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WO2024119240A1 - Scanner pour animaux - Google Patents

Scanner pour animaux Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024119240A1
WO2024119240A1 PCT/AU2023/051274 AU2023051274W WO2024119240A1 WO 2024119240 A1 WO2024119240 A1 WO 2024119240A1 AU 2023051274 W AU2023051274 W AU 2023051274W WO 2024119240 A1 WO2024119240 A1 WO 2024119240A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
animal
scanner
platform
receiver
emitter
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/AU2023/051274
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Christopher Neil COWCHER
Peter John TUALLY
Christopher Edwards
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Telemedvet Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
Telemedvet Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2022903753A external-priority patent/AU2022903753A0/en
Application filed by Telemedvet Pty Ltd filed Critical Telemedvet Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2024119240A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024119240A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/02—Arrangements for diagnosis sequentially in different planes; Stereoscopic radiation diagnosis
    • A61B6/027—Arrangements for diagnosis sequentially in different planes; Stereoscopic radiation diagnosis characterised by the use of a particular data acquisition trajectory, e.g. helical or spiral
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K29/00—Other apparatus for animal husbandry
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/70—Means for positioning the patient in relation to the detecting, measuring or recording means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/02—Arrangements for diagnosis sequentially in different planes; Stereoscopic radiation diagnosis
    • A61B6/03—Computed tomography [CT]
    • A61B6/032—Transmission computed tomography [CT]
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/02—Arrangements for diagnosis sequentially in different planes; Stereoscopic radiation diagnosis
    • A61B6/03—Computed tomography [CT]
    • A61B6/032—Transmission computed tomography [CT]
    • A61B6/035—Mechanical aspects of CT
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/02—Arrangements for diagnosis sequentially in different planes; Stereoscopic radiation diagnosis
    • A61B6/03—Computed tomography [CT]
    • A61B6/037—Emission tomography
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/04—Positioning of patients; Tiltable beds or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/44—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis
    • A61B6/4417—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis related to combined acquisition of different diagnostic modalities
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/44—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis
    • A61B6/4429—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis related to the mounting of source units and detector units
    • A61B6/4435—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis related to the mounting of source units and detector units the source unit and the detector unit being coupled by a rigid structure
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/50—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment specially adapted for specific body parts; specially adapted for specific clinical applications
    • A61B6/508—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment specially adapted for specific body parts; specially adapted for specific clinical applications for non-human patients
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2503/00—Evaluating a particular growth phase or type of persons or animals
    • A61B2503/40—Animals
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/40—Arrangements for generating radiation specially adapted for radiation diagnosis
    • A61B6/4064—Arrangements for generating radiation specially adapted for radiation diagnosis specially adapted for producing a particular type of beam
    • A61B6/4085—Cone-beams
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/44—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis
    • A61B6/4405—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis the apparatus being movable or portable, e.g. handheld or mounted on a trolley

Definitions

  • the invention is broadly directed towards an animal scanner.
  • one example of the invention relates to an animal scanner configured to provide a medical image of a lower limb of an equine animal such as a horse.
  • Various medical imaging technologies are used to provide a visualization of body structures to aid in the detection and diagnosis of abnormalities and conditions in subject patients.
  • diagnostic imaging modalities include ultrasound, conventional computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging and scintigraphy, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
  • nuclear medicine imaging also known as scintigraphy
  • scintigraphy is an established specialised field of clinical investigation that relies on a gamma camera to detect where isotopes, in the form of a radiopharmaceutical tracer, travel in the body.
  • the gamma camera is used to produce a three-dimensional cross-sectional image of the body known as a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) image.
  • SPECT images allow specialists to perform three-dimensional (3D) evaluations of the patterns of isotope activity in vivo.
  • CT imaging in particular, is a relatively long procedure that is very sensitive to motion, with an animal's propensity to move typically necessitating the need for tranquilization or anesthesia to obtain a quality image.
  • table-based imaging machines and scanners that are associated with CT imaging and MRI are designed primarily for human subjects and are unsuitable for many larger animals such as horses. For example, an inability to bring the CT detector panel close enough to the anatomy being imaged has limited the quality of CT image procured, whilst the conventional "ring" type machine geometry requires positioning large animals on a stretcher and under general anaesthesia, which increases risk.
  • the invention provides an animal scanner comprising a passageway along which a scanning area having a platform configured to support a standing animal is disposed, with an emitter and a receiver being arranged about and rotatable around the platform, wherein, in use, with a lower limb of the animal being supported by the platform, the emitter and the receiver are driven at least partially around the platform to provide a medical image of the lower limb.
  • a barrier may define the passageway through which the animal is guided into and out of the scanning area.
  • the barrier may extend completely around the passageway to form an enclosure.
  • the passageway may be divided into sequentially arranged zones by a plurality of moveable barricades operable to selectively extend across the passageway to thereby retain the animal within a selected zone or zones.
