Apparatus for medical imaging

Embodiments provide apparatus for medical imaging which includes: a base assembly including a set of wheels for rolling movement on a floor to transport the base assembly between locations; an imaging assembly for imaging the subject; and a movable support assembly connected between the base assembly and the imaging assembly for supporting the imaging assembly on the base assembly and for extending and retracting the imaging assembly from the base assembly. Embodiments provide apparatus for medical imaging wherein overall length of the apparatus with the imaging assembly extended exceeds overall length with the imaging assembly retracted.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure relates generally to apparatus for medical imaging.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to apparatus for medical imaging. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to mobile apparatus for medical imaging. As described herein, “mobile” is intended to describe apparatus for medical imaging which is movable between different locations in a medical facility. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate particularly to mobile apparatus for fluoroscopic medical imaging having a C-arm, O-arm, L-arm or other imaging assembly. Particularly, embodiments of the disclosure relate to mobile apparatus for medical imaging which includes a C-arm imaging assembly. Hereinafter such apparatus is referred to as a “mobile C-arm imaging system”. As described herein, a mobile C-arm imaging system includes an imager suitable for generating an image of a subject, such as a human subject. In one common application, the imager includes an X-ray tube for generating X-rays to image the subject. A mobile C-arm imaging system includes a C-arm assembly which supports the imager, such as an X-ray tube, in a desired position relative to the subject to be imaged. A mobile C-arm imaging system also includes a base assembly which supports the C-arm assembly. The base assembly has a set of wheels for transporting the mobile C-arm imaging system between locations and for maneuvering the system into desired stationary positions at each location.

Mobile C-arm imaging systems are used in a variety of clinical environments, such as hospital radiology and surgery departments. As described above, the C-arm assembly typically supports an imager such as an X-ray tube in a desired position relative to the subject. In some configurations, the C-arm assembly remains stationary relative to the subject for single angle imaging. In other configurations, the C-arm assembly moves relative to the subject in order to acquire images from multiple angles. In some arrangements, the C-arm assembly is manually repositioned to generate images from different angles. In other arrangements, the C-arm assembly is moved along a predetermined path by operation of a motorized drive mechanism in order to generate images from multiple angles. Mobile C-arm imaging systems including motorized drive mechanisms for moving the C-arm assembly generally are larger and heavier than manual arrangements. Mobile C-arm imaging systems including larger, heavier, and more powerful X-ray tubes generally are larger and heavier than systems using smaller X-ray tubes.

Mobile C-arm imaging systems typically include a set of wheels for rolling the system across floors between different stationary imaging locations within a facility. Overall length and overall size of the system can limit the paths along which the system can be transported. For example, small passages such as elevators and confined corners can prevent systems from being rolled into various locations within a facility. Overall length and overall size can also limit locations which will accommodate the system in a stationary position for imaging. For example, use of a mobile C-arm imaging system in some operating rooms may be prevented or limited by overall length or overall size of the system. Also, operating rooms frequently are crowded with various equipment and personnel, and the overall length and size of a mobile C-arm imaging system can interfere with personnel and activities in the immediate vicinity of the operating table. The length of the C-arm assembly and the overall length of the system can limit the maneuverability of the system within a facility. Referring again to the operating room environment, and referring particularly to the crowded immediate vicinity around an operating table, maneuverability of the system relative to the operating table and the human subject can be limited by the length of the C-arm assembly and overall length of the system. Mobile C-arm imaging systems can pose a tipping hazard, in part because the length and mass of the C-arm assembly negatively influences the center of gravity. Typically, the hazard of tipping is increased when a mobile C-arm imaging system is rolled across an incline during transport. Lateral swinging of the C-arm assembly can damage the C-arm assembly, personnel or material impacted by the C-arm assembly.

The C-arm assembly can support several hundred kilograms of mass in an elevated position, and the C-arm assembly can be repositioned or rotated between imaging scans. A mobile C-arm imaging system includes a body which serves as a counterweight to the elevated mass of the C-arm. Adding a unit of mass to the distal end of the C-arm assembly requires an increase of several units of mass in the overall weight of the system. Such a weight increase is necessary in order to increase the mass of the base assembly and counterbalance the increased, elevated mass of the C-arm assembly. Mobile C-arm imaging systems having heavier C-arms and base assembly bodies generally are larger and consequently require more space than lighter systems. Increased system mass and size reduce positioning flexibility around the surgical table, reduce maneuverability for transporting the mobile C-arm system between imaging locations within a facility, increase the amount of material necessary to manufacture each system, and increase the cost of shipping systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide improved apparatus for medical imaging. The above-mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein. For reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for improved mobile apparatus for medical imaging.

