IP Library Granted Patent US 7,490,987
Granted Patent B2
US 7,490,987 · App. 11/448,546 · Granted Feb 17, 2009

Method and system for optimizing radiation exposure for medical imaging equipment

Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,490,987
App. No.
11/448,546
Granted
Feb 17, 2009
Kind
B2
Abstract

A system and method are provided for optimizing the amount of radiation exposure to a patient. The system and method comprise inputting a set of parameters based on characteristics of the patient, positioning components of a medical imaging equipment, comparing the input parameters and position of the components to computed optimum parameters and positions, and providing an indication of an amount of radiation dosage to be dispensed based on at least one of the input parameters and the position of the components.

Claims (54)

1. A method for optimizing the amount of radiation exposure to a patient, the method comprising:

inputting a set of parameters based on characteristics of the patient;

positioning components of a medical imaging equipment;

comparing the input parameters and position of the components to computed optimum parameters and positions; and

providing an indication of an amount of radiation dosage to be dispensed based on at least one of the input parameters and the position of the components.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the radiation dosage comprises x-rays.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

dispensing the radiation dosage if the amount of radiation dosage to be dispensed is acceptable; and

displaying an image of the patient.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of positioning further comprises:

manually positioning the components.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of positioning further comprises:

electronically positioning the components by motor.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

selectively adjusting the components of the medical imaging device in accordance with the computed optimum parameters and positions.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the components comprise at least one C-arm.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the components comprise at least one detector.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the components comprise a table.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the components comprise at least one radiation emitter.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the radiation emitter comprises at least one X-ray emitter.

12. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

selectively displaying preset images based on the position of the components and the computed optimum parameters and positions.

13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of providing further comprises:

providing a color coded scale for indicating the amount of radiation dosage.

14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of providing further comprises:

providing a visual feedback comprising a bar graph for indicating the amount of radiation dosage.

15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of providing further comprises:

providing a numerical value for indicating the amount of radiation dosage.

16. A system for optimizing the amount of radiation exposure to a patient, comprising:

an input device for inputting a set of parameters based on characteristics of the patient;

a table for adjusting a position of the patient;

at least one C-arm having radiation emitters and detectors at opposing ends for transmitting and detecting radiation;

a processor for comparing the input parameters and position of the table and the at least one C-arm to computed optimum parameters and positions; and

a display for displaying an image indicative of the radiation exposure of the patient prior to the radiation dosage being applied.

17. The system of claim 16 , wherein the image indicative of the radiation exposure of the patient prior to the radiation dosage being applied comprises at least one of a bar graph, a numerical value and a print out.

18. The system of claim 16 , wherein the radiation emitter comprises an X-ray emitter.

19. The system of claim 16 , wherein the system comprises a medical imaging device.

20. The system of claim 16 , wherein the image indicative of the radiation exposure of the patient prior to the radiation dosage being applied comprises a color coded scale.

21. The system of claim 16 , wherein the processor comprises an optimum search algorithm for optimizing system settings.

22. The system of claim 16 further comprising a memory.

23. The system of claim 22 , wherein the memory stores the computed optimum parameters and positions.

24. The system of claim 16 , wherein the memory is located at least one of remotely from the system or locally with the system.

25. The system of claim 16 , wherein the computed optimum parameters and positions are selected by the system via an auto detect feature to determine characteristics of the patient.

26. A method for optimizing the amount of radiation exposure to a patient, the method comprising:

manually positioning components of a medical imaging equipment; and

providing an indication of an amount of radiation dosage to be dispensed based on the position of the components prior to applying the dosage.

27. The method of claim 26 , wherein the radiation dosage comprises x-rays.

28. The method of claim 26 , further comprising:

providing an alarm if the radiation dosage exceeds a threshold value.

29. The method of claim 26 further comprising:

selectively adjusting the components of the medical imaging device in accordance with computed optimum parameters and positions.

30. The method of claim 26 , further comprising:

dispensing the radiation dosage if the amount of radiation dosage to be dispensed is acceptable; and

displaying an image of the patient.

Assignments (5)
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE ASSIGNEE PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 066088 FRAME: 0256. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT. Recorded Jan 17, 2024
From: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
To: SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG
Reel/Frame 071178/0246 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 20, 2023
From: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
To: SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG
Reel/Frame 066088/0256 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE EXECUTION DATE OF ASSIGNMENT 3, ASSIGNOR SIEMENS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS USA, INC. TO SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 043379 FRAME 0673. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT OF INVENTOR RIGHTS.. Recorded Dec 2, 2020
From: SIEMENS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS USA, INC.
To: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
Reel/Frame 056112/0540 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 31, 2017
From: SIEMENS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS USA, INC.
To: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
Reel/Frame 043379/0673 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 28, 2006
From: BUSCH, ERIK
To: SIEMENS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS USA, INC.
Reel/Frame 018019/0352 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20070286346A1 · Dec 13, 2007