  • the passageway may extend from an entry zone to an exit zone, with the scanning area being arranged therebetween.
  • Each of the entry zone and the exit zone may include ramped surfaces for guiding the animal onto and off the platform.
  • the passageway may comprise at least one intermediate zone that is arranged between the scanning area and one of the entry zone and the exit zone.
  • the intermediate zone may be arranged between the entry zone and the scanning area and configured to support hind legs of a quadruped animal, with the front legs of the animal being supported by the platform.
  • the intermediate zone is arranged between the scanning area and the exit zone and is configured to support front legs of a quadruped animal, with the hind legs of the animal being supported by the platform.
  • the enclosure may comprise a plurality of interlocking modules arranged linearly, with each module providing a zone of the passageway.
  • the animal scanner may further comprise a rotatable member that extends around the platform within the scanning area, with the emitter and the receiver being mounted thereto.
  • the platform may be disc shaped and the rotatable member may be substantially annular, extending therearound.
  • the platform and the rotatable member may be arranged to provide a substantially level floor surface of the scanning area.
  • an animal scanner comprising a platform adapted to support a lower limb of a standing animal and a rotatable member that extends at least partially therearound, with the rotatable member having a receiver mounted thereto configured to detect external radiation that is directed through the lower limb of the animal by an emitter and to detect internal radiation from said lower limb, wherein, in use, the rotatable member is driven at least partially around the platform to provide a medical image of the lower limb.
  • the platform may be configured to support two limbs of the standing animal, with the scanner being configured to simultaneously scan each lower limb to provide a medical image thereof.
  • Image processing algorithms may be used to tune noise from an image acquired by the receiver, to thereby provide a tuned medical image of both lower limbs.
  • At least one of the emitter and the receiver may be height adjustable with respect to the platform.
  • Each of the emitter and the receiver may be height adjustable with respect to the platform.
  • the emitter may comprise a CT generator.
  • the receiver may comprise a CT detector configured to detect x-rays emitting from the CT generator.
  • the CT generator may be configured as a cone beam type generator.
  • the receiver may further comprises a SPECT detector that is configured to detect radiation emitting from the animal.
  • the medical image may be a combined CT-SPECT image.
  • the invention provides a method of obtaining a medical image of a lower limb of an animal, including the steps of: guiding the animal into a scanning area along a passageway; supporting the lower limb of the animal upon a platform within the scanning area; and rotating an emitter and a detector at least partially around the platform to thereby obtain a medical image of the lower limb.
  • an animal scanner for detecting a limb injury in an animal comprising: a platform for supporting at least one limb of a standing animal, wherein the platform defines an XY plane defined by mutually perpendicular X and Y axes and centered on a z-axis; a rotatable member configured to rotate around the z-axis of the platform; a CT emitter and a CT detector affixed to the rotatable member, wherein the x-ray emitter is positioned so as to emit radiation through the limb of the animal and the CT detector is positioned so as to detect radiation from the CT emitter after passing through the at least one limb of the animal; and a SPECT detector affixed to the rotatable member, wherein the SPECT detector is positioned so as to detect gamma rays emitting from the limb of the animal; and a controller in communication with the CT detector and the SPECT detector and configured to produce a co-registered CT
  • the animal scanner may further comprise an enclosure for restraining the animal.
  • the animal is a horse.
  • the enclosure may be a portable gantry system.
  • the enclosure may be configured to be affixed to a float.
  • the animal scanner may be adapted to detect a lower limb injury in the animal.
  • the limb injury may be a soft tissue injury or a bone injury.
  • the SPECT detector may be a cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) detector device.
  • the SPECT detector and the CT detector may be integrated within a combined receiver.
  • the controller may comprise: (i) an image construction device; and (ii) an operator console.
  • the imaging operation may be initiated by the operator console.
  • the animal scanner may perform the imaging operation by receiving data from the CT detector and SPECT detector and moving the rotatable member during the imaging operation to detect CT data and SPECT data at multiple view angles.
  • the animal scanner may send the CT data and SPECT data at multiple view angles to the image construction device.
  • the image construction device may transform the CT data and SPECT data into a combined CT-SPECT scan for display on the operator console.
  • the image construction device may compare the acquired CT-SPECT scan to an electronic library comprising CT-SPECT images of known animal limb injuries and/or abnormalities to detect an abnormality and/or injury in the acquired CT-SPECT scan, wherein an abnormality indicates the presence of a limb injury or an increased likelihood of future injury in the horse.
  • Also described herein is a method for diagnosing a limb injury in a horse comprising: (a) acquiring a combined CT-SPECT image of at least one limb of a horse using the animal scanner as described herein; and (b) detecting the presence of an abnormality in the CT-SPECT image, wherein the abnormality indicates the presence of a limb injury.
  • the method may further comprise (c) determining whether the abnormality is a metabolically active abnormality or a static abnormality.
  • the method may be performed trackside.
