Patient seat and magnetic resonance apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a patient seat for supporting a patient during a magnetic resonance examination, having a first section, a second section, a connecting element, a radio frequency unit with at least one antenna element, and a drive unit, the first section and the second section forming parts for a receiving surface of the patient, wherein the connecting element mechanically connects the first section to the second section and is designed to enable a variable relative movement between the first section and the second section, and wherein the at least one antenna element of the radio frequency unit is designed to enable a variable relative movement between the first section and the second section, the drive unit receives signals in the power and frequency range of the magnetic resonance examination, and wherein the drive unit is designed to variably move the patient seat in the spatial direction. The invention also relates to a magnetic resonance apparatus having a patient seat according to the invention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons having either the masculine or feminine gender are included together.

[0002] For the use of specialized MRI systems, particularly specialized head scanners or dental scanners, in smaller medical institutions and clinics, minimal space requirements, simple and time-efficient patient positioning, and high patient comfort are crucial. Generally, the reduction in size of MRI systems is accompanied by a reduction in the imaging volume, which increases the requirements for precise patient positioning. Furthermore, precise patient positioning requires trained personnel, which can be problematic for smaller medical institutions, both logistically and financially. Background Art

[0003] With very few exceptions, today's magnetic resonance imaging systems all use a horizontally oriented examination table with a substantially flat lying surface. With these conventional examination tables, the receiving coils are first manually positioned in a two-stage workflow at a diagnostically relevant area of ​​the patient's body before their displacement from a reference point provided for subsequent isocentering due to the table's movement along the MRI system's channel direction (usually the longitudinal axis of the patient accommodation area or the MRI system's Z direction) is determined. Conventional examination tables have proven unsuitable in smaller medical institutions and clinics because they require relatively large amounts of space and are associated with complex workflows. Furthermore, "precise" isocentering has previously only been possible parallel to the table's longitudinal axis, not in other spatial directions. Known patient chairs, such as those used in some limb scanners, reduce the space required but do not reduce the effort associated with patient positioning. Summary of the Invention

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a patient chair and a magnetic resonance apparatus which have reduced dimensions compared to conventional systems and which allow for a simplified workflow for patient positioning.

[0005] This object is achieved by the patient chair and the magnetic resonance device according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments and expedient developments are described below.

[0006] The patient chair according to the present invention is designed to support a patient during an MRI examination. Preferably, the patient chair is designed to support the patient, particularly a diagnostically relevant body region of the patient, positioned on the patient chair according to the application, and / or to hold it in a predetermined spatial position. It is also conceivable that the patient chair is designed to maintain a predetermined body position of the patient, at least for the duration of the MRI examination.

[0007] The patient chair has a first section, a second section, a connecting element, a radio frequency unit with at least one antenna element, and a drive unit.

[0008] The first section and the second section can be any components of the patient chair. Preferably, the first section is designed as a seat surface of the patient chair. The second section can be designed as a backrest of the patient chair. It is also conceivable that the first section or the second section is designed as a foot support or a head support. The section of the patient chair designed as a backrest can also include a head support. The head support can be arranged in an unchanged relative arrangement with respect to the backrest or integrated into the backrest. However, it is also conceivable that the head support is connected to a section of the patient chair by means of the connecting element, a further connecting element or a positioning unit. The head support can in particular be a section of the patient chair, for example the third section or the fourth section.

[0009] According to the present invention, the first and second sections form part of a receiving surface for the patient. This can mean that the first and second sections are designed to hold or support a selected or associated body region of a patient positioned on the patient chair, depending on the application. Preferably, the first and second sections are in direct contact with the selected or associated body region of the patient.

[0010] The connecting element mechanically connects the first section to the second section and is configured to enable a variable relative movement between the first section and the second section. For example, the connecting element is configured to variably orient the backrest of the patient chair relative to the seat surface of the patient chair.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the first section and the second section can be arranged relative to one another at an angle, in particular an angle different from 0° or 180°, by means of the connecting element.

[0012] The connecting element can include or be designed as a joint, a guide element, a transmission and / or an elastic element. For example, the connecting element can include a mechanical spring, an angle joint, a ball joint, a radial bearing, an axial bearing, a coupling transmission, a linear guide, an axis and / or a shaft.

[0013] Preferably, the connecting element is designed to achieve relative positioning of the second section with respect to the first section by manual actuation by a user (eg a patient or a member of medical staff) and / or by actuation of a positioning unit according to the embodiments described below.

[0014] It is also conceivable that the patient chair comprises more than two sections that are designed to be variably moved relative to one another. Preferably, the connecting element is designed to variably move sections of the patient chair, such as the seat surface, backrest, head support, and / or foot support, relative to one another. However, it is also conceivable that the patient chair has multiple connecting elements that are designed to variably move sections of the patient chair relative to one another. For example, the patient chair can have another connecting element that is designed to variably move the head support relative to the backrest.

[0015] The at least one antenna element of the radio frequency unit is designed to receive signals in a power and frequency range of a magnetic resonance examination.

[0016] At least one antenna element preferably has one or more signal conductors. In particular, the at least one antenna element can serve as a coupling element between electromagnetic waves guided in the signal conductors and unguided electromagnetic waves, i.e., those in free space. The at least one antenna element is preferably designed to receive electromagnetic waves in the range of the magnetic resonance frequency of magnetically resonant nuclei. For example, electromagnetic waves with frequencies between 1 MHz and 500 MHz, preferably between 10 MHz and 300 MHz, are considered radio frequency signals. Typical magnetic resonance signals of the nuclei to be examined can have low powers ranging from a few microwatts to several milliwatts.

[0017] The signal conductor preferably comprises an electrically conductive metal wire. The metal wire of the signal conductor is preferably designed to permanently transmit the power described above. For example, the signal conductor can be designed as a free metal wire, a wound coil, or a conductor track on a circuit board of at least one antenna element. The signal conductor is preferably made of copper. However, other electrically conductive metals, such as gold, silver, or aluminum, are also contemplated.

[0018] The at least one antenna element can have one or more coil-shaped signal conductors. It is conceivable that the at least one antenna element comprises a butterfly coil that is foldable or pivotable along the patient's anatomy, in particular the jaw joint region.

[0019] In one advantageous embodiment of the patient chair, the radio frequency unit is arranged in the head region of the patient when the patient is positioned on the patient chair according to the application. The radio frequency unit can be designed as a head coil, in particular as a tooth coil. The at least one antenna element of the radio frequency unit can be designed as a receiving coil and / or a transmitting coil (transmitting coil). It is conceivable that the radio frequency unit includes multiple antenna elements, in particular at least one receiving coil and at least one transmitting coil.

[0020] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the radio frequency unit is permanently or irreversibly integrated into a section of the patient chair, in particular the head support or the backrest. It is conceivable that the radio frequency unit of the patient chair forms part of the radio frequency system of the magnetic resonance system and / or is designed in such a way that it can be controlled by the radio frequency control unit of the magnetic resonance system.

[0021] The drive unit is configured to variably move the patient chair along a spatial direction. Preferably, the drive unit is configured to move the patient chair along the patient path direction of the magnetic resonance system. The patient path direction can coincide with or be aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the patient accommodation area of ​​the magnetic resonance system (e.g., the Z direction). The spatial direction, but also the patient path direction of the magnetic resonance system, can deviate from the horizontal or be aligned at an angle different from zero degrees (and / or 180 degrees), for example, between 1° and 70°, preferably between 5° and 45°, relative to the horizontal.

