Patient positioning systems and methods for an imaging system

Abstract

Systems for positioning a patient for medical imaging are described. In one example a system for positioning a patient includes table for an imaging system having a patient cradle, and a patient positioning mat. The patient positioning aid is coupled to the patient cradle. The patient positioning aid includes an adhesive material on which a patient is positioned.

Description

PATIENT POSITIONING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AN IMAGING SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 665,902, filed on June 28, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to a patient positioning system and method for an imaging system, and more particularly, to a patient positioning system and method for positioning a patient on a table of an imaging system.BACKGROUND

[0003] In imaging systems, patients are placed on a table, which in some cases is moved into and out of a bore of an imaging system. Alternatively, the imaging system may be moved relative to the table. During imaging scans, a patient may need to be positioned precisely to obtain a clear image of the region of interest. Holding this precise position can be difficult, particularly for pediatric patients. Patient positioning devices help maintain the desired position of the patient for the duration of the scan.SUMMARY

[0004] This summary introduces concepts that are described in more detail in the detailed description. It should not be used to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. In one example, a system for positioning a patient includes table for an imaging system having a base, a patient cradle, and a patient positioning aid. The patient positioning aid may be coupled to the patient support surface. The patient positioning aid includes an adhesive surface on which a patient is positioned.

[0005] In another example, a patient positioner or patient positioning aid for an imaging system includes a patient support surface and an adhesive surface coupled to the patient support surface.

[0006] The above advantages and other advantages and features of the present description will be readily apparent from the following Detailed Description when taken alone or in connectionwith the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Various aspects of this disclosure may be better understood upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example imaging system including a patient positioner coupled to a table of the imaging system;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another example imaging system including the patient positioner coupled to the table of the imaging system;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the table assembly of the imaging system of FIG. 2 including the patient positioner coupled to the table;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an example patient positioner;

[0012] FIG. 5 depicts another example patient positioner coupled to an example patient positioner accessory;

[0013] FIG. 6 depicts the example patient positioner coupled to the patient positioner accessory of FIG. 5 attached to a table of the imaging system to position an appendage of the patient;

[0014] FIG. 7 depicts another example patient positioner coupled to a patient positioner accessory held by a patient;

[0015] FIG. 8 depicts an example patient positioner including a garment worn by an adult patient;

[0016] FIG. 9 depicts an example patient positioner including an alternative garment worn by a child or infant patient;

[0017] FIG. 10 depicts an example method for using an example patient positioner described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the Figures, in which the description and embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to a patient positioning system and method for use during scans or imaging performed by an imaging system. The example imaging systems illustrated herein include an X- ray imaging system and a computed tomography (CT) imaging system. However, the subject patient positioning system and method may be used with any other imaging system, including but not limited to, a Photon Counting CT (PCCT) imaging system, a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system, a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging system, a Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) imaging system, and combinations thereof (e.g., multi -modality imaging systems, such as PET / CT, PET / MR or SPECT / CT imaging systems). The present discussion of X-ray and CT imaging systems is provided merely as an example of a couple suitable imaging systems.

[0019] Properly positioning patients to obtain diagnostic images is important to achieve the best quality images possible. In some cases, a patient may need to be positioned in a precise manner during the scan. Any movement of the patient during the scan can cause blurry images, which may require rescanning the patient, thereby increasing the dose to the patient. In order to maintain a precise position of a patient during a scan, the example patient positioners discussed herein prevent movement and / or provide instant perceptible feedback when a patient begins to move, reminding the patient that they are to remain in the set position. Thus, the example patient positioner reduces the need for rescanning, and thus, reduces dose to the patient.

[0020] The example patient positioners described herein include an adhesive layer or area to assist in holding a patient in the desired position. The adhesive layer or area can prevent minor, unintentional movements of adult patients and can reduce movement of pediatric patients. Additionally, the adhesive layer provides instant perceptible feedback (e.g., resistance) to the patient if the patient unintentionally moves, reminding the patient to stay in the proper position. The adhesive layer or area can be particularly helpful for infants and patients that have difficulty holding one position (e.g., holding their arms or legs in a particular position) for an imaging scan.

