DE4341290A1 - Medical equipment for therapy and/or diagnosis - Google Patents

Abstract

The medical equipment includes a control device which acts upon a controller for controlling components of the equipment. The control device includes a conventional personal computer (PC) which is connected to the equipment via an interface (32). In one embodiment relevant information for the operation of the equipment can be displayed on the display of the PC. In a further embodiment relevant data for the operation of the equipment is stored in a data memory of the PC.

Description

The invention relates to a medical system for therapy and / or diagnosis with an operating device which is based on a Control for controlling components of the system acts.

In systems of this type, this usually refers to the respective one System specially adapted control unit and control panel possibly also display means (alphanumeric and / or gra phical). The costs for the operator are correspondingly high installation because, on the one hand, a special development is required and is often only relatively minor Quantities are produced. Also acts in the control it is usually a costly development, though attempts are also made to save costs through a modular structure ren.

The invention has for its object a medical Plant of the type mentioned in such a way that a Reduction in costs at least for the operating device is possible.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by medical system for therapy and / or diagnosis, with a on a controller for controlling components of the system acting control device by a commercial Chen small computer (PC) is formed over a cut is connected to the system. So at best it has to developed an interface adapted to the respective system be, while no development for the control device costs are incurred. Otherwise, the cost of that Operating unit low, because small computers get inexpensive are. It is understood that one to the respective system adapted program for the small computer can be developed got to. However, this does not represent any additional effort, as such  Program even in the case of using a conventional one Control device must be created. Although not is excluded, the control device is normally except for the small computer and these related elements, e.g. B. Keyboard, no other elements included.

To facilitate the operation of the system, according to one preferred embodiment of the invention on the display of the Small computer relevant information for the operation of the plant tion representable. With the display (display device) can z. B. a cathode ray tube, an LED display, trade an LCD display or a plasma display.

Data relevant for the operation of the system are in one Small computer data storage included. This data includes sen in the case of a particularly advantageous embodiment the invention data relating to at least one operating menu with different menu items that appear on the display are showable. If according to a variant of the invention by means of the operating device to select a menu item Marking is movable on the display then results a particularly simple and convenient operation of the system. According to embodiments of the invention, the operator control comprises: direction of the keyboard of the small computer, which is a conventional alphanumeric computer keyboard with the usual function and cursor control keys. It is particularly easy to select a menu item move the marking to the respective menu item, if the control device additionally has a Mouse, joystick, trackball, light pen or has a touch-sensitive input device.

According to a particularly preferred variant of the invention also the control of the medical system by the little one calculator formed. This eliminates the need for to have to develop a special control. Much more  it suffices to connect the small computer with the system Form the interface so that the small computer also Function as a controller. The programming effort which is required to bring the small computer into the rage put to act as control faces conventional devices are no additional effort, as here too special control programs must be developed.

According to a variant of the invention, however, it can also be provided can be seen that the controller has a control computer, which is connected to the small computer via the interface is. In this case, the control of the system can be completed dig from the control computer or together from small computer and Tax calculator are taken over. Will the function of the tax tion is taken over solely by the control computer, this is usually as a central computer superordinate to the small computer ner (host) act. If the small computer and the tax computer can work together to control the system the small computer also takes over the function of the host. Although this is currently considered less favorable, be provided that the host controls the display and / or the function of the data storage and / or the generation marking takes over.

An embodiment of the invention is in the accompanying Described drawings using the example of a lithotripsy device ben. Show it:

Fig. 1, the lithotripsy position in a perspective Dar,

Fig. 2 a highly diagrammatic representation of a part of a block diagram of the Lithotripsiegerätes according to Fig. 1,

FIGS. 3 and 4 operating menu for the lithotripsy apparatus according to FIGS. 1 and 2, and

Fig. 5 in an analogous representation to FIG. 2 shows another embodiment.

The medical system according to the invention has, according to FIG. 1, a storage table, generally designated 1, for an object to be treated, the storage plate 2 of which can be adjusted in height with respect to a base 5 by means of two telescopic columns 3 , 4 . The mounting plate 2 is in a manner known per se, not shown in the direction of the double arrow z and thus parallel to the z axis of the spatial coordinate system shown in Fig. 1 adjustable in height.

