Patent Description:
A typical X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray source and an X-ray detector. X-rays emitted from the X-ray source can impinge on the X-ray detector and provide an X-ray image of an object or subject that is placed between the X-ray source and the detector. In different types of imaging systems, X-ray detectors are implemented using an image intensifier or a flat panel digital detector.

<CIT> refers to a sterile imaging head protective apparatus includes a radiolucent rigid sheet configured to cover an imaging head of an X-ray imaging machine and a sterile flexible drape attached to the radiolucent rigid sheet. The drape extends away from the radiolucent rigid sheet to an open free end.

<CIT> refers to systems and methods for a sterile imaging protective system, wherein the system includes a first flexible drape with a cavity configured to surround an imaging intensifier and a second drape that is attached to an operating table or patient drape. The second drape has a proximal portion, a distal portion, a pocket therebetween with a top sterile portion and a lower portion, and a plurality of reusable fasteners that allows the second drape to be repeatedly moved from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration.

<CIT> refers to a sterilizing drape which can be used to cover a C-arm machine in combination with a small surgical table. The invention assumes that a small surgical table has been affixed to the lower portion of a C-arm machine. The sterilizing drape covers the exposed portions of the C-arm machine as well as the small surgical table.

An imaging system may include an X-ray emitter and an X-ray detector positioned on opposite sides of an imaging arm or gantry assembly. For example, the emitter and detector may have a C-arm, G-arm, O-arm, L-arm, or other shaped arm. In either case, the arm assembly of the imaging system may move relative to the subject in order to acquire images from multiple angles. In some configurations, the arm can often be raised and lowered, be moved from side to side, and/or be rotated about one or more axes of rotation. Accordingly, the emitter and detector carried by the arm can be moved and reoriented to allow X-ray images to be taken from several different positions and angles and from one or more portions of a patient, without requiring the patient to be frequently repositioned.

An imaging system may be used during many different types of examinations and procedures with different patients. The components of the imaging system susceptible to contamination during a procedure, for example from patient contact or bodily fluid contact, may be wiped down and disinfected between patients. This can help minimize the possibility of cross-contamination and hospital acquired infection between procedures and patients. The facility housing the imaging system may clean the imaging system with a disinfecting agent between uses. To further enhance the sterility of the imaging environment, a disposable sterile drape may be placed over imaging system that is replaced between patients.

In general, this disclosure is directed to a sterile drape for draping medical imaging equipment, such as a C-arm imaging system.

In accordance with claim <NUM> a drape for a covering a C-arm imaging machine is provided, wherein the drape comprises a detector body cover configured to be positioned around a detector of an imaging machine; a C-arm body cover configured to be positioned along at least a portion of a length of a C-arm of the imaging machine, the C-arm body cover defining a tunnel configured to surround the C-arm; and an elastic banding extending about a perimeter of a junction between the detector body cover and the C-arm body cover, the elastic banding providing a biasing force configured to draw the junction between the detector body cover and the C-arm body cover closed, wherein the tunnel extends from a first end at the junction to a second end configured to be positioned down the length of the C-arm, and the C-arm body cover further comprises a tail sheet extending outwardly from the second end of the tunnel.

The C-arm imaging system may include a detector that receives X-rays from an emitter positioned on an opposed side of the C-arm to generate an X-ray image of a subject that is placed between the emitter and detector. In some implementations, the detector is configured to rotate around an axis of rotation relative to the C-arm to orient the detector relative to the subject. In either case, the shape and maneuverability of the imaging system may make it difficult to adequately drape the surfaces of the imaging system and ensure that the surfaces remain draped during movement and use of the imaging system.

In some implementations according to the present disclosure a drape for covering a C-arm imaging machine is described. The drape includes a detector body cover, a C-arm body cover, and an elastic banding adjacent a junction between the detector body cover and the C-arm body cover. The detector body cover can be positioned over the detector of the imaging system to cover the detector from contamination. The C-arm body cover can define a tunnel extending away from the detector body cover. The C-arm body cover can cover a portion of the C-arm extending away from the detector. The elastic banding can provide a biasing force that compresses the drape against the C-arm adjacent the detector. For example, the elastic banding can extend about a perimeter between the detector body cover and the C-arm body cover to provide a biasing force encircling and/or enclosing the drape at that location. Configuring the drape with such an elastic banding can be useful, e.g., to facilitate positioning the detector body cover portion of the drape over different sized detectors on different imaging systems. Further, for imaging systems having a detector that is configured to rotate during use, the elastic banding can help keep the detector body cover retained around the detector even as the detector moves during operation.

