Acquiring 3D Single-Volume Images

To acquire a 3D single-volume image:

Select or create a new visit.
Click the 3D Image button. The 3D Control Panel window is displayed.

Prepare the computer before the patient approaches the unit. This includes choosing the correct patient type and size.
Instruct the patient to remove all jewelry, accessories, and other removable items above the shoulders.
If a lead apron is used, ensure that the apron is laying flat across the shoulders.
Place the unit higher than the patient, and instruct the patient to step into the unit, keeping his or her feet slightly apart.

When helping a patient into the unit, position the chin rest higher than the patient’s chin, which encourages the patient to stand straight and avoid slumping forward.

Instruct the patient to stand straight; then move the chin rest down to the patient.
Instruct the patient to hold onto the lower handle, palms up, so the shoulders are down and rested.
Ask the patient to bite into the groove of the bite block.
Check the patient’s position using the lasers.
Use the Frankfort plane laser to adjust the patient’s chin tilt.
Adjust the patient’s face left or right to align with the mid-sagittal laser.

Using the control slide under the control panel, adjust the head stabilizer to hold the patient’s head in place.
Instruct the patient to stand straight, and ask the patient to place the tongue at the roof of the mouth, swallow, and hold the position.
Apply firm, consistent pressure on the switch to acquire the image. An audible beep and the yellow indicator lamp indicate that the generator is emitting x-rays.

Warning!

Ask the patient to refrain from moving during the entire period of exposure.
An audio message reminds the patient to remain immobile. If a problem occurs, release the exposure button to interrupt the image acquisition.

Warning!

When the Reset Motion button is pressed from the control panel or in the Acquisition window, stand clear of the arc of rotation and ensure that the patient is immobile in the unit.

Ask the patient to refrain from moving until the arm unit stops moving and throughout the reset movement.

If the unit does not move when you press the x-ray exposure button, check the following:

The Ready message is not displayed on the control panel. Click the Reset Motion button to obtain the Ready message.
The unit is in cooling mode. Wait until the counter returns to zero.
The unit is in thermal overload mode. Wait until the Generator Ready lamp changes to green.

Ask the patient to open or close the mouth. Use the laser beams to ensure that the patient is still positioned in the section plane.
After you have acquired the image, check its quality. If you are satisfied with the image, open the head support and release the patient.
Click Exit to return to the Imaging window. A 3D Volume object is added to the visit.