On the base 5 , a carriage 7 is mounted in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the mounting plate 2 , which runs parallel to the y-axis of the spatial coordinate system, rectilinearly adjustable bar, which is indicated by a double arrow denoted by y. On the carriage 7 , a support part, generally designated 8, is mounted so that it can move longitudinally in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the support plate 2 and thus parallel to the x axis of the spatial coordinate system. This is indicated by the double arrow x.

The adjustment of the support member 8 , the carriage 7 and the bearing plate 2 in the direction of the double arrows x, y, z follows in a manner not shown by means of suitable motors, in particular electric motors, and if necessary suitable, in particular mechanical gear.

The medical system also has a source of 9 focussed acoustic waves, which is an example of an electromagnetic pressure pulse source of the type described in EP-A-0 372 119. The source 9 has an acoustic axis A, on which the focus zone F of the acoustic pressure pulses generated by the source 9 lies. For further details regarding electromagnetic Druckim pulse sources, reference is also made to US Pat. No. 4,647,505 and EP-A-0 188 750, the disclosure of which is to be part of the present application.

The source 9 is attached to a two arms 11 a and 11 b having source support 11 , which in turn is slidably attached to the supporting part 8 in such a way that the source 9, starting from a parking position in the direction of the double arrow w in a straight line in FIG. 1 shown working position can be adjusted. If the source 9 assumes its working position, the focus F is located in an isocenter IZ above the contact surface 6 of the support plate 2 . The acoustic axis A of the source 9 then extends through the isocenter IZ. In its working position, the source 9, by the way, protrudes with a bellows-shaped flexible coupling cushion 13 , which is used for coupling to an object to be treated, through an opening 12 in the mounting plate 2 . In its parked position, the source 9 is drawn back in the direction of the double arrow w at least so far in the direction of the supporting part 8 that the coupling cushion 13 does not protrude through the opening 12 of the mounting plate 2 .

On the support member 8 , an X-ray diagnostic device is also attached as an imaging system, which has, inter alia, an X-ray emitter 14 and an X-ray image intensifier 15 opposite it. These are attached to the ends of a circular arc-shaped C-arm 16 . The C-arm 16 is attached to the support part in the direction of the curved double arrow (x adjustable along its circumference. More specifically, the C-arm 16 can be pivoted about its central axis M. The central beam ZS of the X-ray beam of the X-ray diagnostic device intersects the central axis M of the C- Arc 16. The C-arm 16 is also attached to the support part 8 in such a way that the central axis M of the C-arm 16 and the central beam ZS run through the isocenter IZ. The central beam ZS of the X-ray diagnostic device thus extends for any pivoting positions of the C-Bo gens 16 through the isocentre IZ.

Both the adjustment of the source 9 from its parking position to its working position and vice versa in the direction of the double arrow w and the pivoting of the C-arm 16 in the direction of the double arrow α are carried out in a manner not shown by a motor, preferably by an electric motor, and if necessary using suitable ones Transmission.

In order to be able to locate a region to be treated, for example a kidney stone, of an object to be treated, for example a patient, by means of the X-ray diagnostic device and into the isocentre IZ and thus the focus zone F of the source 9 assuming its working position, the patient becomes radiates in a known manner by means of the X-ray diagnostic device under two different directions in order to obtain the necessary information about the spatial position of the kidney stone. To set the first radiation direction, the C-arm is rotated with respect to the viewing direction according to FIG. 1, starting from its position shown in FIG. 1, in which the central beam ZS runs vertically, by 30 ° clockwise. In this position, the central beam ZS and the acoustic axis A of the source 9 taking up their working position coincide. Accordingly, the X-ray beam passes through the X-ray transparent region of the source 9 . To reach the second radiation direction, the C-arm 16 is rotated counterclockwise by 10 °, starting from the position shown in FIG. 1. In this position, the X-ray useful radiation beam essentially passes the source 9 , which occupies its working position, so that there is no significant impairment of the image information available in the second radiation direction.