While a drape according to the disclosure can have a variety of different configurations, in some examples, the drape includes a tail sheet extending away from the C-arm body cover. The tail sheet may be a section of drape material that does not surround the C-arm to the same extent as the tunnel portion of the C-arm body cover. For example, the C-arm body cover may define a tunnel configured to cover the C-arm on multiple sides whereas the tail sheet may be configured to cover the C-arm on fewer sides than that of the tunnel. In some implementations, the C-arm body cover forms a tunnel that extends from the detector body cover up to a joint about which the C-arm articulates. The tail sheet may cover a patient-facing surface of the C-arm extending beyond the joint.

In one example, a drape for a covering a C-arm imaging machine is described. The drape includes a detector body cover, a C-arm body cover, and an elastic banding. The detector body cover is configured to be positioned around a detector of the imaging machine. The C-arm body cover is configured to be positioned along at least a portion of a length of a C-arm of the imaging machine. The example specifies that the C-arm body cover defines a tunnel configured to surround the C-arm. The elastic banding extends about a perimeter of a junction between the detector body cover and the C-arm body cover and provides a biasing force configured to draw the junction between the detector body cover and the C-arm body cover closed.

In another example, a draped C-arm imaging machine is described. The draped machine includes a C-arm that is divided into a first side carrying a detector and a second side carrying an emitter, with the first side of the C-arm and the second side of the C-arm being divided by an articulating joint. The draped machine also includes a drape having a detector body cover, a C-arm body cover defining a tunnel, and an elastic banding extending about a perimeter of a junction between the detector body cover and the C-arm body cover. The example specifies that the drape covers at least a portion of the C-arm with the detector body cover positioned around the detector, the tunnel extending along at least a portion of a length of the first side of the C-arm from the detector body cover toward the articulating joint, and the elastic banding biasing the junction between the detector body cover and the C-arm body cover closed at a location between the detector and a reminder of the first side of the c-arm.

In another example, a method of draping a C-arm imaging machine is described. The method includes stretching an elastic banding joining a detector body cover to a C-arm body cover to enlarge an opening of the detector body cover thereby providing an enlarged opening to the detector body cover. The method includes positioning the detector body cover over a detector of a C-arm via the enlarged opening and allowing the elastic banding to contract around the C-arm. The method further includes positioning a tunnel of the C-arm body cover around at least a portion of the C-arm extending away from the detector.

This disclosure is generally directed to a drape for an imaging machine, such as a C-arm x-ray imaging machine used during a fluoroscopy procedure. The drape can be deployed over a portion of the imaging machine to form a sterile barrier between the machine and the subject being imaged. In use, the drape may be received as a folded, flat-packed structure that is then unfolded and deployed over the imaging machine by a clinician. After an imaging procedure is performed on the subject, the drape may be removed from the imaging machine, discarded, and replaced with a fresh sterile drape.

While the following description focuses on a C-arm shaped imaging machine and a drape for such a C-arm imaging machine, it should be appreciated that a drape according to disclosure is not limited to such an example imaging machine. Rather, a drape according to disclosure can be configured for use on any type of imaging machine, including C-arms, G-arms, O-arms, L-arms, and other types of x-ray or non-x-ray imaging devices (e.g., microscopes). Accordingly, reference to certain aspects of a drape as being configured for a C-arm may be understood to be alternatively configured for a different shape when intended for a different machine configuration.

Details on example drapes according to disclosure are described with reference to <FIG>. Further, an example method of draping an imaging machine is described with reference to <FIG>. However, details on example C-arm imaging machines that may be draped using a drape according to disclosure are first described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are perspective illustrations of two example C-arm imaging machines 10A and 10B (collectively referred to as "C-arm imaging machine <NUM>" or "imaging machine <NUM>"), which may be used to generate images of a subject as part of a medical diagnosis or procedure. Each C-arm imaging machine <NUM> includes an emitter 12A, 12B (collectively referred to as an "emitter <NUM>"), which can generate and/or emit X-rays that are directed to penetrate the subject being imaged. Each C-arm imaging machine <NUM> also includes a detector 14A, 14B (collectively referred to as "detector <NUM>"). Detector <NUM> can receive X-rays after having passed through the subject being imaged for generating a visible image of the portion of the subject imaged. Cabling <NUM> can supply power and/or signals to the emitter <NUM> and/or detector <NUM> and/or receive signals from one or both components.

In the example of <FIG>, detector 14A on imaging machine 10A is illustrated in the form of a flat panel detector. A flat panel detector is typically formed of a semi-conductor material and is able to covert X-rays to visible light images. The flat panel detector may have a polygonal (e.g., square, rectangular) shape with a width and/or length greater than its thickness (where thickness is perpendicular to the subject being imaged). By contrast, detector 14B on imaging machine 10B of <FIG> is illustrated in the form of an image intensifier. An image intensifier may include a vacuum tube with an output phosphor coupled to a camera or a charge coupled device (CCD), to convert X-rays to visible light images. An image intensifier may have a thickness (in the direction perpendicular to the subject being imaged) greater than its length and/or width. In either case, a drape according to the disclosure can be configured to drape an imaging machine having any type of detector, including a flat panel detector or an imaging intensifier.

