Coordinated Mobile and Fixed X-ray C-arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of mobile X-ray devices in combination with permanently installed X-ray devices leads to increased space requirements and cumbersome workflows, especially in biplane angiography and CT systems, due to the need for manual operation and coordination of multiple C-arms, which results in inefficiencies and increased radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray arrangement with communication interfaces between control devices of multiple X-ray devices, allowing for coordinated control and data transmission, enabling remote operation and synchronization of image recording modes, and facilitating the use of multiple devices as a combined unit, thereby simplifying workflows and reducing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If permanently installed biplane X-ray systems with two C-arms are used, then multi-plane imaging capability is achieved, but space utilization is restricted and workflow becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a permanently installed C-arm with a mobile C-arm to form a coordinated biplane system. The mobile C-arm can be positioned and locked at specific angles (e.g., 45°, 90°) relative to the fixed C-arm, merging the capabilities of both devices into a unified imaging system that provides multi-plane visualization without requiring a permanently installed biplane system occupying extensive space.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile C-arm serves multiple functions: it can be used independently for standard imaging, combined with the fixed C-arm for biplane angiography, and repositioned for different procedural needs. This multi-functionality allows a single mobile device to replace what would traditionally require dedicated permanently installed equipment for each imaging configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two independent mobile X-ray units are used to achieve biplane functionality, then flexibility is improved, but coordination complexity increases and radiation exposure rises
Solution Approach 1:
The control units of the fixed and mobile C-arms are connected via communication interfaces that enable real-time data exchange. The system provides feedback mechanisms where the position, orientation, and imaging parameters of one C-arm are communicated to the other, allowing automatic coordination of angular positions and synchronized operation. This feedback loop eliminates the need for manual coordination while maintaining the flexibility of mobile devices.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication interface acts as an intermediary between the control units of the two C-arms, facilitating coordinated operation. This intermediary enables the transmission of control commands and status information, allowing the system to function as an integrated biplane unit while retaining the individual mobility and adaptability of each C-arm.
3Ease of operation
If manual operation of multiple C-arms is used, then personnel control is maintained, but operation time increases and radiation dose accumulates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the C-arms automatically coordinate their positions and imaging parameters through integrated control units. The communication interface allows the devices to autonomously synchronize their angular positions and trigger timing, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention while maintaining precise control. This self-coordinating capability significantly reduces operation time and minimizes radiation exposure duration.
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
This solution allows for efficient and coordinated operation of multiple X-ray devices, reducing errors, radiation exposure, and personnel requirements, while enhancing flexibility and ergonomics, and enabling cost-effective and high-quality imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a receiving arrangement (2a, 2b) with an X-ray tube (21) and an X-ray detector (22)
Implementation Method 2
a receiving arrangement (2a, 2b) with an X-ray tube (21) and an X-ray detector (22)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
X-ray arrangement (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f), comprising at least two X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49) each with a control device (5) and an X-ray tube (21) and an X-ray detector (22), wherein at least one of the X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49) is a mobile X-ray device (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 49) with a mobile support (19) carrying the imaging device, wherein the X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49) each have a communication interface (4) for establishing a communication connection (3) between the control devices (5) of the X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49) and/or between an intermediate device (7) belonging to the X-ray arrangement (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f), which itself has a control device (5) and at least one communication interface (8), and all control devices (5) of the X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49),wherein the control unit (5) is configured to control at least one of the at least one mobile X-ray unit (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 49) for controlling the image acquisition operation of the respective X-ray unit (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49) on the basis of control data received via the communication link (3) from another control unit (5) and/or for transmitting at least one acquired image data set to at least one further control unit (5) via the communication link (3).