[0021] The example patient positioner may include an adhesive positioning surface or layer attached to a table of the imaging system. In some examples, the adhesive positioning surface is reusable and can be sanitized. Alternatively, the adhesive positioning surface includes a pluralityof layers that are removable and disposable. As shown in FIG. 2, a protective cover, such as a layer of non-adhesive material, may be positioned over the adhesive layer or layers when not in use. Another example patient positioner may include a patient positioner accessory (e.g., a bolster) used to position an appendage (e.g., arm, leg) of a patient. Similarly, the example adhesive layer may be reusable or disposable. In some examples, the patient positioner accessory may be held by the patient to position the patient’s arms. The example patient positioner may also include a garment to be worn by the patient to which the adhesive better adheres. The garment may be disposable. In some such examples, the garment may also include an adhesive area to further prevent movement of the patient.

[0022] The example patient positioner may be attached to a patient support surface. Any protective cover is removed and a garment may be placed on the patient’s target anatomy. The patient is then positioned on the patient positioner in a manner to obtain the best image of the target anatomy, and the technician ensures the target anatomy is securely placed on the adhesive area of the patient positioner. After the scan is complete, the patient may be removed by first detaching the garment from the patient, then the garment can be removed from the patient positioner. Alternatively, the garment remains on the patient as the patient is removed from the patient positioner. The garment is disposed. The adhesive layer is either cleaned or disposed, and the protective cover is placed over the cleaned adhesive layer or new adhesive layer, ready for use by the next patient.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an example imaging system 100 including a patient positioner 102 is coupled to a table 104 of the imaging system 100. Specifically, the example imaging system 100 is an X-ray imaging system. The example X-ray imaging system 100 includes an X-ray source 106 coupled to a ceiling 108 of a room in which the example X-ray imaging system 100 is positioned. The X-ray source 106 is coupled to the ceiling using an X-ray source positioning system 110. The X-ray source positioning system 110 includes two sets of rails 112, 114 which are perpendicular to one another, allowing movement of the X-ray source over various locations on the table 104. Similarly, an X-ray detector 116 can be positioned in multiple locations under the table 104 to align with a region of interest of a patient or subject to be imaged. The table 104 includes a base 118 that may be adjustable to enable the table 104 and, thus, the detector 116 to be moved closer to the X-ray source 106. Additionally or alternatively, the X-ray source 106 is on a telescoping arm 120 which allows the X-ray source 106 to be raised or lowered.

[0024] Additionally, the X-ray source 106 is pivotable to enable the X-ray source 106 to be used with a standing detector assembly 122 coupled to a wall stand 124. The standing detector assembly 122 can be raised or lowered according to a height of a region of interest of a patient. The X-ray source 106 can be moved closer to the standing detector assembly 122 using the X-ray source positioning system 110 and pivoted to direct X-rays at the standing detector assembly 122.

[0025] The example patient positioner 102 is depicted in FIG. 1 as being coupled to the table 104 of the imaging system. The example patient positioner 102 includes a patient positioning aid 126 coupled to a top surface 128 of the table 104. In some examples, the patient positioner 102 may also include a patient positioning aid 126 coupled to a surface of the standing detector assembly 122. Alternatively, the patient positioner 102 may be made of a clear material to enable guides on the table 104 or standing detector assembly 122 to be visible.

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an imaging system 200 with which the example patient positioner 102 can be used. The imaging system 200 of FIG. 2 includes a table 202 including a patient support surface or cradle, which is movable into and out of an opening or bore 206 extending through a gantry 208 of the imaging system 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the illustrated imaging system 200 may be a computed tomography (CT) imaging system or any other imaging system including a table, a patient support surface or cradle, a gantry, and a bore. The example CT imaging system 200 includes at least one X-ray source coupled within the gantry 208 and configured to project a beam of X-ray radiation towards an X-ray detector array positioned on the opposite side of the gantry 208 from the at least one X-ray source for use in imaging a subject laying on the patient support surface or cradle of the table 202, which is positioned in the bore between the at least one x-ray source and the X-ray detector array during imaging. The example table includes a base (not shown) and the patient support surface or cradle, which may include a curved or concave surface to help support the patient.