For each of the two radiation directions, a monitor 17 or 18 is provided for displaying the corresponding fluoroscopic images, which can also be stored in an image memory. In the image of each of the monitors 17 and 18 , a cross-shaped mark M1 or M2 is faded in, which indicates the position of that point at which the central beam ZS hits the image plane of the image shown in each case.

To control and operate the medical system is a commercially available small computer, a so-called personal computer ter (PC) provided, which has an interface with the System is connected and at the same time the function of an operator device and a controller fulfilled.

According to FIGS. 1 and 2, the small computer PC includes the actual computer 19 , which includes an input device that includes a keyboard 20 , a mouse 21 , a joystick 22 , a touch-sensitive input device 23 , a trackball 24 and a light pen 25 , and one Display device, namely a monitor 26 , are assigned.

Referring to FIG. 2, the computer 19 includes a clock with a gene rator 27 connected to CPU 28. A data and address bus 29 is connected to this. A program and data storage device 30 is connected to this in turn. The term "storage device" is to be understood in the broadest sense in the present case, that is, the data and program storage device 30 can be both semiconductor memory and other storage media, for. B. floppy, etc. included. Also connected to the data and address bus 29 is a peripheral control device 31 which controls the interaction of the input device, i.e. keyboard 20 , mouse 21 , joystick 22 , touch-sensitive input device 23 , trackball 24 , light pen 25 , and the display device, that is Monitor 26 , with the remaining components of the small computer PC guaranteed. In addition, an interface 32 is connected to the data and address bus 29 , which serves to connect the small computer PC to the medical system. The interface 32 is preferably a standardized interface, for. B. RS 232, Cent ronics or IEEE 488.

At the interface, the motors M _x , M _y , M _z , M _w and M _α are first connected to the interface via driver stages T _x , T _y , T _z , T _w and T _α . cause z, w and α direction, connected.

Next to the interface 32 position sensors PS _x , PS _y , PS _z , PS _w and PS _{α are} connected, the position of the support member 8 relative to the carriage 7 , the carriage 7 relative to the base 5 , the mounting plate 2 relative to the Socket 5 , the source 9 relative to the support member 8 and the C-arm 16 relative to the support member 8 provide corresponding signals.

At the interface 32 are also an X-ray generator 33 , which supplies the X-ray source 14 with the voltages and currents required for its operation, a supply and control device 34 for the X-ray image intensifier 15 and one of the X-ray image intensifier 15 assigned video electronics 35 , which the output signals of are supplied to the X-ray image intensifier 15 associated television camera.

To the video electronics 35 , the monitors 17 and 18 are connected. The video electronics 35 cause the marks M1 and M2 to be superimposed on the images of the monitors 17 and 18 , among other things.

Finally, the supply unit 36 for the source 9 is connected to the interface 32 .

The mode of operation and the operation of the system according to FIGS. 1 and 2 are explained in more detail below.

If the system is put into operation, the mechanical components of the system, if this is not already the case, are automatically brought into a basic position and the system is brought into an operating state in which an operating menu shown in FIG. 3 with the various operating functions of the Operating state consumable Menus symbols, z. B. 40 , is displayed on the monitor 26 . Corresponding data, also with regard to the control of the system described below with the aid of operating menus, are stored in the storage device 30 . In the basic position, the source 9 takes up its parking position. The storage plate 2 is moved to its lowest position. The support part 8 assumes its most distant position from the storage table 1 . The carriage occupies a central position on the base 5 . Reaching the basic position is recognized on the basis of the output signals of the corresponding position sensors.

The basic position can also be brought about during operation by activating a corresponding menu symbol, designated 40, on the screen of the monitor 26 and thus selecting the corresponding operating function. Activation can be done in different ways. If the keyboard 20 , the mouse 21 , the joystick 22 or the trackball 24 is used, first by a corresponding actuation of the cursor keys of the keyboard 20 or a corresponding movement of the mouse 21 or a corresponding actuation of the joystick 22 or a corresponding one Actuation of the trackball 24 an arrow-shaped mark P shown in the image of the monitor 26 is moved onto the menu symbol and the menu symbol is then pressed by pressing the enter key (carriage return), one of the mouse keys or the enter key of the joystick 22 or the enter key of the trackball 24 selected. In this context, the small computer PC advantageously also fulfills the function of means for displaying a mark P; in principle, such means can also be implemented in other ways known per se.

