X-ray CT device

Abstract

To reduce the burden of positioning subjects placed in wheelchairs. [Solution] The X-ray CT apparatus according to this embodiment includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, a scanner, a stand, and a guide member. The X-ray tube generates X-rays. The X-ray detector detects the X-rays generated from the X-ray tube and transmitted through the subject. The scanner has an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector arranged on either side of the aperture. The stand supports the scanner so that it can move along the central axis of the aperture. The guide member is provided on the stand and forms a guide path for guiding a wheelchair within the imaging space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to an X-ray CT apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] There is also a type of X-ray CT apparatus that can perform standing imaging or sitting imaging. In sitting imaging, a subject placed on a wheelchair for sitting imaging may be subjected to CT imaging. When performing sitting imaging of a subject placed on a wheelchair with an X-ray CT apparatus in a hospital's CT examination room, the user performs operations such as aligning the position of the subject under the scanner. Therefore, it is a task in a space with limited height, and the burden on the assistant is large.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to reduce the burden of aligning the position of a subject placed on a wheelchair. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problems. It is also possible to position the problems corresponding to the respective effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later as other problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The X-ray CT apparatus according to this embodiment includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, a scanner, a stand, and a guide member. The X-ray tube generates X-rays. The X-ray detector detects the X-rays generated from the X-ray tube and transmitted through the subject. The scanner has an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector arranged on either side of the aperture. The stand supports the scanner so that it can move along the central axis of the aperture. The guide member is provided on the stand and forms a guide path for guiding a wheelchair within the imaging space. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the stand 10 according to this embodiment before standing or sitting radiography. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a top view showing the configuration of the stand 10 according to this embodiment in standing or seated imaging mode. [Figure 4] Figure 4 illustrates the situation before the subject P is positioned within the imaging space F1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 illustrates the state after the subject P has been positioned within the imaging space F1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a top view illustrating the state after the subject P, who is placed in a wheelchair, has been positioned within the imaging space F1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating other shapes of the guide member 131. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a side view illustrating the tilt of the first stand 13a by the second stand 13b according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a side view of the mount 10 according to this embodiment in supine position imaging mode. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a front view of the mounting base 10 according to this embodiment in supine position imaging mode. [Figure 12]Figure 12 is a top view of the mount 10 according to this embodiment in supine position imaging mode. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the position in which the guide path 131a according to this embodiment is formed. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating a fixing device 131b provided on the guide member 131 according to this embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is another diagram illustrating a fixing device 131b provided on the guide member 131 according to this embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is another diagram illustrating the fixing device 131b related to Figure 15. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a perspective view showing another configuration of the frame 10 according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] (Embodiment) The following describes in detail an embodiment of the X-ray CT apparatus with reference to the drawings.

[0008] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 generates X-rays from the X-ray tube 17 and detects the X-rays that have passed through the subject with the X-ray detector 19. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 generates a CT image of the subject based on the output of the X-ray detector 19.

[0009] As shown in Figure 1, the X-ray CT scanner 1 has a stand 10 and a console 40. For example, the stand 10 is installed in the examination room, and the console 40 is installed in the control room adjacent to the examination room. The stand 10 and the console 40 are connected to each other by wire or wireless so that they can communicate with each other. The stand 10 is equipped with a mechanism for performing X-ray computed tomography (hereinafter referred to as CT imaging) on ​​a subject in a supine, standing, or sitting position. The console 40 is a computer that controls the stand 10. Note that the X-ray CT scanner 1 does not necessarily have to be equipped with a mechanism for performing CT imaging on a subject in a supine position.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the gantry 10 has a scanner 11 and a stand 13. The scanner 11 performs CT imaging. The scanner 11 is a substantially cylindrical structure in which an opening (bore) 15 is formed. The scanner 11 houses an X-ray tube 17, an X-ray detector 19, a high voltage generator 31, and a data acquisition circuit (DAS: Data Acquisition System) 33. Specifically, the scanner 11 houses an X-ray tube 17 and an X-ray detector 19 that are arranged to face each other with the bore 15 therebetween.

[0011] More specifically, the scanner 11 further has a fixed frame (not shown) formed of a metal such as aluminum, and a rotating frame 21 that is rotatably supported about a central axis A1 by a bearing or the like by the fixed frame. An annular electrode (not shown) is provided at a contact portion between the fixed frame and the rotating frame 21. A conductive slider (not shown) is attached to the contact portion of the fixed frame so as to contact the annular electrode. The rotating frame 21 is a metal frame formed in an annular shape of a metal such as aluminum, and for example, the X-ray tube 17 and the X-ray detector 19 are attached thereto.

[0012] The rotating frame 21 rotates at a constant angular velocity about the central axis A1 of the bore 15 upon receiving power from a rotation drive device (not shown). The rotation drive device generates power for rotating the rotating frame 21 in accordance with control from the gantry control device 23. The rotation drive device is realized by, for example, a motor such as a direct drive motor or a servo motor.

