Anti-pinch point devices for imaging platforms

Anti-pinch point device for imaging platforms are disclosed. The stationary imaging platform includes a slidable cradle and fixed shroud adjacent both sides of the slidable cradle. An inventive overlay is configured for mounting on a slidable cradle. The inventive overlay moves with the slidable cradle. Elongated perimeter regions of the inventive overlay have elongated ridges formed on the underside thereof adjacent the outer edges of the elongated perimeter regions. The elongated ridges serve to prevent objects from becoming pinched between the inventive overlay and the fixed shroud.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to medical imaging equipment and, more particularly, to anti-pinch point devices for imaging platforms.

BACKGROUND

FIG. 1illustrates a conventional computer tomography (“CT”) scanner100. CT scanner100includes an x-ray source mounted on a movable ring, gantry22. Gantry22includes an array of x-ray detectors mounted opposite the x-ray source. A patient lies on a cradle30that moves through gantry22. Cradle30is supported by stationary imaging platform40. Gantry22is rotated so that the x-ray source and detectors revolve around the patient, while the patient is moving through gantry22on cradle30. Each rotation of gantry22generates a two-dimensional x-ray slice of the patient. As the patient moves through gantry22the x-ray slice images are stored. The x-ray slices are combined together to form three-dimensional images of the patient and/or a particular organ of the patient.

The top surface of cradle30has a semi-tubular shape. In some situations, it is desirable to have a patient lying on a flat surface rather than a semi-tubular surface.FIG. 2illustrates an overlay50designed to lay on a cradle30. Overlay50has a flat upper surface and thus provides a flat upper surface for a patient to lie on. Overlay50moves with cradle30as cradle30moves in and out of gantry22. Often, stationary imaging platform40will include a fixed shroud45. A problem arises when overlay50is placed on cradle30, a pinch point is formed between overlay50and fixed shroud45. It is possible that a patient's fingers could get caught between the underside of the overlay50and fixed shroud45as overlay50is moving in or out of gantry22.

FIG. 3illustrates one approach to solving this problem. Foam strips60are placed lengthwise along the underside of overlay50adjacent the edges to reduce the space between fixed shroud45and overlay50. The reduction in space is designed to prevent objects from becoming pinched between fixed shroud45and overlay50. One problem with this approach is that foam is not very resilient. The foam can be easily torn, distorted, or lose its adhesion to overlay50. An additional problem with this approach is that the foam is difficult to clean. Often during a CT scan a variety of fluids may be present. For example, a patient may be receiving intravenous fluids. Or, a patient may be receiving iodine or a radioactive dye to assist with imaging during the CT scan. These fluids could be spilled on overlay50, and therefore on foam strips60. Additionally, even if no external fluids are present, an ill patient may vomit or urinate during the CT scan. Foam strips60would absorb these fluids. It is difficult to sufficiently sterilize foam strips60.

What is needed is a different solution to address the pinch point that forms between fixed shroud45and overlay50.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention include an elongated overlay having a width, length, and structural integrity to support a human body. The elongated overlay may include a middle region and two elongated perimeter regions formed on opposing edges of the middle region. The elongated perimeter regions may be thinner than the middle region. Elongated ridges may be located on the underside of the elongated perimeter regions adjacent outer edges of the elongated perimeter regions. The underside of the elongated overlay is sized and adapted to interact with another structure.

Embodiments of the invention include an imaging platform. The imaging platform may include a frame structure sized and configured to support a slidable cradle. The slidable cradle may be configured for slidable attachment to the frame structure. A fixed shroud may be attached to the frame structure. The fixed shroud may be formed adjacent opposing sides of the slidable cradle. The imaging platform may include an overlay, sized and adapted to support a human body. The overlay may be detachably mounted on the slidable cradle. The overlay may include elongated perimeter regions having elongated ridges formed on the underside thereof. The lower surface of a middle region of the overlay may be configured to mate with the semi-tubular top surface of the slidable cradle.

Embodiments of the invention may include an imaging device. The imaging device may include a rotatable gantry and a platform. The platform may include a frame structure. The platform may also include an overlay, sized and adapted to support a human body, detachably mounted on an elongated slidable cradle. The overlay and the elongated slidable cradle may be configured to slide in and out of the rotatable gantry via the frame structure. The elongated ridges may be formed on underlying elongated perimeter regions of the overlay adjacent the outer edges of the elongated perimeter regions. The platform may include a fixed shroud mounted on the frame structure adjacent the elongated sides of the elongated slidable cradle. The lower surface of each of the elongated ridges may be proximate to the fixed shroud.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although the foregoing description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention, but merely as providing illustrations of some representative embodiments. Similarly, other embodiments of the invention may be devised that do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination.