If the light pen 25 is used, the corresponding menu symbol is simply tapped by means of the light pen 25 . If the touch-sensitive input device 23 is used, the menu symbol corresponding to the desired menu symbol on the input device is touched, for example, by means of a finger.

Upon activation of a menu symbol, the small computer PC controls via the interface 32 , if necessary taking into account the signals from the position sensors, the system in the sense of the activated menu symbol, ie for executing the selected operating function. On this order was no longer discussed in detail below, rather there will only be talk of the fact that upon activation of this or that menu symbol a certain process takes place.

A patient to be treated can be bedded on the support plate 2 in the basic position so that the area to be treated is located above the opening 12 . The location and positioning process, which serves to bring the area to be treated, for example the stone of a kidney, into the isocenter IZ and thus the focus zone F of the source 9 is initiated by the menu symbol 41 corresponding to the first radiation direction the way described above is activated.

After activating the menu symbol 41 , the slide 7 and the support part 8 are first adjusted in such a way that the isocenter IZ is located centrally above the opening 12 . Then the mounting plate 2 is adjusted so far up that the isocenter IZ is about 100 mm above the mounting plate 2 . In addition, the C-arm 16 is pivoted into its position corresponding to the first radiation direction. In order to carry out the device movements mentioned, the computer 19 controls the corresponding motors by monitoring the output signals of the corresponding position sensors via the interface 32 .

If the above-mentioned device movements are carried out, there is the possibility of adjusting the tube voltage and the tube current of the X-ray emitter 14 according to the respective requirements, provided that these deviate from the last set values, which are displayed on the monitor 26 in the menu symbols 42 and 43 as kV and mA . In the case of FIG. 3, a tube voltage of 75 kV and a tube current of 2.5 mA are shown by way of example. Both the tube voltage and the tube current are each assigned an upward-pointing plus arrow and a downward-pointing minus arrow in the respective menu symbols 42 and 43 .

The tube voltage and the tube current can with the help of the keyboard 20 , the mouse 21 , the joystick 22 or the trackball 24 by the mark P by means of the cursor key, by corresponding movement of the mouse 21 , by corresponding actuation of the joystick of the 22nd or by corresponding actuation of the trackball 24 is moved to the desired plus or minus arrow and the respective arrow is then actuated by pressing the enter key of the keyboard or a mouse key or the enter key of the joystick 22 or the enter key of the trackball 24 is activated until the desired numerical value for the tube voltage or the tube current appears in the corresponding menu symbol 42 or 43 . When using the light pen 25 or the touch-sensitive input device 23 , the light pen 25 is pointed at the respective plus or minus arrow or with the finger as long as a symbol corresponding to the respective plus or minus arrow on the surface of the touch-sensitive input device stirs until the desired value of the tube voltage or the tube current is displayed. As soon as the desired tube voltage or tube current value is reached, the activation of the plus or minus arrow used for the setting must be ended. This is done by terminating the actuation of the respective input key or the mouse key, or lifting the light pen 25 off the screen, or terminating the actuation of the touch-sensitive input device 23 . The computer 19 sends signals to the X-ray generator 33 via the interface 32 , which cause the X-ray generator 33 to set the values for tube voltage and tube current displayed on the monitor 26 , but the patient has not yet been irradiated.

Radiography only takes place when menu symbol 44 for radiography is activated in one of the ways described above. There are then signals from the computer 19 via the interface 32 to the X-ray generator 33 and the supply and control device 34 of the X-ray image intensifier 15 , which activate the X-ray emitter 14 and the X-ray image intensifier 15 briefly. The x-ray image thus obtained is stored in an image memory of the video electronics 35 assigned to the first radiation direction and is continuously displayed with the mark M1 on the monitor 17 .