[0013] The stand 13 is a base that supports the scanner 11 away from the floor surface. The stand 13 has a columnar shape such as a cylindrical shape or a prismatic shape, for example. The stand 13 is attached to, for example, the side surface of the scanner 11. The stand 13 supports the scanner 11 in a posture in which the central axis A1 of the bore 15 maintains a direction perpendicular to the floor surface so as to be slidable in a direction perpendicular to the floor surface for CT imaging of a subject in a standing or sitting state. This posture of the gantry 10 may be referred to as a standing imaging mode or a sitting imaging mode. The floor surface is an example of a surface on which the stand 13 is placed. Also, the floor surface may be a surface with which a guiding member described later comes into contact.

[0014] Typically, the stand 13 is provided on one side of the scanner 11. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, two stands 13 may be connected to both sides of the scanner 11. Also, although the stand 13 has a columnar shape, the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the stand 13 may have any shape such as a U-shape as long as it can support at least one side of the scanner 11.

[0015] Furthermore, the stand 13 does not need to fix the scanner 11 so that its central axis A1 is perpendicular to the floor. That is, the stand 13 is configured to support the scanner 11 so that the central axis A1 of the bore 15 can tilt around an axis parallel to the floor (hereinafter referred to as the tilt axis). In this case, the stand 13 and the scanner 11 are preferably connected via bearings or the like so that the scanner 11 can tilt around the tilt axis. For example, in order to perform CT imaging on a subject in a supine position, the stand 13 supports the scanner 11 in a position where the central axis A1 of the bore 15 is parallel to the floor, so that it can slide horizontally relative to the floor. This position of the stand 10 may also be called the supine imaging mode. This makes it possible to perform CT imaging of a subject in an upright position (standing imaging), a subject in a seated position (seated imaging), and a subject in a supine position (supine imaging) with a single stand 10. Specifically, standing imaging is performed in standing imaging mode, sitting imaging is performed in sitting imaging mode, and supine imaging is performed in supine imaging mode. These imaging modes should be switched as appropriate according to the protocol, etc., in accordance with user instructions via the input interface described later. The user is the operator of the X-ray CT device, for example, a medical professional such as a doctor or technician. The stand 13 may fix and support the scanner 11 so that the central axis A1 is perpendicular to the floor. Also, if the stand 13 holds the scanner 11 from both sides, it may tilt around the axis between the two sides that hold the scanner 11.

[0016] Hereafter, the rotation, rotation, and / or swiveling of the scanner 11 and / or stand 13 around the tilt axis will be referred to as tilt. The tilt angle will be defined as the inclination angle of the central axis A1 of the opening 15 with respect to the direction perpendicular to the floor. The tilt angle can be set within a range of ±90 degrees, for example, with the standing or sitting imaging mode being 0 degrees. The stand 10 will be in supine imaging mode, for example, when the tilt angle is +90 degrees or -90 degrees. The tilt angle may be set to any angle within the settable range, and the scanner may be tilted from any angle within the settable range to the set tilt angle. The scanner 11 may also be tilted with respect to any axis as the tilt axis. The scanner 11 supported by the first stand may be tilted, for example, in conjunction with the rotation of the first stand by the second stand, or the first stand supporting the scanner 11 and the second stand supporting the first stand may work together to achieve a tilt of any tilt angle.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the stand 13 houses a drive device (hereinafter referred to as the stand drive device) 25 for sliding the scanner 11 in the direction of its central axis A1 and for tilting the scanner 11. The stand drive device 25 generates power to slide the scanner 11 in the direction of the central axis A1 of the bore 15 according to the control from the stand control device 23. Specifically, the stand drive device 25 generates power by driving at a rotational speed corresponding to the duty cycle of the drive signal from the stand control device 23. The stand 13 receives power from the stand drive device 25 and slides the scanner 11 relative to the stand 13 in the direction of the central axis A1 of the bore 15. The stand drive device 25 is implemented by a motor, such as a servo motor. The stand drive device 25 also generates power to tilt the scanner 11 around the tilt axis according to the control from the stand control device 23. Note that if the scanner 11 is not configured to tilt, the stand drive device 25 does not need to generate power for tilting.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the X-ray tube 17 detects X-rays by receiving a high voltage from the high-voltage generator 31. The X-ray detector 19 is equipped with a plurality of X-ray detection elements (not shown) arranged in a two-dimensional curved surface defined by the channel direction and the column direction. Here, the column direction is defined parallel to the Z-axis, and the channel direction is defined bidirectionally in a circular arc perpendicular to the column direction. Each X-ray detection element detects X-rays from the X-ray tube 17 and converts them into an electrical signal having a pulse height corresponding to the intensity of the detected X-rays. Each X-ray detection element includes, for example, a scintillator and a photoelectric conversion element. The scintillator receives X-rays and generates fluorescence. The photoelectric conversion element converts the generated fluorescence into a charge pulse. The charge pulse has a pulse height corresponding to the intensity of the X-rays. Specifically, as the photoelectric conversion element, circuit elements that convert fluorescence into an electrical signal, such as photomultiplier tubes and photodiodes, are used. In this embodiment, the X-ray detector 19 is not limited to an indirect conversion type detector that converts X-rays to fluorescence before converting them to electrical signals, but may also be a direct conversion type detector that directly converts X-rays to electrical signals.