With further reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, C-arm imaging machine <NUM> is illustrated as having a C-arm 16A, 16B (collectively referred to as "C-arm <NUM>"). C-arm <NUM> can define a generally C-shaped structure with emitter <NUM> positioned on one side of the arm and detector <NUM> positioned on an opposite side of the arm. The C-arm shape defined by C-arm <NUM> can allow emitter <NUM> and detector <NUM> to be simultaneously positioned on opposite sides of the patient being imaged during an imaging procedure.

While C-arm <NUM> is illustrated as having a general C-shape, and imaging detector arm that is draped in accordance with the present disclosure can have a variety of other shapes. For example, in other configurations, imaging machine <NUM> may have a G-arm, O-arm, L-arm, or other shaped arm.

C-arm <NUM> can be thought of as having two halves: one half carrying detector <NUM> and one half carry emitter <NUM>. For example, C-arm <NUM> can be divided through a geometric center by a hypothetical axis <NUM> into a first side <NUM> carrying detector <NUM> and a second side <NUM> carrying emitter <NUM>. The length of C-arm <NUM> can dictate the separation distance between emitter <NUM> and detector <NUM> and, correspondingly, the size of the subject matter that can be imaged using C-arm. For example, imaging machine <NUM> may be configured as a full-size imaging device (e.g., for imaging the body or torso of a patient) or a mini C-arm (e.g., for imaging an arm, a hand, a leg, a foot, or a smaller section of the body than the full torso).

In some configurations, C-arm <NUM> of imaging machine <NUM> can rotate or articulate about a joint <NUM>. C-arm <NUM> may rotate about articulating joint <NUM> to allow different portions of the subject to be imaged without requiring the subject to be repositioned relative to the imaging device. In some configurations, C-arm <NUM> may advance forward and backward relative to articulating joint <NUM> in addition to or in lieu of rotating about the joint. This can allow emitter <NUM> and detector <NUM> to translate along a length of the subject in addition to or in lieu of rotating about the subject being imaged.

As briefly mentioned above, detector <NUM> of imaging machine <NUM> may be stationary or may rotate about an axis of rotation. In the example of <FIG>, detector 14A is illustrated as a flat panel detector capable of rotating about an axis of rotation <NUM> (e.g., rotating from <NUM>° to <NUM>°). When so configured, detector <NUM> may rotate before and/or after applying a drape over the detector as discussed in more detail below.

As introduced above, a drape may be used to form a sterile barrier between imaging machine <NUM> and a patient (or other subject matter) being imaged. The drape can be positioned over at least a portion of imaging machine <NUM> before the patient undergoes imaging using the machine. After the imaging procedure, the drape can be removed from the machine and discarded in preparation a new patient.

<FIG> is a top view illustration of an example drape <NUM> that can be used to drape imaging machine <NUM> according to the disclosure. As shown in this example, drape <NUM> includes a detector body cover <NUM> and a C-arm body cover <NUM>. Drape <NUM> is also illustrated as including an elastic banding <NUM>. Detector body cover <NUM> can be configured to be positioned over detector <NUM> of imaging machine <NUM>. C-arm body cover <NUM> may be joined to and extend away from detector body cover <NUM> for covering at least a portion of C-arm <NUM>. Elastic banding may provide a biasing force helping to close drape <NUM> about C-arm <NUM> adjacent to detector <NUM>.

In use, elastic banding <NUM> may be expanded and detector body cover <NUM> positioned over detector <NUM>. Elastic banding <NUM> can then be allowed to contract to close detector body cover <NUM> around the detector, thereby enclosing the detector in the detector body cover. C-arm body cover <NUM> can then be pulled over a portion of C-arm <NUM> extending away from detector <NUM>, e.g., toward emitter <NUM>. Once deployed, drape <NUM> can help form a sterile barrier between imaging machine <NUM> and the subject being imaged.

In general, detector body cover <NUM> of drape <NUM> may be a section of drape material configured (e.g., size and shaped) to partially or completely surround detector <NUM> of imaging machine <NUM>. In some implementations, detector body cover <NUM> may be shape indexed to the shape of detector <NUM> over which the detector body cover is intended to be positioned. In other implementations, detector body cover <NUM> may be a generic-shaped covering that is not shape indexed to the shape of detector <NUM>. For example, detector body cover <NUM> may be a bag configured to be positioned over and completely surround imaging machine <NUM>. When so configured, the bag of drape material defining detector body cover <NUM> may be positioned over the terminal end of C-arm <NUM> carrying detector <NUM> and pulled over the detector in a direction toward emitter <NUM> carried on opposed end of the C-arm body.

