Open Arch CT Apparatus for Cranial Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical computed tomography imaging apparatuses for cranial imaging often cause claustrophobia in patients due to enclosed spaces and may not provide sharp imaging of all anatomies, with some tissues being overly exposed to radiation.
Innovation Solution
A novel imaging apparatus with a ring-shaped O-arm and adjustable positioning support allows for flexible patient positioning and reduced radiation exposure by enabling the imaging area to be moved relative to the patient, using a motorized O-arm and positioning support to adjust the field of view and create more space for cranial imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a closed gantry structure is used for CT imaging, then imaging stability and precision are improved, but patient claustrophobia increases and positioning flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closed gantry structure is segmented by introducing an open arch configuration instead of a fully enclosed circular gantry. This segmentation maintains the structural stability needed for precise imaging while eliminating the enclosed feeling that causes claustrophobia, allowing patients to see through and around the imaging structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the patient through a closed gantry, the invention inverts the approach by using an open arch structure that allows the imaging means to approach the patient from above, reversing the traditional spatial relationship and eliminating the confining effect of closed structures.
2Device complexity
If the imaging area is fixed relative to the patient, then device simplicity is improved, but imaging flexibility and ability to avoid radiation to sensitive tissues deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic positioning capabilities where the imaging area can be moved relative to the patient's cranium in multiple directions (longitudinally, laterally, vertically). This dynamic adjustment allows flexible positioning of the field of view to image specific cranial anatomies while avoiding radiation exposure to sensitive tissues such as the thyroid gland, all controlled through a positioning support system with multiple degrees of freedom.
3Reliability
If conventional CT imaging is used, then comprehensive cranial imaging is achieved, but some anatomies are imaged less sharply and radiation exposure to sensitive tissues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by enabling selective positioning of the imaging field to focus on specific cranial anatomies with high sharpness requirements. The positioning support allows the imaging area to be precisely adjusted to optimize image quality for particular anatomical regions while using collimation to limit radiation exposure to sensitive areas, achieving both high precision imaging and radiation protection.
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 reduces patient anxiety and improves imaging sharpness by allowing more flexible positioning and reducing radiation exposure to sensitive tissues, enabling better imaging of cranial anatomies while maintaining a compact apparatus design.
Implementation Method 1
a source of radiation (21) and a receiver of image information (22) which are arranged within said substantially ring-shaped structure (2)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a medical computed tomography imaging apparatus which is especially designed to enable cranial imaging. The structure of the apparatus includes a gantry (2) comprising imaging means (21, 22) and a positioning support (8) which positioning support (8) is arranged to position the patient's cranium for exposure such that, when exposed, the cranium is scanned by a radiation beam substantially parallel with a plane formed by the facial area of the cranium and substantially only in an area on the facial side of the cranium.