[0019] The DAS33 collects digital data for each view, indicating the intensity of X-rays attenuated by the subject. The DAS33 is connected to the X-ray detector 19 within the scanner 11, for example. An integrating circuit integrates the electrical signal from the X-ray detection element over a predetermined viewing period to generate an integrated signal. An A / D converter performs A / D conversion on the generated integrated signal to produce digital data having data values ​​corresponding to the peak value of the integrated signal. The converted digital data is called projection data. Projection data is a set of digital values ​​of X-ray doses identified by the channel number, column number of the source X-ray detection element, and the collected view number. The projection data is supplied to the console 40, for example, via a non-contact data transmission device (not shown) housed in the scanner 11.

[0020] The stand control device 23 controls the stand drive unit 25, the high-voltage generator 31, and the DAS 33, etc., according to commands from the console 40. The stand control device 23 has a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage device (memory) such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) as hardware resources. The scanner drive system is a drive system related to the components of the scanner 11, such as the high-voltage generator 31, the stand drive unit 25, and the rotation drive unit of the rotating frame 21.

[0021] The console 40 includes a processing circuit 41, memory 42, display 43, input interface 44, and communication interface 45. Data communication between the processing circuit 41, memory 42, display 43, input interface 44, and communication interface 45 is performed via a bus (BUS). Although the console 40 is described separately from the mounting base 10, the mounting base 10 may include the console 40 or some of its components.

[0022] Memory 42 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or integrated circuit memory device that stores various types of information. For example, memory 42 stores projection data and reconstructed image data. In addition to HDDs and SSDs, memory 42 may also be a portable storage medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or flash memory. Memory 42 may also be a drive device that reads and writes various types of information to and from semiconductor memory elements such as flash memory or RAM. Furthermore, the storage area of ​​memory 42 may be located within the X-ray CT apparatus 1 or in an external storage device connected via a network.

[0023] The display 43 displays various information. For example, the display 43 outputs medical images (CT images) generated by the processing circuit 41, or a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various operations from the user. Various arbitrary displays can be used as the display 43. For example, the display 43 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, an organic electroluminescent display (OELD), or a plasma display. The display 43 may also be mounted on the stand 10. Furthermore, the display 43 may be a desktop type, or it may be composed of a tablet terminal that can communicate wirelessly with the console 40.

[0024] The input interface 44 receives various input operations from the user, converts the received input operations into electrical signals, and outputs them to the processing circuit 41. The input interface 44 can, for example, be a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, touchpad, or touch panel display, as appropriate. However, in this embodiment, the input interface 44 is not limited to those equipped with physical operating components such as a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, touchpad, or touch panel display. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives electrical signals corresponding to input operations from an external input device separate from the device and outputs these electrical signals to the processing circuit 41 is also included as an example of the input interface 44. Furthermore, the input interface 44 may be provided on the stand 10. Also, the input interface 44 may consist of a tablet terminal or the like that can communicate wirelessly with the console 40.

[0025] The communication interface 45 is an interface for data communication between the X-ray CT scanner 1 and other computers. For example, the communication interface 45 transmits and receives CT images and other data via a network between the X-ray CT scanner 1 and computers such as PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System), HIS (Hospital Information System), and RIS (Radiology Information System).

[0026] The processing circuit 41 controls the operation of the entire X-ray CT apparatus 1 in accordance with the electrical signals of input operations output from the input interface 44. For example, the processing circuit 41 has a processor such as a CPU and memory such as ROM or RAM as hardware resources. The processing circuit 41 executes functions such as imaging control function 411, image reconstruction function 412, and display control function 413 by the processor that executes programs loaded into memory. Each function 411-413 is not limited to being implemented by a single processing circuit. A processing circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each function 411-413 may be implemented by each processor executing a program.

[0027] In the imaging control function 411, the processing circuit 41 issues a command to the stand control device 23 to have the stand 10 perform CT imaging according to the scan conditions. The stand control device 23 controls the stand drive unit 25, the high voltage generator 31, and the DAS 33, etc., to perform CT imaging according to the command from the console 40. For example, in order to implement the imaging control function 411, the processing circuit 41 tilts the scanner 11 to change the posture of the scanner 11 for performing standing or sitting imaging and the posture of the scanner 11 for performing supine imaging.

