DE102007061596A1 - Device i.e. positron emission tomography device, for use in e.g. operating room, to take image data of animal to detect lymph node metastases, has positron emission tomography detectors arranged in C-arm or U-shaped holding device - Google Patents

Abstract

The device i.e. positron emission tomography device, has an imaging mechanism i.e. positron emission tomography (PET) equipment (1), comprising a C-arm (7) and a U-shaped holding device, which is arranged around a living organism i.e. animal. PET detectors (11, 12) are arranged at 180 degrees in the C-arm or the U-shaped holding device, which are lying opposite to each other. The PET detectors comprise support elements (8, 9), which are equipped with PET detector elements (10), where the support elements are formed like a ring segment.

Description

The The invention relates to a medical device comprising at least an imaging device, with images of the inside of the body of a living being can be won.

at such an imaging device may be, for example to a positron emission tomography (PET) device for positron emission tomography act. Positron emission tomography is an imaging process Method in nuclear medicine, in which z. B. sectional images of a living being are generated by the distribution of a weak radiolabelled substance in the body of the animal with PET detectors measured and visualized. In this way, biochemical and physiological processes z. B. represented in an organ of the living organism or imaged become. This is a living being before a PET examination, a radionuclide or a substance labeled with a radionuclide which emits positrons, injected. In the interaction of a positron with an electron in the body of the living being two photons in opposite directions emitted and registered the coincidences with the PET detectors of the PET device. From the registered random events can be the spatial distribution of the radionuclide inside the body detects and sectional images of the body's interior of the living being be generated.

at currently available PET devices they are purely diagnostic devices, which are an annular, closed Gantry, are arranged on the PET detectors. Such PET devices will be often used in oncology, whereas before surgery one of a patient suffering from a tumor took pictures of the inside of the body of the patient with the PET device be generated, which for the operation of the patient are used. In general, the Only a few weeks after surgery with a PET device on the patient Operational success, since the operation is a regional Inflammation is produced, providing rapid postoperative control impossible power. As a result, the patient loses in case of present Cancer may be but valuable time for another treatment, especially if metastases in the body of the Patients are left.

Next pure PET devices There are also PET-CT combination devices, which a PET component and at the same time have a CT component to with the CT component anatomical image information from the inside of the body of a living thing to win. The combination devices offer the possibility, anatomical and CT derived from the CT component to merge functional image information with each other or each other to overlay. A doctor thus has the functional image information in her anatomical environment available.

One such PET-CT combination device usually has two consecutive arranged, annular, closed gantries, namely the PET gantry and the CT gantry. To examine a patient this is stored on a patient support plate, which for the sequential examination of the same body region of the patient by PET and CT (computed tomography) by longitudinal adjustment in appropriate Way is positioned in the two Gantries. The patient support plate must be there with the patient relatively far or cantilevered, causing it at the free end the patient support plate due to the weight of the patient often to sagging the patient support plate comes, which is problematic or consuming for a precise overlay the image data taken with the PET and CT components. Such a PET-CT combination device has due to the two Gantries also a relatively high Space requirements and is mostly with regard to the two components also unevenly loaded, because the image acquisition with the CT component, for example for a Whole body scan just seconds, the PET examination time with the PET component but takes about 30 minutes in which the CT component usually not for further investigations can be used.

Of the Invention is therefore based on the object, a device of specify the type mentioned above in such a way that in particular the possible use an imaging device comprising PET detectors is.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a device comprising at least one imaging device with a C-arm or a U-shaped holding device, which can be arranged around a living being, wherein on the C-arm or the U-shaped holding device opposite to each other PET Detectors are arranged. According to the invention it is therefore proposed to arrange PET detectors not on an annular, closed gantry, but on a C-arm or on a U-shaped holding device, which or which by design has an opening to the C-arm or the U-shaped Holding device in a simple and fast way to order a living being to receive image information can. This embodiment of a PET detector having imaging device makes it possible in particular, the PET Detek To use imaging device in an operating room or in a medical intervention room in order to record already during an operation of a living entity further functional image data from the living being. In this way, any remaining metastases in the body of the living being can be detected during the operation and removed during the ongoing operation. The intraoperative use of the PET detectors having imaging device thus allows, for example, in oncological diseases, especially with lymph node metastases to recognize these metastases and much safer to remove completely. The arrangement of PET detectors on a C-arm or on a U-shaped holding device of an imaging device thus expands the use of PET devices and also leads to a more efficient workflow within a medical facility, since the operation success is practically checked during the operation can be.