According to embodiments of the invention, an inventive overlay may be configured for mounting on a slidable cradle of a stationary imaging platform. The stationary imaging platform may include a fixed shroud adjacent both sides of the slidable cradle. The inventive overlay may move with the slidable cradle. Elongated perimeter regions of the inventive overlay may have ridges formed on the underside thereof adjacent the outer edges of the elongated perimeter regions. The ridges may serve to prevent objects from becoming pinched between the inventive overlay and the fixed shroud.

Other embodiments of the invention include an elongated overlay having a width, length, and structural integrity to support a human body. The elongated overlay may include a middle region and two elongated perimeter regions formed on opposing edges of the middle region. The elongated perimeter regions may be thinner than the middle region. Elongated ridges may be located on the underside of the elongated perimeter regions adjacent outer edges of the elongated perimeter regions. The underside of the elongated overlay is sized and adapted to interact with another structure. The upper surfaces of the middle region and of the two elongated perimeter regions together may form a common flat surface. The elongated ridges attached to the underside of the elongated perimeter regions may be integrally formed with the underside of the elongated perimeter regions. The elongated ridges may be comprised of a foam or a solid phenolic material.

Embodiments of the invention include an imaging platform. The imaging platform may include a frame structure sized and configured to support a slidable cradle. The slidable cradle may be configured for slidable attachment to the frame structure. A fixed shroud may be attached to the frame structure. The fixed shroud may be formed adjacent opposing sides of the slidable cradle. The imaging platform may include an overlay, sized and adapted to support a human body. The overlay may be detachably mounted on the slidable cradle. The overlay may include elongated perimeter regions having elongated ridges formed on the underside thereof. The lower surface of a middle region of the overlay may be configured to mate with a semi-tubular top surface of the slidable cradle. The underside of the elongated perimeter regions may be configured to avoid contact with the slidable cradle. The overlay may include an elongated upper flat surface, sized and adapted to support a human body.

Embodiments of the invention may include an imaging device. The imaging device may include a rotatable gantry and a platform. The platform may include a frame structure. The platform may also include an overlay, sized and adapted to support a human body, detachably mounted on an elongated slidable cradle. The overlay and the elongated slidable cradle may be configured to slide in and out of the rotatable gantry via the frame structure. The elongated ridges may be formed on underlying elongated perimeter regions of the overlay adjacent the outer edges of the elongated perimeter regions. The platform may include a fixed shroud mounted on the frame structure adjacent the elongated sides of the elongated slidable cradle. The lower surface of each of the elongated ridges may be proximate to the fixed shroud.

Regarding the elongated ridges, the elongated ridges may be comprised of a material compatible with imaging technology utilized by the rotatable gantry. The distance between the outer surface of each of the elongated ridges and the inner surface of the rotatable gantry, when the overlay is in the rotatable gantry, may be less than about 0.35 inch. The distance between the outer surface of each of the elongated ridges and the rotatable gantry, when the overlay is in the rotatable gantry, may be greater than about 1 inch.

Further regarding the elongated ridges, the elongated ridges may have an isosceles trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. The base of each of the elongated ridges may be contiguous with the underside of the elongated perimeter regions. The peak of each of the elongated ridges may include a flat surface parallel to the underside of the elongated perimeter regions. The edges may be rounded where the sides of each of the elongated ridges meet their respective peaks. The peaks of the elongated ridges may be the lowest surface of the elongated ridges. The distance between the peaks and an upper surface of the fixed shroud may be either less than about 0.35 inch or greater than about 1 inch. The sides of each of the elongated ridges may include an outer side and an inner side per elongated ridge. The inner side and the outer side may have equal lengths. The outer side of each of the elongated ridges may abut the outer edge of the underside of the elongated perimeter regions. The inner side of each of the elongated ridges may be located and configured to avoid contact with the slidable cradle.

FIG. 4illustrates one embodiment of a stationary imaging platform80. Stationary imaging platform80includes cradle35and fixed shroud85adjacent both sides of cradle35. Elongated overlay90may be configured for mounting on cradle35. Elongated overlay90may have the width, length, and structural integrity to support a human body. Elongated overlay90may be configured to move with cradle35without contacting either side of fixed shroud85. Elongated ridges70may be formed along the underside of elongated overlay90adjacent the outer edges of elongated perimeter regions97.

