Retractable Detector Arm for Interventional C-Arm Imaging Systems

An imaging device comprising:

• a gantry;
• a C-arm movably connected to the gantry;
• an X-ray tube disposed at one end of the C-arm;
• a detector disposed on the C-arm opposite the X-ray tube;
• and
• a detector positioning mechanism connecting the detector to the C-arm, the detector positioning mechanism comprising:
• a positioning arm pivotally secured to the C-arm;
• a detector support plate pivotally connected to the positioning arm opposite the C-arm;
• and
• an arm movement mechanism engaged between the C-arm and the positioning arm to selectively move the positioning arm with regard to the C-arm.

A method of obtaining images of an object with an imaging device, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing an imaging device including a gantry, a C-arm movably connected to the gantry, an X-ray tube disposed at one end of the C-arm, a detector disposed on the C-arm opposite the X-ray tube completely within a diameter of the C-arm and a detector positioning mechanism connecting the detector to the C-arm, the detector positioning mechanism comprising:
• a positioning arm pivotally secured to the C-arm;
• a detector support plate pivotally connected to the positioning arm opposite the C-arm;
• and
• an arm movement mechanism engaged between the C-arm and the positioning arm to selectively move the positioning arm with regard to the C-arm;
• moving the positioning arm to locate the detector where desired relative to the object;
• and
• taking an image of the object.