JP2009210429A - Tester and angle adjustment apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To conduct an angular resolution test of a nonimage intraoperative gamma probe at an angle of at least ±90° to the vertical direction. <P>SOLUTION: In the embodiment shown in the description, an arm for supporting a probe holding tool is formed into a S-shape (or a reverse S-shape) when it is downwardly viewed in the vertical direction. The arm is extended from a supporting post turnably attached to a base of a probe holding apparatus. A liquid tank for immersing a radiation source is separately prepared. A frame wall of the liquid tank faces the supporting post, and has a shape in which either left or right side approaches the supporting post. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The technology according to the present invention was originally developed for a gamma probe test apparatus used for identifying a lesion site using radiation, and in particular, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). It was developed to conduct tests based on established standards. However, it is stated in advance that the technical idea of the present invention can be applied not only to the NEMA standard test of the gamma probe, but also for various purposes that require the held device to fall without interfering with the frame wall. Keep it.

  In recent years, in order to facilitate diagnosis and surgery, a radiopharmaceutical (RI: radioisotope) is accumulated in a target tissue or a lesion, and the radiation emitted from the RI is detected by a probe, so that the target tissue or lesion is detected. The part has been specified.

  The gamma probe used for this purpose has a shape like, for example, the gamma probe 100 shown in FIG. 1, and a gamma ray detection unit (enclosed by a collimator 106 at the tip of the shaft 104 extending from the hand grip 102 ( (Not shown). The operator operates the gamma probe 100 while holding the handgrip 102 and applies a collimator 106 portion (probe tip) to various parts of the body to check whether or not gamma rays are detected. In general, the gamma probe is provided with a function that informs the operator by sound or numerical value that gamma rays have been detected, and the ringing interval and the number of counts are significantly increased at the site where RI is accumulated. Thus, the operator can specify the target tissue and the position of the lesion. Therefore, the inspection can be performed without requiring imaging of the target tissue or the lesioned part.

  Such a method for identifying a lesion site has already been widely applied to, for example, a radioisotope method for sentinel lymph node biopsy. Until recently, however, there was no uniform standard for conducting and reporting performance measurements and quality control tests on gamma probes. It wasn't until 2004 that the first such standard could be established, and the American Electrical Manufacturers' Association determined that Performance Measurements and Quality Control for non-imaging gamma probes. Guidelines for Non-Imaging Intraoperative Gamma Probes) have been published as NEMA Standard NU3-2004. There is no particular activity by other organizations to establish standards that can replace these guidelines, and it is thought that this NEMA standard will be used as a de facto standard in Japan in the future. Yes. The NEMA standard NU3-2004 is preferably referred to as appropriate in order to understand the matters described in this specification.

  The NEMA standard NU3-2004 stipulates that a total of 11 types of performance measurement tests should be performed for non-imaging intraoperative gamma probes. One of them is an angular resolution test in a scattered radiation medium. This is done by measuring the sensitivity of the probe in various directions (angles) from a source at a constant depth in the bath, and the results are expressed in FWHM (half width) and FWTM (1/10 width). The

  Based on section 3.9 of the NEMA standard NU3-2004, the outline of the angular resolution test will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 2 (translation of the NEMA standard NU3-2004, FIG. 3-7).

The test is performed using a ^99m Tc point source and the point source is placed at a depth of 30mm in water. The probe is placed so that the surface of the probe tip is in contact with the water surface and the probe axis is perpendicular to the water surface, and is fixed so that the radiation source is located at the center of the probe field. The size of the water bath should be at least width: 8 inches x length: 8 inches x water depth: 6 inches (width: 20 cm x length: 20 cm x water depth: 15 cm) so as to provide an appropriate scattering capacity. (See FIG. 2: solid line of probe axis).

  Here, the probe tip refers to a probe tip including a detachable collimator, and is a portion where gamma rays are incident on the probe. The probe axis is a direction that passes through the center of the probe tip and is perpendicular to the tip surface. The probe field is a range in which radiation incident on the probe can be detected, and is represented by an angle from the probe axis. These terms are defined in section 2.2 of the above NEMA standard.

Measurement is performed by measuring the change in the number of counts by changing the orientation of the probe axis from the above state in the angle range of −90 ° to + 90 ° with respect to the line connecting the radiation source and the probe tip, Performed (see FIG. 2: broken probe axis). During the measurement, the probe tip should always be in contact with water and the conditions must be met for all measurements. The number of measurement points is preferably at least 10 points within the range of FWHM. In the case of a typical probe, it is desirable to measure at intervals of 5 ° or less within the range of +/− 25 °, and at intervals of 10 ° otherwise. The measurement time is set so that the maximum value is at least 5,000 counts, and at measurement points outside the FWTM range, the measurement time increases as the angle increases so that at least 500 counts per measurement point can be secured. It is desirable to increase It is desirable to finish the measurement in a short time (for example, within 20 minutes for ^99m Tc) such that the attenuation of radioactivity falls below 5%, and the measurement result may need to be corrected for attenuation.
NEMA Standards Publication NU3-2004 "Performance Measurements and Quality Control Guidelines for Non-Imaging Intraoperative Gamma Probes" (National Electrical Manufacturers Association)

  As described above, the NEMA standard requires that the angular resolution of the probe be examined from a range of −90 ° to + 90 °. However, if the probe is tilted while keeping the probe tip in contact with water, a part of the probe holding device interferes with the edge of the water tank before the probe shaft reaches 90 °, and the probe shaft is moved to 90 °. Cannot be defeated up to °. This state is schematically illustrated in FIG. 3B. When the probe is tilted, the arm supporting the probe collides with the frame wall of the aquarium, and the probe cannot be further tilted. For this reason, the angular resolution test could not be performed as defined by the NEMA standard.