[0027] The example patient positioner 102 is depicted in FIG. 2 as being coupled to the cradle of the table 202. In some examples, the example patient positioner is placed over an existing pad 330 (depicted in FIG. 3) on the cradle. As discussed in conjunction with FIG. 1, the example patient positioner 102 includes the patient positioning aid 126. The example patient positioning aid 226 depicted in FIG. 2 is substantially similar to the patient positioning aid 126 as shown in FIG. 1, other than the size and / or shape of the patient positioning aid 126. Thus, common reference numerals will be used.

[0028] The example patient positioning aid 126, 226 may include one or more layers of an adhesive material (e.g., adhesive layers, and adhesive surface). In some examples, the adhesive material may cover the entire surface of the patient positioning aid 126, 226, while in other examples, the adhesive material may only cover a portion of the patient positioning aid 126, 226 (e.g., a central portion). In some examples, the adhesive material may be one portion of a hook and loop system (e.g., Velcro). For example, the adhesive material may include the hook portion of a Velcro-like material to be in contact with a garment worn by the patient that securely attaches to the adhesive material. Though Velcro-like materials may be used in place of adhesives, the terms adhesive, adhesive layer(s), or adhesives materials will be used throughout for simplicity. One or skill in the art would understand that Velcro-like materials may be used with any of the example patient positioners described herein in place of the described adhesive layers. The adhesive material or layer(s) may be any type of adhesive to facilitate holding a patient, particularly a child or infant, in place on the table 104 while allowing the patient to be easily removed from the table 104 by an adult and / or with the help of a technician. In some examples, the adhesive material resist movement of a patient that is up to 40 pounds. In other words, a patient under 40 pounds would not be able to move without assistance from a technician, and a larger patient would feel a resistance of up to 40 pounds when attempting to move, making movement more difficult and providing a reminder to stay still.

[0029] The example patient positioning aid 226 may be attached to the top surface 228 of the table 202 or patient cradle using any suitable method. For example, the patient positioning aid 226 may be permanently or removably coupled to the top surface 228 of the table 202 or patient cradle. Attaching the patient positioning aid 226 to the table 202 or patient cradle may include any type of fasteners, including but not limited to clips, bolts, screws, a stronger and / or permanent adhesive (i.e., a stronger adhesive layer attached to a second surface / side of the patient positioning aid 226 to be coupled to the top surface 228 of the table 202 or patient cradle), and / or a track system, etc.

[0030] The type of fastener used may be selected based on the imaging system with which the patient positioning aid 126, 226 is being used. For example, an MRI system would not use metal fasteners such as bolts or screws. Additionally, the type of patient positioning aid 126 may also affect the type of fastener being used. For example, a disposable patient positioning aid 126, 226 may be attached using a fastener that is easier to remove and reattach (e.g., clips, a track system, bolts, etc.) and a reusable patient positioning aid 126, 226 may use more permanentfasteners (e.g., strong adhesive). The fasteners may be positioned in a location on the table that is least likely to result in artifacts in the image, such as along the edges.

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of a table assembly of the imaging system 200 of FIG. 2 including a patient positioning aid 226 coupled to the table 202. An example cross-sectional view of a track system 300 is depicted in FIG. 3. As discussed, the example track system 300 is only one example embodiment for attaching the patient positioner 102, and specifically the patient positioning aid 226, to edges 204 the table 202 or patient cradle. The example track system 300 includes a channel 302 on either side of the patient cradle in which a first end 304 of a coupling member or connecting member 306 is placed. The first end 304 of the connector is shaped to match the cross-sectional shape of the channel 302. In the illustrated example, the cross-sectional shape of the first end 304 of the connector 306 is circular to pair with the C-shaped cross-section of the channel 302. In alternative examples, other corresponding shapes may be used. The example connector 306 includes a second end 308 opposite the first end 304. The example second edges are another C-shaped channel 310 that is smaller than the C-shaped cannel 302. The second end 344 of the patient positioning aid 226 used with the track system 300 in the illustrated example of FIG. 3 is bulbous and has a substantially circular cross-section to correspond with the cross-section of the C-shaped channel 310 of the connector 306. Oher corresponding shapes may be used instead. The edges 312 of the patient positioning aid 226 are inserted into the respective C-shaped channels 310 of the connectors 306 from one edge 204 of the cradle and the patient positioning aid 126 is slid along the channels 310 until the patient positioning aid 126 is in place to cover substantially the length of the cradle, thereby securing the patient positioning aid 226 and preventing any undesired shifting or movement. An example adhesive material 332of the patient positioning aid 226 in the illustrated example is placed over the pad 330 of the patient cradle.