On the basis of the x-ray image shown on the monitor 17 , it can now be seen how the slide 7 in the y direction and the support part 8 in the x direction have to be adjusted in order to bring the area M1 to be covered with the mark M1.

The corresponding device movements are effected by activating the plus or minus arrows in the menu symbols 45 or 46 for adjustment in the x or y direction in the respectively required manner. (The activation of the plus and minus arrows takes place in the manner already described.) While the adjustment movement is being carried out, the x-ray diagnostic device is activated, by the way, so that a stored but a current image is shown on the monitor 17 . The adjustment is carried out under direct X-ray control. As soon as the adjustment movement is interrupted, the last X-ray image created is stored and continuously displayed on the monitor 17 .

In the menu symbols 45 and 46 as well as a menu symbol 52 used to adjust the support plate 2 in the z direction, the adjustment path based on the basic position is displayed with the correct sign.

If the area to be treated is aligned with the mark M1, the second radiation direction is set by activating the corresponding menu symbol 47 . By activating the menu symbol 44 , the x-ray diagnostic device is in turn activated. The x-ray image now obtained is stored in an image memory of the video electronics 35 corresponding to the second radiation direction and is continuously displayed on the monitor 18 with the superimposed mark M2. Since the area to be treated is located on the central beam belonging to the first radiation direction, it is now possible to move the area to be treated by moving the area to be treated and the isocenter IZ in the direction of the central beam belonging to the first radiation direction with the mark M2 to cover and thus to bring to the IZ isocentre. For this purpose, a corresponding menu symbol 48 is provided with associated plus and minus arrows, upon activation of which the motors M _x and M _z responsible for the adjustment in the x and z directions are controlled synchronously such that the desired direction of the relative movement results. Even when the menu symbol 48 is activated, the X-ray locating device is activated and the current X-ray image is displayed on the monitor 18 as long as the corresponding adjustment movement takes place. At the end of the adjustment movement, the last x-ray image is stored and continuously displayed on the monitor 18 .

If the area to be treated is shown on the image of the monitor 17 in alignment with the M1 mark and in the image of the monitor 18 in alignment with the M2 label, the source 9 can be activated from its parking position into its working position by activating a corresponding menu symbol 49 brought, in which it rests with the coupling pad 13 on the body surface of the patient, that is, is coupled. Since there is a risk that the area to be treated is moved out of the isocentre IZ, a fine-locating process usually follows.

For this purpose, the X-ray locating device is activated again while maintaining the second radiation direction via the menu symbol 44 . The x-ray image thus obtained is stored in the video electronics 35 and continuously displayed on the monitor 18 . If a shift in the image of the area to be treated has occurred relative to the mark M2, this can be corrected again by activating the corresponding menu symbols 45 or 46 by adjusting it in the x or y direction. The X-ray locating device is activated in the manner previously described and the current X-ray image is displayed on the monitor 18 during the implementation of the appealing adjustment movements.

If the image of the area to be treated and the mark M2 are still or again in cover, the menu symbol 41 is activated in the first direction of radiation. If this is reached, an updated x-ray image is created by activating the menu symbol 44 , stored and continuously displayed on the monitor 17 .

Any relocations of the area to be treated relative to the mark M1 can now be eliminated by a relative movement of the area to be treated and the isocenter IZ in the direction of the central beam for the second radiation direction, since the area to be treated is already on the central beam for the second radiation direction located. The corresponding relative movement is effected by activating a plus and minus arrow corresponding to the menu symbol 50 . When this menu symbol is activated, the motors M _x and M _z are controlled in such a way that there is a movement in the direction of the central beam for the second radiation direction. Even during the adjustment in the last-mentioned adjustment direction, the x-ray locating device is activated and the corresponding x-ray image is displayed on the monitor 17 .

Incidentally, there is also the possibility of performing adjustment movements in the x, y or z direction without activating the x-ray diagnostic device. To do this, it is necessary to activate a menu symbol 53 .