  The present invention was originally made to solve such a problem, and it is possible to set the probe axis in a range of at least −90 ° to + 90 ° and perform an NEMA standard angular resolution test. It is a goal. However, it should be noted that embodiments of the present invention are not applicable only for such purposes, but may be used for various purposes that may utilize the structure provided by the present invention.

  The probe test system according to the present invention includes a liquid tank for sinking the radiation source, and a probe holding device that is installed to face the liquid tank when in use. The probe holding device is a base, a support column, and an attachment part for attaching the support column to the base, and allows the support column to turn right and left from a state in which the support column stands in a vertical direction to a state in which the support column lies in a horizontal direction. A mounting portion having a rotation mechanism, and a probe that is positioned above the opening of the liquid tank at the time of use and holds the probe so that the probe shaft faces a vertical direction when the support column has a predetermined rotation angle. And a probe holder for holding the probe so that a probe tip of the probe is positioned on an extension line of the rotation shaft of the rotation mechanism, and an arm for connecting the probe holder and the column. In this probe holding device, the probe shaft can be freely tilted from −90 ° to + 90 ° by rotating the support column by the rotating mechanism. (The direction perpendicular to the water surface, that is, the vertical direction is 0 °.)

And some of the embodiments of the present invention are:
The arm is a first projecting portion that is provided on the side of the support column and protrudes laterally in a U-shape when viewed from vertically above in a state where the support column stands in the vertical direction. And a second overhang portion provided on the probe holder side and extending in a U-shape or U-shape in a direction opposite to the first overhang portion,
The liquid tank is at least a part of the frame wall facing the probe holding device during the use, and the arm of the arm when the support column is in an upright position with respect to the probe holding device; At least a part on the opposite side of the protruding direction of the protruding portion of 1 is formed so as to protrude toward the probe holding device;
It can have the structure of.

  According to such a configuration, when the support column is tilted so that the first overhanging portion of the arm faces upward, the protruding portion of the frame wall of the liquid tank enters the inside of the first overhanging portion of the arm. The arm does not interfere with the frame wall, and the column can be tilted until the probe axis is horizontal. At this time, the portion ahead of the first overhang portion of the arm as viewed from the support column is immersed in the liquid tank.

  Further, according to the above configuration, when the support column is tilted so that the second overhanging portion of the arm is on the upper side, the frame wall of the liquid layer is a portion of the second overhanging portion other than the overhanging portion. Get inside. Furthermore, in the region where the portion in front of the second overhanging portion of the arm collapses when viewed from the support column, the distance between the support column and the frame wall is wide, so these portions do not interfere with the frame wall and Can fall outside. Therefore, the arm does not interfere with the frame wall on this side, and the support column can be tilted until the probe axis is horizontal.

  That is, according to the above configuration, the probe axis can be tilted at least 90 ° to the left and right while holding the probe, and an angular resolution test can be performed as defined by the NEMA standard.

  Needless to say, the size and shape of the first and second overhanging portions (particularly the depth of the inner concave shape), the length of the arm, the height and thickness of the frame wall of the liquid tank, and the protruding portion The degree of protrusion and the distance between the liquid tank and the column should be determined as appropriate so that the probe shaft can be completely laid down in the liquid tank. The above configuration makes it possible to tilt the probe to the left and right without interfering with the frame wall of the liquid tank. For example, the frame wall of the liquid tank is significantly higher than the arm position. This is because it is clear that the above effects cannot be obtained if the dimensions are too large. Therefore, the dimensions of each component should be appropriately determined so as to obtain the above-mentioned effects, but can be easily determined from the above description according to the embodiment.

  In addition, as described above, the arm in the above-described configuration is the first overhang that laterally projects in a U-shape or a U-shape when viewed from vertically above in a state where the support column stands in the vertical direction. And a second projecting portion projecting in a U-shape or U-shape in the opposite direction. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the shape of the arm is S-shaped (inverted self-shaped) or inverted S-shaped (self-shaped) when viewed from vertically above. Of course, expressions such as “U”, “U”, “S” and “Self” are not strict but metaphorical, meaning that they can be recognized as such as a whole. It is. As seen from the column side, it is sufficient that there are a portion where the arm extends and bends to the left or right and a portion where the arm extends and bends in the opposite direction. It is sufficient if the frame wall of the liquid tank enters the inside of these folded portions and interference between the frame wall and the arm can be avoided. Therefore, the cross section of the arm does not have to be in the same horizontal plane over the entire length, and may be bent up and down in the vertical axis direction.