When drape <NUM> is intended to be deployed over an imaging machine <NUM> that has a detector <NUM> that rotates, detector body cover <NUM> may be sized large enough to allow detector <NUM> to rotate within the detector body cover. For example, detector body cover <NUM> may enclose an area as large or larger than the area swept out or otherwise traversed during rotation of detector <NUM> during full rotation of the detector. This can ensure that detector <NUM> can rotate to the maximum extent desired by the clinician and/or allowed by imaging machine <NUM> without drape <NUM> hindering rotation and/or the drape being ripped through rotation.

C-arm body cover <NUM> can be positioned along the length of C-arm <NUM> extending away from detector <NUM>. After positioning detector body cover <NUM> over detector <NUM>, C-arm body cover <NUM> can be pulled (e.g., stretched and/or extended) along the length of C-arm <NUM> in a direction toward emitter <NUM>. In this way, C-arm body cover <NUM> can cover a portion of C-arm <NUM> adjacent to detector <NUM>. In some configurations, C-arm body cover <NUM> may define a tunnel that is configured to surround the portion of C-arm over which the C-arm body cover is positioned.

<FIG> is a sectional image of C-arm body cover <NUM> taken along the A-A section line indicated on <FIG> and illustrates an example configuration of C-arm body cover <NUM> surrounding C-arm <NUM>. In this example sectional view, C-arm <NUM> defines a bottom surface <NUM>, which may be a patient-facing surface when the C-arm is positioned relative to a patient undergoing an imaging procedure. C-arm <NUM> may also define a top surface <NUM> and one or more side surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>.

C-arm body cover <NUM> may define a tunnel surrounding C-arm <NUM>. For example, as illustrated, C-arm body cover <NUM> may cover bottom surface <NUM> of the C-arm <NUM>, top surface <NUM> of the C-arm body, and any side surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the C-arm body. While the illustrated example shows C-arm <NUM> as having a rectangular cross-sectional shape and C-arm body cover <NUM> having a corresponding rectangular cross-sectional shape, it should be appreciated that C-arm <NUM> and/or C-arm body cover <NUM> may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. C-arm <NUM> and/or C-arm body cover <NUM> may define any polygonal (e.g., square, rectangle, triangle) or arcuate (e.g., circular, elliptical) shape, or even combinations of polygonal and arcuate shapes. Further, C-arm body cover <NUM> may have the same general cross-sectional shape as C-arm <NUM> or may have a different cross-sectional shape than the C-arm body. For instance, unlike the example of <FIG> where C-arm <NUM> and C-arm body cover <NUM> have the same cross-sectional shape, C-arm <NUM> may have a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape whereas C-arm body cover <NUM> may have a generally circular cross-sectional shape.

In some implementations, detector body cover <NUM> and C-arm body cover <NUM> are separate sections of draping (each of which may be formed of one or more pieces of draping material) that are joined together to form a unitary drape <NUM>. In other implementations, detector body cover <NUM> and C-arm body cover <NUM> may be formed of a single sheet of drape material rather than separate sections of drape material joined together. In either case, elastic banding <NUM> may define a junction that separates the portion of drape <NUM> referred to as detector body cover <NUM> from the portion of the drape referred to its C-arm body cover <NUM>.

In general, elastic banding <NUM> may be formed of a material that can be deformed from its original shape (e.g., through stretching or other enlarging) and elastically return to its original shape and/or length. For example, elastic banding <NUM> may be formed of a polymeric material, such as rubber, that can be stretched to an enlarged size and which then provides a biasing or compression force drawing the elastic banding back down to its non-stretch size. Elastic banding <NUM> may be formed solely of elastic material or may be integrated with another material, such as woven, braided, or knitted elastic that may include strips of rubber integrated with a fabric material.

Elastic banding <NUM> can extend partially or fully about a perimeter of drape <NUM>, e.g., at the junction between detector body cover <NUM> and C-arm body cover <NUM>. Elastic banding <NUM> can be a single continuous section (e.g., strip) of material extending about the perimeter or can be multiple sections (e.g., strips) of material positioned at different locations about the perimeter. In this latter implementation, the multiple sections of elastic banding material may be joined together to form a composite continuous strip or may be separated from each other to form a discontinuous elastic banding about the perimeter.

As one example, detector body cover <NUM> may define a bag configured to completely surround detector <NUM> of imaging machine <NUM>. The bag may have a closed terminal end <NUM> and define an opening <NUM> at the junction with C-arm body cover <NUM>. A pathway may be formed from the tunnel defined by C-arm body cover <NUM> into the bag forming detector body cover <NUM>. Accordingly, C-arm <NUM> can extend through the tunnel defined by C-arm body cover <NUM> with the terminal end of the C-arm body carrying detector <NUM> inserted into the open end <NUM> of detector body cover <NUM>, thereby covering detector <NUM> with detector body cover <NUM>.