To Variants of the invention, the imaging device at least two preferably 180 ° each other opposite on the C-arm or the U-shaped Holding device arranged on PET detectors, wherein a PET detector in each case a preferably substantially ring segment-like carrier element includes, which is provided with PET detector elements. The PET detector elements are preferably each on the inner surface of a ring-segment-like support element arranged. The carrier elements provided with the PET detector elements can also about the C-arm or the U-shaped holding device protrude, however, leaving such an opening in the circumferential direction must be that the C-arm or the U-shaped holding device around Living things can be arranged.

To an embodiment of the invention, the PET detectors in the direction of the orbital axis of the C-arm or the U-shaped holding device measured at least an extension of 20 cm. Preferably The arrangement of the PET detector elements extends on an annular segment-like support element more than 20 cm in the direction of the orbital axis of the C-arm or the U-shaped holding device. However, there is also the possibility that the arrangement of the PET detector elements on a ring segment-like carrier element a smaller extent than 20 cm in the direction of the orbital axis measured.

To Further variants of the invention is the C-arm around its angulation axis or the U-shaped Retaining device pivotable about its angulation axis, as possible to register many coincidences, which is positive the local resolution of the Positron emission tomography works out. Preferably, the C-arm or the U-shaped Retainer by 360 ° the angulation axis is pivotable.

These it is at the holding device to a C-arm, so this is according to a variant of the invention pivotable about its orbital axis. Accordingly, the C-arm can also be pivoted about its orbital axis, to increase the number of detected coincidences.

A embodiment the invention provides that the C-arm or the U-shaped holding device on a adjustable and / or adjustable holding system is arranged. The holding system is preferably a floor stand, a ceiling stand or a robot, which has at least one robot arm includes. Preferably, the robot has a plurality of articulated axes adjustable Robot arms on to the C-arm or the U-shaped holder in the desired Setting and / or adjust the way.

To a variant of the invention, the C-arm or the U-shaped holding device with the holding system relative to a to be examined and / or positioned to be treated and / or in a parking position be spent. This is particularly beneficial if the imaging device arranged in an operating room. So can the C-arm or the U-shaped Holding device during an operation with the help of the holding system pivoted or relative to be positioned to a living entity to coincide with more coincidences register the PET detectors and based on this image information to create. Is the imaging device not or not anymore needed so lets the C-bow or the U-shaped holding device with the help of the holding system in a simple manner in a further Operation non-interfering or disturbing Spend parking position.

To According to a further variant of the invention, the device comprises at least an X-ray device with a C-arm o of a U-shaped holding device on, taking on the C-arm or the U-shaped Holding device of the X-ray device opposite each other an x-ray source and an X-ray receiver are. That way you can with the device not only the function of organs or tissues image information concerned, but also the anatomy of a Living image information taken with each other merged or superimposed on each other become.

According to a variant of the invention, in particular a volume data set can be obtained from a living being with the X-ray device, so that 2D images can be viewed from different perspectives gene and 3D images of the interior of a living being, in particular of the anatomy of the living being, can be generated.

To A variant of the invention is the C-arm of the X-ray device around its angulation axis or is the U-shaped Holding device of the X-ray device pivotable about its angulation axis to generate a volume data set a series of 2D X-ray projections record different projection directions of a living being to be able to.

To an embodiment the invention is the C-arm of the X-ray device about its orbital axis pivoting, which also produces a series of 2D X-ray projections from different projection directions of a living being can be included.

As in the case of the PET detectors having imaging device is also the C-arm of the X-ray device or the U-shaped Holding device of the X-ray device arranged on an adjustable and / or adjustable holding system, wherein the holding system of the X-ray device independently from the holding system of the PET detectors having imaging Device is adjustable and / or adjustable. According to the are PET detectors having imaging devices and the X-ray device independently adjustable from one another or adjustable, in particular from the substantially same body region of a living being to be able to record image information.

To A variant of the invention, the holding system of the X-ray device also a floor stand, a ceiling tripod or at least one Robotic arm comprehensive robot.

Of Further, the C-arm of the X-ray device or the U-shaped Holding device of the X-ray device with the holding system relative to a to be examined and / or positioned to be treated and / or in a parking position be spent.