Thus, some of the embodiments of the present invention are:
In the liquid tank, at the time of performing the probe test, the frame wall on the side facing the probe holding device is at least a part of the frame wall portion located on either side of the probe holding device, Having a shape protruding toward the probe holding device;
The arm extends over the frame wall and extends to the inside of the frame wall when the test is performed in a state where the column wall is laid down on the side where the frame wall has the protruding portion. 1 over the frame wall to the inside of the frame wall in a state where the frame wall is laid down on the opposite side to the side having the protruding portion when performing the test. And a second folded portion that extends,
The projecting dimension of the frame wall of the liquid tank is such that, when the test is performed, the first folded portion is the frame in a state where the support column is laid down to the side where the frame wall does not project. Dimensioned so that it can be located outside the wall,
It can have the structure of.

  The configuration of the probe test system described above is an optimal configuration to enable the NEMA standard angular resolution test to be performed, but as described above, the NEMA standard has 10 other types of tests. ing. Therefore, it is convenient if not only the angular resolution test but also other tests can be performed by the same test system.

  Therefore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the base can be provided with an XY stage that moves the support column back and forth and from side to side with respect to the liquid tank. In addition, the base may be provided with a Z stage for moving the support column up and down. With these configurations, the position of the probe can be freely moved, and various tests defined by the NEMA standard can be performed.

  Further, as a device for holding a radiation source, a pedestal having an XY stage that can move in the front-rear and left-right directions with respect to the liquid tank, a second support column that includes a Z stage that can move up and down, and the liquid tank A radiation source installation device is proposed that includes a radiation source installation unit that installs a radiation source, and a second arm that connects the second support column and the radiation source installation unit. Since this radiation source installation apparatus can also freely adjust the position of the radiation source by the XY stage and the Z stage, it adjusts the position of the probe and the radiation source over a wide range together with the XYZ adjustment of the probe holding apparatus. It becomes possible.

  Further, some of the embodiments of the present invention can include a mechanism for fixing these devices to the bottom of the probe holding device or the radiation source installation device. As an example of such a fixing mechanism, for example, a magnet can be used. For example, the probe holding device and the radiation source installation device can be easily fixed by installing on a table made of a substance attracted by a magnet such as iron. be able to. Magnet stands that can turn on and off the magnetic force are commercially available. If this magnet stand is used as the magnet, the probe holding device and the radiation source installation device can be easily moved by turning off the magnetic force. Convenient.

  As described above, the present invention is an invention made for testing a gamma probe defined in NEMA standard NU3-2004. However, the configuration presented by the present invention is not limited to the test. It goes without saying that it can be used for other tests or purposes other than tests. Further, the device to be tested is not limited to the gamma probe, and can be applied to other devices. According to the present invention, the held device can be laid down without interfering with the frame wall. Thus, the present invention can be utilized not only for the purpose of testing gamma probes, but also for various other purposes that require such features.

From this point of view, embodiments of the present invention include the following device angle adjustment system. This system is a device angle adjustment system comprising a tank having a frame wall standing upright around a bottom plate, and a device holder that is installed to face the tank in use.
The device holder is
・ Base and support,
An attachment portion for attaching the support column to the base, the attachment unit including a rotation mechanism that allows the support column to rotate left and right from a state where the support column stands in a vertical direction to a state where the support column lies horizontally.
When the device is in use and positioned above the opening of the tank, and when the support column has a predetermined rotation angle, the device is held so that a predetermined axis of the device faces a vertical direction, and the rotation is performed. A device holder for holding the device such that a predetermined portion of the device is positioned on an extension line of a rotation shaft of the mechanism;
An arm for connecting the device holder and the column;
The arm is provided on the column side when viewed from vertically above in a state where the column stands up in the vertical direction, and the first folding unit that the arm extends and folds to either the left or right side; A second folded portion provided at the tip of the first folded portion, extending in a direction opposite to the one and folded back;
The tank is at least a part of the frame wall facing the device holder during the use, and is opposite to the one when the support column is in an upright position with respect to the device holder. At least a part of the frame wall portion that is biased is formed so as to protrude toward the device holder,
The system is in use,
When the support column is in a sideways state where the first folded portion of the arm is on the upper side, the protruding frame wall portion enters inside the first folded portion,
-When the column is in a sideways state where the second folded portion of the arm is on the upper side, a frame wall portion different from the protruding portion enters inside the second folded portion, and The first folded portion is dimensioned to be located outside the different frame wall portions;
System.

  Some of the preferred embodiments of the present invention are specified in the appended claims. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those explicitly described in the claims, specification and drawings, and can take various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. . The present invention includes in its scope all novel and useful configurations that can be taught from these documents, whether or not explicitly disclosed in the claims, specification and drawings.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a probe test system which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention. A probe test system 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least a water tank 402 having a frame wall that is erected around a bottom plate, and a probe holding device 406 that holds a gamma probe 404. The probe holding device 406 includes a base 408 having an XYZ triaxial position adjusting mechanism with respect to the water tank 402, a column 410 attached to the base 408, a probe holder 412 that holds the probe 404, and a probe holder 412. An arm 414 connected to the column 410 is provided. The column 410 is pivotally attached to the base 408 at one end thereof, and can be any of the left and right sides from the state of standing in the vertical direction as depicted in FIG. 4 to the state of being completely laid down in the horizontal direction. The angle can also be changed freely in the direction.