Elongated ridges70may be made from materials that are durable and/or easily cleanable and sterilizable. For example, elongated ridges70may include non-porous materials that do not readily absorb liquids. Elongated ridges70may include materials that will not interfere with the CT scan. For a material to not interfere with the CT scan, the material needs to substantially not interfere with x-ray detection. Carbon fiber, for example, is substantially not present radiographically. Additionally, it may also be desirable to keep the weight of elongated overlay90to a minimum, thus the materials of elongated ridges70may include relatively light-weight materials. It may be desirable to form elongated ridges70from a material that is machinable and/or moldable. By way of non-limiting example, elongated ridges70may be made from a foam or a solid phenolic material.

In one embodiment, elongated ridges70may be integrally formed with elongated overlay90during the fabrication of elongated overlay90. For example, elongated overlay90may have a foam core surrounded by a carbon fiber wrap. The carbon fiber wrap may be encased in a solid phenolic material to form the outer surfaces of elongated overlay90. Elongated ridges70may then be formed during the encasing of the carbon fiber. In an alternative embodiment, elongated ridges70may be formed separate from elongated overlay90and then later secured to the underside of elongated perimeter regions97of elongated overlay90, such as with an adhesive (e.g., an epoxy). Methods of forming and/or machining materials, such as foams or solid phenolic materials, are known in the art, and, therefore, are not discussed in more detail herein.

In one embodiment, elongated ridges70extend continuously along the full length of elongated overlay90. Elongated overlay90may extend along the full length of cradle35. Non-limiting examples of the length of elongated overlay90, and thus the length of elongated ridges70, are from about 670 inches (about 1700 cm) to about 866 inches (about 2200 cm). In another embodiment, elongated ridges70may extend intermittently along the length of elongated overlay90. For example, gaps in elongated ridges70could be provided along the length of elongated overlay90to provide space for restraining straps used to immobilize a patient on elongated overlay90.

The height (i.e., vertical thickness) of elongated ridges70may be determined by the space between fixed shroud85and elongated overlay90when elongated ridges70are not present. In one embodiment, it is desirable that the space between fixed shroud85and elongated overlay90be either less than about 0.35 inch (about 9 mm) or greater than about 1 inch (about 25 mm) to reduce the probability of an object, such as a patient's finger, from becoming pinched. For example if the distance between each underside of each elongated perimeter region97and fixed shroud85is about 0.8 inch (about 20 mm), then the height of elongated ridges70would need to be about 0.43 inch (about 11 mm) or more. It should be understood that the height of elongated ridges70should not exceed the available space between the underside of each elongated perimeter region97and fixed shroud85, so that elongated overlay90may not be in contact with fixed shroud85. Thus, elongated overlay90is not restricted from movement with cradle35.

The width of elongated ridges70may be governed by the desired cross-sectional shape of elongated ridges70in conjunction with the desired height. For example, when the desired cross-sectional shape of elongated ridges70is a hemisphere, then the width of elongated ridges70may be twice the height. Or, when the desired cross-sectional shape is an equilateral triangle, then the width may be about 1.15 times the height. However, there may be constraints on the width of elongated ridges70as will be discussed below.

FIG. 4illustrates that elongated overlay90may include middle region93and elongated perimeter regions97on both sides of middle region93. The upper surfaces of the middle region93and of the two elongated perimeter regions97may share a common flat surface. Middle region93may be thicker than elongated perimeter regions97. One reason for reducing the thickness of elongated perimeter regions97may be to limit the weight of elongated overlay90. Another reason is that cradle35may includes clips32and also clip extensions34.

Clips32and clip extensions34may limit the width of elongated ridges70. In one embodiment, the width of elongated ridges70may not be so wide as to touch clips32and clip extensions34. Gantry22may also place a constraint on the width of elongated ridges70. Opening20(FIG. 4) of gantry22for receiving cradle35and elongated overlay90may be from about 24 inches (about 60 cm) to about 28 inches (about 70 cm). It may be desirable to have a space between elongated overlay90and gantry22of greater than about 1 inch (about 25 mm) or less than about 0.35 inch (about 9 mm) to reduce the probability of an object, such as a patient's finger, from becoming pinched. Thus, in one embodiment, the width of elongated ridges70may not be so wide so as to create a space between elongated overlay90and gantry22that is less than about 1 inch (about 25 mm) and greater than about 0.35 inch (about 9 mm).