To According to a further variant of the invention, the device comprises at least an X-ray device and at least two PET detectors having imaging devices and is for use on at least one storage device for a Living beings provided. For example, if the device has two Storage devices for Living things on, so can the X-ray device for better utilization on both storage devices for receiving of image information, while for each of the storage devices For example, a PET detectors having imaging device is provided. The two PET detectors having imaging Facilities can but also on a storage device together or simultaneously be used to a higher Cover with PET detectors to achieve. The problem of deflection a storage plate of the storage device can be virtually completely avoided since an adjustment of the storage plate is not necessary. These but can still be provided to a certain extent.

Prefers is the device - like already indicated - for one Operating room or a medical intervention room, especially to improve the workflow in oncological diseases.

embodiments The invention are in the attached schematic drawings shown. Show it:

1 a PET device with a floor stand and a C-arm provided with PET detectors,

2 a PET device with a ceiling mount and a C-arm with PET detectors,

3 a PET device with a robot and a C-arm provided with PET detectors,

4 a PET device with a ceiling stand and with a U-shaped holding device provided with PET detectors,

5 a device with a PET device and a C-arm X-ray device, and

6 a schematic view of the arrangement of an x-ray device and two PET devices relative to two patient support devices.

In 1 a first device according to the invention is shown with an imaging device, wherein the imaging device is a PET device 1 is. The pet device 1 includes in the case of the present embodiment, a floor stand 2 with one foot 3 , a pivoting element 4 and a tripod housing 5 , On the tripod housing 5 is a holder 6 for a C-arm 7 arranged.

The C-arm 7 is with two mutually 180 ° opposite support elements 8th . 9 provided, each known per se PET detector elements 10 exhibit. One with PET detector elements 10 provided carrier element 8th . 9 each forms a PET detector 11 . 12 of the PET device 1 , The carrier elements 8th . 9 are in the case of the present Aus example ring-shaped and have the PET detector elements 10 on their facing ring-segment-like inner surfaces. The PET detectors 11 . 12 point in the case of the present embodiment in the direction of the orbital axis O of the C-arm 7 , ie in the z direction of the in 1 registered coordinate system, an extension of at least 20 cm. Ie. the width of the PET detector elements measured in the z-axis direction 10 provided ring-segment-like inner surface of a ring-segment-like support element 8th . 9 is at least 20 cm.

With the help of PET detectors 11 . 12 can be obtained in a conventional manner image information from a patient, which relate to the function of a tissue or an organ of the patient, and are displayed on a display device, not shown. The C-arm 7 For example, it can be electromagnetically angled about its angulation axis A in the directions of the double arrow a by 360 ° and / or pivoted about its orbital axis O in the directions of the double arrow o by the number of registered coincidences with the two PET detectors 11 and 12 to increase.

For positioning the C-arm 7 relative to a patient, the pivoting element 4 relative to the tripod foot 3 be pivoted about the axis B in the directions of the double arrow b. Furthermore, the tripod housing 5 relative to the pivoting element 4 be pivoted about the axis C in the directions of the double arrow c. Further adjustment possibilities of the C-arm 7 Relative to a patient arise by pivoting the C-arm 7 around its angulation axis A and / or around its orbital axis O. In this way, the C-arm 7 be brought into a desired position relative to a patient or in a certain parking position that the C-arm 7 or the entire PET device 1 does not prove annoying.

In 2 is a second PET device according to the invention 21 shown, which differs from the one in 1 shown PET device 1 only differentiates that the pet device 21 instead of the floor stand 2 a ceiling tripod 22 having. In the case of the present embodiment, the ceiling stand 22 be pivoted about the axis D in the directions of the double arrow d. In addition, the ceiling tripod 22 For example, with the help of rails that attach to the ceiling of the PET device 21 receiving space in the directions of the double arrows e and f are adjusted to the C-arm 7 to position in a desired manner relative to a patient or bring in a parking position.

In 3 is another PET device according to the invention 31 shown, which differs from the one in 1 illustrated PET device 1 only differentiates that the pet device 31 instead of the floor stand 2 a robot 32 has, on which the holder 6 of the C-arm 7 is arranged. The robot 32 has a foot in the case of the present embodiment 33 , a pivoting element 34 , a first robot arm 35 and a second robot arm 36 on. The pivoting element 34 can relative to the foot 33 be pivoted about the axis G in the directions of the double arrow g. The robot arm 35 can relative to the pivot element 34 about the axis H in the directions of the double arrow h and the robot arm 36 can relative to the swivel arm 35 be pivoted about the pivot axis I in the directions of the double arrow i. Thus, the C-arm 7 also with the help of the robot 32 be set or adjusted in a desired position relative to a patient or in a desired parking position.