[0022] The drive unit can include any desired drive, such as an electric or pneumatic drive, in particular a hydraulic drive. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the drive unit includes guide elements, such as, for example, gears, bearings, rails, guide rods, axes, shafts, and / or linear guides, which are designed to mechanically couple the patient chair to the drive unit. The drive unit can be correspondingly designed to move the patient chair along a movement path predetermined by the guide elements and / or the drive unit.

[0023] The patient chair according to the invention advantageously enables a size reduction compared to conventional patient support devices for use in magnetic resonance tomography. For example, the patient chair according to the invention enables an MRI examination of a patient who is sitting upright or reclining using a dedicated MRI device, thereby advantageously reducing space requirements, such as, for example, the size of the examination room, the load-bearing capacity of the floor, and / or the dimensions of the access to the examination room. Furthermore, the patient chair, according to the invention, is divided into at least a first section and a second section, which enables an angled arrangement of body regions or limbs relative to the patient's upper body. This advantageously reduces the pressure on the patient's muscles, joints, and spine, thereby improving the patient's comfort during the MRI examination and / or reducing the risk of interruptions to the MRI examination.

[0024] By integrating the radio frequency unit into the patient chair, the work steps associated with setting up or attaching the radio frequency unit can be avoided, thereby advantageously increasing the efficiency of patient preparation for the MRI examination. Furthermore, by integrating the radio frequency unit into the patient chair, loose cables and / or other parts or components of the radio frequency unit in the vicinity of the patient can be avoided, thereby advantageously avoiding or reducing irritation to the patient. However, wear of the mechanical and electrical components of the radio frequency unit due to contact with the patient can also be advantageously avoided or reduced.

[0025] The patient chair according to the present invention can be configured to accommodate a patient in a sitting position. It is conceivable that the patient's position can be adjusted manually, automatically, or partially automatically by means of the connecting element and / or the positioning unit so that the patient can be transferred from a sitting position to a position suitable for an MRI examination.

[0026] The patient chair according to the present invention enables autonomous patient positioning without further adjustments, corrections, or support from medical personnel. In particular, the patient chair can define the patient's application-specific positioning using two sections oriented at an angle to one another. Further adjustment of the patient's posture for performing an MRI examination can be achieved using the relative arrangement of the first and second sections, thereby advantageously avoiding complex patient positioning.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the patient chair according to the invention or its components, such as the first section, the second section, the connecting element, the positioning unit, and / or the drive unit, are made of a material that is compatible with magnetic resonance imaging. This can mean that the material prevents interference with the magnetic resonance imaging, in particular the occurrence of image artifacts.

[0028] In one embodiment, the patient chair according to the invention has a positioning unit which is designed to automatically and variably position the first section relative to the second section.

[0029] The positioning unit can be part of the connecting element or include it. It is conceivable that the positioning unit includes a drive configured to variably position the first segment relative to the second segment. The drive of the positioning unit can be designed as an electric drive, a pneumatic drive, or a hydraulic drive. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the positioning unit is configured to store energy provided by the drive. For example, the positioning unit can include a mechanical spring or a gas spring configured to store energy provided by the drive and convert it into a controlled change in the relative position of the first segment relative to the second segment.

[0030] Preferably, the connecting element and / or the positioning unit has at least one locking element, which is designed to limit the relative movement of the first section relative to the second section. For example, the locking element can be designed as a stop element. The locking element can be designed to fix or limit the movement clearance between the first section and the second section. In particular, it is conceivable that the guide element of the connecting element and / or the positioning unit has a locking element that limits the rotation angle and / or tilting angle of the second section relative to the first section.

[0031] By means of the positioning unit according to the invention, the body position of a patient arranged on a patient chair can advantageously be adjusted in a time-efficient manner to the body region to be examined.

[0032] In one embodiment of the patient chair according to the invention, the drive unit is designed to variably position the patient chair along a first spatial direction and a second spatial direction oriented orthogonally to the first spatial direction.

[0033] The first spatial direction can, for example, coincide with the patient channel direction and / or the Z direction of the magnetic resonance system. Conversely, the second spatial direction can coincide with the Y direction of the magnetic resonance system and / or the front-to-back direction of the upper body of a patient positioned on a patient chair, depending on the application.

[0034] In one embodiment, the drive unit is designed to variably position the patient chair along a third spatial direction oriented orthogonally to the first spatial direction and the second spatial direction.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the first spatial direction deviates from an imaginary horizontal line. For example, the longitudinal axis of the patient accommodation area of ​​the magnetic resonance system can be tilted relative to the imaginary horizontal line, so that the Z direction of the magnetic resonance system or the patient access direction also has an angle or tilt relative to the imaginary horizontal line. Therefore, the drive unit can be designed in particular to variably move the patient chair along a trajectory that has an angle different from zero relative to the imaginary horizontal line.

[0036] With the patient chair according to the present invention, the spatial position of diagnostically important body regions of a patient positioned on the patient chair, depending on the application, along multiple spatial directions can be automatically coordinated with the spatial position of the imaging volume of the magnetic resonance system. This reduces or completely avoids the need for medical personnel to assist in patient positioning. Furthermore, with the patient chair according to the present invention, diagnostically important body regions can be advantageously positioned with high precision, thereby enabling the use of magnetic resonance systems with small imaging volumes and minimal area requirements.

[0037] The imaging volume can be characterized by a predetermined magnetic field direction and / or a predetermined magnetic field strength. For example, the imaging volume can include a volume having a substantially uniform magnetic field direction and / or a substantially uniform magnetic field strength. The imaging volume can coincide with the isocenter of the magnetic resonance imaging device.

[0038] Furthermore, the area requirement of the patient chair and / or the magnetic resonance system can be advantageously reduced by the inclined patient access direction and the drive unit, which is designed to move the patient chair at an angle to an imaginary horizontal line.

[0039] In an advantageous embodiment, the patient chair according to the invention has a head support and a further connecting element.

[0040] The head support can be mechanically coupled or connected to the first section and / or the second section of the patient chair by means of the further connecting element.

[0041] It is conceivable that the further connecting element is designed as a positioning unit according to the embodiments described herein or as part of a further positioning unit.The further connecting element can also comprise the further positioning unit.

[0042] The further connecting element can be designed corresponding to an embodiment of the connecting element. According to the invention, the further connecting element is designed to variably position a head support relative to the first section and / or the second section, wherein the radio frequency unit is arranged on the head support.

[0043] The head support can be designed to support or stabilize the head or the spatial position of the head of a patient positioned on a patient chair, depending on the application.

[0044] Preferably, the further connecting element is configured to automatically change the spatial position of the head support relative to the spatial position of the second section and / or the first section. For example, the further connecting element is configured to move the head support relative to the backrest of the patient chair.

[0045] The head support according to the present invention advantageously allows the spatial position and / or orientation of a patient's head, positioned on a patient chair, to be adjusted depending on the application. This allows the patient's head to be spatially positioned and / or oriented independently of other areas of the patient's body, so that the spatial position of diagnostically relevant areas of the head is coordinated with the spatial position of the imaging volume of the magnetic resonance system. In contrast to conventional patient support devices, this advantageously avoids the need for complex positioning of the patient's entire body.

[0046] Furthermore, by automatically positioning the patient's head using the head support of the patient chair according to the invention, more precise spatial positioning of diagnostically relevant body regions can be achieved compared to manual positioning. This advantageously allows the use of magnetic resonance imaging systems with lower magnetic field strengths and / or smaller imaging volumes, which require less space.

[0047] In one embodiment, the radio frequency unit is arranged at the head support of the patient chair, for example, the radio frequency unit is mechanically connected to the head support or integrated into the head support.