In one aspect, an embodiment provides an apparatus for imaging a subject, the apparatus including: a base assembly including a set of wheels for rolling movement on a floor, an imaging assembly for imaging the subject, and a movable support assembly connected between the base assembly and the imaging assembly for supporting the imaging assembly on the base assembly and for extending and retracting the imaging assembly from the base assembly.

In one aspect, an embodiment provides an apparatus for imaging a subject, the apparatus including: an imaging assembly for imaging the subject, a base assembly having a front end portion adjacent the imaging assembly, and a movable support assembly connected between the base assembly and the imaging assembly for supporting the imaging assembly on the base assembly and for extending and retracting the imaging assembly on the base assembly. The movable support assembly in a transport condition supports the imaging assembly in a retracted position, and in a stationary imaging condition supports the imaging assembly in an extended position. The apparatus has an overall length with the imaging assembly in the extended position exceeding the overall length with the imaging assembly in the retracted position.

In one aspect, an embodiment provides an apparatus for imaging a subject, the apparatus including: an imaging assembly, a base assembly, and a movable support assembly. The movable support assembly supports the imaging assembly and is selectively operable to move the imaging assembly relative to the body between an extended position and a retracted position. In the retracted position no portion of the base assembly extends in the rear direction beyond the vertical rear plane. In the extended position the apparatus has an overall length exceeding the overall length with the imaging assembly in the retracted position.

Apparatus embodiments of varying scope are described herein. In addition to the aspects and advantages described in this summary, further aspects and advantages will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by reading the detailed description that follows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1is a front perspective view of apparatus100for medical imaging in a stationary imaging condition according to an embodiment. Apparatus100includes an imager104. Imager104is operable to generate medical images of a subject (not shown), such as a human subject. Imager104can include any suitable imaging apparatus. In the illustrated embodiment, imager104includes an X-ray tube108operable to generate X-rays for imaging the subject. In the illustrated embodiment, imager104includes a detection apparatus112operable to generate a medical image of the subject. It is to be understood that different imagers can be used. Further, it is to be understood that the apparatus100can include different arrangements of the imager104. For example, some components may be present or omitted in different arrangements of the imager104.

Apparatus100includes an imaging assembly116supporting the imager104. In the illustrated embodiment, the imaging assembly116is a C-arm imaging assembly supporting the imager104. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to systems including a C-arm imaging assembly and, in other embodiments (not shown), imaging assembly116can be of different construction. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, imaging assembly116can be an O-arm or L-arm imaging assembly. Referring again to the illustrated embodiment, imaging assembly116has a front opening120to accommodate the subject being imaged. Imaging assembly116includes lower distal end124. Lower distal end124supports X-ray tube108. Imaging assembly116includes upper distal end128. Upper distal end128is spaced from lower distal end124in the vertical direction. Upper distal end128supports detection apparatus112. Spaced lower distal end124and upper distal end128cooperate to define front opening120. Imaging assembly116includes curved back segment132. Back segment132extends between and supports spaced lower distal end124and upper distal end128. Back segment132is oriented in general opposition to front opening120. Back segment132is spaced from front opening120in the rearward direction along longitudinal axis156. Front opening120is spaced from back segment132in the forward direction along longitudinal axis156. Back segment132includes capture unit172. Capture unit172is connected to and supported by movable support assembly161in rotatable relation thereto by a rotation knuckle (not shown) mounted on a cross arm168.

Returning toFIG. 1, apparatus100includes base assembly160. Base assembly160supports imaging assembly116for selective motion and positioning relative thereto, as further described below. Base assembly160includes body136. Body136includes front end portion140adjacent the imaging assembly116. More particularly, front end portion140is adjacent back segment132of the imaging assembly116. Particularly, front end portion140is adjacent a portion of capture unit172of back segment132. Front end portion140has therein a recessed dock180. Recessed dock180defines a recess or space and is adapted to receive therein a portion of back segment132. More particularly, recessed dock180is adapted to receive a portion of capture unit172of back segment132. Recessed dock180is defined between a pair of spaced, opposing sidewalls confining lateral motion of capture unit172, back segment132and imaging assembly116relative to front end portion140of body136. Recessed dock180includes a recessed rest extending between the spaced sidewalls. The recessed rest of recessed dock180confines longitudinal motion and vertical motion of capture unit172, back segment132and imaging assembly116relative to front end portion140of body136.

