The ImagingRing rail-mounted (IRr) is a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) medical imaging system. The design is based on independently moving components which are easily controllable by the user. It consists of a kV X-ray source and a flat panel detector and enables both 2D and 3D imaging in treatment site. These features, combined with the possibility to integrate the IRr into a variety of clinical environments and systems including radiation therapy, make the system a unique and flexible cutting-edge imaging solution.
The unique design based on two arms carrying an X-ray source and flat panel detector mounted on a ring made of a highly strong aluminium-alloy, allows an exactly reproducible and completely independent movement of the imaging components along the ring. Rotational movements of source and detector are facilitated via highly precise and low noise ball bearings. Each of the arms is powered by an innovative drive concept realized via servo motors driving a tooth belt. Due to the cable guidance system inside the ring, X-ray source and detector rotate more than 360 degrees around the patient, giving the flexibility for full-arc large field of view (LFOV) acquisitions.
The IRr is based on a 98 cm inner diameter lightweight aluminum ring, as a core piece, carrying an imaging system which comprises a freely rotatable X-ray source and a 41 x 41 cm flat panel detector for the fast acquisition of large field of view 2D-projections as well as the reconstruction of 3D volumes. Attached so as to be moveable on ceiling-mounted rails, the IRr can be integrated easily into treatment room setups and, due to its large bore size, is compatible with a wide range of patient tables or patient positioning systems.
The independently moveable imaging components allow for extended field of view images by stitching of images. Non-isocentric dynamic image acquisition protocols can be performed, allowing one to focus the X-rays on certain regions of interest and thereby reduce the imaging dose to the patient. The system is prepared for high framerate dual energy imaging to improve tissue characterization in soft and bony anatomy (research ongoing, not yet clinically released).
Clearance
The ceiling-mounted variant on rails (IRr) received it’s CE approval in December 2018 and it’s FDA approval in August 2019.
Contact
For more detailed information about the ImagingRing rail-mounted, please feel free to contact us at sales@medphoton.at.