[0048] By arranging the radio frequency unit on the head support, the at least one antenna element can be held by the head support and spatially positioned and / or oriented together with the head support by means of a connecting element and / or a positioning unit according to the embodiments described herein. This advantageously avoids the need for a separate mechanism for setting the relative position between the radio frequency unit and the patient seat.

[0049] In particular, the arrangement of the radio frequency unit on the head support allows a predetermined position to be maintained between the patient's head, which is positioned on the patient chair according to the application, and the at least one antenna unit. This advantageously avoids errors when manually positioning the radio frequency unit on the diagnostically relevant area of ​​the patient.

[0050] In another embodiment of the patient chair according to the invention, the further connecting element is designed to enable variable positioning of the head support substantially parallel to the front-to-back direction and / or the top-to-bottom direction of the upper body of a patient positioned on the patient chair depending on the application.

[0051] Depending on the application, the front-to-back direction of the patient's upper body, positioned on the patient chair, can coincide with the Y direction of the MRI system being used for the MRI examination. Conversely, depending on the application, the top-to-bottom direction of the patient's upper body, positioned on the patient chair, can coincide with the Z direction of the MRI system being used for the MRI examination. It is conceivable that the front-to-back direction of the patient's upper body deviates from the Y direction of the MRI system being used by an angle of up to 15°, up to 30°, or up to 45°. Similarly, the top-to-bottom direction of the patient's upper body can deviate from the Z direction of the MRI system being used by an angle of up to 15°, up to 30°, or up to 45°.

[0052] In one embodiment, the further connecting element is designed to rotate or pivot the head support about an axis which is oriented essentially parallel to the inner side of the patient when the patient is positioned on the patient chair, depending on the application.

[0053] The variable positioning of the head support allows, with low technical effort, a particularly time-efficient coordination of the spatial position of a large number of diagnostically relevant regions of the head with the spatial position of the imaging volume of the magnetic resonance system.

[0054] In one embodiment of the patient chair according to the invention, the connecting element is configured to variably move the first section relative to the second section so that the relative position of the head of a patient positioned on the patient chair and the section of the patient chair remains essentially unchanged depending on the application.

[0055] The connecting element can be designed in particular to enable the first section to be moved variably relative to the second section so that the relative position of the patient's head positioned on the patient chair depending on the application and the section of the patient chair supporting the patient's head, such as the head support and / or the backrest, remains essentially unchanged.

[0056] It is conceivable that the connecting element and / or the positioning unit is designed to change the relative spatial arrangement of the first section and the second section according to an anatomically correct movement pattern, in particular a model, of a human being. For example, the connecting element can be designed to move the backrest of the patient chair relative to the seat surface such that the relative position between the back section of the patient, which is leaning back on the patient chair according to the application, and the backrest remains essentially unchanged.

[0057] Furthermore, the connecting element and / or a further connecting element can be designed to move the head support of the patient chair relative to the seat surface such that the relative position between the patient's head resting on the patient chair and the head support remains essentially unchanged after use.

[0058] The connecting element and / or the further connecting element can have a coupling mechanism or a plurality of guide elements, for example a joint and a plain bearing, a plurality of joints, or one or more joints and bearings. The coupling mechanism or the plurality of guide elements can be designed to move a section of the patient seat relative to another section of the patient seat along an elliptical motion path. For example, the connecting element and / or the further connecting element can be designed to move the backrest in the vertical direction when it is rotated relative to the seat surface. In this way, relative movements between the backrest and the patient's back section, but also between the head and the head support, can be avoided.

[0059] It is also conceivable that the positioning unit and / or the further positioning unit is designed to change the relative spatial arrangement of the first and second sections, but also the relative spatial arrangement of the third section and the second section, by means of the connecting element and / or the further connecting element according to an anatomically correct movement pattern or model of a human. This movement pattern or model of a human can be read in, for example, from a database and processed by means of a computing unit. The control unit can be designed to output control commands based on the movement pattern or model of the human, which control commands actuate the positioning unit and / or the further positioning unit. The computing unit and the control unit can be integrated into the patient chair or the magnetic resonance imaging system or designed as separate components.

[0060] The patient chair according to the present invention enables the patient to position himself on the patient chair by taking up a sitting position. By avoiding relative movements between the sections of the patient chair and the patient's body areas corresponding to the sections, the patient can be prevented from being guided by a member of medical staff and the effort involved in positioning the patient can be reduced.

[0061] Furthermore, components of the radio frequency unit, in particular the at least one antenna element, can already be positioned on a patient positioned upright in a patient chair. This advantageously simplifies the process of positioning the components of the radio frequency unit relative to the patient. In particular, when positioning the at least one antenna element on a sitting patient, medical staff can adopt a more ergonomic body position than on a recumbent patient, thereby preventing or reducing the occurrence of posture-related symptoms.

[0062] In a further embodiment, the radio frequency unit of the patient chair according to the invention has a guide element which is designed to variably move at least one antenna element relative to a section of the patient chair.

[0063] The guide element can be designed according to the embodiments described above. In particular, the guide element can include a rotary bearing, a sliding bearing, a joint, a hinge, and / or a folding element. Preferably, the guide element is configured to move or rotate at least one segment of at least one antenna element about an axis defined by the guide element. The guide element can be provided at one end of the at least one antenna element or divided into a plurality of segments.

[0064] It is conceivable that the radio frequency unit has one or more connections designed to variably move multiple sections of at least one antenna element relative to one another. The one or more connections can also be designed to variably move at least one antenna element or multiple sections of at least one antenna element relative to sections of the radio frequency unit and / or the second patient chair.

[0065] In an advantageous embodiment, the guide element is designed as an axial bearing or hinge, which is configured to pivot or rotate at least one antenna element about an axis oriented parallel to the sagittal plane of the upper body, in particular the head, of a patient positioned on a patient chair according to the application.

[0066] In another embodiment, the radio frequency unit has at least one second antenna element and a further guide element according to the above-described embodiment. Preferably, the at least one antenna element and the second antenna element are arranged or fastened to the patient chair such that they are positioned on two opposite sides next to the patient, who is positioned on the patient chair according to the application.

[0067] In one embodiment, the guide element is designed to move the at least one antenna element relative to a section of the patient chair in discrete steps or intervals. For this purpose, the guide element can have a locking mechanism and / or a locking element, for example.

[0068] The radio frequency unit with a guiding element according to the present invention allows for the efficient and time-sensitive placement of at least one antenna element at a patient positioned on a patient chair. In particular, the relative placement of the at least one antenna element relative to the patient can be efficiently adapted to the size of the patient's body region in discrete steps or intervals. Furthermore, an improved or optimized signal-to-noise ratio can be provided by the antenna element with the guiding mechanism according to the present invention.

[0069] In another embodiment of the patient chair according to the invention, the radio frequency unit has a pivot mechanism designed to pivot at least one antenna element about an axis oriented essentially parallel to the inside direction of the patient when the patient is positioned on the patient chair according to the application.

[0070] The pivot mechanism can comprise a guide element according to the embodiments described above. Preferably, the pivot mechanism has at least one rotary bearing, in particular an axial bearing, or has a hinge.

[0071] The pivot mechanism can define a pivot axis or rotation axis which is oriented substantially parallel to a medial or lateral direction, in particular a transverse plane, of the upper body or head of a patient positioned on the patient chair, depending on the application.

[0072] It is conceivable that the pivot mechanism is designed to pivot the at least one antenna element about the rotation axis on the patient side. Preferably, the radio frequency unit has at least one additional antenna element. The at least one antenna element and the additional antenna element can be held on the patient chair by means of the pivot mechanism so that they can be positioned next to the patient, who is positioned on the patient chair according to the application, from two opposite sides. It is also conceivable that the at least one antenna element and the additional antenna element are coupled by means of the pivot mechanism and can be pivoted synchronously relative to each other about the pivot axis of the pivot mechanism.

