Pivotable CBBCT Patient Interface for Upright Entry Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cone beam breast computed tomography (CBBCT) systems pose ergonomic challenges for patients who find it difficult to assume a prone position, particularly for elderly, obese, pregnant, disabled, or amputee individuals, leading to difficulties in positioning the breast for imaging.
Innovation Solution
A CBBCT system designed for upright patient entry and subsequent automatic repositioning, featuring a pivotable patient interface panel and patient step for ergonomic support, allowing patients to enter the system comfortably and be repositioned into a scanning orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional prone position table is used for CBBCT imaging, then the imaging geometry is optimized, but patient accessibility and comfort deteriorate for elderly, obese, pregnant, disabled, or amputee individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The patient interface panel is designed to pivot between a first orientation for receiving the patient in an upright position and a second orientation for scanning. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same physical structure to serve multiple patient needs, improving accessibility while maintaining imaging geometry through automated repositioning rather than complex mechanical adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is divided into functionally independent components: a stationary CBBCT gantry for imaging and a movable patient interface panel for positioning. This segmentation allows the gantry to maintain its optimized imaging geometry while the separate panel can be reconfigured to accommodate various patient types without affecting the imaging system's structural integrity
2Ease of operation
If automatic repositioning mechanisms are added to facilitate upright entry, then patient comfort and accessibility improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single pivot mechanism enables the patient interface panel to transition between upright and scanning orientations, providing automatic repositioning functionality with minimal added complexity. The pivot acts as a dynamic element that adapts the interface to patient needs without requiring multiple independent positioning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patient interface panel serves multiple functions: it acts as both an upright support structure for patient entry and a scanning table surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices, reducing overall system complexity while improving patient comfort through a unified, adaptable interface
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
Facilitates comfortable and effective breast imaging for a wider range of patients, improving accessibility and reducing discomfort by enabling upright entry and ergonomic support during the imaging process.
Implementation Method 1
cone beam breast computed tomography (CBBCT) system
Implementation Method 2
cone beam breast computed tomography (CBBCT) system
Data Source
AI summary
A cone beam breast computed tomography system includes a pivotable patient interface panel such that a patient can be introduced to the panel in an upright position and the panel can then be pivoted to dispose the patient in a generally prone orientation for imaging.