Patient positioning device
The invention relates to a patient-positioning device for positioning a patient in an irradiation position in a radiation therapy arrangement, in particular in a particle radiation therapy arrangement comprising a patient supporting module, which is provided with a patient supporting device for holding the patient in a body holder where the irradiation is to be carried out, wherein, said patient supporting device is mounted on a base unit in such a way that it is rotatable about an axis by means of a bearing, said base unit is provided with a coupling element, the inventive device is also provided with a positioning arm, which comprises several joints and a coupling point for coupling the coupling element and for freely positioning the patient in any predefined irradiation position by adjusting the angle of rotation of the patient supporting module.
1. A patient positioning system for positioning a patient in an irradiation position by a radiation therapy system, the patient positioning system comprising:
a patient supporting module having:
a patient supporting device, wherein the patient supporting device keeps the patient in a posture on which radiation treatment planning was based,
a base unit having a coupling element, and
a bearing that is connected to the base unit and operable to rotate the patient supporting device with respect to the base unit; and
a positioning arm having a plurality of joints and a coupling point for coupling with the coupling element of the base unit,
wherein the positioning arm provides positioning of the patient with adjustment of a rotary angle of the patient supporting module in the irradiation position.
2. The patient positioning system as defined by claim 1 , wherein the patient supporting device is a gurney or patient chair.
3. The patient positioning system as defined by claim 1 , wherein the patient supporting module has a motor for driving the bearing, the bearing being embodied annularly.
4. The patient positioning system as defined by claim 1 , wherein the positioning arm is movable about a plurality of axes by the plurality of joints.
5. The patient positioning system as defined by claim 1 , wherein the patient supporting module has a mechanical shield for protecting the extremities of the patient.
6. The patient positioning system as defined by claim 5 , wherein the shield has at least one sensor, which upon activation trips stoppage of motion.
7. The patient positioning system as defined by claim 6 , wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor, which is activated by a pressure exerted by of contact with an external object.
8. The patient positioning system of claim 1 , wherein the positioning arm and plurality of joints comprise a robot arm.
9. The patient positioning system of claim 1 , wherein the radiation therapy system comprises a particle beam therapy system.
10. The patient positioning system as defined by claim 2 , wherein the patient supporting module has a motor for driving the bearing, the bearing being embodied annularly.
11. The patient positioning system as defined by claim 10 , wherein the positioning arm is movable about a plurality of axes by the plurality of joints.
12. The patient positioning system as defined by claim 11 , wherein the patient supporting module has a mechanical shield for protecting the extremities of the patient.