[0073] The radio frequency unit with the pivot mechanism according to the present invention enables multiple antenna elements to be arranged from the patient chair side in a predetermined relative position relative to the patient, thereby advantageously avoiding the work step of separately positioning the antenna elements.

[0074] Furthermore, an antenna element fixed to the patient chair reduces at least one degree of freedom of movement compared to conventional support coils and removable local coils, whereby the work step of positioning and / or orienting at least one antenna element can be performed with reduced time.

[0075] The embodiments of the radio frequency unit described herein allow the at least one antenna element to be positioned on the patient without special expertise, whereby complex training of medical personnel can advantageously be avoided.

[0076] The magnetic resonance system according to the invention is suitable for carrying out a magnetic resonance examination of a patient arranged in a patient receiving area of ​​the magnetic resonance system.

[0077] The magnetic resonance system is preferably configured to perform a magnetic resonance examination of a patient positioned within an image recording region of the magnetic resonance system, in particular, a patient positioned on a patient chair according to the present invention, depending on the application. The image recording region can essentially coincide with or form a portion of a patient accommodation region. The magnetic resonance system is preferably configured to detect magnetic resonance data or magnetic resonance signals of the patient. Furthermore, the magnetic resonance system can be configured to detect magnetic resonance image data, in particular diagnostic magnetic resonance image data, of a patient positioned within the image recording region.

[0078] A magnetic resonance system can include a gradient system having one or more gradient coils. Furthermore, the magnetic resonance system can include a radio frequency coil, in particular a body coil fixedly integrated into the magnetic resonance system. In a preferred embodiment, the gradient coil(s) and the radio frequency coil have an electrical conductor structure that is shell-shaped or cylindrical and surrounds an image recording region of the magnetic resonance system in the direction of the patient passage. It is conceivable that the gradient coil(s) surround the radio frequency coil in the direction of the patient passage.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the patient access direction of the magnetic resonance system is arranged at an angle different from zero degrees relative to an imaginary horizontal line. It is conceivable that the longitudinal axis defined by the patient accommodation area of ​​the magnetic resonance system is tilted toward the substantially horizontal floor of the examination room in which the magnetic resonance system is installed. For example, the angle between the perpendicular line relative to the floor and the patient access direction can be less than 90°, preferably less than 80°, and particularly preferably less than 70°.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic resonance imaging system according to the present invention is designed as a closed-bore scanner or a scanner with a cylindrical patient accommodation area. A closed-bore scanner can have a substantially cylindrical image recording area. The main magnet of the closed-bore scanner can include one or more magnet coils that surround the image recording area along the axial direction or the axis of rotation of the main magnet, in particular the axis of rotational symmetry. The magnet coils can include electrical conductors with negligible electrical resistance at (or below) superconducting temperatures. The direction of the main magnetic field provided by the main magnet can be oriented substantially parallel to the patient access direction and / or the axial direction of the patient accommodation area.

[0081] It is also conceivable that the magnetic resonance system according to the present invention is designed as an open-bore scanner. The main magnet of an open-bore scanner can include two magnets that are arranged opposite each other, separated by the image recording area. The direction of the main magnetic field of the open-bore scanner can be oriented substantially perpendicularly to the patient access direction to the image recording area and / or perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the image recording area.

[0082] The main magnet of the magnetic resonance device can include or be composed of one or more electromagnets or superconducting magnets. In a preferred embodiment, the main magnet includes or is composed of one or more cylindrical superconducting magnets or superconducting coils. The main magnet can be mechanically coupled to and / or fastened to a magnet holding structure. Preferably, the magnet holding structure is configured to carry and / or support the main magnet. The term "main magnet" can include one or more magnets or coils and a dedicated support structure for the magnets or coils.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic resonance system according to the present invention is designed as a "dry" system. A "dry" system can contain little or no refrigerant. For example, the magnetic resonance system according to the present invention can include one or more small refrigerant containers, which are thermally connected to the main magnet by means of heat-conducting structures. The refrigerant container of a "dry" system can contain a volume of refrigerant of less than 10 liters, less than 5 liters, or less than 1 liter. In one embodiment, the refrigerant container is discarded. In this case, the main magnet is cooled entirely by means of the heat-conducting structures. By using a "dry" system, the weight of the magnetic resonance system can be reduced, but the infrastructure associated with the leakage of refrigerant in the event of a quench (such as so-called quench tubes) can also be avoided. This can advantageously reduce the space requirement of the magnetic resonance system according to the present invention, but also reduce other housing requirements.

[0084] In an alternative embodiment, the magnetic resonance system is designed as a "wet" system. A "wet" system can include at least one cryogen container with a volume of more than 10 liters. Preferably, in a "wet" system, the main magnet is arranged in the cryogen container and is cooled directly by the cryogen.

[0085] The cryogen can be a fluid with a low boiling point, such as, for example, argon, nitrogen, neon, helium, etc. The cooling temperature of the cryogen can substantially correspond to the superconducting temperature of the main magnet.

[0086] In this context, the embodiment according to the invention can also be transferred to a magnetic resonance system having a main magnet which comprises a permanent magnet or is formed by a permanent magnet.

[0087] The magnetic resonance system has a patient chair according to the embodiment described above.

[0088] According to the invention, the drive unit is designed to variably move the patient chair at least along a spatial direction relative to a patient receiving area of ​​the magnetic resonance system.

[0089] Preferably, the drive unit is configured to variably position the patient chair along the Z direction and / or the patient passage direction. The drive unit can be configured in particular to transport the patient chair and, depending on the application, at least a portion of a patient positioned thereon into the imaging region of the magnetic resonance system along the patient passage direction. However, the spatial direction can also be tilted or oriented at an angle relative to the patient passage direction.

[0090] Furthermore, the drive unit can be configured to transport the patient chair variably along a second and / or third direction oriented orthogonally to the spatial direction. Preferably, the drive unit is configured to move the patient chair variably along the spatial direction, the second spatial direction and / or the third spatial direction.

[0091] Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the patient accommodation area of ​​the magnetic resonance device is inclined relative to an imaginary horizontal line and is coordinated with the spatial direction along which the drive unit can transport the patient chair, so that the space requirement is reduced compared to conventional magnetic resonance devices in which the patient is transported along a horizontal line with the help of a patient support device.

[0092] The magnetic resonance apparatus according to the invention shares the advantages of the patient chair according to the invention.

[0093] In particular, the magnetic resonance system according to the invention and the patient chair according to the invention can advantageously provide for a reduction in the space required for a magnetic resonance examination and a reduction in the effort associated with positioning the patient.

[0094] In one embodiment, the magnetic resonance device according to the invention has a locking element, which is designed to limit the degree of relative orientation of the first section with respect to the second section in order to avoid a collision between the patient chair and / or a patient positioned on the patient chair depending on the application and a housing section of the magnetic resonance device.

[0095] The locking element can include, for example, a pin, a bolt, a locking mechanism, a screw, a stop element, a damping element, etc. The locking element can be designed to interact with or mechanically engage with a connecting element and / or a positioning unit of the patient chair. It is also conceivable that the locking element forms part of the connecting element and / or the positioning unit.