Body136includes rear end144. Rear end144is spaced from front end portion140in the rearward direction along longitudinal axis156. Referring toFIG. 2, rear vertical plane158is defined by and intersects rear end144. Rear vertical plane158is perpendicular to longitudinal axis156. In the illustrated embodiment, rear end144is defined by a pair of grip handles adapted for gripping by personnel to transport and maneuver base assembly160.

Base assembly160includes a set of wheels148for rolling movement on the floor152. The set of wheels148supports body136in a transport condition for rolling movement between stationary imaging locations in a facility. The set of wheels148supports body136in a stationary imaging condition at each stationary imaging location. In the illustrated embodiment, the set of wheels148includes a pair of spaced primary wheels of large diameter.

Referring toFIG. 1, base assembly160includes stabilizing foot184adapted for engagement with the facility floor152. Stabilizing foot184extends in the forward direction from the front end portion140. Stabilizing foot184has a rear end145. Stabilizing foot includes a set of stabilizing wheels198which engage the facility floor for rolling movement relative thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, stabilizing wheels198includes a pair of closely spaced forward stabilizing wheels in the forward direction of the front end portion140and stabilizing foot184. In the illustrated embodiment, stabilizing wheels198includes a set of closely spaced rear stabilizing wheels (seeFIG. 3). Stabilizing wheels198are of smaller diameter than primary wheels148and are mounted for pivotal motion relative to a respective vertical axis for performing tight radius turns.

Referring toFIG. 1, apparatus100includes movable support assembly161supporting imaging assembly116. Movable support assembly161is coupled between the base assembly160and the imaging assembly116for supporting the imaging assembly116on the base assembly160and for extending and retracting the imaging assembly116from the base assembly160. In an embodiment, movable support assembly161includes a lift column162(seeFIG. 2) having a bearing block164(seeFIG. 1). Referring toFIG. 2, lift column162is supported by body136and extends generally in the vertical direction relative thereto. Lift column162is an elongated tubular member mounted on body136. It is to be understood that lift column162can be of any suitable construction. Lift column162extends in the vertical direction relative to body136. Lift column162includes a bearing block164mounted on the upper end thereof. Movable support assembly161includes cross arm168mounted on the bearing block164of the lift column162. Cross arm168extends in the horizontal direction relative to the bearing block164of lift column162. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, cross arm168is movable along the longitudinal axis156in the forward and rearward directions relative to the bearing block164of lift column162. More particularly, cross arm168is movable in the forward direction to a front position102relative to bearing block164of lift column162. Cross arm168is movable in the rearward direction to a rear position103(seeFIG. 5) relative to bearing block164of lift column162. More particularly, cross arm168is movable in the rearward direction to rear position103relative to bearing block164of lift column162without extending in the rearward direction beyond vertical rear plane158. It is to be understood that cross arm168can be of any suitable construction which is movable in the forward direction to a front position102relative to bearing block164of lift column162and is movable in the rearward direction to rear position103relative to bearing block164of lift column162without extending in the rearward direction beyond vertical rear plane158. In the illustrated embodiment, cross arm168includes a telescoping arrangement of stacked members (not shown) which are movable by telescoping motion relative to the bearing block164of lift column162. In the specific arrangement illustrated, the telescoping arrangement of stacked members includes a hydraulically operable telescoping arrangement of an inner tubular member stacked within an outer tubular member. In other embodiments (not shown), cross arm168can include any other suitable construction or arrangement which enables movement along the longitudinal axis156in the forward and rearward directions relative to the bearing block164of lift column162without extending in the rearward direction beyond vertical rear plane158. Examples of suitable constructions of cross arm168include: a hinged arrangement of members, a folding arrangement of members, a trained arrangement of linked members, a member which is movable along a curved or nonlinear path, a member which is movable along a non-horizontal path, a pivotable arrangement of members joined by elbow linkages, a rack and pinion arrangement, and an arrangement of hydraulic components. Movable support assembly161includes a rotation knuckle (not shown) mounted on a forward end of cross arm168. The rotation knuckle is connected to capture unit172of back segment132of imaging assembly116and thus supports imaging assembly116on the cross arm168. The rotation knuckle can be manipulated to rotate and position imaging assembly116to a desired angular orientation for imaging.

