U.S. patent application number 13/846041 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-22 for protected control console apparatuses.
This patent application is currently assigned to CORINDUS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is CORINDUS, INC.. Invention is credited to Rafael Beyar, Moshe DePaz, Tal Wenderow.
Application Number | 20130214912 13/846041 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39740718 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130214912 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Beyar; Rafael ; et
al. |
August 22, 2013 |
PROTECTED CONTROL CONSOLE APPARATUSES
Abstract
An apparatus for control of a procedure, comprising: a
communications interface; a control console, wherein the control
console is adapted to provide control commands via the
communications interface to at least one of: at least one imaging
device or at least one medical instrument used to perform the
procedure; and, at least one radiation shield attached to the
control console and positioned between the control console and a
patient on which the procedure is being performed, wherein the
apparatus is separately movable from at least one of the at least
one imaging device, the patient or the at least one medical
instrument.
Inventors: |
Beyar; Rafael; (Haifa,
IL) ; Wenderow; Tal; (Newton, MA) ; DePaz;
Moshe; (Boston, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CORINDUS, INC.; |
|
|
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CORINDUS, INC.
Waltham
MA
|
Family ID: |
39740718 |
Appl. No.: |
13/846041 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11715876 |
Mar 9, 2007 |
8399871 |
|
|
13846041 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/12.54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 6/462 20130101;
A61B 6/03 20130101; A61B 5/055 20130101; G08C 19/16 20130101; A61B
6/00 20130101; A61B 6/467 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/12.54 |
International
Class: |
G08C 19/16 20060101
G08C019/16 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for control of a procedure, comprising: a
communications interface; a control console, wherein the control
console is adapted to provide control commands via the
communications interface to at least one of: at least one imaging
device or at least one medical instrument used to perform the
procedure; and, at least one radiation shield attached to the
control console and positioned between the control console and a
patient on which the procedure is being performed, wherein the
apparatus is separately movable from at least one of the at least
one imaging device, the patient or the at least one medical
instrument.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is
adapted for remote control of at least one of the at least one
imaging device or the at least one medical instrument.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a
radiation protective window adapted to allow a view of the patient
when operating the control console.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control console
is removably attached to the apparatus.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
imaging device is an x-ray, a camera, ultrasound, CT or MRI imaging
device.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
medical instrument is a guide wire, a catheter, an ablation
catheter, an EM mapping catheter, a pacing catheter, or a
balloon.
7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communications
interface is adapted to provide communication between the control
console and an information network.
8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communications
interface is adapted to provide wireless communication from the
control console to at least one of: the at least one imaging device
or the at least one medical instrument used to procedure or an
information network.
9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control console
is comprised of at least one input device, at least one output
device and a controller.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the at least one
input device is a keyboard, a touch screen display, a mouse or a
joystick.
11. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the at least one
output device is a graphical display or a force feedback
device.
12. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a power
supply.
13. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an
emergency stop button.
14. A medical device control system for remote control of a medical
instrument, comprising: at least one medical instrument; a control
console assembly including a communications interface providing
control commands for the remote control of the medical instrument;
the control console further including a shield being positioned
between at least a portion of the communications interface and the
medical device manipulator, the shield being transparent and formed
of a material substantially preventing radiation from being passed
therethrough.
15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the control console
assembly is provided with mobility by at least one of at least one
wheel or a motorized track.
16. The system according to claim 14, wherein the at least one
medical instrument is part of a bed side unit.
17. The system according to claim 14, further including panels
operatively secured to the control console assembly to prevent
radiation from passing therethrough.
18. The system according to claim 14, further comprising an output
device adapted to display output from at least one imaging device
employing radiation.
19. A method for the remote control of at least one medical
instrument for use in a medical procedure on a patient comprising:
providing at least one remote controlled medical instrument
proximate to the patient; providing a control console assembly
having a communication interface for sending signals to the remote
controlled medical instrument, the control console assembly
including a transparent shield being formed of a material
preventing radiation from passing therethrough; moving the control
console assembly from a first position to a second position to
allow an operator to view a patient through the shield; and
controlling the at least one medical instrument from behind the
shield using the control console assembly in order to perform the
medical procedure.