  • Also described herein is a method for preventing a bone fracture in a limb of a horse comprising: (a) acquiring a CT-SPECT image of at least one limb of a horse using an animal scanner as described herein; (b) detecting for the presence of a metabolically active abnormality in a bone of the at least one limb in the acquired CT-SPECT image, wherein the presence of a metabolically active abnormality indicates that the limb is susceptible to a bone fracture.
  • the method may be performed trackside as part of a preparation in the lead-up to a race. Where a metabolically active abnormality is detected, the method may further comprise resting the horse to prevent a bone fracture in the limb.
  • the step of resting the horse may comprise scratching the horse from the race.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of an animal scanner according to an embodiment of the invention, illustrating a horse standing within a scanning area thereof;
  • Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the scanning area of the animal scanner of Figure 1 , illustrating an emitter and a receiver configured to provide an image of a lower limb of the horse;
  • Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the emitter and the receiver of the animal scanner of Figure 1 in a lowered configuration suitable for obtaining a medical image of a foot region of the lower limb of the horse;
  • Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the emitter and the receiver of the animal scanner of Figure 1 in an intermediate configuration suitable for obtaining a medical image of a fetlock region of the lower limb of the horse;
  • Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the emitter and the receiver of the animal scanner of Figure 1 in a raised configuration suitable for obtaining a medical image of a knee region of the lower limb of the horse;
  • Figure 9 is an isolated perspective view of the animal scanner of Figure 1 ;
  • Figures 10 to 12 illustrate a lifting arrangement associated with the emitter and receiver of the animal scanner of Figure 1 in a raised configuration suitable for obtaining a medical image of a knee region of the lower limb of the horse;
  • Figure 13 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method of obtaining a medical image of a lower limb of an animal, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the animal scanner 10 shown in Figures 1 to 8 comprises a barrier 12 configured to receive and accommodate a standing animal subject therein.
  • the barrier 12 at least partly defines a scanning area 14 within which a platform 16 is disposed.
  • the platform 16 is configured to support at least one lower limb of the standing animal thereon.
  • An emitter 18 and a receiver 20 associated with said emitter are arranged around the platform 16.
  • the emitter 18 and the receiver 20 are each rotatable with respect to the platform 16.
  • the emitter 18 and receiver 20 are driven at least partially around the platform 16 to provide a medical image of the lower limb of the animal that is supported by the platform 16.
  • the barrier 12 there is a reduced requirement for the animal to be restrained and/or anaesthetized for the scanning procedure, thereby reducing potential stress on the animal while maintaining safety for operators of the scanner 10.
  • the animal scanner 10 will be described with particular reference to an embodiment that is particularly suitable for use with equine animals such as horses. It is to be understood, however, that the scanner 10 may also suitable for other quadruped animals, particularly similarly sized quadruped animals, including bovine animals and other livestock. Furthermore, other embodiments of the scanner are also contemplated, which embodiments are scaled so as to be particularly suitable for animals (e.g., pet animals) that commonly frequent domestic veterinarian practices such as cats and dogs, and embodiments particularly suitable for larger animals of zoological veterinarian practices.
  • animals e.g., pet animals
  • FIG 1 shows an embodiment of the invention, in the form of animal scanner 10.
  • the animal scanner 10 is particularly suitable for providing medical images of equine animals such as horses.
  • the barrier 12 is provided in the form of a crush-like rectangular gantry that defines an enclosure that extends around the scanning area 14.
  • the enclosure is adapted for accommodating such animals, being of an appropriate size and overall shape.
  • the platform 16 within the enclosure is of sufficient strength to support an animal within a weight range of about 300 to 1000 kg - being the typical weight range associated with equine animals.
  • the barrier 12 may not extend completely around the scanning area 14.
  • the barrier 12 may be provided as a rail or standing fence section that extends along one side of scanner 10, with a wall or other existing structure or natural barrier extending along an opposing second size thereof. It is also contemplated that the barrier 12 may be provided, at least in part, by existing walls of a structure within which the scanner 10 is accommodated, such as a shipping container.
  • the scanning area 14 is disposed along a passageway 22.
  • the passageway 22 is indicated via the dotted arrow of Figure 1 .
  • the passageway 22 is at least partly defined by the barrier 12.
  • the passageway 22 provides a continuous path along which the animal is lead into and out of the scanning area 14.
  • the passageway 22 may serve to only lead the animal into the scanning area 14, with the animal existing directly therefrom.
  • the passageway 22 is of a width sufficient to accommodate the animal, without allowing the animal to turn around - therefore effectively guiding the animal to walk therealong in a single direction.
  • the passageway 22 is a linear passageway, extending from an entry 24 at a first end towards an exit 26 at a second end.
  • Nonlinear passageways 22 are also contemplated - for example, the passageway 22 may be U- shaped, with the entry 24 and exit 26 being provided at the same end - reducing the overall footprint of the animal scanner 10.
