Compact CT Scanner for Lower Extremities Under Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CT scanners are too large and expensive for doctor's offices, requiring patients to travel for scans, and are not capable of imaging the foot and ankle under load, which is essential for diagnosing issues that worsen with standing or weight-bearing activities.
Innovation Solution
A compact CT scanning system that allows scanning of lower extremities while the patient is upright and under load, using a gantry with an X-ray source and detector that rotates about a z-axis, supported by a horizontal surface, enabling imaging of the foot and ankle while standing or at an angle with controlled load application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional CT scanner is used to scan the foot and ankle, then the scan can be performed, but the scanner is too large and expensive to be located in the doctor's office
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the CT scanning system into a compact configuration specifically designed for lower extremity imaging. The gantry is reduced in size and repositioned to scan only the foot and ankle region, separating this specialized function from the full-body scanning capability of traditional CT scanners. This segmentation allows the system to be small enough and affordable enough for doctor's offices while maintaining diagnostic accuracy for foot and ankle conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the patient lies down for the CT scan, then the scan can be performed with current equipment, but the foot and ankle cannot be visualized under load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional scanning approach by having the patient stand upright on the scanning table rather than lie down. The gantry is repositioned horizontally above the patient's foot, allowing the foot and ankle to be scanned in a weight-bearing position. This inversion enables visualization of bone and tissue structure under load, which is critical for diagnosing conditions that only manifest during standing or walking.
3Measurement precision
If the patient travels to a different location for the CT scan, then the scan can be performed, but immediate diagnosis and treatment are delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional imaging system that combines CT scanning capability with doctor's office functionality. The compact CT scanner is designed to be installed directly in the doctor's office, allowing the same location to serve both as the diagnostic treatment facility and the imaging center. This eliminates the need for patients to travel to separate facilities and enables immediate diagnosis and treatment planning following the scan.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables immediate and accurate diagnosis and treatment by allowing patients to be scanned in a standing position, facilitating visualization of foot and ankle issues under load, reducing the need for multiple visits and improving diagnostic precision.
Implementation Method 1
A gantry supporting an x-ray source and x-ray detector are rotated about a z-axis through the support surface
Data Source
AI summary
A CT scanning system provides the ability to scan a patient's lower extremities while the patent is upright, i.e. either standing on the foot, or at least putting some load on the foot, or with the ankle at a given angle. The CT scanning system provides a generally horizontal upper support surface on which the patient's foot is supported. A gantry supporting an x-ray source and x-ray detector are rotated about a z-axis through the support surface. With the CT scanning system, the patient's lower extremities can be scanned while under load.