[0096] In one embodiment, the locking element is designed to limit the movement of the connecting element and / or the positioning unit. The locking element can be designed to mechanically engage with the connecting element and / or the positioning unit. The locking element can be designed to permanently limit the movement clearance between the first section and the second section. However, it is also conceivable that the locking element is designed to be transferred to a locked position in response to a control command, in which the locking element limits the relative orientation or movement of the first section relative to the second section.

[0097] The locking element can have a suitable drive that can be controlled by a control unit of the magnetic resonance device and / or the patient chair. The drive of the locking element can be designed to activate the locking element or, by activating the locking element, to limit the relative orientation of the first section relative to the second section. In particular, the drive can have a signal connection to a control unit that is independent or integrated into the magnetic resonance device. The drive can, for example, include a mechanical spring and / or be designed to be electrically, mechanically, pneumatically, or hydraulically controllable.

[0098] The provision of a locking element advantageously prevents the patient chair and / or a patient positioned on the patient chair, depending on the application, from colliding with housing sections of the magnetic resonance apparatus when the patient chair is transported to the patient accommodation area. This allows for independent positioning of the patient on the patient chair without requiring additional steps for safety control by medical personnel.

[0099] In another embodiment of the magnetic resonance system according to the invention, the drive unit and the positioning unit are designed to transport the patient chair along a spatial direction to a patient receiving area of ​​the magnetic resonance system and simultaneously to variably move the first section relative to the second section.

[0100] Preferably, the movement of the patient chair by means of the drive unit and the relative positioning of the first section and the second section by means of the positioning unit are coordinated with one another in terms of time. In particular, the movement of the patient chair by means of the drive unit and the relative positioning of the first section and the second section by means of the positioning unit can overlap or intersect in terms of time.

[0101] In one embodiment, a magnetic resonance system includes a control unit configured to: actuate a drive unit and a positioning unit; transport a patient chair along a spatial direction onto a patient accommodation area of ​​the magnetic resonance system; and simultaneously position a first section relative to a second section. The control unit can be configured as a separate control unit or integrated into a control unit of the magnetic resonance system.

[0102] The control unit is preferably designed to avoid a collision between the patient chair and / or a patient positioned on the patient chair, depending on the application, and a housing section of the magnetic resonance apparatus.

[0103] In one embodiment, the drive unit and the positioning unit are designed to position a section of the patient chair having the head support and / or a head of a patient positioned on the patient chair, depending on the application, in an imaging volume of the magnetic resonance system.

[0104] In another embodiment, the drive unit and / or positioning unit is designed to automatically position a diagnostically important body region of a patient positioned on a patient chair according to the application in an imaging volume of the magnetic resonance apparatus at least along a first spatial direction and a second spatial direction oriented orthogonal to the first spatial direction.

[0105] With the aid of the magnetic resonance imaging system according to the present invention, diagnostically relevant body regions of a patient can be automatically positioned within the imaging volume of the magnetic resonance imaging system along complex two-dimensional or three-dimensional motion trajectories. This avoids numerous, sequential one-dimensional movements of the patient chair when positioning the patient within the imaging region, and reduces the time required for patient positioning.

[0106] In one embodiment, the magnetic resonance system according to the invention comprises at least one sensor designed to determine information about the relative position of a patient chair and / or a patient positioned thereon, depending on the application, and a housing section of the magnetic resonance system.

[0107] The sensor can be connected to a control unit of the magnetic resonance system by means of a signal connection. Preferably, the control unit has a computing unit that is designed to process data having information detected by the sensor about the relative position of a patient chair and / or a patient positioned on the patient chair according to the application and a housing section of the magnetic resonance system, and to determine a positioning indication based on the data detected by the sensor. The positioning indication can include movement information, in particular time-dependent movement information, which can be output as a control command for a drive unit and / or a positioning unit by means of the control unit. Preferably, the positioning indication enables a diagnostically important body region of the patient to be positioned in the imaging volume of the magnetic resonance system without causing a collision between the patient chair and / or the patient and the housing section of the magnetic resonance system.

[0108] The sensor can be designed, for example, as an optical sensor, in particular a distance sensor or a camera. Preferably, the magnetic resonance system includes a plurality of sensors configured to determine the relative position of a patient chair and / or a patient positioned on the patient chair, depending on the application, and a housing section of the magnetic resonance system. The computing unit can be configured to use a position determination method and / or an image recognition method for determining the relative position of the patient chair and / or a patient positioned on the patient chair, depending on the application, relative to the housing section of the magnetic resonance system in order to determine a positioning indicator.

[0109] In another embodiment, the computer of the magnetic resonance system is designed to determine the positioning indication based on the patient model. The computer can be connected to a database, in particular a radiology information system (RIS), a local data storage, a cloud, or a similar database containing patient information and / or a patient model.

[0110] In particular, the computing unit can be configured to select and / or adjust a patient model based on sensor-detected data and / or patient information. The computing unit can also be configured to determine positioning instructions based on the selected and / or adjusted patient model. Furthermore, the positioning instructions can be determined based on information about the dimensions of the patient chair and the magnetic resonance system, which information can be provided using a database. However, it is also conceivable to determine the positioning instructions based on the patient model and sensor-detected data.

[0111] The housing segment of the magnetic resonance system can be, for example, a part of the housing of the main magnet or of the patient accommodation area. In particular, the housing segment can be any part or section of the magnetic resonance system that is arranged in the vicinity of the movement path of the patient chair achieved by means of the drive unit and / or the positioning unit and / or projects into the possible movement path of the patient chair.

[0112] The magnetic resonance system with the sensor according to the present invention advantageously avoids collisions between the patient chair and / or the patient and housing segments. By determining positioning indicators and outputting corresponding control commands, diagnostically relevant body regions can be positioned in the imaging volume in a time-efficient and automatic manner, thereby advantageously eliminating the need for manual monitoring and / or execution of patient positioning by medical personnel.

[0113] In a further embodiment, the magnetic resonance system according to the invention comprises a sensor which is designed to determine information about the relative spatial arrangement of at least one antenna element relative to a section of a patient chair.

[0114] The sensor can be designed to detect data containing information about the relative spatial arrangement of at least one antenna element relative to a section of the patient chair. The sensor can be consistent with the sensor of the embodiment described above. For example, the sensor can be designed as an optical sensor (e.g. an infrared camera, a 2D camera, a 3D camera) or a distance sensor (e.g. a laser distance sensor, a position sensor or a Hall sensor). However, the sensor can also be designed as any mechanical sensor, which is designed to determine the relative movement of at least one antenna element relative to a section of the patient chair. For example, the mechanical sensor can be designed to deform due to the relative movement of at least one antenna element and a section of the patient chair. However, it is also conceivable that the sensor has a measuring path that is variable according to the relative movement of at least one antenna element and a section of the patient chair. The sensor can also have a measuring transducer, which converts the information detected by the sensor about the relative spatial arrangement of at least one antenna element relative to a section of the patient chair into an electrical signal, preferably digital data.

[0115] The section of the patient chair can be the first section and / or the second section, in particular the seat surface, the backrest and / or the head support. In a preferred embodiment, the section is the head support of the patient chair.

[0116] According to the invention, the drive unit and / or the positioning unit is designed to position a diagnostically relevant body region of the patient in the imaging volume based on information about the relative spatial arrangement of at least one antenna element relative to a section of the patient chair.

[0117] The magnetic resonance imaging system may include a computing unit configured to process the data or electrical signals detected by the sensor. Preferably, the computing unit is configured to determine a positioning indicator, based on which a diagnostically relevant body region of the patient can be positioned in the imaging volume. The positioning indicator may include corresponding control instructions for a drive unit and / or a positioning unit. It is also conceivable that the computing unit and / or the control unit are configured to convert the positioning indicator into corresponding control instructions. Preferably, the control instructions are output to the drive unit and / or the positioning unit by means of the control unit. The computing unit and the control unit may be designed as autonomous units or integrated into the control unit of the magnetic resonance imaging system.