FIG. 2is a top view of apparatus100for medical imaging in the stationary imaging condition and taken generally along2-2inFIG. 1. Cross arm168is moved to the front position113relative to the bearing block164of lift column162. Cross arm168being in the front position brings the imaging assembly116into the extended position102. Overall length of apparatus100for medical imaging in the stationary imaging condition is measured along the longitudinal axis156between vertical forward plane159and vertical rear plane158.

FIG. 3is a rear elevation view of apparatus100for medical imaging in the stationary imaging condition and taken generally along line3-3inFIG. 2. Rear end145of stabilizing foot184(not shown inFIG. 3) is shown. Movable support assembly161including cross arm168and bearing block164of lift column162are shown. Rear end144is also shown.

FIG. 4is a side elevation view of apparatus100for medical imaging in the stationary imaging condition and taken generally along line4-4inFIG. 2. Vertical rear plane158extends through rear end144. No other portion of apparatus100extends in the rearward direction beyond vertical rear plane158. Overall length of apparatus100is measured along longitudinal axis156between vertical front plane159and vertical rear plane158. Elongated vertical lift column162including bearing block146is shown. Cross arm168is moved to the front position113relative to bearing block164of lift column162and brings imaging assembly116into the extended position102relative to base assembly160. In extended position102, capture unit172of back segment132of imaging assembly116is adjacent and spaced in the forward direction from front end portion140of body136.

FIG. 5is a front perspective view of apparatus100for medical imaging in a transport condition. Cross arm168is moved in the rearward direction along the longitudinal axis156to a rear position111relative to the bearing block164of lift column162. Cross arm168being in the rear position111brings imaging assembly116into a retracted position103relative to base assembly160. In retracted position103, a portion of capture unit172of back segment132of imaging assembly116is adjacent front end portion140of body136. In retracted position103, a portion of capture unit172of back segment132of imaging assembly116is received in recessed dock180between the sidewalls.

FIG. 6is a top view of apparatus100for medical imaging in the transport condition and taken generally along6-6inFIG. 5. With cross arm168in the rear position111bringing imaging assembly into retracted position103, no portion of cross arm168, movable support assembly161or base assembly160extends in the rearward direction along longitudinal axis156beyond vertical rear plane158. Overall length of apparatus100for medical imaging in the transport condition is measured along longitudinal axis156between vertical forward plane159and vertical rear plane158with cross arm168in the rear position111bringing imaging assembly into retracted position103. Overall length of apparatus100for medical imaging in the transport condition (shown inFIG. 6) with cross arm168in the rear position111bringing imaging assembly116into retracted position103is less than overall length of apparatus100for medical imaging in the stationary imaging condition (shown inFIG. 2) with cross arm168in the front position113bringing imaging assembly116into extended position102.

FIG. 7is a side elevation view of apparatus100for medical imaging in the transport condition and taken generally along7-7inFIG. 6. With cross arm168in the rear position111relative to bearing block164of vertical lift column162bringing imaging assembly into retracted position103, no portion of cross arm168, movable support assembly161or base assembly160extends in the rearward direction along longitudinal axis156beyond vertical rear plane158. In retracted position103, a portion of capture unit172of back segment132of imaging assembly116is adjacent front end portion140. In retracted position103, a portion of capture unit172of back segment132of imaging assembly116is received in recessed dock180.

FIG. 8is a simplified side elevation view of apparatus200for medical imaging in a stationary imaging condition according to an embodiment. Base assembly236is supported by wheels248,298for rolling movement across the facility floor. Base assembly236includes stabilizing foot284supported by wheels298and extending in the forward direction. Cross arm267includes a hydraulically operable telescoping arrangement268of stacked tubular members. Telescoping arrangement268of cross arm267is moved in the forward direction to a front position204relative to bearing block264of the vertical lift column262. Telescoping arrangement268of cross arm267being moved to the front position204brings the imaging assembly216into an extended position206relative to base assembly236for imaging a subject. Telescoping arrangement268of stacked tubular members of cross arm267supports capture unit272of back segment222of imaging assembly216in the extended position206.

FIG. 9is a top view of apparatus200for medical imaging in the stationary imaging condition taken generally along9-9inFIG. 8. Overall length of apparatus200for medical imaging in the stationary imaging condition with cross arm267moved to the front position204bringing imaging assembly216into the extended position206is measured along longitudinal axis256between vertical forward plane259and vertical rear plane258.

