CA2212196A1 — Medical diagnostic apparatus and method

USPTO Abstract

A mechanical support structure coordinates patient positioning and medical diagnostic equipment positioning in a unified system. The position relative to a patient table of a radiation detector, such as a scintillation camera head, is conveniently and accurately adjustable from an operator control panel provided on a pendant hand control. Each degree of freedom afforded the detector is accomplished independently of the other and, if desired, simultaneously, or in any desired combination. To perform static imaging the separation between the detector and the patient table is adjustable, as is the lateral position of the detector, hence along the span of the patient table. The plane of focus of the detector is selectable within a range of pivot angles. Alternatively, to accomplish ECT imaging, the detector is orbited about the patient at a selected intermediate position defined by the combination of the rotation of the rotor or ring, and the vertical translation to generate a selected radius of rotation. This orbital motion may be circular relative to a fixed patient position or, if desired, may be non-circular by adjusting the effective radial position of the scintillation detector.