[0118] The magnetic resonance system according to the present invention allows for automatic identification of diagnostically important body regions of a patient and / or the dimensions of diagnostically important body regions based on the relative arrangement of at least one antenna element relative to a section of a patient chair. This allows for particularly cost-effective and / or technically robust automated isocentering of the diagnostically important body regions (i.e., application-dependent arrangement of the diagnostically important body regions in the imaging volume).

[0119] In another embodiment, the magnetic resonance system according to the invention has a locking mechanism having a first part and a second part. The first part and the second part of the locking mechanism are designed to be complementary to each other and are configured to mechanically engage with each other.

[0120] The first part and the second part of the locking mechanism can be connected to each other by means of a reversible mechanical connection, a particularly force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection. For example, the first part and the second part can be designed as complementary counterparts of a locking mechanism, a plug-in mechanism, a clamping mechanism, a suspension mechanism, etc.

[0121] In a preferred embodiment, the first part is funnel-shaped and the second part is spherical or conical. It is conceivable that the funnel-shaped first part is designed to accommodate the spherical second part and to be centered toward the center point of the funnel-shaped first part. In addition, the funnel-shaped first part can have a recess, in particular a dome-shaped part or a cylindrical cavity, at its narrowest cross-section. The recess can be designed to accommodate the spherical second part and prevent the second part from moving along two spatial directions oriented orthogonally to each other, in particular the Y direction and the X direction of the magnetic resonance device. Preferably, the funnel-shaped first part enables a limited rotation of the spherical first part, so that the head support of the patient chair connected to the first part and / or the second section connected to the first part can also be moved by means of a connecting element and / or a positioning unit.

[0122] In one embodiment, the first part has a stop element, which is designed to prevent movement of the second part along the Z axis of the magnetic resonance system or the longitudinal axis of the patient receiving area. For example, the stop element can be designed as a wall within the recess of the funnel-shaped first part or as a conical wall of the funnel-shaped first part.

[0123] According to the present invention, the second part is mechanically connected to the patient chair. For example, the second part can be fastened to the first section, the second section and / or the head support. In a preferred embodiment, the second part is fastened to the head support of the patient chair.

[0124] The first part is arranged in the patient receiving area and is mechanically connected to a housing section of the magnetic resonance device. Preferably, the first part is mechanically connected to the housing section of the patient receiving area, in particular a holding structure for the patient receiving area and / or a magnet holding structure.

[0125] The locking mechanism is designed to limit or prevent movement of a section of the patient chair along a spatial direction. Preferably, the second part is fastened to a head support of the patient chair such that the locking mechanism is designed to limit movement of the head support in at least one spatial direction, in particular the Z direction of the magnetic resonance system or the direction of the patient passage.

[0126] It is conceivable that the locking mechanism is designed to limit or prevent a movement of a section of the patient chair in at least two spatial directions oriented orthogonally to one another, in particular in the Z direction and the Y direction of the magnetic resonance system.

[0127] The locking mechanism according to the present invention allows the patient chair to be fixed in the patient accommodation area. This advantageously prevents relative movement of sections of the patient chair relative to the imaging volume of the magnetic resonance system during an MRI examination. This can be particularly important for patient chairs in which the relative arrangement of sections can be manually changed by the patient due to changes in the patient's body posture (e.g., leaning back or bending forward into a sitting position).

[0128] In addition, locking mechanism according to the present invention allows to use a non-fastening patient chair or a patient chair with lighter and / or less stable structure. The cost of a patient chair and / or a magnetic resonance apparatus can be advantageously reduced by using this patient chair.

[0129] Furthermore, the locking mechanism can be designed to reduce or prevent vibrations and / or tremors of the patient chair, in particular of the head support of the patient chair, when the first part is engaged with the second part, depending on the application. Vibrations and / or tremors of the patient chair can be the result, for example, of electromagnetic and / or mechanical forces due to gradient events of the magnetic resonance system during an MRI examination and / or movement of the patient on the patient chair.

[0130] The locking mechanism according to the invention can advantageously contribute to stabilizing a patient chair, in particular a head support of a patient chair, against vibrations and / or tremors during a magnetic resonance examination or can partially or completely inhibit such vibrations and / or tremors.

[0131] In another embodiment, the locking mechanism of the magnetic resonance device according to the invention has a drive, which is designed to cause the first part and the second part to engage with each other according to an activation signal when the patient chair is in an application-dependent position relative to the patient accommodation area for performing a magnetic resonance measurement.

[0132] The locking mechanism can, for example, include an electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic drive. Preferably, the drive is configured to bring the first and second parts together so that they are mechanically engaged with one another or mechanically connected to one another. Preferably, the drive is configured to activate the locking mechanism from outside the volume enclosed by the main magnet. For this purpose, the drive can be positioned outside the patient accommodation area or outside the main magnetic field of the magnetic resonance system. Preferably, the drive includes a mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic positioning unit configured to bring the first and second parts of the locking mechanism together upon activation by the drive.

[0133] In one advantageous embodiment, the drive is designed to be controlled by means of an activation signal from a control unit of the magnetic resonance system. The control unit can be designed in particular to activate the locking mechanism after isocentering of a diagnostically relevant body region of the patient.

[0134] In one example, the funnel-shaped first part includes a positioning unit configured to move the first part relative to the second part toward the second part by actuation by a drive. In another example, the spherical second part includes a positioning unit configured to move the second part relative to the first part toward the first part by actuation by a drive. For example, the positioning unit can include a shaft, in particular a screw, which can facilitate deflection of the drive in the longitudinal direction of the patient receiving area or in the Z direction of the magnetic resonance system.

[0135] The locking mechanism according to the invention makes it possible to dispense with the manual work step of locking the patient chair. Furthermore, the locking mechanism according to the invention allows for greater freedom when positioning the patient, since the positioning unit can bridge the gap between the first and second parts of the locking mechanism, so that the patient chair does not need to be transported into the patient accommodation area before the second element comes into contact with the stop element of the first element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0136] Further advantages and details will be apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The schematic diagram shows:

[0137] Figure 1 shows a conventional magnetic resonance device,

[0138] Figure 2 An embodiment of a magnetic resonance system according to the present invention is shown.

[0139] Figure 3 An embodiment of a magnetic resonance system according to the present invention is shown.

[0140] FIG4 shows an embodiment of a patient chair according to the present invention,

[0141] Figure 5 An embodiment of a patient chair according to the present invention is shown.

[0142] Figure 6 An embodiment of a patient chair according to the present invention is shown.

[0143] Figure 7 An embodiment of a patient chair according to the present invention is shown.

[0144] Figure 8 An embodiment of a magnetic resonance system according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0145] exist Figure 1 , a conventional magnetic resonance apparatus 1 is shown. The magnetic resonance apparatus 1 includes a field generating unit 11 having a main magnet 12, which has one or more permanent magnets, electromagnets, or superconducting magnets to generate a strong and particularly uniform main magnetic field 13 (B0 magnetic field). Furthermore, the magnetic resonance apparatus 1 includes a patient accommodation area 14 for accommodating a patient 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the patient accommodation area 14 is cylindrical and is surrounded in the circumferential direction by the main magnet 12. However, in principle, configurations different from the described example of the patient accommodation area 14 are also conceivable. The patient accommodation area 14 can essentially coincide with the image recording area of ​​the magnetic resonance apparatus 1.