In 4 is an alternative embodiment of a PET device 41 represented, which differs from the in 2 illustrated PET device 21 this distinguishes that the PET detectors 11 and 12 not on a C-arm 7 but to a U-shaped holding device 42 are arranged. The U-shaped holding device 42 is pivotable about its angulation axis A in the directions of the double arrow a by 360 °.

In 5 a further device according to the invention is shown, which in addition to the PET device 1 out 1 an X-ray device 50 and a patient support device 70 having. At the X-ray device 50 it is a C-arm X-ray machine 50 in which on a C-arm 57 Opposite, an X-ray source 58 and an X-ray receiver 59 are arranged. The C-arm 57 is on a bracket 56 arranged, in turn, on a ceiling mount 62 is arranged. The C-arm 57 is relative to the bracket 56 about its orbital axis O in the directions of the double arrow o pivotable and the holder 56 is together with the C-arm 57 relative to the ceiling stand 62 around the angulation axis A of the C-arm 57 in the directions of the double arrow a angulierbar. The ceiling tripod 62 which is essentially the ceiling tripod 22 out 2 corresponds, is pivotable about the pivot axis D in the directions of the double arrow d and adjustable, for example by means of rails on the ceiling in the directions of the double arrows e and f.

The patient support device 70 comprises in the case of the present embodiment, a table base 71 as well as a table top 72 on which a patient can be stored. In the 5 The device shown is preferably in an operating room or a medical intervention room ei ner medical device arranged. Will be in the operating room on the patient support device 70 stored patient P, which has, for example, an oncological disease of an organ treated, so can with the PET device 1 during the operation, obtaining image information pertaining to the function of the organ on which the operation is being performed. It is also possible with the C-arm X-ray machine 50 from the body region of the patient P, which contains the corresponding organ to obtain the image information relating to the anatomy and thus the image information obtained with the PET device and with the C-arm X-ray device 50 Image information to be superimposed or merge with each other and display on a display device, not shown to a doctor performing the operation. In this way, the physician performing the operation receives information about the previous operation success as well as information about possibly further existing metastases, which are still to be removed in the course of the operation.

The pet device 1 and the C-arm x-ray machine 50 are registered with each other, so the C-arm 7 and the C-bow 57 sequentially each positioned over substantially the same body region of the patient and the image information obtained with the two devices can be superimposed or fused together.

The floor stand 2 of the PET device 1 makes it possible to use the C-arm 7 to be positioned in the desired manner relative to the patient or even in a parking position. The same applies to the ceiling stand 62 of the C-arm X-ray machine 50 which allows the C-arm 57 in a corresponding manner to the patient to position or also to bring into a parking position, so that the C-arm X-ray machine 50 the further operation of the patient is not hindered.

6 shows in a schematic plan view another device according to the invention namely the arrangement of two PET devices 81 and 91 relative to two patient support devices 80 . 90 and the arrangement of an X-ray device 92 For this. The exemplary in 6 The arrangement shown has only one X-ray device 92 on both the patient support device 80 as well as on the patient support device 90 can be used, since the recovery of a volume data set from a patient is usually much faster than the gewin tion of image information with the PET devices 81 . 91 , Therefore, the PET device 81 preferably for use on the patient support device 80 and the pet device 91 preferably for use on the patient support device 90 intended. Such an arrangement allows the most efficient use of PET devices 91 . 91 and the X-ray device 92 or a C-arm X-ray device 92 ,

The Arrangement of PET detectors on a C-arm or on a U-shaped holding device allows So, while an operation, image information that is the function of a tissue or Organs of a patient affect, using the PET detectors too win and present on a display device. To this Way can - as already mentioned - the workflow be made more efficient, since already during the operation the surgical success monitored by intraoperatively recorded image information can be.

The U-shaped holding device 42 as they are in 4 Incidentally, it can also be attached to a ground stand or to a robot, as in 3 is shown arranged.

In contrast to the described embodiment according to 5 can also use the x-ray device 50 instead of the C-arm 57 a U-shaped holding device, on which an X-ray source and an X-ray receiver are arranged.