  • the scanner 10 provides a "walk through" scanning unit that does not require the use of hoists, cranes or other manual rough-handling in order to position the animal within the scanning area. This may reduce the stress on the animal, and obviates the need for anesthetics and/or tranquilization that is otherwise typically required for table-type scanning of large animals.
  • the passageway 22 has a generally flat or continuous floor surface, with elevation changes being provided by smooth ramps in place of sharp steps and the like. This minimizes the possibility of the animal tripping or being "spooked" by said steps.
  • the passageway 22 is divided along its length into a plurality of sequentially arranged zones 28.
  • the scanning area 14 forms one of the zones 28 of the passageway 22, disposed between the entry 24 and exit 26 thereof.
  • An entry zone 28a is provided at a near or first end of the passageway 22.
  • the entry zone 28a includes a ramped surface 29 that extends from or proximate to the entry 24 towards the platform 16 within the scanning area 14.
  • the ramped surface 29 is preferably of a gentle gradient so as to encourage or otherwise guide the animal to walk along the passageway 22 towards the platform 16. As shown in the Figures, said gradient is of a magnitude of about 5-15 degrees.
  • An exit zone 26b is provided at a far or second end of the passageway 22.
  • the exit zone 28b also includes a ramped surface 29' that extends from or proximate to the platform 16 towards the exit 26.
  • the ramped surfaces 29, 29' smooth out the changes in elevation necessitated by, for example, the drive equipment associated with the platform 16.
  • At least one of the entry zone 28a and exit zone 28b may be configured to be coupled directly to a float and/or stable, thus making it particularly simple to guide the animal into the passageway 22.
  • the ramped surfaces 29 may be obviated by provision of the platform 16 as a sunken platform.
  • the platform 16 is nested within a depression of a floor surface of a structure within which the scanner 10 is installed, with the passageway 22 extending along said floor surface and the platform 16 sitting substantially level therewith.
  • Each of the zones 28 is separated by a moveable barricade 30 that extends at least partially across the passageway 22.
  • the barricade 30 may be automatically driven barricade such as a mechanically pivoting boom arm, or may be manual barricade that are moved into position by an operator, for example a hinged gate or a sliding rail.
  • Each of the barricade 30 is moveable between an open position in which the animal is permitted to move past the barricade 30 and a closed position, in which the path of the animal along the passageway 22 is blocked. In this way, the animal can be selectively held within different zones along the passageway 22 - including within the scanning area 14.
  • the barricade 30 therefore substantially obviates the need for other forms of restraining means such as cuffs or the like to be fitted to the animal in order to hold the animal in position for the scan.
  • the barricade 30 may be fitted with a quick release mechanism that is selectably operable to allow easy removal thereof, for example if the animal was to become spooked whilst in the passageway 22.
  • the quick release mechanism may be, for example, a hinge arrangement.
  • At least one intermediate zone 28c is provided between the entry zone 28a and the scanning area 14 and/or the scanning area 14 and the exit zone 28b.
  • the passageway 22 includes two intermediate zones 28c, flanking either side of the scanning area 14.
  • the intermediate zone or zones 28c are particularly useful when the scanner 10 is used for quadruped animals such as equines.
  • the intermediate zone 28c is configured to support either of the front or hind legs of the animal, with the other of the front and the hind legs being supported by the platform 16 for scanning and medical assessment.
  • the hind legs of the animal are supported by a floor surface of intermediate zone 28c, with the front legs being supported by the platform 16 for scanning.
  • a second intermediate zone 28c' is positioned forward of the scanning area 14. The second intermediate zone 28c' is used when the hind legs of the animal are being scanned, supporting the front legs thereof.
  • two intermediate zones 28c allow both the front and hind legs of the animal to be selectively scanned in a single pass of the animal through the passageway 22, minimizing stress on the animal.
  • the front legs of the animal may be scanned whilst the animal is held within the scanning area 14 and the first intermediate zone 28c.
  • the hind legs of the animal may be scanned by moving the barricade 30 leading to the second intermediate zone 28c' to the open position, with the animal being lead along the passageway until its hind legs are supported by the platform 16, at which point the barricade 30 between the first intermediate zone 28c and the scanning area 14 may be moved to the closed position.
  • two intermediate zones 28c does not require that both the front and hind legs of the animal are scanned. Rather, the two intermediate zones 28c merely provide the opportunity of a "complete" scan of all limbs of the animal to be assessed in one pass of the animal through the passageway 22.
  • the barrier 12 is provided as a plurality of interlocking modules, with each module providing a zone 28 of the passageway 22.
  • the overall length of the passageway 22 can be tailored to suit operational needs.
  • a single intermediate zone 28c may be provided, with two passes through the passageway 22 being required to obtain scans of both the front and hind legs of the animal - with the animal being lead along the passageway in the opposite direction on the return pass.
  • the scanner 10 be used for bipedal animals, the provision of intermediate zones 28 may not be required.
  • the scanner 10 is a portable scanner.
  • the portable scanner 10 can thus be transported to perform scanning of animals including horses in-situ, thus obviating the need for transporting animals to a dedicated medical facility.