20. The method according to claim 19, wherein moving comprises
positioning the control console assembly in a second location for
performing a medical procedure on a second patient.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a continuation to U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/715,876, filed Mar. 9, 2007, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to protected control console
apparatuses and method for using same. For example, radiation
protection is provided in combination with a control console used
for performing procedures on a patient, in some embodiments of the
invention.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Today, a wide variety of medical procedures are performed on
patients which require the assistance of imaging and other devices
which expose medical professionals to harmful substances, for
example radiation. Typically, solutions for providing radiation
protection have involved separating the medical professional from
the patient and/or providing radiation shielding to the medical
professional in the form of bulky radiation shields and/or heavy
radiation protective clothing, which themselves have potentially
negative ramifications such as operator fatigue, operator neck and
back pain and Interventionalists' Disc Disease.
[0004] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,653,648 and U.S. Application
Publication No. 2002/0109107, the disclosures of which are herein
incorporated by reference, describe radiation protection systems
comprising a radiation resistant cubicle, radiation-shielding
screen disposed between a patient and medical professionals within
the cubicle, a radiation-shielding flexible interface and an
integrated procedural environment which may include a control
module, monitor displays, conduit for physiological monitoring or
equipment leads, staging platforms, intravenous equipment and an
improved radiation-resistant surgical drape.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,448,571, the disclosure of which is herein
incorporated by reference, describes a radiation protection system
around a patient on an x-ray table including a radiation protection
wall with an opening around the x-ray table, a radiation screen
over the patient, and a flexible interface joining the cubicle and
the x-ray table. The wall shields medical personnel in an operating
region from most radiation output by an x-ray emitter. The
radiation screen is attached to the x-ray table such that it can be
retracted to the foot of the x-ray table and extended over the
patient wherein it is interposed between the patient and the
medical personnel. The interface has flexible joints attached to
the wall and a flexible radiation-resistant skirt that joins the
wall to the screen and covers the opening in the wall. An access
port may be formed in the screen, and a shielding cloak can cover
the access port to surround medical instruments that are threaded
through the port and inserted into the patient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to
providing a remote control console assembly, with integrated
radiation protection, for controlling a medical procedure and/or
instruments related to the procedure. In some embodiments of the
invention, no radiation protection besides the remote control
console assembly is necessary to protect an attending medical
professional from harmful radiation. In some embodiments of the
invention, the control console assembly is adapted to be mobile,
for example being provided with wheels. Optionally, the control
console assembly is provided with a window to allow a line of sight
between an attending medical professional and the patient and/or to
provide radiation protection. In some embodiments of the invention,
the control console assembly is provided with an independent power
supply for supplying power to components of the assembly without
requiring an electrical connection.
[0007] In some embodiments of the invention, the control console
assembly is provided with a control console adapted to permit an
attending medical professional to perform medical procedures on a
patient without directly contacting the patient and/or remotely.
"Remote" or "remotely" as generally used in this application refers
to the control console's ability to maneuver independently of the
patient, medical imaging devices and/or medical instruments
(described in more detail below) used for performing medical
procedures. Examples of this remote ability of the control console
include: moving the control console to provide a maximum amount of
radiation protection to the attending medical professional; moving
the control console in order to have better visibility of the
patient; moving the control console so that it does not interfere
with the operation of medical imaging devices and/or medical
instruments; and/or moving the control console from a first
location (e.g. a first room to a second location (e.g. a second
room) in order to allow the ability to perform procedures in more
than one location using the same control console.
[0008] The control console is provided with operative communication
to other devices in order to perform the medical procedures, in an
embodiment of the invention. Other devices which can be in
communication with the control console include medical imaging
devices and/or remotely controlled medical instruments. Optionally,
remotely controlled medical instruments include at least one of a
catheter or an inflatable/deflatable balloon. In some embodiments
of the invention, the control console is removably attached to the
control console assembly. Optionally, the control console is
provided with a detachable control panel which is interchangeable
with other control consoles. Alternatively or additionally,
differently configured detachable and/or interchangeable control
panels are provided for control console wherein the control panels
are adapted to interface with different devices and/or are adapted
to assist with the performance of different medical procedures.