[0028] In the image reconstruction function 412, the processing circuit 41 reconstructs a CT image of the subject based on projection data output from the DAS 33. The CT image represents the spatial distribution of CT values ​​used to evaluate the attenuation coefficient of a substance. The processing circuit 41 converts the CT image into a cross-sectional image of an arbitrary cross-section or a rendered image of an arbitrary viewpoint direction. The conversion is performed based on input operations received from the user via the input interface 44. For example, the processing circuit 41 applies 3D image processing such as volume rendering, surface volume rendering, image value projection processing, MPR (Multi-Planer Reconstruction) processing, and CPR (Curved MPR) processing to the CT image to generate rendered image data of an arbitrary viewpoint direction. Existing image reconstruction algorithms such as the FBP (Filtered Back Projection) method or iterative reconstruction method may be used as the image reconstruction algorithm.

[0029] In the display control function 413, the processing circuit 41 displays various information related to CT imaging on the display 43.

[0030] The X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0031] Figure 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the stand 10 according to this embodiment before standing or sitting imaging. As shown in Figure 2, the stand 13 has a first stand 13a and a second stand 13b. Here, the direction perpendicular to the floor is called the Z-axis direction, the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and in which the scanner 11 and stand 13 are aligned is called the Y-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is called the X-axis direction. In addition, the -Z-axis direction is called downward, the +Z-axis direction is called upward, the -X-axis direction is called backward, and the +X-axis direction is called forward. The Z-axis is parallel to the central axis A1 of the bore 15 of the scanner 11 during standing imaging. For example, in the case of sitting imaging using a wheelchair, the wheelchair on which the subject P is placed enters from the front and below the scanner 11.

[0032] The first stand 13a supports the scanner 11 so that it can slide in a direction along the central axis A1 of the bore 15 (hereinafter referred to as the sliding direction D1). The central axis A1 is an axis that passes through the center point of the bore 15 and is parallel to the Z-axis. The first stand 13a slides the scanner 11 in the sliding direction D1 for standing or sitting imaging. As an example, the first stand 13a supports the scanner 11 so that it is not tilted relative to the first stand 13a and is slidable relative to the first stand 13a. Specifically, the first stand 13a and the scanner 11 are connected via a rail (not shown) provided along the longitudinal direction of the first stand 13a, and the scanner 11 slides along the rail.

[0033] The second stand 13b supports the first stand 13a so that it can tilt around a tilt axis A2. The tilt axis A2 is an axis parallel to the Y-axis, passing through the axis connecting the first stand 13a and the second stand 13b. The bottom surface of the second stand 13b rests on the floor. As an example, when switching the shooting mode from standing or sitting shooting mode to supine shooting mode, the second stand 13b tilts the first stand 13a around the tilt axis A2 relative to the second stand 13b. Specifically, the second stand 13b and the first stand 13a are connected via bearings or the like so that the first stand 13a can tilt around the tilt axis A2. The scanner 11 supported by the first stand 13a is supported by the second stand 13b so that it can tilt around the tilt axis A2.

[0034] A guide member 131 is provided at one end of the first stand 13a. The guide member 131 is, for example, a plate-shaped member extending in the direction toward the central axis A1 of the bore 15. For example, the guide member 131 extends in the Y-axis direction from the connection point with the stand 13a to passing through the central axis A1. The position of the other end of the guide member 131 (the end opposite to the connection point with the stand 13a in the Y-axis direction) is designed according to the distance between the wheels of the wheelchair, as described later. The guide member 131 is preferably provided on the first stand 13a so that its bottom surface is parallel to the floor surface when taking standing or sitting radiographs. The guide member 131 may be supported on the first stand 13a so as to be in contact with the floor surface, or it may be supported on the first stand 131a so as to be spaced away from the floor surface. For example, the soles of the feet of a subject in a standing position are placed on the guide member 131.

[0035] A guide path 131a for guiding the wheelchair is formed on the guide member 131. The imaging space is the area that the inside of the bore 15 can pass through as the scanner 11 slides. The guide path 131a is formed, for example, by a notch that is wider than the width of the wheelchair wheels in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the guide path 131a functions as a path for the wheelchair wheels. By realizing the guide path 131a with a notch, it is possible to restrict the freedom of movement of the wheels to within the guide path 131a.

[0036] The guide member 131 is provided with a subject support 135 that supports the subject from the rear within the imaging space. The subject support 135 may support the subject from the back, for example, via the backrest of a wheelchair. Positioning is the adjustment of the subject's position within the imaging space according to the purpose of CT imaging. In the following description, positioning is defined as aligning the subject's body axis with the central axis A1 of the bore 15. The subject support 135 is preferably a plate-shaped member connected to the guide member 131 so as to be oriented substantially perpendicular to the main surface of the guide member 131 and to fit within the movement path of the bore 15. The subject support 135 may be detachably attached to the guide member 131. To fix the subject to the subject support 135, for example, a restraint device for constraining the subject or a gripping device for being grasped by the subject may be used. The restraint device or gripping device is detachably attached to a plurality of attachment devices provided on the subject support 135. The restraint device is, for example, a strap that secures the subject's torso to the subject support 135. The gripping device is, for example, a handle that the subject grasps. The attachment / detachment device is, for example, a hole for securing the restraint device or gripping device to the subject support.