[0032] In some examples, the patient positioning aid 426 includes a plurality of disposable adhesive layers 472 (e.g., a plurality of layers including the adhesive material) coupled to a base 470, as depicted in FIG. 4. While only a small number of adhesive layers 472 are depicted in FIG. 4, one of skill in the art would understand that in other such examples, the patient positioning aid 426 may include, for example, up to 50 distinct adhesive layers 472. Alternatively, another number of adhesive layers 472 may be included. Each layer may be very thin and approximately the thickness of a piece of paper (e.g., 0.004 inches or 0.1 mm).

[0033] Each of the plurality of disposable adhesive layers 472 is used for a single patient during an imaging scan, then removed from the patient positioning aid 426. After scanning of a patient is complete and the patient is removed from the patient positioner 102, the topmost adhesive layer 472 of the patient positioning aid 426 is removed so that the patient positioner 102 is clean and ready for the next patient. After the last adhesive layer 472 is used, the patient positioning aid 426 may be replaced.

[0034] In other examples, the patient positioning aid 126, 226 may include reusable adhesive material positioned in a single layer. The reusable adhesive material is able to be cleaned and sanitized between each patient. In some such examples, the patient positioning aid 126, 226 including a reusable adhesive material is made of Polyurethane and an elastomer type adhesive. The example patient positioning aid 126, 226 may be used and sanitized many times before needing to be replaced.

[0035] The example patient positioning aid 126, 226 may initially include a non-adhesive protective cover, which is to be removed before use. Additionally or alternatively, returning to FIG. 2, a reusable protective cover 210 may be positioned over the adhesive material or layer when the patient positioning aid 126, 226 is not in use. For example, the protective cover 210 may be positioned over the adhesive material or layer between patients, or when scanning a patient where the adhesive material or layer is not needed or desired to maintain the position of the patient. The protective cover 210 is pulled back or removed during use of the patient positioner 102. In some examples, the protective cover 210 is rolled at an end of the table 104. Alternatively, the protective cover 210 may be completely removed from the table 104 and temporarily stored or, for example, placed nearby in the exam room.

[0036] The example adhesive material of the patient positioning aid 126, 226 assists in holding a patient in the desired position. Holding a patient in a particular position is important during a scan or image acquisition to ensure the quality of the resulting image. Any movement by the patient can result in blurry images, which may require additional scans and additional radiation dose to the patient. In particular, infants and young children are prone to moving during scans and also have lower allowable dose limits. Maintaining a set position of pediatric patients is especially important. The adhesive material is strong enough to prevent or substantially reduce movement of small children. Additionally, the adhesive material is useful when scanning older children or adults because the adhesive layer provides an immediate and noticeable or perceptible resistance to anyunintentional movement of the patient, reminding them to remain still, thus reducing overall movement during a scan.

[0037] FIGS. 5-7 depict additional example patient positioners 500, 700 including one or more adhesive areas 504, 704 on a patient support surface of a patient positioner accessory 502, 702. The examples adhesive areas 504, 704 include any suitable adhesive material as described herein. FIGS. 5 and 6 depict an example patient positioner accessory 502, which may be used to help position an appendage 506 (e.g., an arm, a leg) of a patient for imaging. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6, the appendage 506, specifically an ankle, of the patient has been placed of a surface (e.g., a support surface having an adhesive area 504) of the patient positioner accessory 502. The example appendage 506 may be in contact with more than one adhesive area 504 of the patient positioner accessory 502. In some examples, the patient may be wearing a specialized sleeve 508 or garment on the area of interest to be imaged and / or positioned on the patient positioner accessory 502 to facilitate better adhesion. While the illustrated example patient positioner accessory 502 of FIGS. 5 and 6 is substantially U-shaped, other example patient positioner accessories may be wedge-shaped, box-shaped, cube-shaped, or cylindrically-shaped (as shown in FIG. 7). The example adhesive area(s) 504 used with the patient positioner accessory 502 described herein may be used with any conceivable shape of patient positioner accessory 502.