FIG. 10is a simplified side elevation view of apparatus200for medical imaging in a transport condition. Telescoping arrangement268of cross arm267is moved in the rearward direction to a rear position205relative to bearing block264of the vertical lift column262. Telescoping arrangement268of cross arm267being moved to the rear position205brings the imaging assembly216into a retracted position207relative to base assembly236for transport between locations in a facility. A portion of capture unit272and a further portion of back segment222are received in recessed dock280in front end portion240of body260.

FIG. 11is a top view of apparatus200for medical imaging in a transport condition and taken generally along11-11inFIG. 10. Overall length of apparatus200for medical imaging in the transport condition is measured along longitudinal axis256between vertical forward plane259and vertical rear plane258. Overall length of apparatus200for medical imaging in the transport condition (shown inFIG. 11) with cross arm267in the rear position205bringing imaging assembly216into the retracted position207is less than overall length of apparatus200for medical imaging in the stationary imaging condition (shown inFIG. 9) with cross arm267in the front position204bringing imaging assembly216into the extended position206.

FIG. 12is a simplified side elevation view of apparatus300for medical imaging in a stationary imaging condition according to an embodiment. In the stationary imaging condition, vertical lift column322is moved to a front position304relative to body326. Horizontal cross arm318is supported by lift column322in fixed relation thereto. It is to be understood that cross arm318can be supported in movable relation to lift column318as previously described herein. Cross arm318supports capture unit314of back segment312of imaging assembly310. Lift column322being moved to the front position304brings the imaging assembly310into an extended position303relative to body326for imaging the subject. Lift column322is movable in relative to body326between front position304and rear position305(shown inFIG. 14).

FIG. 13is a top view of apparatus300for medical imaging in the stationary imaging condition and taken generally along13-13inFIG. 12. Overall length of apparatus300for medical imaging in the stationary imaging condition is measured along longitudinal axis356between vertical forward plane359and vertical rear plane358. Front recess344does not receive capture unit314of back segment312of imaging assembly310when imaging assembly is in the extended position303. Lift column322is moved to the front position304of body326in body valley348.

FIG. 14is a simplified side elevation view of apparatus300for medical imaging in a transport condition. Lift column322is moved in the rearward direction relative to body326in body valley348to a rear position305. Lift column322being moved to the rear position305brings the imaging assembly310into a retracted position307relative to body326for transport between locations in a facility. A portion of capture unit314and a further portion of back segment312of imaging assembly310are received in recessed dock344in front end portion334of body326.

FIG. 15is a top view of apparatus300for medical imaging in the transport condition and taken generally along15-15inFIG. 14. Lift column322is moved in the rearward direction relative to body326in body valley348to a rear position305. Lift column322being moved to the rear position305brings the imaging assembly310into a retracted position307relative to body326for transport between locations in a facility. A portion of capture unit314and a further portion of back segment312of imaging assembly310are received in recessed dock344in front end portion334of body326. Overall length of apparatus300for medical imaging in the transport condition is measured along longitudinal axis356between vertical forward plane359and vertical rear plane358. Overall length of apparatus300for medical imaging in the transport condition (shown inFIG. 15) with lift column322in the rear position305bringing imaging assembly310into the retracted position307is less than overall length of apparatus300for medical imaging in the stationary imaging condition (shown inFIG. 13) with lift column322in the front position304bringing imaging assembly310into the extended position303.

FIG. 16is a simplified side elevation view of apparatus400for medical imaging in a stationary imaging condition according to an embodiment. Apparatus400for medical imaging is similar to previously described apparatus300for medical imaging in that the lift column420is movable relative to body412in a body valley422between a rear position407(FIG. 16andFIG. 17) bringing imaging assembly408into the retracted position409in the transport condition and a front position404(FIG. 18andFIG. 19) bringing imaging assembly408into the extended position405in the stationary imaging condition. In the stationary imaging condition, vertical lift column420is moved to the front position404relative to body412. Horizontal cross arm424is supported by lift column420in fixed relation thereto. It is to be understood that cross arm424can be supported in movable relation to lift column420as previously described herein. Cross arm424supports capture unit428of back segment429of imaging assembly408. Lift column420being moved to the front position404brings the imaging assembly408into the extended position405relative to body412in the stationary imaging condition. Lift column420is movable in relation to body412between front position404and the rear position407(shown inFIG. 18).