If after the completion of the fine-locating process in the images of the monitors 17 and 18, the marks M1 and M2 are in register with the image of the area to be treated, the system can be activated from the previously described operating state (locating and positioning mode) by activating a corresponding menu symbol 51 ) are switched to another operating state in which the treatment with focused acoustic waves can take place (treatment mode). After activation of the last-mentioned menu symbol, the menu shown in FIG. 4 appears on the screen of the monitor 26 . By activating a first menu symbol 54, it is possible to choose the pressure of the shock waves for the respective treatment case by means of corresponding plus and minus arrows. There is also the possibility, by activating a menu symbol 55, to select the number of shock waves with the plus and minus arrows corresponding to the respective treatment case. Once the pressure of the shock waves and the number of shock waves have been selected, the activation of a menu symbol 56 can start the shock wave delivery. By activating a menu symbol 57 , the shock wave delivery can be stopped at any time.

The activation of a menu symbol 58 causes the activation of the X-ray diagnostic device for producing an updated X-ray image which is stored in the video electronics 36 and is continuously displayed on the monitor 17 .

If the selected number of shock waves has been emitted, the system automatically returns to the previously described mode of operation, the so-called location and positioning mode, ie the menu according to FIG. 3 is displayed again on the monitor 26 screen. The return to this mode can also be made from the treatment mode by activating a corresponding menu symbol 59, for example when an updated x-ray image indicates that a reorientation of the area to be treated is necessary or the desired treatment success has already occurred before the selected number of shock waves was delivered.

In Fig. 5 another embodiment is shown, which differs from the previously described only in that the system contains a control computer 60 . With this, the small computer PC, which in the case of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5 essentially only fulfills the function of an operating unit and display device, is connected via an interface 61 , which can be, for example, a standardized serial interface. The control computer 60 , which is superordinate in its function to the small computer PC in the case of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5, that is to say represents the central computer or host, controls the system in the same way as was described in connection with the preceding exemplary embodiment .

In the case of both exemplary embodiments, means are provided for recording a physiological function of a patient to be treated. As roughly schematically indicated in FIGS. 2 and 5, these include a device 62 for recording cardiac activity (EKG) and a device 63 for recording breathing activity. The devices 62 and 63 each have suitable recorders (not shown), ie at least one EKG electrode or a respiratory belt or the like, and the electronics required for processing the signals supplied by the respective recorders, which also each have an analog / Digital converter contains.

The digital data representing the cardiac and respiratory activity are fed to the small computer PC or the control computer 60 , which uses this in a manner known per se from DE 36 21 935 to emit shock waves only when the movement of the calculus to be crushed as a result the patient's breathing is minimal and there is no risk of cardiac arrhythmia in the case of patients with unstable cardiac activity. For this purpose, the small computer PC or the control computer 60 compares the data representing the breathing activity with a threshold value and only emits shock waves if the threshold value is not exceeded, ie the patient has at least largely exhaled. The small computer PC or the control computer 60 evaluates the data representing the cardiac activity in such a way that it detects the R wave of the EKG in each case. If the patient's heart activity is taken into account in addition to the breathing activity, shock waves can only be triggered if the threshold value is undershot and an R wave occurs or a defined period of time has elapsed after the last R wave occurred.

The small computer PC, as can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, graphically represents the ECG and breathing curve 64 and 65 in an area 67 of the screen of the monitor 26. In addition, the trigger curve 66 , which resembles a rectangular function, is displayed, which indicates when the emission of shock waves is possible, i.e. the periods in which the emission of shock waves is permitted. It is understood that in the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the control computer 60 gives the data corresponding to the course of the cardiac and respiratory activity and the trigger curve via the interface 61 to the small computer PC.

The ECG curve 64 , the breathing curve 65 and the trigger curve 66 are each displayed over a defined period of time, for example 10 seconds, the leftmost curve point representing the current point in time.

In the case of the operating state shown in FIGS . 3 and 4, the small computer PC or the control computer 60 , by the way, ignores the cardiac activity when deciding whether shock waves can be triggered or not. Shock waves are triggered during the upwardly projecting regions of the trigger curve 66 . If the cardiac activity was also taken into account by the control computer, the shock wave could only be triggered if an R-wave of the EKG occurs within the upwardly projecting areas of the trigger curve 66 shown. Incidentally, the R waves are the protruding peaks of the ECG curve 64 .