  The water tank 402 is an example of the liquid tank described in the claims, and satisfies the dimensions defined in the NAMA standard for performing the probe performance test. As illustrated in FIG. 4, in the water tank 402, the portion of the frame wall facing the probe holding device 406 that is closer to the probe holding device 406 than the probe holding device 406 protrudes from the back portion. In other words, the part behind the probe holding device 406 is deeper than the part on the near side as seen in the figure. Therefore, the distance between the frame wall of the water tank 402 and the probe holding device 406 is different between the near side and the far side of the probe holding device. When the water tank 402 and the probe holding device 406 are used (that is, when performing a probe performance test), they face each other in the positional relationship as depicted in FIG. 4, that is, a step is provided by the protruding portion. The wall surface having the frame wall faces the rotation axis of the column 410 of the probe holding device 406.

  In use, as shown in FIG. 4, the probe holder 412 is located above the opening of the aquarium 402 and when the column 410 is at a predetermined rotation angle (typically 0 °, ie in the vertical direction). The grip portion 418 of the probe 404 is gripped so that the shaft 416 of the probe 404 faces in the vertical direction (when standing upright). The extension axis of the shaft 416 coincides with the probe axis of the probe 404. At this time, the grip portion 418 is gripped so that the probe tip 420 of the probe 404 (the incident portion of the collimator 422) is positioned on the extension line of the rotation axis of the support column 410.

  The probe test system 400 can include a radiation source installation device 430 for installing a radiation source used to perform a probe test. The radiation source installation device 430 includes a pedestal 432 having an XY stage that can move forward, backward, left, and right with respect to the water tank 402, a main column 434 that includes a Z stage that can move up and down, and a portion on which the radiation source is placed Arm 438 having 436. When performing the test, the radiation source installation device 430 is installed to face the probe holding device 406 with the water tank 402 interposed therebetween, as illustrated in FIG. Axis adjustment is possible. For this reason, it is possible to perform the test by variously adjusting the positional relationship between the probe tip and the radiation source. However, it is not always necessary to use a complicated device such as the device 430 for installing the radiation source, and a simpler installation tool may be used. For example, the radiation source may be simply placed on the top surface of a columnar structure protruding from the bottom plate of the water tank 402.

  The probe test system 400 may include an iron plate 440. By providing magnets at the bottom of the probe holding device 406 and the radiation source installation device 430 and attracting them to the iron plate 440, these devices can be easily fixed.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the base 408 of the probe holding device 406. FIGS. 5A to 5E are a top view, a front view, a left side view, a rear view, and a bottom view of the base 408, respectively. It is a right view.

  The base 408 has a magnet chunk 502 that can turn on and off the magnetic force with a lever 501 at the bottom, and adjusts the position in the X-axis direction (direction parallel to the water tank 402 when performing a probe test) thereon. An X-axis stage 504 that can be used, and a Y-axis stage 506 that can adjust the position in the Y-axis direction (direction of approaching or leaving the water tank 402 when the probe test is performed). A main pillar 508 is erected on the Y-axis stage 506, and a Z-axis stage 510 that allows position adjustment in the Z-axis direction (vertical direction) is attached to the main pillar 508. An angle stage 512 is attached to the Z-axis stage 510, and the column 410 depicted in FIG. 4 can be rotated by being attached to the angle stage 512. The column 410 is fixed to the four screw holes 514a to 514d provided in the angle stage 512 with screws. Therefore, the angle stage 512 serves as an attachment portion for attaching the column 410 to the base 408. The angle stage 512 can rotate at least in the range of 90 ° to the left and right, and can be fixed at an arbitrary angle. For this reason, the angle stage 512 can turn the support column 410 to the left and right from a state in which the support column 410 stands in the vertical direction to a state in which the support column 410 lies at least horizontally. The angle stage 512 may be of a type capable of continuously adjusting the rotation angle, or of a type capable of rotating only at a predetermined interval. The angle stage 512 may be of a type that can adjust the angle at which the column 410 is fixed steplessly, or of a type that can be fixed only at a predetermined angle.

  The position adjustment in each direction of XYZ can be performed by operating the X-axis movement adjustment dial 516, the Y-axis movement adjustment dial 518, and the Z-axis movement adjustment dial 520. Reference numerals 522, 524, and 526 denote an X-axis position scale, a Y-axis position scale, and a Z-axis position scale, respectively. With these scales, position specification in the XYZ directions can be accurately performed. The angle stage 512 can be rotated by loosening the rotational movement adjustment rod 528. When the rotational movement adjustment rod 528 is tightened, the angle stage 512 is fixed. The rotation angle of the angle stage 512 can be specified by the rotation position scale 530.

  FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the column 410, the probe holder 412 and the arm 414 depicted in FIG. 6 (a) to 6 (c) are a diagram of these viewed from diagonally above, a diagram viewed from diagonally below, and a diagram viewed from directly above.