[0038] The example adhesive area(s) 504 attached to the patient positioner accessory 502 may be similar to the adhesive material or adhesive layers(s) of the patient positioning aid 126 described in FIGS. 1-4. That is, the adhesive area 504 of the patient positioner accessory 502 may include a plurality of adhesive layers that are disposable and removed after each patient, or may include a reusable adhesive layer that is cleaned and sanitized after each patient. The adhesive area(s) 504 may be applied to only a portion or portions of the patient positioner accessory 502. For example, in the illustrated U-shaped patient positioner accessory, an adhesive area 504 is depicted as being applied to the substantially horizontal interior surface 510 of the patient positioner accessory 502 and is also depicted as being applied to the substantially vertical interior side surfaces 512 of the patient positioner accessory 502. In some examples, the adhesive area 504 may be applied to only one surface of the patient positioner accessory 502, while in other examples, the adhesive area 504 may be applied to multiple surfaces (as depicted) of the patient positioner accessory 502. Alternatively, an entirety of the interior surfaces of the example U-shaped patient positioner accessory 502 may be covered in the adhesive area 504. In some examples where the adhesivearea 504 is applied to multiple surfaces, one surface having the adhesive area 504 may be used to attached the patient positioner accessory 502 to a patient support surface (e.g., a table 104) of the imaging device. That is, a bottom surface 514 of the patient positioner accessory 502 may also include an adhesive area 504.

[0039] In some examples, a reusable adhesive area 504 may be preferred for use with the patient positioner accessory 502 due to, for example, the shape of the patient positioner accessory 502 being difficult to apply removable layers to. For example, manufacturing a U-shaped patient positioner accessory 502 using the elastomer type adhesive area(s) 504 on the entirety of the interior or portions of the interior of the U-shaped patient positioner accessory 502 may be more desirable and / or easier than trying to attach a plurality of adhesive areas 504 on a curved surface of the example patient positioner accessory 502. The example patient positioner accessory 502 may be used alone or in conjunction with the patient positioning 126 described herein.

[0040] FIG. 7 depicts an alternative example patient positioner accessory 702 that may be held by a patient 703 during a scan. The example patient positioner accessory 702 of FIG. 7 includes one or more adhesive surfaces 704 and is operative to keep the arms 706 of the patient 703 away from the lower abdomen for abdomen and pelvic scans. In some examples, the arms 706 may be covered with a garment 708 or sleeve, similar to that described in conjunction with FIGS. 5 and 6. The example patient positioner accessory 702 may be particularly useful for patients with low shoulder mobility who cannot lift their arms overhead for abdomen and pelvic scans. The example adhesive layer 704 helps maintain a position of the arms 706 that keeps the arms 706 out of the scan range, thus reducing overall dose to the patient and preventing interference of the arms 706 with the abdomen or pelvic scans. While the illustrated patient positioner accessory 702 is depicted as a cylindrical shape, other shapes may be implemented instead. The example patient positioner accessory 702 may be used alone or in conjunction with the patient positioning aid 126 described herein.

[0041] FIGS. 8 and 9 depicts an example patient positioner 800 including a garment worn 802 by a patient 703. In some examples, the patient positioner 800 or patient positioning system described herein includes specialized garments 802 in addition to the example patient positioning aid 126 described in FIGS. 1-4. Alternatively, the specialized garment 802 may be used without other patient positioners 102, 500, 700. In some examples, the specialized garments 802 may include adhesive areas 804 to help maintain the position of the patient 703, either alone or inconjunction with another patient positioner described herein, such as the patient positioning aidl 26 or patient positioner accessory 502, 702. In examples where the garment 802 has adhesive areas 804, the material of the adhesive areas 804 may be similar to the adhesive material used with the example patient positioning aid 126 and patient positioner accessory 502, 702.

[0042] Alternatively, the specialized garment 802 does not include adhesive areas, but is made of a material that increases adhesion to the patient positioner 102, 500, 700. In such examples, the garment 802 may be a disposable paper-like material. Alternatively, the garment 802 may be a disposable or reusable fabric. In some examples, the garment 802 is to be removed from the patient 703 after the scan, either prior to or as the patient 703 is removed from the patient positioner 102, 500, 700. Such garments 802 are then removed from the patient positioner 102, 500, 700 and the adhesive material (e.g., adhesive layer, adhesive areas 504, 704) of the patient positioner 102, 500, 700 is cleaned or removed.