[0146] exist Figure 1 In the example shown in FIG, a patient 15 can be positioned in the patient receiving area 14 by means of a patient support device 16 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 1. For this purpose, the patient support device 16 has a horizontally movable examination couch 17.

[0147] The field generating unit 11 has a gradient system with at least one gradient coil 18 for generating a gradient magnetic field, which is used for spatial encoding during a magnetic resonance examination. The gradient coil 18 is controlled by a gradient control unit 19 of the magnetic resonance system 1. It is conceivable that the gradient system includes multiple gradient coils 18 to generate gradient magnetic fields along different spatial directions, preferably oriented orthogonally to one another.

[0148] The field generating unit 11 further comprises a radio frequency system having a radio frequency coil, which in the present embodiment is designed as a body coil 20 that is fixedly integrated into the magnetic resonance system 1. The body coil 20 is designed to excite nuclear spins that are located in the main magnetic field 13 generated by the main magnet 12. The body coil 20 is controlled by a radio frequency control unit 21 of the magnetic resonance system 1 and emits radio frequency excitation pulses into an image acquisition region, which is essentially formed by the patient accommodation region 14 of the magnetic resonance system 1. The body coil 20 can also be designed to receive magnetic resonance signals and form a receiving unit of the magnetic resonance system 1 or a part of a receiving unit.

[0149] To control the magnetic resonance system 1, in particular the gradient control unit 19 and the radio frequency control unit 21, the magnetic resonance system 1 includes a control unit 22. The control unit 22 is particularly designed to coordinate the execution of imaging sequences, such as, for example, a GRE (gradient echo) sequence, a TSE (turbo spin echo) sequence, or a UTE (ultra-short echo time) sequence. The control unit 22 also includes a computing unit 28 for evaluating magnetic resonance signals detected during the magnetic resonance examination using the imaging sequence.

[0150] The magnetic resonance system 1 can include a user interface 23 having a signal connection to the control unit 22. Control information for the magnetic resonance examination, such as imaging parameters, can be displayed on a display unit 24 of the user interface 23, for example, at least one monitor. The display unit 24 can be designed, in particular, to provide a graphical user interface with a view of relevant body regions of the patient 15. The user interface 23 also has an input unit 25, by means of which a user can input or change parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement.

[0151] The magnetic resonance system 1 can include further components, such as a local coil 26. The local coil 26 can be positioned at a diagnostically or therapeutically relevant body region of the patient 15 at a location depending on the application. The local coil 26 preferably includes a plurality of antenna elements that are designed to detect magnetic resonance signals of the relevant body region of the patient 15 and transmit them to a computer 28 and / or a control unit 22. To this end, the local coil can be connected to a radiofrequency control unit 21 and a control unit 22 by means of an electrical connection 27 or another signal connection. Similar to the body coil 20, the local coil 26 can also be designed to excite nuclear spins in the jaw region 31 of the patient 15. To this end, the local coil 26 can be controlled by the radiofrequency control unit 21.

[0152] Typically, the field generating unit 11 and the magnet holding structure are surrounded by a housing 30 . The housing 30 can be designed to protect components of the magnetic resonance system 1 from external influences and / or to provide contact protection for the patient 15 .

[0153] Figure 2 FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a magnetic resonance system 10 according to the present invention. Figure 2 The functions and components of the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 are similar to the functions and components of the conventional magnetic resonance apparatus 1 described above (see FIG. Figure 1 ) are consistent.

[0154] For example, the magnetic resonance system 10 can be designed to perform a magnetic resonance examination of the head region, jaw region, and / or tooth region of the patient 15. However, the magnetic resonance system 10 according to the present invention can also be designed to perform cardiac imaging, neurological imaging, urological imaging, orthopedic imaging, prostate imaging, or imaging of other body regions of the patient 15, in particular the limbs.

[0155] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in FIG, the longitudinal axis 82 of the patient receiving area 14 (or the longitudinal axis 82 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 10) is arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal 71, in particular the horizontally oriented floor 71 of the examination room 70. In this example, the patient access direction 83 coincides with the Z direction of the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 and is likewise inclined relative to the floor 71. The inclination of the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 enables magnetic resonance examinations of seated patients and thus reduces the space requirement of the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 with the patient chair 31.

[0156] The patient chair 31 currently has a drive unit 32 that is designed to variably move the patient chair 31 along a spatial direction. In the example shown, the drive unit is designed to move the patient chair 31 parallel to the floor 71. However, it is also conceivable that the drive unit is designed to move the patient chair 31 at an angle relative to the floor 71, in particular, along the Z direction of the magnetic resonance system 10. The drive unit can also be designed to variably move the patient chair 31 along multiple spatial directions, in particular spatial directions that are oriented orthogonally to one another.

[0157] Figure 3 An embodiment of a magnetic resonance system 10 according to the invention is shown having a sensor 40. The sensor 40 is in the present case designed as a camera which is configured to record image data in an examination room 70 having the magnetic resonance system 10 and transmit them to a computer 28 of the magnetic resonance system 10 via a signal connection 27.

[0158] The computing unit 28 is configured to determine the relative position of the patient chair 31 and a housing section of the housing 30 of the magnetic resonance system 10 based on the image data captured by the sensor 40 and / or the relative position of a patient positioned on the patient chair and a housing section of the housing 30 of the magnetic resonance system 10, depending on the application. The computing unit 28 is also configured to determine a positioning indicator based on the image data from the sensor 40. The positioning indicator includes time-dependent movement information, which is output as a control command to the drive unit 32 and / or positioning unit 33 of the patient chair 31 by means of the control unit 22. The control unit 22 can accordingly be configured to position a diagnostically relevant body region of the patient within the imaging volume of the magnetic resonance system 10 by means of the drive unit 32 and / or positioning unit 33 according to the positioning indicator. In a preferred embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured to transport the patient chair 31 to the patient receiving area 14 of the magnetic resonance system 10 along the patient passage direction 83 by means of the actuation of the drive unit 32 and positioning unit 33, and simultaneously position the second section 31b relative to the first section 31a.

[0159] It is also conceivable that the sensor 40 is designed to detect the presence of a signal with respect to the antenna element 50 (see Figure 5) relative to the section 31 of the patient chair. In the case of a camera as sensor 40, the computing unit 28 can be designed to determine the relative spatial arrangement of the antenna element 50 relative to the section 31 of the patient chair based on the image data detected by the sensor 40. The computing unit 28 can also be designed to determine a positioning indicator based on which a diagnostically relevant body region of the patient can be positioned in the imaging volume 35 of the magnetic resonance system 10. As described above, the control unit 22 can be designed to output corresponding control commands to the drive unit 32 and / or the positioning unit 33 based on the positioning indicator.

[0160] Figure 4a and Figure 4b An embodiment of a patient chair 31 according to the present invention is shown, comprising a seat surface 31a, a backrest 31b, and a head support 31c. The seat surface 31a and the backrest 31b are connected by means of a connecting element 34a, while the backrest 31b and the head support 31c are connected by means of a connecting element 34b. A patient 15 is positioned on the patient chair 31 according to the application.

[0161] The connecting elements 34a and 34b can be designed to enable variable relative movement between the sections 31a, 31b and 31c of the patient chair 31. In the example shown, the connecting element 34a is designed to enable movement of the backrest 31b relative to the seat surface 31a. Conversely, the connecting element 34b enables movement of the head support 31c relative to the backrest 31b. Currently, the connecting element 34a includes a joint that enables tilting of the backrest 31b relative to the seat surface 31a along a predetermined movement path. The connecting element 34b includes a plurality of joints that enable positioning and tilting of the head support 31c relative to the backrest 31b.