  As depicted in these drawings, the arm 414 extends from the top of the column 410 and is formed integrally with the column 410. The material of the column 410 and the arm 414 is not particularly limited, but is preferably as light as possible so that it can be easily fixed by the angle stage 512, and is strong enough not to cause deflection when the probe 404 is held. It is preferable to have. Further, in the case of this embodiment, a part of the arm 414 is submerged in water during the test, and therefore, it is preferable that the material does not cause rust. An example of a material that satisfies these requirements is acrylic.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the arm 414 first extends in the right direction when viewed from above, and then turns back and extends in the left direction. Furthermore, it extends in the left direction while intersecting with the support column 410, is folded back again, extends in the right direction again, and terminates just at the time of intersecting with the support column 410. For this reason, when the arm 414 is viewed from vertically above, it has two folded portions, a folded portion that exists on the right side and a folded portion that exists on the left side, and is the reverse of the alphabet “S” or the Chinese character “self” as a whole. It exhibits such a shape. In other words, the arm 414 has a first projecting portion 602 that projects in a U shape or a U shape on the right side when viewed from above, closer to the support column 410, and the probe holder 412. The second projecting portion 604 projects in a U-shape or U-shape on the left side as viewed from above. The space 602a inside the first overhanging portion 602 and the space 604a inside the second overhanging portion 604 are spaces into which the frame wall of the water tank 402 enters when the support column 410 is tilted sideways.

  A probe holder 412 is fixed by a screw 608 on the plate 604 d of the end portion of the arm 414, that is, the end portion of the second overhang portion 604. The probe holder 412 is configured to grip the grip portion 418 of the probe 404 by tightening the screws 610a and 610b. The probe holder 412 is a position where the longitudinal axis of the support column 410 and the probe axis of the probe 404 are parallel when the probe 404 is gripped, and the center portion of the probe tip 420 is the rotation axis of the angle stage 512. It is attached at a position that can be located on the extension line. Therefore, when the support column 410 stands up in the vertical direction, the probe axis of the probe 404 is also directed in the vertical direction, and even if the angle stage 512 is rotated and the support column 410 is tilted, The position does not change. (Of course, it is within the range of error.)

  As can be seen particularly in FIG. 6A, the folded plate 604c of the second overhanging portion 604 is angled obliquely upward with respect to the plate 604b which is an extension of the first overhanging portion. As a result, the plate 604b and the plate 604d are not parallel, and a certain angle is formed. This corresponds to the fact that the center axis of the grip portion 418 of the probe 404 is shifted from the center axis of the shaft 416 as depicted in FIG. This is a structure for making the axes parallel.

  It should be noted that the angle between the plate 604b and the plate 604d formed by the plate 604c is exemplary, and should be determined as appropriate according to the shape of the probe, and the center axis of the grip portion matches the probe axis. Of course, in the case of such a probe, it is not necessary to provide an angle between the plate 604b and the plate 604d. Further, a structure in which the angle is variable between the plate 604b and the plate 604d may be provided so as to be compatible with various probes.

  As can be easily seen in FIG. 6B, four holes 612 a to 612 d are provided in the lower portion of the column 410. The pillars 410 are fixed to the angle stage 512 by screwing these holes into screws holes 514 a to 514 d of the angle stage 512. A state in which the support column 410 is fixed to the angle stage 512 is shown in FIG. As schematically illustrated in FIG. 7, the support column 410 can be rotated in the range of at least 90 ° left and right as the vertical direction 0 ° by the action of the angle stage 512 and can be fixed at an arbitrary angle. .

  FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the water tank 402. In this embodiment, the water tank 402 is made of acrylic, but may be made of other materials. The width, depth, and height of the aquarium should be appropriately determined according to the purpose of use. When performing a probe performance test based on NEMA standard NU3-2004, at least the dimensions of width: 8 inches x length: 8 inches x water depth: 6 inches (width: 20 cm x length: 20 cm x water depth: 15 cm) is necessary.

  The frame walls 402a and 402b are surfaces facing the probe holding device 406 when the probe test is performed. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the depth is different between the near side and the far side. The near-side frame wall 402a protrudes relatively toward the probe holding device 406 as compared to the far-side frame wall 402b, and the far-side frame wall 402b is relatively smaller than the near-side frame wall 402a. The depth is getting smaller. For this reason, a step 402c is formed between the frame walls 402a and 402b.

  FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the radiation source installation device 430 depicted in FIG. The radiation source installation device 430 includes a magnet chunk 902 on the lowermost layer, and an X-axis stage 904 and a Y-axis stage 906 thereon. A main pillar 434 is erected on the Y-axis stage 906, and a Z-axis stage 908 is attached to the main pillar 434. Further, the Z-axis stage 908 is attached with an arm 438 having an inverted self-shape (or S-shape) as seen in the figure, and is configured so that the tip end portion of the arm 438 faces directly upward in the water tank 402. The The tip portion 436 of the arm 438 is used as a portion on which the radiation source is placed. By appropriately operating the three XYZ stages, the position of the radiation source can be freely adjusted in the water tank.

  FIGS. 10A to 10D are diagrams for explaining how the spatial arrangement of the frame wall of the water tank 402 and the arm 414 becomes when the support column 410 is tilted from the state depicted in FIG. FIG.