Elastic banding <NUM> can extend about a perimeter (e.g., circumference) of drape <NUM>. The unexpanded size of elastic banding <NUM> may be smaller than or approximately equal to a cross-sectional size of C-arm <NUM>. As a result, elastic banding <NUM> may draw drape <NUM> closed against C-arm <NUM> at the location of the C-arm body over which elastic banding <NUM> is positioned. In this way, elastic banding <NUM> can help secure drape <NUM> to imaging machine <NUM> and, more particularly, help close open end <NUM> of detector body cover <NUM> around detector <NUM> of the imaging machine.

The location of drape <NUM> where elastic banding <NUM> is positioned can define the junction between detector body cover <NUM> and C-arm body cover <NUM>. As a result, the section of drape <NUM> distal of elastic banding <NUM> (e.g., encompassing closed end <NUM>) may be designated as detector body cover <NUM> whereas the section of the drape proximal the elastic banding may be designated as C-arm body cover <NUM>. In implementations where detector body cover <NUM> and C-arm body cover <NUM> are formed of separate sheets of material joined together, the physical interface or meeting location between the separate sheets of material may or may not overlap with elastic banding <NUM>.

Elastic banding <NUM> can be joined to drape <NUM> using a variety of different fixation techniques. As one example, elastic banding <NUM> can be adhesively attached to drape <NUM>. As another example, elastic bending <NUM> can be thermally attached to drape <NUM>, e.g., by applying heat to the drape to temporarily melt the portion of the drape and thereby bond elastic banding to the melted portion of drape. As still another example, elastic banding <NUM> can be attached to drape <NUM> using one or more mechanical fixation elements, such as pins, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, and/or stitching. Independent of the type of attention element used to secure elastic bending <NUM> to drape <NUM>, the elastic banding may be attached to an interior surface of the drape, and exterior surface of the drape, and/or between two sections of drape material (e.g., as an interstitial material bridging two sections of draping).

In some implementations, elastic banding <NUM> is incorporated into drape <NUM> using stitching. Stitching may provide a robust physical connection between elastic banding and one or more layers of drape material, helping to ensure that elastic banding <NUM> remains tightly secured to the drape material during stretching and compression. When so implemented, elastic banding <NUM> can be sewn to one or more sheets of drape material forming detector body cover <NUM> and/or C-arm body cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of an example drape material arrangement that may be used to fixate elastic banding <NUM> to drape <NUM>. As shown in this example, one or more sections of drape material forming detector body cover <NUM> terminate in first terminal edge <NUM> (e.g., defining open end <NUM>). Further, one or more sections of drape material forming C-arm body cover <NUM> terminate in a second terminal edge <NUM>. The first terminal edge <NUM> of detector body cover <NUM> is overlapped with the second terminal edge <NUM> of C-arm body cover <NUM> to define an overlap region <NUM>. Elastic banding <NUM> is attached overlaying overlap region <NUM>, e.g., to provide an interlocking sandwiched section of materials. Elastic banding <NUM> can be attached using any suitable attachment technique, including those discussed above. In some examples, however, elastic banding is attached using stitching <NUM>. For example, elastic banding may be attached using an over lock stitching technique, which may also referred to as a serge stitching technique, to secure elastic banding in different sections of drape material forming detector body cover <NUM> and C-arm body cover <NUM>, respectively.

It should be appreciated that although <FIG> illustrates detector body cover <NUM> positioned on top of C-arm body cover <NUM>, and elastic banding <NUM> on top of detector body cover <NUM>, an alternative arrangement of layers can be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, C-arm body cover <NUM> may be positioned on top of detector body cover <NUM>, with elastic banding <NUM> further positioned on top of the C-arm body cover. As another example, elastic bending <NUM> may be positioned between detector body cover <NUM> and C-arm body cover <NUM>.

With further reference to <FIG>, C-arm body cover <NUM> is illustrated as extending from a first end <NUM> to a second end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of C-arm body cover <NUM> may be the junction with detector body cover <NUM> where elastic banding <NUM> is located. The second end <NUM> of C-arm body cover <NUM> may be the location where the proximal-most end of the tunnel defined by the C-arm body cover terminates.

In some examples, including the example illustrated in <FIG>, drape <NUM> includes a further section of drape material <NUM> extending proximally from the second or terminal end <NUM> of C-arm body cover <NUM>. In other examples, drape <NUM> does not include this further section of drape material <NUM>. When drape <NUM> includes a further section of drape material <NUM> extending beyond the end of the tunnel defined by C-arm body cover <NUM>, the additional section of drape material may be referred to as a tail sheet. Tail sheet <NUM> of drape <NUM> can extend outwardly from the second and <NUM> of the tunnel formed by C-arm body cover <NUM>, providing additional draping that can be attached to imaging machine <NUM>.