[0043] The example specialized garment 802 of FIG. 8 resembles scrubs or clothing worn by the patient 703. Alternatively, the garment 802 may be more similar to a wrap (i.e., particularly a wrap 902 for infants, as depicted in FIG. 9). In some such examples, the garment 802, 902 may have small adhesive areas (e.g., positioned on a table-interfacing side of the garment) to secure the garment 802to itself. In other examples, the garment 802, 902 may be a sleeve (e.g., such as the sleeve 508 of FIG. 6) to cover an appendage 506 (e.g., an arm, a leg). Such sleeve-like garments 508 are useful when imaging an arm or leg of a patient 703, for example, using a patient positioner accessory 502 as depicted in FIG. 6. The example garment may resemble other types clothing or coverings, including but not limited to, gowns, gloves, socks, hats, etc. The adhesive areas 804 of the example garments 802, 902 may include a protective cover that is removed prior to use and is operative to maintain adhesive qualities of the adhesive areas 804 prior to use. In some examples, a patient positioning aid 926 is also positioned on the table to further restrict movement of the patient.

[0044] FIG. 10 depicts an example method 1000 of using the example patient positioner 102, 500, 700, 800, 900. The method 1000 begins at step 1002, by attaching the patient positioner 102, 500, 700 and specifically one or more of the patient positioning aid 126, and patient positioner accessory 502, 702 to the patient support surface. The patient positioner 102, 500, 700 may be attached to the patient support surface (e.g., table 104, cradle) with an initial protective cover in place. The protective cover is then removed to expose the adhesive material, layer or area 504, 704in step 1004. In some examples, the initial protective cover is disposable. Alternatively, the protective cover 210 may be reusable and may be rolled back or otherwise moved out of the way to expose the adhesive material, layer or area 504, 704, as described in conjunction with FIGS. 1- 4. In step 1006, the specialized garment 802, 902 may be placed around the anatomy to be examined or target anatomy (e.g., the torso, an appendage, an entire body, etc.). In examples where the specialized garment includes adhesive areas 804, a protective cover is removed from the adhesive areas 804. In step 1008, the anatomy to be examined is positioned on the support surface and / or patient positioner 102, 500, 700 over the adhesive material, layer or area 504, 704 of the patient positioner 102, 500, 700. In examples where only the specialized garment 802, 902 including adhesive areas 804 is used, the patient 703 is positioned directly on the support surface (e.g., patient cradle) of the table 104 or patient positioner accessory 502, 702, and the method begins at step 1006. In some examples, the technician is positioning the patient 703, but in other examples, the patient 703 may position themselves. During this time, the patient 703 may be positioned in a particular manner to best acquire images during of the target anatomy during the imaging scan. In step 1010, the technician ensures the anatomy to be examined or target anatomy is properly positioned. To ensure the anatomy to be scanned is properly positioned, the technician may use a visual inspection, one or more cameras associated with the imaging system, and / or a low-dose scout scan. In step 1012, the scan or imaging is performed. After the imaging is complete, the patient 703 is removed from the support surface and / or the patient positioner 102, 500, 700. For example, the patient 703 may first be removed from the specialized garment 802, 902, as in step 1014, then may be removed from the support surface and / or patient positioner 102, 500, 700. Alternatively, the patient 703 may be removed from the support surface and / or patient positioner 102, 500, 700 with the specialized garment 802, 902. In step 1016, if the patient was removed from the specialized garment 802, 902, the specialized garment 802, 902 is then removed from the adhesive layer of the patient positioner 102, 500, 700 and / or removed from the support surface and disposed. If only the specialized garment 802, 902 including adhesive areas 804 is being used without other patient positioners 102, 500, 700, the method 1000 is complete. If patient positioners 102, 500, 700 including adhesive material, layer or area 504, 704 are used, then in step 1018, the used adhesive layer or area 504, 704 is then removed from the patient positioner 102, 500, 700 and disposed, or the adhesive material, layer or area 504, 704 is cleaned and sanitized if the adhesive layer is reusable. The example patient positioner 102, 500, 700 is now ready for use for the nextpatient 703. In step 1020, a protective cover 210 may be positioned or repositioned over the adhesive material, layer or area 504, 704 if the patient positioner 102, 500, 700 is not being used immediately. The protective cover 210 helps maintain the adhesiveness of the patient positioner 102, 500, 700 when the patient positioner 102, 500, 700 is not needed. The example method 1000 is complete.

