Apparatus and method for positioning a patient to obtain images of the vasculature

US6714012B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• MEDRAD, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Kenneth W. Belt · Fort Atkinson, US
• Michael Reichel · Pittsburgh, US
• J. Michael Watral · Johnstown, US
• Stanley R. Lewandowski · Springdale Township, US
• Bradley Adams · Vandergrift, US
• Lisa Augustine · Lower Burrell, US
• Robert Bell · Pittsburgh, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 26, 2001
• Grant date: Mar 30, 2004
• Expiry date: Jan 1, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01R33/3415
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus enables a patient to be positioned optimally for a scanning procedure during which images are to be obtained of the vasculature of the patient. The apparatus includes a lumbar support, a tray, and a leg support. The lumbar support allows the renal portion of the vasculature to be positioned predominately in a single plane. The tray allows the pelvic and femoral portions of the vasculature to be positioned substantially coplanar with each other and with the renal portion of the vasculature. The leg support allows the lower leg and feet portions of the vasculature to be positioned substantially coplanar with each other and with the pelvic and femoral portions of the vasculature. The substantial coplanar alignment of the portions of the vasculature enables the images thereof to be obtained with a smaller field of view and thus at least one of greater resolution and reduced scanning time.