  • the scanner 10 need not be portable and may be substantially fixed in-situ, for example within a dedicated veterinary clinic, or, alternatively, fixed within a transportable structure such as a shipping container.
  • such scanner 10 may be provided in isolation of the associated gantry 12 and be substantially limited to the scanning area 14.
  • a rotatable member 32 is provided within the scanning area 14.
  • the rotatable member 32 extends at least partially, and preferably substantially, around the periphery of the platform 16.
  • the rotatable member is an annular rotor, extending around the disc shaped platform 16 arranged as a stator with respect thereto.
  • the rotatable member 32 is structurally isolated from the platform 16 such that vibrations associated with movement or drive of the rotatable member 32 is prevented from being transferred to the platform 16. Insulation of said platform 16 from such vibrations is beneficial, reducing the likelihood of the animal being spooked by the movement of the rotatable member 32.
  • the emitter 18 and receiver 20 are mounted directly to the rotatable member 32 arranged 180 degrees from one another.
  • the rotatable member 32 includes a drive in the form of motor 34.
  • the motor 34 is configured to drive the rotatable member 32 such that the emitter 18 and receiver 20 are rotated around the platform 16.
  • the rotatable member 32 is driven about an axis that extends substantially vertically through a centre of the platform 16, in a direction that is perpendicular to the passageway and substantially parallel with the leg or legs of the standing animal that is/are being scanned.
  • the platform 16 extends in an XY plane with the rotatable member 32 being rotationally drivable about a Z axis as indicated by arrow A in Figure 2.
  • the motor 34 may be a servo motor or a stepper motor or any other form of motor that provides positional feedback, for example via an encoder.
  • This angular/positional feedback is useful for assembling the 3D medical image.
  • the feedback associated with motor/drive 34 may provide a resolution of 1/40 degree or better.
  • the rotatable member 32 is preferably driven a partial orbit or about 180 degrees about the vertical axis of the platform 16. Trials by the applicant have demonstrated this half revolution to be sufficient to obtain a high quality medical image in a relatively short period of time. Depending on the nature of the scan and location of the body part of interest, the rotatable member 32 may be driven less than 180 degrees or more than 180 degrees.
  • the rotatable member may be driven a full 360 degree orbit around the platform 16.
  • a full 360 degree orbit may output a high resolution and/or clearer image with less noise, albeit requiring a comparatively longer time period to complete when compared to a half or 180 degree orbit.
  • the emitter 18 comprises a CT generator 35, with the receiver 20 comprising a CT detector 37 that is configured to detect external radiation in the form of x-rays that are emitting from the CT generator 35 and directed through the limb(s) of the animal supported upon the platform 16.
  • the CT generator 35 is a cone beam type generator, such that x-rays generated by the emitter 18 extend in a 3D cone shaped array towards the receiver 20.
  • the array may have a field of view (FOV) about 50cm in diameter and 30cm in height.
  • FOV field of view
  • Such a cone-shaped array is preferable to, for example, linear fan beam type generators, in that the emitter 18 only needs to rotate around the animal a single time, with an arc limited to about 180 degrees.
  • cone beam CT differs from conventional (fan beam) CT by employing a wide, divergent pyramidal cone shaped x-ray beam, rather than a thin collimated fan beam, with the receiver being configured as a comparatively larger flat panel that is positioned closer to the anatomy being imaged.
  • the region of interest is captured in a single rotation rather than multiple rotations of thin slices of an area as used by conventional (fan beam) CT.
  • an advantage of the use of a cone-beam type generator 35 is that a reduced x-ray dose is required to capture a similar sized scan area/region of interest.
  • the cone-beam type generator 35 provides a greater amount of projection data to reconstruct the image and an isotropic voxel configuration providing a more accurate reconstruction image.
  • Each of the emitter 18 and receiver 20 are in communication with a processing device in the form of a controller 36 (not shown).
  • the controller 36 may, for example, be provided within a control cabinet attached to the barrier 12 or platform 16.
  • the controller 36 may be a laptop computer or other computer device that is operably connected to the emitter 18 and the receiver 20.
  • the controller 36 preferably includes an image construction device that receives image data from the receiver 20 and an operator console that provides a user interface for the operator to operate the scanner 10.
  • the user interface may provide controls to actuate the barricades 30 along the passageway 22 and/or to initiate the scanning process, whereby the emitter 18 is activated and the rotatable member 32 is driven around the platform.
  • the image construction device may interrogate and/or transform data from the receiver 20 into a viewable CT image or scan for viewing on the operator console.
  • the acquired image may be a 3D image that is constructed from a plurality of CT images obtained during the scanning process.
  • Algorithms within the image construction device may be used to tune noise from the acquired image, enabling two legs of the animal to be scanned at once (for example both front legs or both hind legs). It is contemplated that the algorithms may comprise filtered back projection ("FBR") reconstruction techniques and/or other iterative reconstruction techniques to generate the tuned image.