When configured with a tail sheet <NUM>, the tail sheet may be positionable against the portion of C-arm <NUM> located beyond the section of the C-arm covered by the tunnel of C-arm body cover <NUM> (e.g., proximately along the length of the C-arm). With reference to imaging machine <NUM> in <FIG>, for example, the tunnel portion of C-arm body cover <NUM> may extend from detector <NUM> (which is covered by detector body cover <NUM>) down along the length of C-arm <NUM> toward emitter <NUM>. The tunnel portion of C-arm body cover <NUM> may extend from the detector <NUM> down to a location adjacent joint <NUM> of imaging machine <NUM>, e.g., location distal of or just short of joint <NUM>. The presence of joint <NUM> may prevent the tunnel from continuing to pass over the joint and down along C-arm <NUM>, e.g., because the joint may interfere with the top surface of sheet material defining the tunnel. For this reason, the tunnel portion of C-arm body cover <NUM> may have a size effective to extend between detector <NUM> and joint <NUM> but not beyond the joint. As a result, the first half <NUM> of C-arm <NUM> may generally be covered by drape <NUM> (e.g., detector body cover <NUM> and the tunnel portion of C-arm body cover <NUM>). Tail sheet <NUM> may provide a section of drape material that can extend beyond joint <NUM> and down over at least a portion of second half <NUM> of C-arm <NUM>, e.g., beyond the joint.

For example, tail sheet <NUM> may be formed of a planar sheet of drape material (optionally with sidewalls) that does not have a top surface that can interfere with joint <NUM>. As a result, tail sheet <NUM> can continue extending down along the length of C-arm <NUM> beyond joint <NUM>. Tail sheet <NUM> may not cover all sides of C-arm <NUM> but may instead be positioned covering the patient-facing surface <NUM> of the C-arm. In applications where second-half <NUM> of C-arm <NUM> is less likely to become contaminated than the first half <NUM> of the C-arm, this more limited draping provided by tail sheet <NUM> can still provide appropriate sterility protection for the C-arm. Tail sheet <NUM> may optionally have sidewalls that cover the side surfaces of C-arm <NUM> in addition to covering patient-facing surface <NUM>. The sidewalls may even wrap (e.g., partially) around top surface <NUM> of C-arm <NUM> or, in other implementations, may not cover any of top surface <NUM> of the C-arm.

In examples where drape <NUM> does not include tail sheet <NUM>, the tunnel portion of C-arm body cover <NUM> may or may not be alternatively configured to extend past joint <NUM> to cover a portion of the second half <NUM> of C-arm <NUM>. If the tunnel portion of C-arm body cover <NUM> is intended to extend past joint <NUM> of imaging machine <NUM>, a slit or other opening may be provided in the top surface of the tunnel to allow the tunnel to be drawn over and/or passed by joint <NUM>.

When C-arm body cover <NUM> of drape <NUM> includes tail sheet <NUM>, the tail sheet may extend from a bottom or patient-facing side of the tunnel portion of C-arm body cover <NUM>. For example, <FIG> is a perspective view of an example arrangement of the tunnel portion of C-arm body cover <NUM> relative to tail sheet <NUM>. As shown in this example, tail sheet <NUM> extends from the second end <NUM> of the tunnel. In particular, in the illustrated arrangement, the tunnel portion of C-arm body cover <NUM> defines a bottom wall <NUM> configured to cover the patient-facing surface <NUM> of the C-arm <NUM>, a top wall <NUM> configured to cover an outward facing surface of the C-arm <NUM> (e.g., surface opposite the patient-facing surface), a first sidewall <NUM> joining the top wall to the bottom wall, and a second sidewall <NUM> joining the top wall to the bottom wall.

Tail sheet <NUM> can extend from the bottom wall <NUM> of the tunnel, e.g., and be integral with or joined to the bottom wall. Accordingly, tail sheet <NUM> can also cover the patient-facing surface <NUM> of C-arm <NUM>, e.g., over a length of the C-arm located beyond the terminal end <NUM> of the tunnel. For example, the tunnel portion of C-arm body cover <NUM> may have a length that extends from the junction of detector body cover <NUM> to joint <NUM> of imaging machine <NUM>. Tail sheet <NUM> may have a length that allows the tail sheet to be positioned covering patient-facing surface <NUM> overlying joint <NUM> and beyond, toward emitter <NUM>. Tail sheet <NUM> may extend over joint <NUM> by covering the patient-facing surface <NUM> of C-arm <NUM> that is on the opposite side of joint <NUM>.

