Device for use in dynamic radiological image acquisition
A device for use with a four-dimensional radiological imaging modality includes: a base structure and a table slidably mounted with respect to one another. The base structure is at one end provided with a platform at an angle relative to the table, and a counteracting structure is arranged to apply to the table a load exerting force in a direction towards the one end provided with the platform from the opposite end of the base structure or vice versa.
1. A device for use with a four-dimensional radiological imaging modality, the device comprising:
a base structure and a table slidably mounted with respect to one another, said base structure being at one end provided with a platform making an angle relative to said table, and
a counteracting structure arranged to apply to said table a load exerting force in a direction towards said one end provided with said platform from the opposite end of said base structure or vice versa.
2. The device as in claim 1 , wherein said base structure and said table are made in a radiolucent and/or non-ferromagnetic material.
3. The device as in claim 1 , wherein said table is provided with adjustable shoulder supporting means.
4. The device as in claim 1 , wherein said counteracting structure is movable.
5. The device as in claim 1 , wherein said counteracting structure is implemented with counterweights.
6. The device as in claim 5 , wherein said counteracting structure comprises a plurality of wheels, each provided with a floor lock.
7. The device as in claim 1 , wherein said counteracting structure is actuator-driven.
8. The device as in claim 1 , comprising stopping means at the end opposite the end provided with said platform for stopping movement of said table in a direction away from said platform.
9. The device as in claim 1 , comprising further stopping means to keep said base structure in a fixed position with respect to said counteracting structure.
10. The device as in claim 9 , wherein said further stopping means are a part of said counteracting structure.
11. The device as in claim 1 , comprising a lock to keep said table in a fixed position with respect to said base structure.
12. The device as in claim 1 , comprising a removable part to be put on said table in front of said platform, said removable part so dimensioned as to form an angle of 90° relative to said table.
13. The device as in claim 1 , wherein said angle relative to said table is adjustable.
14. A method for acquiring a four-dimensional radiological image of a lower limb of a patient, using a device as in claim 1 , the method comprising:
positioning said base structure with said table mounted thereon on a scanner table, positioning a patient with the feet on said platform of said base structure and with said lower limb inside a scan field of view of a radiological imaging modality scanner,
applying a load to said table of said device, said load being related to said patient's weight and exerting force in a direction towards said one end provided with said platform from the opposite end of said base, or vice versa,
acquiring said four-dimensional image of said lower limb, while said patient performs a movement to counter said force exerted by said load.
15. The method for acquiring as in claim 14 , wherein the movement is a cyclic movement of flexion and extension.
16. The method for acquiring as in claim 14 , comprising securing the table mounted on the base structure to the scanner table.