[0045] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. As the terms “connected to,” “coupled to,” etc. are used herein, one object (e.g., a material, element, structure, member, etc.) can be connected to or coupled to another object regardless of whether the one object is directly connected or coupled to the other object or whether there are one or more intervening objects between the one object and the other object. In addition, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0046] In addition to any previously indicated modification, numerous other variations and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this description, and appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the information has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred aspects, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, form, function, manner of operation and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. Also, as used herein, the examples and embodiments, in all respects, are meant to be illustrative only and should not be construed to be limiting in any manner.

[0047] Embodiments of the present disclosure shown in the drawings and described above are example embodiments only and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims, including any equivalents as included within the scope of the claims. Various modifications are possible and will be readily apparent to the skilled person in the art. It is intended that anycombination of non-mutually exclusive features described herein are within the scope of the present invention. That is, features of the described embodiments can be combined with any appropriate aspect described above and optional features of any one aspect can be combined with any other appropriate aspect. Similarly, features set forth in dependent claims can be combined with non-mutually exclusive features of other dependent claims, particularly where the dependent claims depend on the same independent claim. Single claim dependencies may have been used as practice in some jurisdictions require them, but this should not be taken to mean that the features in the dependent claims are mutually exclusive.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A table for an imaging system, comprising: a patient support surface; and a patient positioning aid, wherein the patient positioning aid is coupled to the patient support surface, and wherein the patient positioning aid includes an adhesive material on which a patient is positioned.

2. The table of the claim 1, wherein adhesive material is a disposable adhesive layer.

3. The table of claim 2, wherein the patient positioning aid includes a plurality of disposable adhesive layers, wherein after use, each disposable adhesive layer is removed from the patient positioning aid.

4. The table of claim 1, wherein the adhesive material is a reusable elastomer material.

5. The table of claim 1, further comprising a protective cover, wherein the protective cover is to be positioned over the patient positioning aid when the patient positioning aid is not in use.

6. The table of claim 1, wherein the patient positioning aid is coupled to the patient support surface via a track positioned adjacent each edge of the patient support surface.

7. The table of claim 1, wherein the patient positioning aid includes an adhesive surface opposite the adhesive material, and wherein the patient positioning aid is coupled to the patient support surface via the adhesive surface.

8. The table of claim 7, wherein the adhesive surface includes a stronger adhesive than the adhesive material.

9. The table of claim 1, wherein the adhesive material includes an adhesive material providing up to 40 pounds of resistance.

10. A patient positioner for an imaging system, comprising: a patient support surface; and an adhesive area coupled to the patient support surface.

11. The patient positioner of claim 10, wherein the imaging system further incudes a table, and wherein the patient support surface is the table.

12. The patient positioner of claim 10, wherein the patient support surface is a first surface of a patient positioner accessory.

13. The patient positioner of claim 12, wherein an appendage of the patient is positioned on the first surface of the patient positioner accessory over the adhesive area.

14. The patient positioner of claim 12, wherein the patient positioner accessory is coupled to a table of the imaging system.

15. The patient positioner of claim 10, further including a garment, wherein a patient is placed in the garment prior to being placed on the patient support surface.

16. The patient positioner of claim 15, wherein the garment includes at least one second adhesive area to contact the adhesive area when the patient is placed on the patient support surface.

17. The patient positioner of claim 10, wherein the patient positioner further includes a protective cover, wherein the protective cover is placed over the adhesive area when the patient positioner is not in use.

18. A patient positioner for an imaging system, comprising: a wearable garment; and an adhesive area coupled to the wearable garment, wherein the adhesive area adheres to a support surface for a patient during a scan using the imaging system.

19. The patient positioner of claim 18, wherein the wearable garment is disposable.

20. The patient positioner of claim 18, wherein the wearable garment covers a target anatomy to be imaged during the scan.

Images