherein the bottom and side members have a double-wall structure.

4. The X-ray table according to claim 1, wherein the bottom portion and the side member have an upper range and a lower range, and the side member is attached to the bottom portion between the upper range and the lower range, forming an I-beam structure having the bottom portion.

5. The X-ray table according to claim 4, wherein the I-beam structure forms a first cavity above the bottom and between the side members, and a second cavity below the bottom and between the side members, and the upper cavity is larger than the lower cavity.

6. The X-ray table according to claim 5, further comprising a mattress to be received in the upper cavity.

7. The X-ray table according to claim 1, wherein the side member has an upper range and further comprises an armrest extending outward from the upper range of the side member.

8. The X-ray table according to claim 1, wherein the side member is curved and extends upward from the bottom.

9. The X-ray table according to claim 1, wherein the bottom portion comprises a beam structure.

10. The X-ray table according to claim 1, further comprising a beam, wherein the bottom portion is coupled to the top portion of the beam.

11. The X-ray table according to claim 1, further comprising a cross member, the cross member extending between the side walls and positioned away from the bottom, forming a cavity between the cross member, the bottom, and the side members.

12. A method for improving the strength and rigidity of an existing X-ray table having a table top and a pedestal, the method comprising attaching a side member along the longitudinal side of the table top.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the side member has a bracket that receives the longitudinal side portion of the top of the table.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein attaching the side member along the longitudinal side of the table top includes connecting the table top to the bracket.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the side members are attached to each other by upper and lower cross members to form a sleeve, and the side members are attached to the top of the table by sliding the sleeve on the top of the table.

16. A threaded table that can be attached to a pedestal for forming an X-ray table, Attached to the pedestal, having a first end and a second end, the second end being attached to the pedestal, and the first end extending from the pedestal such that only the second end is supported by the pedestal, with a bottom portion, A side member extending along the bottom between the first and second ends, which adds structural rigidity to the thread table, A foam mattress located in a cavity formed between the side members and above the bottom, A thread table comprising a cover that covers the foam mattress, is sealed to the side members, and includes an impermeable top surface.

17. The thread table according to claim 16, wherein the cover comprises a pad.

18. The thread table according to claim 16, further comprising a rail extending along the side member and defining a cavity capable of accommodating wires and gas lines.

19. The thread table according to claim 18, further comprising components in the cavity, including an electronic controller supplied by the wire and / or the gas line.

20. The thread table according to claim 19, wherein the component is provided with vent holes for releasing heat from the component.

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