The common display of the data relating to the physiological functions of the patient, ie the curves 64 to 66 with the other data on the monitor 26 , saves an additional monitor that would otherwise be required.

In this connection, the monitor 26 advantageously fulfills the function of a common display device, while the small computer PC fulfills the function of means for mixing data relating to a physiological function with other data. Such means can also be implemented in other ways known per se.

In principle, there is also the possibility of not displaying the data relating to the physiological functions of the patient on the monitor 26 , but instead on one of the monitors 17 or 18 in addition to the X-ray images to be displayed there.

In addition to the data relating to the operating menus, data relating to the operating functions illustrated by the individual menu symbols are stored in the storage device 30 . These data are, for example, alphanumeric data which represent certain user information relating to at least individual operating functions for the operating personnel.

If the marker P is moved onto one of the menu symbols by means of the input device, for example the mouse 21 , this menu symbol is preactivated, with the result that information relating to the corresponding operating function, eg. B. operating instructions or status information, in a zeilenför shaped area 68 at the bottom of the screen. In Fig. 3 this is illustrated for the adjustment of the carriage 7 in the x direction and in Fig. 4 for the start of the shock wave treatment.

In this context, the monitor 26 functions as a display device for information relating to selectable operating functions.

If the respective operating function is actually selected after its preselection, i.e. the corresponding menu symbol is activated in the manner described above, the respective operating instruction is hidden again. Instead, there is the option of displaying status information, for example "slide is being adjusted in the + x direction" or "shock wave application in progress". The data corresponding to the status information associated with the individual operating functions may also be stored in the storage device 30 .

For safety reasons, it may be advisable to additionally secure certain operating functions in the interest of the patient's safety. In the case of the system described, the activation of the menu symbols 44 and 55 , that is to say the activation of the x-ray diagnostic device and the source 9 , is only possible if a foot switch 69 is activated simultaneously with the activation of the corresponding menu symbol (see FIGS . 1, 2 and 5). is operated. In this way it is excluded that one of the menu icons mentioned is accidentally activated.

Unlike in the case of the exemplary embodiments described it can also be provided that a main menu can be displayed, starting from that in submenus, e.g. B. the location and Posi tioning mode or the corresponding treatment mode nues, can be jumped, starting from which in turn jumped back to the main menu and / or to other submenus can be jumped on.  

The invention was described above using the example of a lithotrip described device. But you can also with any other medical devices. It can it is a matter of diagnostic and / or therapeutic devices.

Claims (9)

1. Medical system for therapy and / or diagnosis, with an operating device acting on a controller for controlling components of the system, which contains a handelsübli chen small computer (PC) which is connected to the system via an interface ( 32 ; 61 ). 2. System according to claim 1, in which on the display ( 26 ) of the small computer (PC) relevant information for the operation of the system can be displayed. 3. System according to claim 1 or 2, in which data relevant to the operation of the system are contained in a data memory ( 30 ) of the small computer (PC). 4. System according to claim 3, in which the data contained in the data memory ( 30 ) comprise data relating to at least one operating menu with different menu items ( 40 to 53 or 54 to 59 ) which can be shown on the display ( 26 ). 5. Plant according to claim 4, in which by means of the operating device for selecting a menu item ( 40 to 53 or 54 to 59 ) a marker (P) on the display ( 26 ) is movable. 6. System according to one of claims 1 to 5, the direction of the device includes the keyboard ( 20 ) of the small computer (PC). 7. System according to one of claims 1 to 6, the operating device has a mouse ( 21 ), a joystick ( 22 ), a trackball ( 24 ), a light pen ( 25 ) or a touch-sensitive input device ( 23 ). 8. Plant according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the Control is formed by the small computer (PC).   9. Plant according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the controller has a control computer ( 60 ) which is connected via the interface ( 61 ) to the small computer (PC).