[0009] In some embodiments of the invention, the control console is
provided with at least one information display, for example for
monitoring information regarding the patient and/or medical devices
being used for treatment of the patient. The control console is
provided with at least one input device, in an embodiment of the
invention. The at least one input device can be, for example, a
keyboard, a touch screen, a mouse and/or a joystick. In some
embodiments of the invention, the control console is provided with
a software-programmed controller for controlling the at least one
information display, the at least one input device, communications
with other devices, medical imaging devices, remotely controlled
medical instruments and/or other nominal operations of the control
console. Optionally, the control console is provided with data
storage, for example a hard drive, for saving data. In some
embodiments of the invention, the power supply described above is
provided to the control console rather than or in addition to the
control console assembly.
[0010] In an embodiment of the invention, the control console
assembly is provided with an emergency stop button which halts the
medical procedure for example if there is a problem with the
patient and/or the devices being used to treat the patient.
Optionally, the emergency stop button halts the medical procedure
via the controller.
[0011] There is thus provided in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for control of a
procedure, comprising:
[0012] a communications interface;
[0013] a control console, wherein the control console is adapted to
provide control commands via the communications interface to at
least one of: at least one imaging device or at least one medical
instrument used to perform the procedure; and,
[0014] at least one radiation shield attached to the control
console and positioned between the control console and a patient on
which the procedure is being performed,
[0015] wherein the apparatus is separately movable from at least
one of the at least one imaging device, the patient or the at least
one medical instrument.
[0016] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus
is adapted for remote control of at least one of the at least one
imaging device or the at least one medical instrument.
Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus further comprises a
radiation protective window adapted to allow a view of the patient
when operating the control console.
[0017] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the control
console is removably attached to the apparatus.
[0018] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the at least
one imaging device is an x-ray, a camera, ultrasound, CT or MRI
imaging device.
[0019] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the at least
one medical instrument is a guide wire, a catheter, an ablation
catheter, an EM mapping catheter, a pacing catheter, or a
balloon.
[0020] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
communications interface is adapted to provide communication
between the control console and an information network.
[0021] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
communications interface is adapted to provide wireless
communication from the control console to at least one of: the at
least one imaging device or the at least one medical instrument
used to perform the procedure or an information network.
[0022] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the control
console is comprised of at least one input device, at least one
output device and a controller. Optionally, the at least one input
device is a keyboard, a touch screen display, a mouse or a
joystick. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one output
device is a graphical display or a force feedback device.
[0023] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus
further comprises a power supply.
[0024] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus
further comprises an emergency stop button.
[0025] There is also provided in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, a medical device control system for
remote control of a medical instrument, comprising:
[0026] at least one medical instrument;
[0027] a control console assembly including a communications
interface providing control commands for the remote control of the
medical instrument; the control console further including a shield
being positioned between at least a portion of the communications
interface and the medical device manipulator, the shield being
transparent and formed of a material substantially preventing
radiation from being passed therethrough.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the control
console assembly is provided with mobility by at least one of at
least one wheel or a motorized track. Alternatively or
additionally, the at least one medical instrument is part of a bed
side unit.
[0029] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the system
comprises panels operatively secured to the control console
assembly to prevent radiation from passing therethrough.
[0030] Alternatively or additionally, the system comprises an
output device adapted to display output from at least one imaging
device employing radiation.
[0031] There is also provide din accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, a method for the remote control of at
least one medical instrument for use in a medical procedure on a
patient comprising:
[0032] providing at least one remote controlled medical instrument
proximate to the patient;
[0033] providing a control console assembly having a communication
interface for sending signals to the remote controlled medical
instrument, the control console assembly including a transparent
shield being formed of a material preventing radiation from passing
therethrough;
[0034] moving the control console assembly from a first position to
a second position to allow an operator to view a patient through
the shield; and
[0035] controlling the at least one medical instrument from behind
the shield using the control console assembly in order to perform
the medical procedure. Optionally, moving comprises positioning the
control console assembly in a second location for performing a
medical procedure on a second patient. Alternatively or
additionally, the method comprises providing a medical image to the
control console formed with a radiation source.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0036] Non-limiting embodiments of the invention will be described
with reference to the following description of exemplary
embodiments, in conjunction with the Figures. The Figures are
generally not shown to scale and any measurements are only meant to
be exemplary and not necessarily limiting. In the Figures,
identical structures, elements or parts which appear in more than
one Figure are preferably labeled with a same or similar number in
all the Figures in which they appear, in which:
[0037] FIG. 1 is illustration of a medical procedure system
including a control console assembly, in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0038] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing operative
communication connections between components of the system, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0039] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the control console
assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention;
[0040] FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of a control console
assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention; and,
[0041] FIG. 5 is a perspective exploded view of a control console,
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, a medical procedure system 100 is
shown, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
A remote control console assembly 102, including a control console
150, is provided to the system 100 for providing command and
control to various components of the system 100, in an exemplary
embodiment of the invention. Control console assembly 102 is
described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 3-5. Examples
of system components include control console 150, a device or
devices 106 for performing the medical procedure and a medical
imaging device or devices 108 which provide information about a
patient 104 in order to assist with the performance of the medical
procedure on the patient 104. In an embodiment of the invention,
medical imaging device 108 is at least one of an x-ray, a camera,
ultrasound, CT or MRI imaging device. Optionally, medical imaging
is the medical procedure being performed on the patient, and
medical imaging device 108 is the only device being controlled.
[0043] In some embodiments of the invention, devices 106 for
performing the medical procedure include a bed side unit, which
performs some or all or more functions than the catheter propulsion
apparatus and the catheter interface of PCT application number
PCT/IL2005/001054, as well as assorted medical instruments such as
catheters, mapping instruments, pacing instruments, ablative
instruments and/or guide wires such as described in
PCT/IL2005/001054, U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,675 to Beyar, the disclosure
of which is incorporated herein by reference, and/or other medical
instruments known in the art.
[0044] Also used with the system 100, in an exemplary embodiment of
the invention, is at least one medical imaging device 108 such as a
fluoroscope, which is used to provide images of the interior of the
patient and to show the position of various medical instruments in
the patient 104. System 100 can be used with magnetic resonance
imaging and/or a computerized tomography scanning device to observe
the procedure being performed on the patient 104, in addition to or
in place of the fluoroscope. As described above, the fluoroscope
(and many other imaging devices) emits potentially harmful
radiation which can adversely affect attending medical
professionals.
[0045] It should be understood that while system components are
shown in FIG. 1 in physical proximity to one another, at least one
component, such as control console assembly 102 could be located
some distance from system 100. Medical procedures can be performed
and/or controlled using system 100 in various settings, for example
a hospital, a clinic, an outpatient treatment center, a
rehabilitation clinic or even a home.
[0046] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram 200 showing operative
communication connections between components of the system 100, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The
operative communication connections are used by system 100 to
connect control console 150 to other components of system 100, such
as devices 106 for performing the medical procedure, medical
imaging devices 108, an information network 202 and/or other
miscellaneous devices 204. In some embodiments of the invention,
the connection is wireless. Optionally, control console 150 is
connected using a combination of wired and wireless
connections.
[0047] In an embodiment of the invention, communication with a
plurality of devices 106 for performing the medical procedure is
utilized. For example, the bed side unit may contain propulsion
mechanisms for extending, retracting and/or rotating medical
instruments in the patient 104 which are controlled by control
console I 50. In some embodiments of the invention, there may also
be communication with the instruments themselves, optionally for
issuing control commands to the instruments. Examples of control
commands communicated to the instruments include
activation/deactivation of an ablation catheter,
activation/deactivation of sensing in a mapping catheter,
activation/deactivation of pacing charges in a pacing catheter,
expansion/retraction of an angioplasty-type balloon, and the
like.
[0048] In some embodiments of the invention, control console I 50
is provided with communication to medical imaging devices I 08
which are used to image at least a portion of the patient 104
and/or medical instruments being used to perform the medical
procedure. In an embodiment of the invention, control console 150
issues control commands to at least one of medical imaging devices
I 08, for example to help the attending medical professional
perform the medical procedure. Exemplary commands include zoom
in/out, scaling, positioning, orientation and the like. In some
embodiments of the invention, control console I50 is adapted to
work with conventional imaging system controls, for example the
Innova.TM. systems offered by GE Healthcare and/or the AXIOM
Artis.TM. family of systems offered by Siemens.
[0049] In an embodiment of the invention, information network 202
is the Internet. Optionally, information network 202 is a local
network, for example a hospital network. In some embodiments of the
invention, information regarding the medical procedure is
transmitted over information network 202 to locations outside the
operating arena where the procedure is taking place. It should be
understood that in some embodiments of the invention, devices I 06
for performing the medical procedure, medical imaging devices I 08
and/or other miscellaneous devices 204 are directly connected to
information network 202 and control console 150 is not an
intermediary. Such a configuration would be desirable, for example,
if information regarding the medical procedure is to be viewed at a
remote location (e.g. for educational or collaborative
purposes).
[0050] Other miscellaneous devices 204 are optionally controllable
from control console 150, in an embodiment of the invention.
Examples of miscellaneous devices 204 include ambient lighting
controls, ambient temperature controls, operating table adjustment
controls, and the like.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 3, a schematic block diagram 300 of
control console assembly 102 is shown, in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention. Diagram 300 shows a control
console 150 configuration, in an exemplary embodiment of the
invention. A controller 302 is provided to control console 150
which, in some embodiments of the invention, is used for
commanding, controlling receiving commands from and/or coordinating
the operation of at least one input device 304, at least one output
device 306, an emergency stop 308, and/or a data storage device
310. Control console 150 is also provided with a communication
interface 314 for external (i.e. communication outside of control
console 150) communication such as described with respect to FIG.
2. As described above, communication interface 314 is optionally
wireless. In some embodiments of the invention, control console 150
is a personal computer. In some embodiments of the invention,
control console 150 is detachable from control console assembly 102
and/or is interchangeable with other control consoles. Optionally,
different control console configurations are adapted to interact
with differing suites of equipment and/or to perform different
medical procedures. A power supply 312 is provided to control
console 150, in some embodiments of the invention. Optionally,
power supply 312 is located on control console assembly 102 outside
of control console 150. Optionally, power supply 312 is external to
control console assembly 102.
[0052] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, at least one
input device 304 is used by an attending medical professional to
input commands to components of system 100 via control console 150.
Examples of at least one input device 304 include: a joystick, a
keyboard, a mouse, and/or a touch screen (shown in more detail in
FIG. 5). An example of at least one output device 306 includes a
graphic display (e.g. LCD, CRT). Optionally, a plurality of output
devices 306 is provided to control console 150. In some embodiments
of the invention, an input device 304 also functions as an output
device 306, for example the joystick and/or the mouse is optionally
provided with force feedback and/or the touch screen also functions
to provide visual information to the attending medical
professional.
[0053] In an embodiment of the invention, the touch screen is used
for discrete movements of medical instruments (including a guide
wire) and the joystick is used for continuous movements of the
medical instruments. Optionally, the medical instruments located
within the patient can be advanced or retracted in discrete steps
of 0.5 mm-1.0 mm using the touch screen. In some embodiments of the
invention, discrete medical instrument rotation is performed using
control console 150, whereby the medical instrument can be rotated
in increments, for example of 30.degree.. In an embodiment of the
invention, discrete movements of the medical instrument are
performed by touching icons on the touch screen display for the
particular movement desired.
[0054] For macro manipulation of a medical instrument, any
combination of axial and/or rotational movement can be performed by
use of the joystick 510. In some embodiments of the invention,
motion of joystick away from and towards the attending medical
professional causes linear movement of a medical instrument and
movement to the left and right cause rotation. Optionally,
rotational movement of joystick 510 about its vertical axis
translates to rotational movement of a medical instrument.
Optionally, movement to the left or right and/or up or down and/or
professional via controller 302 to cause customized movement of a
medical instrument, for example using rotation of joystick to cause
linear motion. In some embodiments of the invention, controller 302
is used to limit movement speed within the patient, for safety as
an example. For example, in an embodiment of the invention, the
maximum speed of the joystick movement of the medical instrument is
12 mm/s, the maximum angular movement of the medical instrument is
90.degree./s and/or the maximum speed of a balloon is 9.5 mm/s.
[0055] In an embodiment of the invention, control console assembly
102 is provided with an emergency stop button 308 which halts the
medical procedure for example if there is a problem with the
patient 104 and/or the devices 106 being used to treat the patient.
Optionally, the emergency stop button 308 halts the medical
procedure via controller 302 of control console 150, for example
sending a command via control console 150 to devices 106 to stop
and/or reverse what they are doing.
[0056] Control console assembly 102 is provided with radiation
protection 316, in an embodiment of the invention. As described
elsewhere herein, medical procedures are often performed in an
environment which is hostile and/or harmful to an attending medical
professional. In addition, the remedial measures taken to address
this harmful operating environment are often themselves harmful to
the professional. Therefore, in some embodiments of the invention,
radiation protection 316 is integrated into control console
assembly 102 in order to insulate the attending professional
operating control console 150 from both the harmful operating
environment and the harmful effects of conventional solutions to
operating in the harmful environment. In an embodiment of the
invention, radiation protection is included in the structure of
control console assembly 102 (described in more detail with respect
to FIG. 4), obviating the need for the professional to wear heavy
insulating gear and/or a separate radiation protection structure.
In some embodiments of the invention, a window 320 is provided to
control console assembly 102 to allow the attending medical
professional to have a line of sight to the patient 104.
Optionally, window 320 also provides radiation protection. In an
embodiment of the invention, window 320 is constructed from
Kyowaglas-XA, manufactured by Kuraray Co. Ltd., Japan. This product
is made of a shatter-resistant leaded plastic (lead acrylic sheet).
Optionally, window 320 provides radiation protection equivalent to
0.5 mm thick of lead radiation shielding.
[0057] In an embodiment of the invention, remote control console
assembly 102 is provided with mobility 318. As described above,
remote is generally used to describe control console's 102 ability
to maneuver independently of patient 104, medical imaging devices
108 and/or devices 106 for performing medical procedures, and
therefore control console 102 is optionally at a remote location
from patient 104, medical imaging devices 108 and/or devices 106
for performing medical procedures in the procedure room. Examples
of this remote ability of the control console include: moving the
control console to provide a maximum amount of radiation protection
to the attending medical professional; moving the control console
in order to have better visibility of the patient; moving the
control console so that it does not interfere with the operation of
medical imaging devices and/or medical instruments; and/or moving
the control console from one room to another in order to allow the
ability to perform procedures in more than one location using the
same control console. Using wheels, tracks and/or something
similar, control console assembly 102 can be positioned within an
operating room at a location which the attending medical
professional prefers in order to conduct the medical procedure.
Optionally, mobility 318 provided to control console assembly 102
is motorized. In some embodiments of the invention, it is
envisioned that control console assembly 102 is adapted for use in
a plurality of locations whereby the same control console assembly
102 is usable to conduct procedures in different locations.
Optionally, control console 150 is removably attached to control
console assembly 102 and is interchangeable with other control
console assemblies.
[0058] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of control console assembly 102,
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. It
should be noted that control console I50 of FIG. 4 is not exploded
since an exemplary control console 150 is depicted in an exploded
view in FIG. 5 instead. In an embodiment of the invention, control
console assembly I02 is provided with a central frame member 402
which is adapted to link many of the parts of control console
assembly I02 together. Central frame member 402 is attached to a
base 404, in some embodiments of the invention, which is adapted to
mount a means for providing mobility 318, for example wheels and/or
tracks, to control console assembly 102. In an embodiment of the
invention, attached to central frame member 402 opposite from base
404 is window 320. Front 406 and back 408 cover plates are provided
to central frame member 402 between base 404 and window 320, in
some embodiments of the invention. Cover plates 406, 408 are used
in some embodiments of the invention for providing radiation
protection (for example, if constructed of a radiation
non-transmissive material such as lead) and/or for providing an
aesthetically pleasing appearance for control console assembly 102.
Alternatively, additionally or optionally, radiation
non-transmissive material is mounted on central frame member 402
directly with only some or no radiation protection coming from
cover plates 406, 408. In some embodiments of the invention, at
least 0.5 mm thick lead plate, or an equivalent, is used. In some
embodiments of the invention, cover plates 406, 408 are adapted to
accommodate other parts of control console assembly I02, such as
being provided with an opening so that control console 150 can be
affixed, optionally removably affixed, directly to central frame
member 402. In some embodiments of the invention, at least one
handle 410 is provided to control console assembly 102 for
assisting with moving control console assembly 102 around.
Optionally, at least one handle 410 is also adapted for mounting an
output device 306, such as shown in FIG. I where a display is
mounted on top of a handle.
[0059] In an embodiment of the invention, central frame member 402
is constructed of a material, such as metal, which can support the
weight of the parts of control console assembly 102, such as
control console 150, window 320, at least one handle 410, output
device 306 and/or front 406 and/or back 408 cover plates.
[0060] It should be understood that the above described
construction is by way of example only and that variations to the
design and construction of control console assembly 102 would occur
to those skilled in the art. For example, control console assembly
102 may not be provided with cover plates 406, 408, instead the
central frame member 402 being provided with radiation protection
and/or an aestheticappearance. As another example of an alternative
embodiment, central frame member 402 and base 404 are integrated,
wherein a means for mobility 318 is attached to a unified central
frame member/base. A still further example is a control console
assembly where window 320 is incorporated within central frame
member 402 rather than being affixed on one end of central frame
member 402, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0061] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of control console 150, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. A chassis
502 is provided to control console 150 to serve as a support base
for components of control console 150. In an embodiment of the
invention, chassis 502 is shielded to protect sensitive electrical
components of control console 150 which are positioned within
chassis 502, for example controller 302, data storage 310 and/or
power supply 312. In some embodiments of the invention, at least
one communication device 504 such as a hub or router adapted for
enabling communication between control console 150 and other
devices, described with respect to FIG. 2, is located within
chassis 502. In an embodiment of the invention, chassis 502 is
adapted to be removably affixed to the remainder of control console
assembly 102 to allow detachable and/or interchangeable control
consoles to be used with multiple control console assemblies.
[0062] In an embodiment of the invention, a top 506 is provided to
control console 150 which sits on top of chassis 502 such that top
506 and chassis 502 are adapted to create an enclosed, or mostly
enclosed, volume within control console 150. Controller 302, data
storage 310 and/or power supply 312 are located within this volume,
in some embodiments of the invention. Additionally, alternatively
or optionally, top 506 also provides shielding to protect the area
within control console 150. In some embodiments of the invention,
access to the area within control console 150 is gained via a door
508 which is located at the front of control console 150. Top 506
is provided with at least one output device 306, such as a display,
in an embodiment of the invention. Optionally, at least one output
device is a touch screen display which also serves as an input
device 304. Other input devices are optionally provided to control
console 150, for example a joystick 510, a mouse 512 and/or a
keyboard 514.
[0063] It should be understood that the above described
construction is by way of example only and that variations to the
design and construction of control console would occur to those
skilled in the art. For example, joystick 510 (if present) may be
placed somewhere other than on the upper surface 516 of top 506.
Additionally or alternatively, keyboard 514 is integrated into
upper surface 516. Optionally, control console 150 is not shaped as
shown in FIG. 5, for example rather than being shaped like two
nearly perpendicular components it is shaped like one upwardly
angled or vertical component. In some embodiments of the invention,
at least one of controller 302, data storage 310 and/or power
supply 312 are located outside of control console 150, optionally
positioned on some other portion of control console assembly
102.
[0064] The present invention has been described using detailed
descriptions of embodiments thereof that are provided by way of
example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
The described embodiments comprise different features, not all of
which are required in all embodiments of the invention. Some
embodiments of the present invention utilize only some of the
features or possible combinations of the features. Variations of
embodiments of the present invention that are described and
embodiments of the present invention comprising different
combinations of features noted in the described embodiments will
occur to persons of the art. When used in the following claims, the
terms "comprises", "includes", "have" and their conjugates mean
"including but not limited to". It should also be noted that the
device is suitable for both males and female, with male pronouns
being used for convenience. The scope of the invention is limited
only by the following claims.
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