  • FBR filtered back projection
  • the controller 36 may also be configured to detect injuries or underlying conditions in the animal from the acquired image using machine learning or other machine vision techniques.
  • the image construction device may perform an image processing operation in which the viewable CT image or scan is compared to a database or library of reference images.
  • the reference images may comprise images of muscular skeletal defects or injuries.
  • Match filters may be used to compare the acquired image to the database of reference images in order to determine a likelihood of future injury from the animal due to said underlying muscular skeletal defects or abnormalities.
  • the controller 36 may include processing software; incorporating intuitive quantitative SPECT applications and Al augmented diagnostic reporting tools for standardised interpretations in the management of musculo-skeletal injuries of the animal.
  • the controller 36 may, in some embodiments, be integrated with the receiver 20.
  • the receiver 20 may also comprise a SPECT detector head 38, such as a cadmium- zinc-telluride (CZT) detector.
  • CZT cadmium- zinc-telluride
  • the selection of a CZT type detector is preferred in that the CZT head is compact and configured to directly convert an electrical pulse within an (approximately) 2.5mm 2 pixel. This direct conversion preserves the energy information better than Anger electronics that are conventionally used in veterinarian imaging machines and yields images of superior quality using lower levels of injected radioactive isotopes. Higher sensitivity detectors that lead to lower isotope requirements will reduce overall costs, reduce the time required to obtain a scan and reduce radiation dose that is absorbed by the subject and staff.
  • the SPECT detector 38 is configured to detect internal radiation in the form of gamma photons emitting from the animal that is being scanned.
  • a radiotracer such as Technetium-99m hydroxydiphosphonate or methyldiphosphonate
  • the SPECT detector 38 may be removably mounted within a common housing that also accommodates the CT detector 21.
  • the SPECT detector 37 may be housed separately from the CT detector 21 - for avoidance of doubt, the receiver 20 may comprise two separate housing parts, namely: (i) a first housing part accommodating the CT detector 21 being arranged on the rotatable member 32 substantially opposite the emitter 18 and; (ii) a second housing part accommodating the SPECT detector 37 that is also arranged on the rotatable member 32.
  • the receiver 20 may include a PET detector or other form of nuclear based detector in place of or in addition to the SPECT detector 38.
  • the scanner 10 may provide both CT-based and nuclear based medical images.
  • the acquired image may be a combined (or “hybrid") CT-SPECT image.
  • a hybrid or “fused” image) involves a co-registering of the SPECT image with the CT image by placing corresponding anatomical landmarks on each modality (for example a small crosshair target on a region of a bone from the SPECT image and CT image) to permit the superimposition or overlapping of the physiological (i.e. SPECT) image with the structural (i.e. CT) image.
  • the CT based component of the image is useful for assessing structural muscular-skeletal health of the animal
  • the nuclear SPECT based component on the image is useful for assessing the underlying physiology of the animal whilst the CT based aspect will co-register anatomical disease processes of the bone and soft tissue.
  • the SPECT aspect of the image can be used to determine if a bone abnormality is metabolically static or active.
  • the information derived from the SPECT component about body ‘function’ combined with the information about where and how the body structure ‘looks’ from the CT component means that the combined CT-SPECT image provides a dual modality technique that increases the sensitivity and specificity of imaging and helps characterize equivocal lesions detected by other imaging methods.
  • Trials by the applicant have shown a high correlation between the CT and SPECT data that is useful in predicting the likelihood of a future injury in the animal - in particular metabolically active bone injury sites are more likely to result in breakdown of the animal if said limbs are not rested.
  • the emitter 18 and receiver 20 are height adjustable with respect to the platform 16 by lifting arrangements 40. Specifically, each of the emitter 18 and receiver 20 are drivable between a lowered position (shown in Figures 3 and 4) to an upper position (shown in Figures 7 and 8). With particular reference to use of the scanner 10 for imaging a horse, in the lowered position, the emitter 18 and receiver 20 are operable to provide a scan of the horse's foot and partial fetlock. In the upper position, the emitter 18 and receiver 20 is raised by about 500 mm compared to the lowered position and are operable to scan an upper part of the horse's leg, from the hock (knee) and down.
  • An intermediate scan position (shown in Figures 5 and 6), between the upper and lower positions, is operable to provide a scan of the fetlock of the horse. It is to be understood that the level and magnitude of height adjustment may be customized to suit particular sizes of animal. For example, the respective heights of the lowered, intermediate and upper scan positions may be settable heights via the controller 36.
  • both the emitter 18 and receiver 20 are mounted to respective lifting arrangements 40, that are operable to lift the respective emitter 18 and receiver 20 between the lowered and upper positions.
  • the lifting arrangement 40 has a first degree of adjustment, schematically represented by dotted arrow Z1 .
  • This first degree of height or vertical adjustment is provided by a primary drive element 42 (not shown).
  • the drive element 42 may comprise, for example, a worm drive or a belt drive.