  FIG. 10A illustrates a state in which the support column 410 is slightly tilted to the right side toward the support column 410 from the state illustrated in FIG. In this state, the entire arm 414 is still above the frame wall 402a. FIG. 10B illustrates a state where the support column 410 is further tilted from the state of FIG. In this state, the straight line from the upper end of the column 410 toward the probe holder 412 has already passed through a position lower than the upper end of the frame wall 402a, and the arm interferes with the frame wall 402a unless the shape of the arm 414 is devised. I am doing it. However, since the arm 414 has the first overhanging portion 602 and the frame wall 402a can enter the inner side 602a, the arm 414 does not interfere with the frame wall even when the support column 410 is tilted. That is, the arm 414 has an arm shape that is folded back so as to get over the frame wall 402a in a sideways state, and therefore can fall down without interfering with the frame wall 402a. Moreover, since the part ahead of the overhang | projection part 602 of the arm 414 enters the water tank, it does not interfere with the water tank.

  FIG. 10C illustrates a state in which the support column 410 is further tilted from the state of FIG. 10B and the support column 410 is completely laid down in the horizontal direction. Since the recess 602a inside the overhanging portion 602 is sufficiently deep, the arm 414 does not interfere with the frame wall 402a even in this state. As described above, since the probe 404 is held so that the probe axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support column 410, in the state of FIG. Lying down. Further, as described above, since the center portion of the probe tip 420 is located on the rotation axis of the support column 410, the position of the center portion of the probe tip 420 is the same in any state of FIGS. 10 (a) to 10 (c). Will not change.

  FIG. 10D is a view of the state of FIG. 10C viewed from the opposite side of the water tank 402. It can be clearly seen that the frame wall 402a has escaped to the inside of the overhanging portion 602 and interference between the arm 414 and the frame wall 402a is avoided.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram depicting a state in which the support column 410 is completely laid down to the left side in the horizontal direction from the state depicted in FIG. 4, as opposed to FIG. 10 (c). As illustrated in this figure, since the frame wall 402b of the aquarium enters the inner side 604a (see FIG. 6C) of the second overhanging portion 604, the interference between the frame wall of the aquarium 402 and the arm 414 is also avoided. ing. That is, since the arm 414 has an arm shape that is folded back so as to get over the frame wall 402b in the sideways state depicted in FIG. 11, the arm 414 can fall down without interfering with the frame wall 402b. In addition, since the distance between the frame wall 402b and the support column 410 is larger than the distance between the frame wall 402a and the support column 410 due to the step 402c, the frame wall 402b and the support column 410 have a space between the frame wall 402b and the support column 410. The first overhang portion 602 can fall down without interfering with 402b. Therefore, the column 410 can be completely laid down to 90 ° in the horizontal direction while holding the probe 404 without interfering with the frame wall of the water tank 402. At this time, the probe axis of the probe 404 is also oriented completely in the horizontal direction as described above, and the center portion of the probe tip 420 does not change during the rotation of the column 410.

  As described above, the probe holding device 406 and the water tank 402 have the unique shape of the arm 414 and the unique shapes of the frame walls 402a to 402c so that the arm 414 does not interfere with the frame wall of the water tank 402 in the vertical direction. Can be tilted at any angle from up to plus or minus 90 °. Therefore, an angular resolution test defined in NEMA standard NU3-2004, that is, a test for measuring a change in the number of counts by changing the direction of the probe axis in the angle range of −90 ° to + 90 ° from the radiation source can be performed. .

  Further, the probe test system 400 includes the positions of the radiation source and the probe tip 420 by the XYZ triaxial position adjustment mechanisms 504, 506, 510 of the probe holding device 406 and the XYZ triaxial position adjustment mechanisms 904, 906, 908 of the radiation source installation device. Since the relationship can be freely changed, it is possible to conduct other tests defined in the NEMA standard NU3-2004. That is, the main performance test of the NEMA standard can be performed only by the probe test system 400.

  In the embodiments described so far, the angle can be freely adjusted by the special shapes of the arm 414 and the frame walls 402a to 402c. However, even if the frame wall is a normal flat plate, Can be laid down in either one of the left and right directions, it is possible to perform an angular resolution test defined by the NEMA standard. First, the probe is attached to the probe holding device, and the test is performed while changing the angle from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction. Next, the probe is once removed, rotated around its axis by 180 °, and attached to the holding device again. If the test is performed while being laid down in the same manner as before, the angle resolution test on the opposite side to the previous time was performed. In this case, it is not necessary for the frame wall of the water tank to have a special shape as in the above-described embodiment, and there should be at least one protruding portion of the arm for releasing the frame wall when the column is tilted. become.

Therefore, an embodiment of the present invention is a probe holding device for performing a performance test of a non-imaging intraoperative radiological probe,
・ Base and support,
An attachment portion for attaching the support column to the base, the attachment unit including a rotation mechanism that allows the support column to rotate at least one of right and left from a state where the support column stands in a vertical direction to a state where the support column lies horizontally. ,
The probe is held so that the probe shaft is oriented vertically when the support column has a predetermined rotation angle, and the probe tip of the probe is positioned on the extension line of the rotation shaft of the rotation mechanism. A probe holder for holding the probe;
An arm that connects the probe holder and the support column, and is opposite to the rotation direction of the at least one of the support columns when viewed from vertically above in a state where the support column stands in the vertical direction; An arm having a U-shaped or U-shaped portion projecting in a direction;
A probe holding device.

