Computed Tomography System

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes an improved CT (computed tomography) system featuring an automatically adjustable collimator that directs X-rays onto a specific region of a patient, controlled by an electronic system. The direction of the X-ray beam can be automatically fine-tuned relative to the patient and/or the X-ray detector, based on the position of medical instruments or areas of interest. The system can track and follow moving objects, such as biopsy needles or surgical instruments, ensuring continuous and focused imaging without manual repositioning.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Image-guided minimally invasive interventions, such as needle placement for biopsies or tumor ablations
• Real-time tracking of medical instruments (e.g., catheters, needles) during surgery or interventional radiology
• Volume-of-interest imaging where a specific organ or body area is targeted throughout a CT scan
• Reducing radiation exposure by only irradiating necessary areas instead of the entire field of view
• Automated adjustment for patient movement or target movement during a scan

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Improved imaging precision by focusing X-rays on the region of interest
• Reduction of manual intervention, thereby streamlining workflow and reducing operator effort
• Potentially lower radiation dose to patients by limiting exposure to the targeted area
• Real-time automatic tracking of instruments or anatomical features enhances safety and accuracy during interventions
• Flexible adaptation to movement, both of instruments and patients, without need for table repositioning
• High-quality, continuous, and uninterrupted imaging during complex procedures

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a computer-assisted tomography (CT) system having the following features: a) at least one X-ray source, b) at least one patient couch for supporting a patient, c) at least one collimator in the ray path of the X-rays from the X-ray source through the patient, wherein a targeted X-ray from among the total X-ray radiation of the X-ray source is radiated by the collimator onto the patient, d) at least one X-ray detector, provided permanently or at least temporarily in the ray path of the targeted X-ray radiated by the collimator through the patient, e) at least one automatically actuable drive mechanism, using which the collimator can be moved with respect to the radiation direction of the targeted X-ray passing through the collimator, relative to the patient and/or to the X-ray detector, f) at least one electronic control device that is configured to automatically actuate the drive mechanism.