  • a blind or bellows like cover 44 surrounds the primary drive element 42, and is extendable in a Z direction.
  • Figures 9 and 10 show the cover 44 in a retracted configuration, with the cover 44 lying substantially completely below the surface of platform 16.
  • An extended configuration of the cover 44 is best shown in Figures 7 and 8.
  • the lifting arrangement 40 of emitter 18 has a second degree of height adjustment, schematically represented by dotted arrow Z2.
  • This second degree of height or vertical adjustment is provide via secondary drive element 46.
  • the secondary drive element 46 (not shown) is used to drive a slidable carriage 48, to which the CT generator 35 of emitter 18 is mounted.
  • a pair of side plates 50 extend vertically between a pair of locating plates 52.
  • the side plates 50 are mounted to the locating plates 52 via dowel pins, with the locating plates 52 in turn being mounted to the rotatable platform 16.
  • the side plates 50 are machined from a solid block to ensure their accuracy, and include a bore which is used to locate lead screws 54.
  • the locating plates 52 are machined plates configured to keep the screws 54 parallel.
  • the lead screws 54 are 1 inch diameter and % inch pitch lead screws, but it is understood that depending on the resolution and magnitude of height adjustment required, different specification lead screws are possible.
  • Bearings 56 engaged with the lead screw 54 include four single row ball screws, with the bottom bearings being self-aligning ball and race bearings.
  • the intermediate scan position is provided by the secondary drive element 46 alone - with the respective lifting arrangements 40 of emitter 18 and receiver 20 remaining in the lowered position whilst the carriage 56 is driven upwardly within the housing 38 of the emitter 18.
  • the secondary drive element 46 may, for example, be driven via a simple pneumatic cylinder or the like having a set travel, obviating the need for complex servo-based positional control components to be installed within the emitter housing, without loss of total resolution.
  • the primary and secondary drive elements 42, 46 provide a lifting arrangement 40 having improved resolution of height control - preferably providing a resolution of about 100 microns (i.e.
  • lifting arrangement 40 is discussed herein for use with animal scanner 10, the lifting arrangement 40 is also suitable for other medical scanning applications, including human CT scanning.
  • a step 1 10 the horse is guided through the entry 24 and along the passageway 22 into the scanning area 14.
  • a first barricade 30a disposed at the far end of the entry zone 28a (in the direction of movement of the animal) is moved from an open position to the closed position, while a second barricade 30b disposed at a near end of scanning area 14 is in an open position, with a third barricade 30c disposed at a far end of the scanning area 14 is in a closed position.
  • the animal is retained within the intermediate zone 28c and scanning area 14 by the barrier 12 - in particular between first barricade 30a and a second barricade 30b provided at a far end of the scanning area 14.
  • Movement of the first barricade 30a from the open to the closed position may include the operator or handler using the user interface/operator console to automatically move the first barricade 30a to the closed position once the animal has passed out of the entry zone 28a.
  • a further step 120 the front legs of the horse are positioned and located on the platform 16. It is envisaged that this step does not require the use of harnesses or other forms of restraining devices, with the overall geometry and sizing of the barrier 12 and in particular the scanning area/zone 14 being such that the front legs of the animal will naturally rest and locate upon the platform 16 when the horse is secured by barriers 30a, c.
  • the scanning process begins in a subsequent step 130.
  • the rotating member 32 is driven 180 degrees around the platform 16, such that the emitter 18 and receiver 20, mounted thereto, are also driven around the legs of the horse.
  • the legs of the horse when on the platform, are located between the emitter 18 and receiver 20 pair, such that an image of both legs of the animal are acquired simultaneously, reducing the overall time required for the animal to be within the scanning area 14.
  • a processing step 140 a combined CT-SPECT image of the front legs of the horse is formed, with the controller 36 using data obtained from the receiver 20 to provide a medical image.
  • the medical image can be used by the operator to detect the presence of abnormalities or underlying conditions in the horse.
  • the processing step 140 may include an interrogation step by the controller 36, in which the acquired image is compared with a database of known images, with the controller 36 being configured to detect the presence of abnormalities in the acquired image and to indicate or provide a warning to the operator.
  • this process can be repeated on the hind legs of the animal, with the third barricade 30c being opened to permit passage of the animal forward into the second of the intermediate zones 28c, such that the front legs of the animal are within the intermediate zone 28c and the hind legs are positioned on the platform.
  • the second barrier 30b With the animal in position, the second barrier 30b is moved to the closed position, with a fourth barrier 30d, disposed at a near end of the exit zone 28b, being in a closed position, thereby retaining the animal within the scanning area and second intermediate zone 28c.
  • the scanner 10 may find particular application in the horse racing industry.
  • horses have a propensity to break down or suffer catastrophic injuries during participation in race meets or during training.
  • injuries sustained are not treatable and result in loss of the equine athlete.