In addition to the performance test of the non-imaging gamma probe, the above-described collapsible structure can be used for various purposes in which it is necessary to change the angle while holding the device. From this point of view, an embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for holding a device,
・ Base and support,
An attachment portion for attaching the support column to the base, the attachment unit including a rotation mechanism that allows the support column to rotate at least one of right and left from a state where the support column stands in a vertical direction to a state where the support column lies horizontally. ,
When the column has a predetermined rotation angle, the device is held such that a predetermined axis of the device faces a vertical direction, and the predetermined axis of the device is on an extension line of the rotation axis of the rotation mechanism. A device holder for holding the device so that the site is located;
An arm that connects the device holder and the support column, and is opposite to the rotation direction of the at least one of the support columns when viewed from above in a state where the support column stands in the vertical direction; An arm having a portion extending in the lateral direction to the side and then folded back and extending in the opposite direction;
Including a device holding device.

  As described above, some examples of the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these examples, and do not depart from the spirit of the present invention. Needless to say, it can take various forms. In addition, the device holding and angle adjustment mechanism realized by the arm 414 and the frame walls 402a to 402c may not be used only for the purpose of the angular resolution test of the gamma ray probe, but the device holding disclosed in the present specification. It should be understood that it can also be used for various other purposes that require an angle adjustment mechanism.

Illustration depicting an example of a gamma probe NEMA standard NU3-2004 translation of Fig. 3-7 Schematic of a conventional probe test apparatus. FIG. 3A illustrates a state in which the probe axis is oriented in the vertical direction, and FIG. 3B illustrates a state in which the arm supporting the probe interferes with the frame of the aquarium. Outline of a probe test system as an example of an embodiment of the present invention Enlarged view of the base 408 of the probe holding device 406 Enlarged view of column 410, probe holder 412 and arm 414 The figure which drew the state which connected the support | pillar 410 and the base part 408 Enlarged view of aquarium 402 Enlarged view of the radiation source installation device 430 A diagram depicting the spatial arrangement of the frame wall of the water tank 402 and the arm 414 when the support column 410 is brought down. A diagram depicting the spatial arrangement of the frame wall of the aquarium 402 and the arm 414 when the support column 410 is tilted in the opposite direction to that of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

100 Gamma Probe 102 Handgrip 104 Shaft 106 Collimator 400 Probe Test System 402 Water Tank 402a Frame Wall 402b Frame Wall 402c Step 404 Gamma Probe 406 Probe Holding Device 408 Base 410 Post 412 Probe Holder 414 Arm 416 Shaft 418 Grip Portion 420 Probe Tip 422 Collimator 430 Radiation source installation device 432 Base 434 Main column 436 Tip 438 Arm 440 Iron plate 501 Lever 502 Magnet chunk 504 X-axis stage 506 Y-axis stage 508 Main column 510 Z-axis stage 512 Angle stage 514a-514d Screw hole 516 X-axis Movement adjustment dial 518 Y-axis movement adjustment dial 520 Z-axis movement adjustment dial 528 Rotation movement adjustment rod 602 First overhang portion 60 a first inner space 604 a second protruding portion 604a second overhang the inner space 610 tightening screw 612a-612d holes of the overhang portion

Claims (10)