[0037] Figure 3 is a top view showing the configuration of the stand 10 according to this embodiment in standing or seated imaging mode. Inside the bore 15, an imaging space F1 is set up, which is a cylindrical trajectory traced by the scanner 11 as it slides, in a range narrower than the inner diameter of the bore 15. The end of the guide path 131a is formed so that, for example, a subject placed on a wheelchair guided to the end of the guide path 131a is positioned within the imaging space.

[0038] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate how a subject P, placed on a wheelchair, is positioned within the imaging space F1. Figure 4 illustrates the situation before the subject P is positioned within the imaging space F1, and Figure 5 illustrates the situation after the subject P is positioned within the imaging space F1. As an example, the wheelchair on which the subject P is placed is assumed to be a standard self-propelled wheelchair. However, this embodiment is also applicable to assisted wheelchairs and CT imaging wheelchairs. For example, the subject moves backward in the imaging space via the guide member 131 in the direction of the -X axis. One wheel of the wheelchair passes through the guide path 131a, while the other wheel passes outside the guide member 131. When one wheel of the wheelchair reaches the end of the guide path 131a, the wheelchair wheel comes into contact with the guide member 131, suppressing the movement of the wheel in the direction of the -X axis, and the subject P placed on the wheelchair is positioned within the imaging space. This reduces the burden on caregivers in positioning the subject in the wheelchair. The caregiver is the person who moves the wheelchair on which the subject is placed, and is typically a medical professional such as a doctor, technician, or nurse. The user may also act as the caregiver.

[0039] Figure 6 is a top view illustrating the state after the subject P, placed on a wheelchair, has been positioned within the imaging space F1. As shown in Figure 6, the wheels 824 of the wheelchair on which the subject P is placed come into contact with the guide member 131 at the end of the guide path 131a, thereby suppressing the movement of the wheels 824 in the -X axis direction. In addition, the backrest 826 of the wheelchair on which the subject P is placed comes into contact with the subject support 135, thereby suppressing the movement of the wheelchair in the -X axis direction. Furthermore, the subject support 135 should be provided with a width in the Y axis direction (short side direction) of part or all of the subject support 135 that is narrower than the distance between a pair of handles, so as not to interfere with the handles (not shown) held by the caregiver transporting the wheelchair. As an example, the subject support 135 has a notch (not shown) at a height that interferes with the wheelchair handles. When the subject P, placed in the wheelchair, is positioned in the imaging space, the backrest 826 comes into contact with the subject support 135, thereby reducing the burden on the caregiver in positioning the subject in the wheelchair.

[0040] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Figure 6. Figure 7 shows a cross-section of the guide member 131. As shown in Figure 7, the wheelchair wheel 824 contacts the guide member 131 at the end of the guide path 131a. The guide member 131 acts as a wheel stopper, preventing the wheel 824 from moving beyond the end of the guide path 131a in the -X-axis direction. This makes it possible to fix the wheel 824 in the -X-axis direction.

[0041] Furthermore, it is preferable that a portion of the guide member 131 that contacts the wheelchair wheel 824 is thicker than other areas, and has an inclined surface that conforms to the shape of the wheel 824. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another shape of the guide member 131. Figure 8 shows a cross-section of the guide member 131. As shown in Figure 8, the wheelchair wheel 824 contacts the guide member 131 at the end of the guide path 131a. By forming a portion of the guide member 131 that contacts the wheel 824 at the end of the guide path 131a thicker in the direction perpendicular to the floor surface compared to other parts of the guide member 131, it is possible to improve the effect of suppressing the movement of the wheel 824 in the -X axis direction. In addition, by forming an inclined surface toward the guide path 131a, it is possible to reduce the impact when the wheelchair wheel 824 contacts the guide member 131.

[0042] Figure 9 is a side view illustrating the tilt of the first stand 13a by the second stand 13b according to this embodiment. The second stand 13b supports the first stand 13a so that it can tilt around the tilt axis A2 (hereinafter referred to as the tilt direction D2) so that the central axis A1 of the bore 15 becomes horizontal to the floor, that is, to enter supine imaging mode. The deviation of the tilt direction D2 with respect to the axis perpendicular to the floor (Z axis) corresponds to the tilt angle. In addition, the scanner 11, guide member 131, and subject support 135 supported by the first stand 13a tilt in the tilt direction D2 as the first stand 13a tilts.

[0043] Furthermore, to prevent the lower end of the first stand 13a, the guide member 131, and / or the subject support 135 from contacting the floor surface and hindering tilting, the second stand 13b may support the first stand 13a so as to be slidable in a direction perpendicular to the floor surface. In this case, the tilt mechanism that supports the first stand 13a so as to be tiltable should also be supported so as to be slidable.