Tail sheet <NUM> may have a length that extends past joint <NUM> of imaging machine <NUM> down toward emitter <NUM>. Tail sheet <NUM> may extend down to emitter <NUM> or a distance along C-arm <NUM> short of emitter <NUM>. A separate banded bag drape may be positioned over emitter <NUM> (optionally covering the terminal end of tail sheet <NUM>) to provide a sterile barrier over the emitter. In another configuration, drape <NUM> may include an emitter body cover extending from the terminal end of tail sheet <NUM> that can be positioned over emitter <NUM>. The emitter body cover may be a bag having an open and in a closed end, similar to an example configuration of detector body cover <NUM> described above. When so configured, the emitter body cover may or may not also include a separate elastic banding to close the cover around emitter <NUM>, e.g., configured consistent with elastic banding <NUM> described above.

In some configurations in which C-arm body cover <NUM> is configured with a tunnel section, the tunnel suction section may include a seam extending along at least a portion of the length of the tunnel to help facilitate installation of the tunnel about C-arm <NUM>. For example, in <FIG>, the tunnel portion of C-arm body cover <NUM> is illustrated as including a seam <NUM>. Seam <NUM> may be a slit that allows the tunnel to split open for positioning around C-arm <NUM> and that can be close back together once the tunnel is positioned around the C-arm.

In different examples, seam <NUM> may extend the entire length of the tunnel or less than the entire length of the tunnel. For example, seam <NUM> may extend from second terminal end <NUM> toward first terminal end <NUM> but may stop short of the first terminal end, as shown in the illustrated example. Seam <NUM> may be formed in top surface <NUM> of the tunnel section of C-arm body cover <NUM> (<FIG>) to prevent any breaks in the sterility barrier provided by patient-facing surface <NUM> of the tunnel section. Alternatively, seam <NUM> may be formed in a different surface of the tunnel portion of C-arm body cover <NUM>, such as a sidewall surface or even the patient-facing surface.

When tunnel portion of C-arm body cover <NUM> is configured with seam <NUM>, one or more closure elements may be positioned along the length of the seam to help secure the seam closed, when the tunnel is positioned over C-arm <NUM>. Example closure elements that may be used include snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, adhesive strips, and the like. After the split sides of the tunnel are drawn back together to close seam <NUM>, the one or more closure elements can be engaged to keep the sides of the tunnel together and help close seam <NUM>.

In general, drape <NUM>, including detector body cover <NUM> and C-arm body cover <NUM>, can be made of a sterile (and/or sterilizable) material that can be disposed of after a single use. Drape <NUM> may be typically fabricated from one or more types of polymeric material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or yet other types of drape material. After manufacture but before use, drape <NUM> may or may not be sterilized to ensure that the drape provides a sterile barrier between patient and imaging machine <NUM>. For example, drape <NUM> may be subject to a sterilization process, such as steam sterilization, dry heat sterilization, ethylene oxide gas sterilization, or radiation sterilization.

In some implementations, drape <NUM> can include additional features to help attach and secure the drape to imaging machine <NUM> during use. For example, drape <NUM> can include one or more sections of pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on a surface of the drape that can be pressed against a corresponding section of imaging machine <NUM> over which the drape is intended to provide protection. For example, when drape <NUM> includes tail sheet <NUM>, the outward facing surface of the tail section that is intended to contact C-arm <NUM> can include one or more sections of pressure sensitive adhesive. The one or more sections of pressure sensitive adhesive can be covered by release liner or otherwise protected to prevent the pressure sensitive adhesive from inadvertently bonding one section of drape to another while the drape is folded. In either case, the one or more sections of pressure sensitive adhesive can be exposed for contact during unfolding and/or deployment of drape <NUM>. As drape <NUM> is positioned over imaging machine <NUM>, the one or more sections of pressure sensitive adhesive carried by the drape can be pressed against the machine to help secure and hold the drape to machine. Other types of attachment features that can be incorporated into drape <NUM> and used to secure a portion of the drape to imaging machine <NUM> (e.g., detector <NUM> and/or C-arm <NUM>) in addition to or in lieu of pressure sensitive adhesive include ties, magnetic connectors, and the like.

Drape <NUM> can have a variety of different sizes, and the specific size of drape <NUM> and its components may vary depending on the size of imaging machine intended to be covered by the drape. In some examples, detector body cover <NUM> of drape <NUM> has a length (in the Z-direction indicated on <FIG>) less than the length of C-arm body cover <NUM> (e.g., the tunnel portion of the C-arm body cover) and/or a width (in the X-direction indicated on <FIG>) less than the width of C-arm body cover <NUM> (e.g., the tunnel portion of the C-arm body cover). When configured with tail sheet <NUM>, the tail sheet, in some examples, may have a length less than the length of the tunnel portion of the C-arm body cover and/or a width less than the width of the tunnel portion of the C-arm body cover.

<FIG> is a flow diagram illustrating an example technique for draping an imaging machine using a drape according to disclosure. The technique of <FIG> will be described with respect to imaging machine <NUM> and drape <NUM> although can be performed using other configurations of medical devices and drapes, as described herein.