Clips32and clip extensions34may limit the width of elongated ridges70. In one embodiment, the width of elongated ridges70may not be so wide as to touch clips32and clip extensions34. Gantry20may also place a constraint on the width of elongated ridges70. Opening22(FIG. 4) of gantry20for receiving cradle35and elongated overlay90may be from about 24 inches (about 60 cm) to about 28 inches (about 70 cm). It may be desirable to have a space between elongated overlay90and gantry20of greater than about 1 inch (about 25 mm) or less than about 0.35 inch (about 9 mm) to reduce the probability of an object, such as a patient's finger, from becoming pinched. Thus, in one embodiment, the width of elongated ridges70may not be so wide so as to create a space between elongated overlay90and gantry20that is less than about 1 inch (about 25 mm) and greater than about 0.35 inch (about 9 mm).

Elongated ridges70may have a variety of cross-sectional shapes.FIG. 5illustrates an embodiment of the present invention where elongated ridges70have an isosceles trapezoid cross-sectional shape. In this embodiment, the sides of elongated ridges70are at about a 45 degree angle relative to the underside of elongated perimeter regions97. In this embodiment, the distance between the “peaks” of elongated ridges70and fixed shroud85is about 0.3217 inches (about 8.2 mm). Thus, elongated ridges70may serve as anti-pinch point devices to limit the space between elongated overlay90and fixed shroud85.

There is no limitation on the shape of elongated ridges70. However, it may be desirable to use rounded corners, rather than sharp corners, with elongated ridges70. For example, with the trapezoidal elongated ridges70depicted inFIG. 5it may be desirable to round the corners of the trapezoid. In that example, elongated ridges70could still have a trapezoidal shape, but just with rounded corners.

Elongated ridges70may thus serve as anti-pinch point devices for elongated overlay90. Elongated ridges70may serve to prevent not only fingers from becoming pinched, but also surgical tubing, blankets, clothing, and numerous other articles.

Elongated overlay90may be adapted to interact with another structure. For example, elongated overlay90may be mounted on cradle35in any manner compatible with elongated overlay90moving with cradle35in and out of gantry22.FIG. 5illustrates that cradle35and elongated overlay90may include complementary Velcro strips98to assist in both securing elongated overlay90to cradle35and to also cushion the contact between cradle35and elongated overlay90. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5, only a portion of the lower surface of middle region93is configured to interact with cradle35. However, the lower surface of elongated overlay90may be configured in any manner necessary to mate with cradle35.FIGS. 4 and 5depict the top surface of cradle35as having a semi-tubular shape. However, cradle35may have any other shape compatible with its function. The lower surface of elongated overlay90may be configured to mate with any shape of cradle35.

Elongated overlay90has been described as having a flat upper surface. However, it should be understood that elongated ridges70may be used with a variety of CT scanner overlays. For example, the upper surface of elongated overlay90may be padded and/or have a curvilinear surface. Additionally, elongated overlay90may be an immobilization chamber for immobilizing a patient's head, chest, abdomen, or limbs. For example, the immobilization chamber may be mounted on cradle35and have support structures that create pinch points between the immobilization chamber and fixed shroud85. Embodiments of the present invention may be used to avoid such pinch points.

It should be understood that elongated ridges70may be used with any imaging technology that involves a platform having an overlay on a sliding element and a fixed shroud. There are numerous varieties of CT scanners that may use an overlay on a sliding element. Slice CT scanners and volume CT scanners are two non-limiting examples. In addition to CT scanners, other imaging technologies utilize platforms having overlays on sliding elements. For example, magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”), positron emission tomography (“PET”) scanners, positron emission tomography computer tomography (“PETCT”) scanners, and linear accelerators may utilize platforms with an overlay on a sliding element and a fixed shroud. The materials of elongated ridges70and elongated overlay90may need to be varied depending upon the imaging technology used. For example, for MRI, it may be necessary to use materials that do not have magnetic properties.

Although the foregoing description contains many specifics, these are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention, but merely as providing certain representative embodiments. Similarly, other embodiments of the invention can be devised which do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated and limited only by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the foregoing description. All additions, deletions, and modifications to the invention, as disclosed herein, which fall within the meaning and scope of the claims, are encompassed by the present invention.