[0044] Figure 10 is a side view of the frame 10 according to this embodiment in supine imaging mode. As shown in Figure 10, the second stand 13b tilts the first stand 13a so that the central axis A1 of the bore 15 faces in a direction parallel to the floor surface. Due to the tilt, the sliding direction D1 substantially coincides with the direction parallel to the floor surface. A subject in a supine position is placed on the tilted subject support 135. For supine imaging, it is preferable that the subject support 135 is tilted so that it is positioned below the central axis A1 of the bore 15. The guide member 131 supports the subject support 135, making it possible to use the subject support 135 as a bed for supine imaging.

[0045] Furthermore, by providing a subject support 135 such that the positioning of the subject P placed on the wheelchair is completed when the backrest of the wheelchair makes contact with it, it is possible to substantially coincide the position in the Z-axis direction of the body axis of the subject in a supine position placed on the subject support 135 with the central axis A1 of the bore 15.

[0046] However, the first stand 13a may be implemented at any angle in the tilt direction D2.

[0047] Figure 11 is a front view of the mount 10 according to this embodiment in supine imaging mode. As shown in Figure 11, the first stand 13a has its bore 15 oriented in the X-axis direction, and the opening of the notch in the guide path 131a is oriented in the Z-axis direction.

[0048] The X-ray CT apparatus 1 may also be equipped with a fitting member that fits into the guide path 131a. By fitting the fitting member into the guide path 131a, the possibility of the hands or feet of the subject, user, or caregiver getting caught in the guide path 131a can be reduced. However, the fitting member may be fitted into the guide path 131a when performing CT imaging on a subject in an upright position.

[0049] Figure 12 is a top view of the stand 10 according to this embodiment in supine position imaging mode. As shown in Figure 12, the first stand 13a is oriented in the same way as the first stand 13a in Figure 2. The subject support 135 may have a width in the shorter direction that is sufficient to support a subject in a supine position.

[0050] The following describes in detail the fixing device used to secure the position of the wheelchair on which the aligned subject is placed relative to the guide member 131.

[0051] Figure 13 illustrates the position where the guide path 131a according to this embodiment is formed. As shown in Figure 13, the guide path 131a is provided on the guide member 131 such that when one wheel 824 is positioned on the guide path 131a, the other wheel 824 does not overlap with the guide member 131. Specifically, the guide path 131a is provided on the guide member 131 at a distance W1 shorter than the distance W2 between the wheels of the wheelchair, from the extended end 131e of the guide member 131. Furthermore, the guide path 131a is provided on the guide member 131 such that the distance W1 plus the width of the guide path 131a in the Y-axis direction is longer than the distance W2. Because the distance W1 is shorter than the distance W2, the wheelchair can move with the guide path 131a and the extended end 131e of the guide member 131 between them.

[0052] Figure 14 illustrates a fixing device 131b provided on the guide member 131 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 14, the fixing device 131b is a plate-shaped member that bridges the guide path 131a in the width direction (Y direction) in order to suppress the movement of the wheelchair wheels guided along the guide path 131a in the +X direction. The fixing device 131b is, for example, a member that is slidably provided on one of the Y-axis-facing sides of the guide path 131a. The fixing device 131b may slide in accordance with instructions from the user via an input interface 44 or the like. The fixing device 131b may be provided on the guide member 131 so as to contact the wheelchair wheels guided to the end of the guide path 131. By contacting the front portion of the wheelchair wheels guided to the end of the guide path 131, the movement of the wheelchair wheels in the +X direction is suppressed. This makes it possible to fix the wheelchair to the guide member 131 after the subject has been positioned in the imaging space.

[0053] Furthermore, the fixing device 131b may have features such as a part of the guide member 131 that contacts the wheelchair wheel 824 being thicker than other areas, or having an inclined surface that conforms to the shape of the wheel 824. This makes it possible to improve the effect of suppressing the movement of the wheel 824 in the -X axis direction. In addition, it is possible to reduce the impact when the wheelchair wheel 824 contacts the guide member 131.

[0054] Figure 15 is another diagram illustrating a fixing device 131b provided on the guide member 131 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 15, the fixing device 131b is a member provided so as to be slidable in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the guide path 131a. The fixing device 131b may slide in the width direction D3 according to instructions from the user via the input interface 44 or the like.

[0055] Figure 16 is another diagram illustrating the fixing device 131b shown in Figure 15. As shown in Figure 16, as the fixing device 131b slides in the width direction D3, the wheels of the wheelchair guided on the guide path 131 are pressed from the inside to the outside between the wheels in the axle direction. The fixing device 131b slides until the sum of the distance W1 and the distance the fixing device 131b has slid approximately equals the distance W2. As a result, the wheelchair guided on the guide path 131 is fixed to the guide member 131.