A probe test system comprising a liquid tank having a frame wall that is erected around a bottom plate, and a probe holding device that is installed to face the liquid tank when used,
The probe holding device is
・ Base and support,
An attachment portion for attaching the support column to the base, the attachment unit including a rotation mechanism that allows the support column to rotate left and right from a state where the support column stands in a vertical direction to a state where the support column lies horizontally.
・ The probe is positioned above the opening of the liquid tank during the use, and holds the probe so that the probe shaft faces in the vertical direction when the column is at a predetermined rotation angle, and the rotation mechanism rotates. A probe holder for holding the probe such that the probe tip of the probe is positioned on an extension line of the shaft;
An arm that connects the probe holder and the support;
Have
When the arm is viewed from vertically above in a state where the support column stands in the vertical direction,
A first projecting portion provided on the support column side and projecting in a lateral direction in a U-shape or U-shape;
A second projecting portion provided on the probe holder side and projecting in a U-shape or U-shape in a direction opposite to the first projecting portion;
Have
The liquid tank is at least a part of the frame wall that faces the probe holding device during the use, and the first of the arms when the support column is in an upright position with respect to the probe holding device. At least a part of the opposite side of the protruding portion of the protruding portion is formed so as to protrude toward the probe holding device,
The system is in use,
When the support column is in a sideways state where the first overhanging portion of the arm is on the upper side, the protruding frame wall enters the inside of the first overhanging portion,
When the support column is in a sideways state where the second projecting portion of the arm is on the upper side, the frame wall enters the inside of the second projecting portion, and the first projecting portion is Dimensioned to be outside the frame wall,
Probe test system. A probe test system comprising a liquid tank having a frame wall that is erected around a bottom plate, and a probe holding device that is installed to face the liquid tank when used,
The probe holding device is
・ Base and support,
An attachment portion for attaching the support column to the base, the attachment unit including a rotation mechanism that allows the support column to rotate left and right from a state where the support column stands in a vertical direction to a state where the support column lies horizontally.
・ The probe is positioned above the opening of the liquid tank during the use, and holds the probe so that the probe shaft faces in the vertical direction when the column is at a predetermined rotation angle, and the rotation mechanism rotates. A probe holder for holding the probe so that the probe tip of the probe is positioned on an extension line of the shaft;
An arm that connects the probe holder and the support;
In the liquid tank, the frame wall on the side facing the probe holding device at the time of use is such that at least a part of the frame wall portion located on either side of the probe holding device is biased to the probe holding device. Shaped to squeeze in the direction of the device,
The arm extends to the inside of the frame wall over the frame wall in a state where the support wall is laid down on the side where the frame wall has the protruding portion during the use. In the state of use, the frame wall is overturned to the inside of the frame wall in the state where the column wall is laid down on the opposite side to the side having the protruding portion. And a second folded portion that extends,
The degree of the projecting of the frame wall of the liquid tank is such that the first folded portion is in a state where the frame wall is laid sideways on the opposite side to the side having the projecting part during the use. It is determined to such an extent that it can be located outside the frame wall,
Probe test system.   The probe test system according to claim 1, wherein the base includes an XY stage that moves the support column back and forth and from side to side with respect to the liquid tank.   The probe test system according to claim 1, wherein the base includes a Z stage that moves the support column up and down.   The probe test system according to claim 1, further comprising a magnet on a bottom surface of the base. When using the probe test system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a radiation source installation device installed relative to the probe holding device and the liquid tank,
A pedestal having an XY stage that can be moved forward, backward, left, and right with respect to the liquid tank; a second support column that includes a Z stage that can move up and down; and a radiation source installation section that installs a radiation source in the liquid tank; A radiation source installation device comprising: a second arm that connects the second support column and the radiation source installation unit.   A probe test system comprising: the probe test system according to claim 1; and the radiation source installation device according to claim 6. A device angle adjustment system comprising: a tank having a frame wall standing upright around a bottom plate; and a device holder that is installed to face the tank when in use;
The device holder is
・ Base and support,
An attachment portion for attaching the support column to the base, the attachment unit including a rotation mechanism that allows the support column to rotate left and right from a state where the support column stands in a vertical direction to a state where the support column lies horizontally.
When the device is in use and positioned above the opening of the tank, and when the support column has a predetermined rotation angle, the device is held so that a predetermined axis of the device faces a vertical direction, and the rotation is performed. A device holder for holding the device such that a predetermined portion of the device is positioned on an extension line of a rotation shaft of the mechanism;
An arm connecting the device holder and the support;
Have
The arm is provided on the column side when viewed from vertically above in a state where the column stands up in the vertical direction, and the first folding unit that the arm extends and folds to either the left or right side; A second folded portion provided at the tip of the first folded portion, extending in a direction opposite to the one and folded back;
The tank is at least a part of the frame wall facing the device holder during the use, and is opposite to the one when the support column is in an upright position with respect to the device holder. At least a part of the frame wall portion that is biased is formed so as to protrude toward the device holder,
The system is in use,
When the support column is in a sideways state where the first folded portion of the arm is on the upper side, the protruding frame wall portion enters inside the first folded portion,
-When the column is in a sideways state where the second folded portion of the arm is on the upper side, a frame wall portion different from the protruding portion enters inside the second folded portion, and The first folded portion is dimensioned to be located outside the different frame wall portions;
Device angle adjustment system. A probe holding device for performing a performance test of a non-imaging intraoperative radiation probe,
・ Base and support,
An attachment portion for attaching the support column to the base, the attachment unit including a rotation mechanism that allows the support column to rotate at least one of right and left from a state in which the support column stands in a vertical direction to a state in which the support column lies horizontally. When,
The probe is held such that the probe shaft is oriented vertically when the column is at a predetermined rotation angle, and the probe tip of the probe is positioned on the extension line of the rotation shaft of the rotation mechanism. A probe holder for holding the probe;
An arm that connects the probe holder and the support column, and is opposite to the rotation direction of the at least one of the support columns when viewed from vertically above in a state where the support column stands in the vertical direction; An arm having a U-shaped or U-shaped portion projecting in a direction;
A probe holding device comprising: An apparatus for holding a device,
・ Base and support,
An attachment portion for attaching the support column to the base, the attachment unit including a rotation mechanism that allows the support column to rotate at least one of right and left from a state where the support column stands in a vertical direction to a state where the support column lies horizontally. ,
When the column has a predetermined rotation angle, the device is held such that a predetermined axis of the device faces a vertical direction, and the predetermined axis of the device is on an extension line of the rotation axis of the rotation mechanism. A device holder for holding the device so that the site is located;
An arm that connects the device holder and the support column, and is opposite to the rotation direction of the at least one of the support columns when viewed from above in a state where the support column stands vertically. An arm having a portion extending in the lateral direction to the side and then folded back and extending in the opposite direction;
A device holding apparatus comprising: