A method for adjusting a medical device is provided. The method includes obtaining an initial trajectory of a component of the medical device. The initial trajectory of the component includes a plurality of initial positions. For each of the plurality of initial positions, the method further includes determining whether a collision is likely to occur between a subject and the component according to the initial trajectory of the component. In response to the determination that the collision is likely to occur, the method further includes updating the initial trajectory of the component to determine an updated trajectory of the component.

A paralleling device that attaches to or is integrated with the backscatter shield of a handheld x-ray device. The paralleling device includes a number of ports that receive a rod and hold the rod in a fixed position. The rod is attached to an electronic sensor for use in oral and dental radiography. By fixedly attaching the electronic sensor and rod to the handheld x-ray device, the paralleling device allows dentists, hygienists and other dental assistants to easily configure and place the rod and electronic sensor in the patient's mouth without setting the handheld x-ray device down. The paralleling device also ensures that the electronic sensor and handheld x-ray device are at an appropriate angle relative to one another to allow for proper imaging of a patient's mouth.

A medical imaging system for detecting ionizing radiation. The system includes one or more pixilated imagers positioned to acquire patient image data and one or more position sensors positioned to acquire patient position data. Once the patient image data and patient position data are acquired, one or more processors operably connected to each of the one or more pixilated imagers and one or more position sensors calculate a three-dimensional mass distribution based on patient image data and patient position data.

An apparatus for Digital Imaging in the Head Region of a Patient includes an X-ray source and an X-ray sensor, supported on a rotary arm supported on a structure by a motor driven translation and rotation means. The rotary arm is provided with adjustment means for varying the distance between the source and the sensor. A control unit, that controls the source, the sensor, the adjustment means, and the translation and rotation means Collision detection means provided in the source and sensor detect a possible collision of the source and/or sensor with the patient during the motion of the source and/or sensor and the control unit responds to such detected possible collision.

In general, radiation shielding systems that shield radiation from multiple directions are described. In one embodiment, a method of shielding radiation is provided, including supporting a shielding device on an object proximate a radiation source, positioning a first shielding portion in a vertical position relative to the object, positioning a second shielding portion to extend away from the first portion, the second shielding portion attached to the first portion, and shielding radiation from the radiation source by the first shielding portion and the second shielding portion such that the first and second shielding portions provide a radiation shielding zone for a healthcare practitioner.

A collision monitoring apparatus can include a camera to acquire a video image of surroundings of at least one target protection component on the C-arm X-ray machine system; an image processor to determine a scene of the surroundings of the at least one target protection component according to the video image; and a controller to control a C-arm X-ray machine system to stop moving or slow down when it is determined that a possible collision exists according to the scene of the surroundings of the at least one target protection component. Advantageously the apparatus effectively prevents patients, operators, patient examination beds and other obstacles from suffering a serious collision with the C-arm itself.

A radiation protection apparatus of a medical X-ray imaging system for absorbing scattered X-rays emerging from an examination region, wherein the radiation protection apparatus comprises: a plurality of lead glass elements, wherein each of the plurality of lead glass elements is configured to move between a rest position and a shield position, and also relative to one another. In the shield position, the plurality of lead glass elements form a radiation shield arranged between the examination region and a region occupiable by medical staff.

X-ray detectors for generating digital images are disclosed. An example digital X-ray detector includes: a scintillation screen; a reflector configured to reflect light generated by the scintillation screen; and a digital imaging sensor configured to generate a digital image of the light reflected by the reflector.

A medical imaging system for detecting ionizing radiation. The system includes one or more pixilated imagers positioned to acquire patient image data and one or more position sensors positioned to acquire patient position data. Once the patient image data and patient position data are acquired, one or more processors operably connected to each of the one or more pixilated imagers and one or more position sensors calculate a three-dimensional mass distribution based on patient image data and patient position data.

A system for breast computed tomography includes a table supporting a patient in a prone position with an opening positioned for a breast of the patient to extend downwards therethrough, a gantry assembly positioned beneath the table with a platform driven to rotate by a motor, an x-ray source assembly coupled to the platform to rotate therewith and positioned to irradiate with an x-ray beam at least a portion of the breast, and a detector assembly coupled to the platform to rotate therewith and positioned to receive the x-ray beam from the x-ray source assembly. The system includes a shielding enclosure rigidly mounted atop the platform to rotate therewith, enclosing during rotation of the platform the detector assembly, the breast, and the x-ray beam, and having walls composed of a material and a thickness to attenuate an x-ray beam of a predetermined energy and intensity by a predetermined amount.