[0056] Although the wheelchair is fixed by the fixing device sliding in the sliding direction D3, the fixing device according to this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the extended end 131e of the guide member 131 may be slidably provided as a fixing device 131b, and the wheelchair may be fixed by sliding in the positive direction of the Y axis. Alternatively, the wheelchair may be fixed by the fixing device 131b, which is slidably provided on the extended end 131e of the guide member 131 and the side surface of the guide path 131a, sliding in both the negative and positive directions of the Y axis, so that the distance W1 and distance W2 are approximately coincidental. Furthermore, the fixing device 131b is not limited to being a member that is slidably provided on one of the side surfaces of the guide path 131a facing the Y axis. For example, the fixing device 131b may be slidably provided on both side surfaces of the guide path 131a facing the Y axis, and the wheelchair may be fixed by clamping the wheels 824 of the wheelchair guided by the guide path 131a.

[0057] Furthermore, it is not limited to the entire side of the guide path 131a facing the Y axis sliding. For example, if the fixing device 131b can press the wheelchair wheels guided to the end of the guide path 131a in the sliding direction D3, then only a portion of the side of the guide path 131a facing the Y axis may slide.

[0058] Furthermore, the fixing device may be separate from the frame 10. In this case, the guide member 131 has a detachable mechanism that allows the fixing device, which is separate from the frame 10, to be attached to and detached. For example, the fixing device is a plate-shaped member having pins or the like that bridges the guide path 131a in the Y-axis direction, and the guide member 131 is provided with holes for inserting the pins or the like.

[0059] Furthermore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is not limited to having the scanner 11 supported in a tiltable manner to enable supine imaging. For example, if it is possible to image a subject placed in a wheelchair, the scanner 11 may be supported on the stand 13 in a non-tiltable manner. Also, the stand 13 according to this embodiment does not have to be divided into a first stand and a second stand. Moreover, this embodiment is also applicable to a configuration without a subject support 135.

[0060] Figure 17 is a perspective view showing another configuration of the stand 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 17, the stand 10 has a single stand 13 that supports the scanner 11. The stand 13 supports the scanner 11 so that it can slide in the direction of the central axis A1 of the bore 15 and tilt around the tilt axis A2. At the end of the stand 13, a guide member 131 is provided, which has a guide path 131a, similar to the embodiment described above. By guiding the wheelchair along the guide path 131a, the subject placed on the wheelchair can be positioned within the imaging space. The guide member 131 may be provided so that it can be detached, housed, or extended relative to the stand 13 so that it can be retracted during standing imaging. Supine imaging may be performed on a subject placed on a bed (not shown) separate from the stand 10. The guide member 131 may also be housed slidably within the stand 13.

[0061] (Summary) Here, this embodiment is compared to an X-ray CT scanner that performs CT imaging of a seated subject placed on a transport device without providing guide members on the stand. In the comparative example, the subject is transferred to a transport device for seated imaging. An assistant transports the transport device with the subject on it to the imaging space along a guide provided on the floor. The subject placed on the transport device is positioned by inserting a pin provided on the transport device into a hole provided on the floor so that the subject is positioned in the imaging space beforehand. However, in order to position the subject placed on the transport device, the assistant must enter the space below the bore and insert the transport device's pin into the hole provided on the floor. The space below the bore is narrow, and the assistant must bend down to insert the pin into the hole on the floor, which places a heavy burden on the assistant. Furthermore, since the guides and holes provided in the floor surface are positioned to ensure that the subject is properly positioned after the X-ray CT scanner is installed, there is a risk that the accuracy of the placement of the guides and holes may not be stable.

[0062] The X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes an X-ray tube 17 that generates X-rays, an X-ray detector 19 that detects X-rays generated from the X-ray tube 17 and transmitted through a subject, a scanner 11 having the X-ray tube 17 and the X-ray detector 19 arranged on either side of an opening 15, a stand 13 that supports the scanner 11 so as to be movable along the central axis A1 of the opening 15, and a guide member 131 provided on the stand 13, having a guide path 131a formed therein for guiding a wheelchair on which a subject is placed in order to position the subject in the imaging space below the opening 15.

[0063] With the above configuration, it becomes possible to position the subject placed in the wheelchair within the imaging space simply by moving the wheelchair along the guide path 131. This reduces the burden on the subject and caregiver required for positioning. Furthermore, since the subject moves to the imaging space on their own, the burden of transferring the subject to a wheelchair for seated imaging is reduced, and consequently, the burden of positioning the subject placed in the wheelchair is reduced. In addition, by not having the caregiver transfer the subject to a wheelchair for seated imaging, the risk of infection such as infectious diseases between the caregiver and the subject can be reduced. Moreover, since the guide member 131 is provided on the stand 13, the burden of providing the guide member 131 on the floor surface can be reduced. Furthermore, since the positioning to the imaging space is completed during the production of the stand 10, the accuracy of positioning can be improved.

[0064] Furthermore, if the wheels of a wheelchair on which the subject is placed are guided to the end of the guide path 131a, the guide path 131a is formed on the guide member 131 so that the subject on the wheelchair is positioned in the imaging space, thereby reducing the burden on the caregiver to align in the space below the bore 15. By providing a plate-shaped subject support 135 that supports the backrest of the wheelchair on which the aligned subject is placed or the back of the subject on the wheelchair, the burden on the caregiver to align in the space below the bore 15 can be reduced. By providing the guide member 131 with a fixing device 131b, the position of the wheelchair on which the aligned subject is placed can be fixed relative to the guide member 131. The guide member 131 is provided on the first stand 13a, the guide member 131 supports the subject support 135, the first stand 13a supports the scanner 11 so that it can slide, and the second stand 13b supports the first stand 13a so that it can tilt on the tilt axis. This configuration allows the guide member 131 not only to align the wheelchair on which the subject is placed within the imaging space, but also to be used as a support member for the subject support 135 on which a subject in a supine position is placed.

[0065] According to at least one embodiment described above, the burden required for positioning a subject placed in a wheelchair can be reduced.

[0066] In the above description, the term "processor" refers to circuits such as CPUs, GPUs, or Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (e.g., Simple Programmable Logic Devices (SPLDs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)). A processor functions by reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit. Alternatively, instead of storing the program in a memory circuit, the program may be directly incorporated into the processor's circuitry. In this case, the processor functions by reading and executing the program incorporated into the circuitry. On the other hand, if the processor is an ASIC, for example, the program is not stored in a memory circuit, but the function is directly incorporated into the processor's circuitry as a logic circuit. In this embodiment, each processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit; multiple independent circuits may be combined to form a single processor and realize its functions. Furthermore, the multiple components shown in Figure 1 may be integrated into a single processor to realize its functions.

[0067] While several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 1...X-ray CT device 10 ... mounting base 11... Scanner 13... Stand 13a ... The first stand 13b... Second Stand 15 ... Bore 17...X-ray tube 19 ...X-ray detector 21... Rotating frame 23 ... Mounting device 25 ... Stand drive unit 31... High-voltage generator 33. Data Acquisition Circuit (DAS) 40… Console 41 ... Processing circuit 42...memory 43…Display 44 ... Input Interface 45 ... Communication interface 131 ... Guide member 131a ... Directions 135 ... Subject support device 411 ... Shooting control function 412...Image reconstruction function 413 ... Display control function

Claims

1. An X-ray tube that generates X-rays, An X-ray detector that detects X-rays generated from the aforementioned X-ray tube and transmitted through the subject, A scanner having the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector arranged on either side of an opening, A stand that supports the scanner so that it can move along the central axis of the aperture, A guide member provided on the stand, having a guide path formed therein for guiding the wheelchair on which the subject is placed within the shooting space, An X-ray CT scanner equipped with the following features.

2. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide member is a plate-shaped member with one end supported by the stand and extending toward the central axis.

3. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the guide path is a notch formed as a passage for the wheels of the wheelchair.

4. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the notch is formed such that when the wheel is guided to the end of the notch, the subject placed on the wheelchair is positioned within the imaging space.

5. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the notch is formed on the guide member such that the distance from the other end of the guide member to the notch is shorter than the distance between the wheels.

6. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the guide member has a fixing device for fixing the wheelchair in the imaging space to the guide member or a first detachable device for attaching and detaching the fixing device.

7. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the fixing device presses the wheel, which is guided in the notch, in the axial direction of the wheel.

8. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the fixing device is a member that bridges a portion of the notch in order to suppress the rotation of the wheel guided in the notch.

9. To position the subject within the imaging space, the system further includes a plate-shaped subject support that supports the backrest of the wheelchair on which the subject is placed, or the back of the subject placed on the wheelchair, The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one end of the subject support is provided on the guide member so as to be oriented substantially perpendicular to the guide member and to fit within the movement path of the opening.

10. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the width of part or all of the subject support is provided to be narrower than the distance between the handles so as not to interfere with the handles that the caregiver grasps to transport the wheelchair.

11. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the subject support is detachably provided on the guide member.

12. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the subject support has a plurality of second attachment / detachment devices provided on the subject support, to which a restraint device for restraining the subject or a gripping device for the subject to grasp can be attached or detached.

13. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stand supports the scanner so that it can be tilted around a tilt axis parallel to the floor.

14. The stand further comprises a first stand that supports the scanner so that it can move in the central axis direction, and a second stand that supports the sliding member so that it can tilt around a tilt axis parallel to the floor surface. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide member is provided on the first stand.

15. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a fitting member that engages with the aforementioned guide path.

16. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging space is the space below the opening.

17. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position, length, and / or shape of the guide path are formed such that when the wheelchair is guided to the end of the guide path, the alignment of the subject placed on the wheelchair with respect to the scanner is completed.

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