Furthermore, the described ground stand 2 and the described ceiling tripod 22 respectively. 62 have further or other adjustment options.

In addition, the robot can 32 be constructed differently and further adjustment, in particular further robotic arms or robot joint arms have to increase the adjustment options.

It is understood that also in 6 shown arrangement of two PET devices and a C-arm X-ray device relative to two patient support devices only by way of example is to be understood.

The PET detectors can also be designed differently. For example, the support elements 8th . 9 have a different shape and / or different dimensions.

Claims (19)

Device comprising at least one imaging device ( 1 . 21 . 31 . 41 . 81 . 91 ) with a C-arm ( 7 ) or a U-shaped holding device ( 42 ), which can be arranged around a living being, wherein on the C-arm ( 7 ) or the U-shaped holding device ( 42 ) opposed PET detectors ( 11 . 12 ) (Positron emissi ons tomography detectors) are arranged. Device according to Claim 1, in which the imaging device ( 1 . 21 . 31 . 41 . 81 . 91 ) at least two opposite each other on the C-arm ( 7 ) or the U-shaped holding device ( 42 ) arranged PET detectors ( 11 . 12 ), wherein a PET detector ( 11 . 12 ) in each case a carrier element ( 8th . 9 ) provided with PET detector elements ( 10 ) is provided. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the PET detectors ( 11 . 12 ) 180 ° opposite each other on the C-arm ( 7 ) or on the U-shaped holding device ( 42 ) are arranged. Device according to Claim 2 or 3, in which a carrier element ( 8th . 9 ) is formed like a ring segment. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the PET detectors ( 11 . 12 ) in the direction of the orbital axis (O) of the C-arm ( 7 ) or the U-shaped holding device ( 42 ) Measured at least an extension of 20 cm. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the C-arm ( 7 ) about its angulation axis (A) or in which the U-shaped holding device ( 42 ) is pivotable about its angulation axis (A). Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the C-arm ( 7 ) is pivotable about its orbital axis (O). Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the C-arm ( 7 ) or the U-shaped holding device ( 42 ) on an adjustable and / or adjustable holding system ( 2 . 22 . 32 ) is arranged. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the holding system is a floor stand ( 2 ), a ceiling tripod ( 22 ) or at least one robotic arm ( 35 . 36 ) comprehensive robot ( 32 ) having. Apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the C-arm ( 7 ) or the U-shaped holding device ( 42 ) with the holding system ( 2 . 22 . 32 ) can be positioned relative to a living being and / or moved to a parking position. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, which comprises at least one X-ray device ( 50 ) with a C-arm ( 57 ) or a U-shaped holding device, wherein on the C-arm ( 57 ) or the U-shaped holding device of the X-ray device ( 50 ) an X-ray source opposite each other ( 58 ) and an X-ray receiver ( 59 ) are arranged. Device according to Claim 11, in which the X-ray device ( 50 ) a volume data set can be obtained from a living being. Apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the C-arm ( 57 ) of the X-ray device ( 50 ) about its angulation axis (A) or in which the U-shaped holding device of the X-ray device is pivotable about its angulation axis. Device according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the C-arm ( 57 ) of the X-ray device ( 50 ) is pivotable about its orbital axis (O). Device according to one of Claims 11 to 14, in which the C-arm ( 57 ) of the X-ray device ( 50 ) or the U-shaped holding device of the X-ray device on an adjustable and / or adjustable holding system ( 62 ) of the X-ray device ( 50 ), which is independent of the holding system ( 2 . 22 . 32 ) of the PET detectors ( 11 . 12 imaging device ( 1 . 21 . 31 . 41 . 81 . 91 ) adjustable and / or adjustable. Device according to Claim 15, in which the holding system of the X-ray device ( 50 ) a floor stand, a ceiling stand ( 62 ) or a robot comprising at least one robot arm. Apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the C-arm ( 57 ) of the X-ray device ( 50 ) or the U-shaped holding device of the X-ray device with the holding system ( 62 ) of the X-ray device ( 50 ) can be positioned relative to a living being and / or spent in a parking position. Device according to one of claims 11 to 17, which at least one X-ray device 92 ) and at least two imaging devices ( 81 . 91 ), which PET detectors ( 11 . 12 ), and for use on at least one storage device ( 80 . 90 ) is provided for a living being. Device according to one of claims 1 to 18, which is suitable for a Operating room or a medical intervention room provided is.