  • Research of the applicant has found a strong correlation between the presence of existing limb conditions and/or metabolically active bone abnormalities and the likelihood of such catastrophic break down occurring. It would thus be highly desirable to prevent such injuries from occurring.
  • an animal scanner such as the scanner 10, as disclosed herein can be used to scan a race horse trackside, before said horse takes to the barriers to begin a race.
  • the scanning could take place in the mounting yard and/or stable area.
  • the scanner may provide a substantially "real-time" medical image that can be used to detect the presence of an abnormality, said abnormality indicating the presence of an existing limb injury or weakness.
  • Such limb injury or weakness may indicate that the limb is susceptible or otherwise prone to a bone fracture, particular if the horse is exerted to extended periods of high intensity running associated with a race meet. Should such abnormality be detected, an operator of the scanner and/or trackside veterinarian may advise or enforce that the animal be rested. Such resting may result in the horse being scratched from the race.
  • the animal scanner described herein may provide several advantages and developments over existing animal scanning devices.
  • the scanner combines a CZT form of SPECT imaging that is co-registered with CBCT modality.
  • the integrated barrier assembly provides a walk-in-walk-out horse crush that may be controlled by a system specific controller, with the controller including on-board Artificial Intelligence driven analytics for diagnosing injuries in the animal from the CT-SPECT image.
  • the scanner may incorporate a precision movement, adjustable multi-level height receiver and emitter pair, to permit acquisitions of multiple anatomical sites of the lower limbs without the need to re-position the animal.
  • Both sides of the lower limbs may be acquired during each acquisition per rotation, with only light sedation or no sedation being required in the standing animal.
  • This hybrid dual modality 3D volumetric solid-state molecular and structural medical imaging animal scanner enables weight bearing biomechanical imaging with concurrent co-registered anatomical and functional medical imaging in a single examination session.
  • the animal scanner as described herein provides several usability advantages and animal welfare improvements over existing medical imaging devices for animals.
  • the provision of a walk-through passageway guides and effectively restrains the animal within a scanning area, reducing the need for anesthesia or tranquilization of the animal.
  • a 3D medical image of the limbs of the animal supported on the platform can be generated in a comparatively short period of time, reducing stress on the animal and improving the safety of the operators.
  • the animal scanner may provide equine veterinary specialists and stakeholders with a three-dimensional equine image that may be used to simultaneously acquire and co-register both anatomical (via x-rays) and physiological (via gamma photons) disease processes of bone and soft tissue damage in horses.
  • the animal scanner which may be housed in a walk-in-walk-off gantry, may provide improved the detection of pathology and thus increase a veterinarian’s confidence in the diagnosis and management of injuries in horses.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un scanner pour animaux comprenant un passage le long duquel est disposée une zone de balayage ayant une plateforme conçue pour supporter un animal debout, un émetteur et un récepteur étant agencés autour de la plateforme et pouvant tourner autour de celle-ci, lors de l'utilisation, un membre inférieur de l'animal étant supporté par la plateforme, l'émetteur et le récepteur étant entraînés au moins partiellement autour de la plateforme pour fournir une image médicale du membre inférieur.
PCT/AU2023/051274 2022-12-08 2023-12-08 Scanner pour animaux Ceased WO2024119240A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2022903753A AU2022903753A0 (en) 2022-12-08 Animal scanner
AU2022903753 2022-12-08

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8505137B1 (en) * 2008-01-22 2013-08-13 Artec Imaging, Llc Equine CT table
WO2015054466A1 (fr) * 2013-10-10 2015-04-16 Carestream Health, Inc. Imagerie d'extrémité pour animaux
WO2017172641A1 (fr) * 2016-03-28 2017-10-05 George Papaioannou Systèmes et procédés de balayage radiologique entraînés par robotique
US20180289348A1 (en) * 2016-12-14 2018-10-11 Principle Imaging Corporation Multiple-aperture computerized tomography systems
US10595801B2 (en) * 2015-02-23 2020-03-24 Imaginalis S.R.L. Radiological imaging device for lower limbs
WO2020109788A1 (fr) * 2018-11-28 2020-06-04 Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging Ltd Appareil pour tomodensitométrie à rayons x

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8505137B1 (en) * 2008-01-22 2013-08-13 Artec Imaging, Llc Equine CT table
WO2015054466A1 (fr) * 2013-10-10 2015-04-16 Carestream Health, Inc. Imagerie d'extrémité pour animaux
US10595801B2 (en) * 2015-02-23 2020-03-24 Imaginalis S.R.L. Radiological imaging device for lower limbs
WO2017172641A1 (fr) * 2016-03-28 2017-10-05 George Papaioannou Systèmes et procédés de balayage radiologique entraînés par robotique
US20180289348A1 (en) * 2016-12-14 2018-10-11 Principle Imaging Corporation Multiple-aperture computerized tomography systems
WO2020109788A1 (fr) * 2018-11-28 2020-06-04 Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging Ltd Appareil pour tomodensitométrie à rayons x

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