X-Ray Transparent Gurney Extender for Bedside Mobile CT Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CT scanning processes for stroke diagnosis often result in delays due to the need to transport patients from the emergency room to the radiology department, which can exceed the critical 3-hour window for effective treatment, especially since conventional CT machines require patients to be moved and cannot accommodate standard hospital beds or gurneys.
Innovation Solution
A mobile CT system, such as the CereTom, and an X-ray transparent bed and gurney extender that allows for scanning on-site in the emergency room, enabling the CT machine to be positioned next to the patient and using an extender to support the patient's head during scanning, thus eliminating the need for patient transport and accommodating standard hospital beds or gurneys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a conventional CT machine is used, then imaging capability is provided, but patient transport time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separate modular components including head support, body support, and adapter elements that can be independently attached to standard hospital beds, allowing the CT machine to remain stationary while providing imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
An adapter serves as an intermediary component that connects the custom support structure to standard hospital bed mechanisms, enabling compatibility without requiring modification of either the CT machine or the hospital bed
2Loss of time
If the CT machine is positioned next to the patient on the bed, then transport time is reduced, but the support structure must be X-ray transparent
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure materials are selected and designed to be transparent to X-ray frequencies, changing the material parameter to allow passage of imaging radiation while maintaining structural support functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure utilizes composite materials that combine mechanical strength with X-ray transparency, such as carbon fiber or specific plastic compositions, achieving both structural and imaging requirements
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 significantly reduces diagnosis and treatment time by allowing for immediate on-site scanning, ensuring timely administration of tPA for ischemic strokes and facilitating rapid differentiation between hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes, thereby improving patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the support is X-ray transparent
Data Source
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AI summary
A bed and gurney extender for selective attachment to a standard hospital bed or gurney for supporting the head of a patient during scanning, comprising: a support for supporting the head of the patient during scanning, wherein at least a portion of the support is X-ray transparent; and an adapter for selectively attaching the support to the bed or gurney.