Base assembly410includes stabilizing foot432. Stabilizing foot432is movable relative to body412in the forward and rearward directions along the longitudinal axis456(seeFIG. 17). Returning toFIG. 16, stabilizing foot432includes a set of stabilizing wheels444which engage the facility floor for rolling movement relative thereto. Stabilizing foot432is movable relative to body412between a stationary support position (FIG. 16andFIG. 17) and a transport position (FIG. 18andFIG. 19). Stabilizing foot432in the transport position (FIG. 18) is retracted in the rearward direction relative to body412. Stabilizing foot432in the stationary support position (FIG. 16) is extended in the forward direction relative to body412.

FIG. 17is a top view of apparatus400for medical imaging in the stationary imaging condition and taken generally along17-17inFIG. 16. Overall length of apparatus400for medical imaging in the stationary imaging condition is measured along longitudinal axis456between vertical forward plane459and vertical rear plane458. In the stationary imaging condition, cross arm420in the front position404brings imaging assembly408into the extended position405, and stabilizing foot432in the stationary support position (FIG. 16) is extended in the forward direction relative to body412.

FIG. 18is a simplified side elevation view of apparatus400for medical imaging in a transport condition. Lift column420is moved in the rearward direction relative to body412to a rear position407. Lift column420being moved to the rear position407brings the imaging assembly406into the retracted position409relative to body412for transport between locations in a facility. Stabilizing foot432in the transport position is retracted in relation to body412. A portion of capture unit428and a further portion of back segment429of imaging assembly408are received in recessed dock446(seeFIG. 19) in front end portion450of body412.

FIG. 19is a top view of apparatus400for medical imaging in a transport condition and taken generally along19-19inFIG. 18. Overall length of apparatus400for medical imaging in the transport condition is measured along longitudinal axis456between vertical forward plane459and vertical rear plane458. Overall length of apparatus400for medical imaging in the transport condition (shown inFIG. 19) with lift column420in the rear position407bringing imaging assembly408into the retracted position409is less than overall length of apparatus400for medical imaging in the stationary imaging condition (shown inFIG. 17) with lift column420in the front position404bringing imaging assembly408into the extended position405.

Embodiments provide a mobile imaging system including a set of wheels for rolling across floors between different stationary imaging locations within a facility and having an overall length in the transport condition with the imaging assembly in a retracted position that is less than the overall length in the stationary imaging condition with the imaging assembly in the extended position. Embodiments provide a mobile imaging system including a set of wheels for rolling across floors between different stationary imaging locations and in the transport condition with the imaging assembly in a retracted position no portion of the apparatus extends in the rearward direction beyond the vertical rear plane. Embodiments thus provide a mobile imaging system which can be transported along paths including small passages, such as in smaller elevators and around more confined corners, that otherwise prevent longer systems from being transported therein. Embodiments provide a mobile imaging system having an overall length and overall size which can be accommodated in a smaller, more confined space. Embodiments provide a mobile imaging system of reduced overall length and overall size which can be more readily accommodated in some operating room environments, and which has reduced spatial interference with personnel and activities in the immediate vicinity of the operating table. Embodiments provide a mobile imaging system having improved maneuverability, particularly because overall length of the system in the transport condition with the imaging assembly in the retracted position is less than the overall length of the system in the stationary imaging condition with the imaging assembly in the extended position. Embodiments provide a mobile imaging system which has a reduced likelihood of tipping and a reduced likelihood of tipping when rolled across an incline in the transport condition, because overall length is reduced and because a portion of the imaging assembly is received in the recessed dock in the front end portion of the body in the transport condition. Embodiments provide a mobile imaging system wherein lateral swinging of the imaging assembly relative to the base assembly is reduced by a portion of the back segment of the imaging assembly being received in the recessed dock in the front end portion of the body. Embodiments provide a mobile imaging system including a body having reduced weight to support an imaging assembly of identical mass in the transport condition, because the imaging assembly is retracted in relation to the base assembly. Embodiments provide a mobile imaging system capable of supporting a heavier imaging assembly for the same reason. Embodiments provide a mobile imaging system having improved positioning flexibility around surgical tables, improved maneuverability for transporting the mobile imaging system between imaging locations within a facility, reduced requirements for materials to manufacture each system, and reduced cost of shipping systems.

CONCLUSION

An apparatus for medical imaging is described. Although specific embodiments are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other implementations can be made and provide the required function.

In particular, one of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the names of the apparatus are not intended to limit embodiments. Furthermore, additional apparatus can be added to the components, functions can be rearranged among the components, and new components to correspond to future enhancements and physical devices used in embodiments can be introduced without departing from the scope of embodiments. The terminology used herein with respect to medical imaging is meant to include all imaging environments and alternate technologies which provide the same functionality as described.