The example technique of <FIG> includes stretching elastic banding <NUM> joining detector body cover <NUM> to C-arm body cover <NUM> to enlarge open end <NUM> of the detector body cover. (<NUM>) This can provide an enlarged detector body cover opening for positioning the detector body cover <NUM> over detector <NUM>. For example, once elastic banding <NUM> is stretched to enlarge the opening of detector body cover <NUM>, the detector body cover can be positioned over detector <NUM>. (<NUM>) In some applications, the user stretches elastic banding <NUM> to enlarge the open end <NUM> of detector body cover <NUM> before slipping the detector body cover over detector <NUM>. In other applications, the user may stretch elastic banding <NUM> concurrent with positioning the detector body cover <NUM> over detector <NUM>. For instance, in the process of pulling detector body cover <NUM> over detector <NUM>, the larger size of detector <NUM> relative to the necked down region of drape <NUM> provided by elastic banding <NUM> may cause the elastic banding to stretch as the detector body cover is slipped over the end of the C-arm to cover detector <NUM>.

In either case, elastic banding <NUM> can compress towards its natural, unbiased size, causing the elastic banding to compress drape <NUM> around C-arm <NUM>. This can result in drape <NUM> having a narrower circumference in the region of elastic banding <NUM> compressing against C-arm <NUM> than either immediately proximal or distal of the elastic banding.

The technique of <FIG> also includes positioning the tunnel portion defined by C-arm body cover <NUM> around the portion of C-arm <NUM> extending away from detector <NUM>. For example, with detector body cover <NUM> positioned over detector <NUM> and elastic banding <NUM> drawing detector body cover <NUM> closed around C-arm <NUM>, the tunnel portion can be drawn down the C-arm towards emitter <NUM>. In some implementations where drape <NUM> includes seam <NUM>, the user may split the tunnel portion of C-arm body cover <NUM> apart using the seam to facilitate installation of the tunnel over C-arm <NUM>. The user can pull each side of the tunnel portion of C-arm body cover <NUM> toward emitter <NUM> and draw the two sides together to close seam <NUM>. One or more fasteners may be used to secure seam <NUM> closed, e.g., over the outward facing surface of C-arm <NUM>. In some configurations, the user pulls the tunnel portion of C-arm body cover <NUM> down C-arm <NUM> from a location adjacent detector <NUM> to a terminal location adjacent joint <NUM>.

The example technique of <FIG> also includes extending tail sheet <NUM> over a portion of C-arm <NUM> extending beyond the terminal end of the tunnel portion of C-arm body cover <NUM>. (<NUM>) For example, the tunnel portion of C-arm body cover <NUM> may terminate adjacent joint <NUM> (although may terminate at other locations in other configurations). Tail sheet <NUM> can be extended along the patient-facing surface of C-arm <NUM> toward emitter <NUM> beyond where the tunnel portion of C-arm body cover <NUM> terminates. Tail sheet <NUM> may include one or more sections of pressure sensitive adhesive or other fixation features, allowing the user to secure tail sheet <NUM> to C-arm <NUM>. For example, tail sheet <NUM> may include one or more sections of pressure sensitive adhesive, and a user may press tail sheet <NUM> against the patient-facing surface of C-arm <NUM> to adhere the tail section to the C-arm.

<FIG> and <FIG> are illustrations of an example C-arm imaging machine draped with an example drape according to the disclosure.

A drape according to the disclosure can provide a barrier that protects a variety of different configurations of medical devices, including imaging machines. The drape can be easily and conveniently deployed over an imaging machine and secured to the machine to prevent unintended dislodgment during use. The drape can provide a comprehensive barrier, helping to prevent contaminants from one patient from contacting the image machine and cross contaminating for a subsequent patient.

Claim 1:
A drape (<NUM>) for a covering a C-arm imaging machine (<NUM>), the drape (<NUM>) comprising:
a detector body cover (<NUM>) configured to be positioned around a detector (<NUM>) of an imaging machine (<NUM>);
a C-arm body cover (<NUM>) configured to be positioned along at least a portion of a length of a C-arm (<NUM>) of the imaging machine (<NUM>), the C-arm body cover (<NUM>) defining a tunnel configured to surround the C-arm (<NUM>); and
an elastic banding (<NUM>) extending about a perimeter of a junction between the detector body cover (<NUM>) and the C-arm body cover (<NUM>), the elastic banding (<NUM>) providing a biasing force configured to draw the junction between the detector body cover (<NUM>) and the C-arm body cover (<NUM>) closed,
characterized in that
the tunnel extends from a first end (<NUM>) at the junction to a second end (<NUM>) configured to be positioned down the length of the C-arm (<NUM>), and
the C-arm body cover (<NUM>) further comprises a tail sheet (<NUM>) extending outwardly from the second end (<NUM>) of the tunnel.