[0162] exist Figure 4a In the example shown in FIG, the patient 15 is essentially in a sitting position. It is conceivable that the longitudinal axis 82 of the patient receiving area 14 is tilted so that a magnetic resonance examination of the patient 15 can be performed in a sitting position. Preferably, the patient chair 31 is configured to Figure 4b 3. When reclining on the patient chair 31 as shown in FIG. 3, the head of the patient 15 is prevented from being positioned relative to the head support 31 c. This allows preparation steps for the patient 15, such as, for example, the installation of the local coil 26 or the antenna element 50, to be performed while the patient 15 is seated, thereby reducing the effort for medical personnel.

[0163] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting elements 34a and 34b are designed to variably move the head support 31c and the backrest 31b relative to the seat surface 31a so that the relative position of the patient's 15 head relative to the head support 31c remains substantially unchanged when the patient 15 reclines. Figure 4a and Figure 4b As shown in FIG, when the patient 15 reclines on the patient chair 31, the angle between the head support 31 and the tangent line at the highest point of the patient's 15 head remains substantially constant.

[0164] In all embodiments described herein, the patient chair 31 according to the invention can have a passive or purely mechanical connecting element 34, which enables a relative movement between the segments 31a, 31b and / or 31c (31a-c) by interaction with the patient 15 or a member of medical staff. Likewise, the connecting element 34 can be coupled to an active positioning unit 33, which has a drive and allows an automated relative movement of the segments 31a, 31b and / or 31c.

[0165] Figure 5 An embodiment of a patient chair 31 according to the invention is shown having a guide element 53 which is designed to variably move an antenna element 50 of a radio frequency unit 51 relative to a head support 31 c .

[0166] In this example, the guide element 53 and the antenna element 50 are mechanically connected to the head support 31 c of the patient chair 31. The guide element 53 is configured as a hinge that allows the antenna element 50 to pivot or rotate about an axis defined by the guide element 53 (e.g., an axis oriented parallel to the sagittal and / or frontal planes of the upper body of the patient 15). Thus, the antenna element 50 can be placed on the head of the patient 15 from one side or positioned at a predetermined distance relative to the head of the patient 15.

[0167] In a preferred embodiment, the patient chair 31 has at least two antenna elements 50 (not shown), which are arranged on opposite sides of the head support 31c and are placed from opposite sides next to the head of the patient 15 positioned on the patient chair 31 according to the application.

[0168] It is conceivable that the guide element 53 and / or the head support 31c have bearings configured to move the antenna element 50 relative to the patient 15 along parallel lines to the sagittal and / or frontal planes, in particular along parallel lines to the intersection line 80 of the sagittal and frontal planes. Figure 5The dental region and / or jaw region of the patient 15 shown in FIG can also be arranged at other regions of the head of the patient 15 .

[0169] It is conceivable to provide the guide element 53 together with the antenna element 50 alternatively or additionally on the backrest 31 b and / or the seat surface 31 a in order to enable a magnetic resonance examination of another or further body regions of the patient 15 .

[0170] In the patient seat 31 Figure 5 In the embodiment shown in FIG, the head support 31c, the backrest 31b and the seat surface 31a can be variably moved relative to one another by the patient 15 or a member of medical staff by means of connecting elements 34a and 34b. However, it is also conceivable that one or more connecting elements 34 are designed as positioning units 33 or have positioning units 33. In this way, the variable relative movement of the head support 31c, the backrest 31b and / or the seat surface 31a can be carried out automatically. Figure 5 The positioning units 33 a and / or 33 b shown in FIG. 3 can be operated or activated, for example, by means of a drive integrated into the patient chair 31 as a result of actuation by the control unit 22 .

[0171] Figure 6 An embodiment is shown in which the radio frequency unit 51 of the patient chair 31 according to the present invention has a pivot mechanism 52. The pivot mechanism 52 is designed to pivot or rotate the antenna element 50 about an axis 81 oriented essentially parallel to the inner side of the patient 15. The antenna element 50 can be connected to the pivot mechanism 52 by means of a guide element, in particular a joint (not shown), in order to enable adjustment of the spatial position and / or orientation of the antenna element 50 relative to the pivot mechanism 52.

[0172] Preferably, the pivot mechanism 52 is integrated into the head support 31 c of the patient chair 31 . However, it is also conceivable that the pivot mechanism 52 is integrated into another section of the patient chair 31 .

[0173] The radio frequency unit 51 can obviously include a plurality of antenna elements 50. Preferably, the radio frequency unit 51 has two antenna elements 50, which are held by a pivot mechanism 52 at opposite sides of the head support 31c and are positioned from opposite sides next to the head of the patient 15 positioned in the patient chair 31 according to the application.

[0174] Preferably, the radio frequency unit 51 of the patient chair 31 is part of the radio frequency system of the magnetic resonance device 10. For example, one or more antenna elements 50 of the patient chair 31 can be connected to the radio frequency control unit 21 of the magnetic resonance device 10 (see Figures 1 to 3) and is controlled by the radio frequency control unit. In particular, it is conceivable that the radio frequency unit 51 is connected to the radio frequency control unit 21 by means of electrical connecting lines integrated into the patient seat 31 in order to control the antenna element 50. By integrating the antenna element 50 into the patient seat 31, electrical lines can be advantageously avoided in the free space of the patient accommodation area 14.

[0175] according to Figure 5 or Figure 6 The radio frequency unit 51 with the antenna element 50 enables the antenna element 50 to be positioned in an application-specific position at a diagnostically relevant body region by the patient 15. Even when the antenna element 50 is positioned at the patient 15 by a member of the medical staff, the antenna element 50 only has to be tilted or pivoted into the application-specific position before the patient 15 is transported into the patient receiving area 14 by means of the patient chair 31 into the application-specific position for performing the magnetic resonance examination.

[0176] Figure 7 An embodiment of a patient chair 31 according to the present invention is shown, which has a connecting element 34b. The connecting element 34b is designed in the present case to move a head support 31c of the patient chair relative to a backrest 31b. The connecting element 34b has, in particular, two bearings or joints 34b.1 and 34b.2, which allow the head support 31c to be positioned and aligned relative to the backrest 31b.

[0177] For example, the joint 34b.2 is designed to enable the head support 31c to rotate about a rotation axis defined by the joint 34b.2. Preferably, the rotation axis defined by the joint 34b.2 is substantially parallel to the inner side direction of the patient 15, in particular the X direction of the patient chair 31 and / or the magnetic resonance device 10 (see Figure 3 However, it is also conceivable that the joint 34b.2 is designed as a ball joint, which enables a substantially three-dimensional orientation of the head support 31c relative to the backrest 31b.

[0178] The joint 34b.1 is preferably designed to enable an angle change between the two struts 34b.3 and 34b.4 which connect the head support 31c to the backrest 31b.

[0179] In a preferred embodiment, the joints 34b.1 and / or 34b.2 have a mechanical resistance which only allows a relative movement of the head support 31c with respect to the backrest 31b after a predetermined force expenditure has been exceeded. As a result, the patient chair 15 can be maintained in a desired configuration permanently or for the duration of the magnetic resonance examination, depending on the body posture of the patient 15, in particular depending on the weight forces exerted by the body of the patient 15 on the sections 31c and 31b. The desired configuration can be characterized in particular by the fact that diagnostically important body regions of the patient 15, such as, for example, sections of the brain, sections of the jaw region and / or sections of the dental arch, are positioned in the imaging volume 35 of the magnetic resonance device 10 (see Figure 3 and Figure 8 It is conceivable that the connecting element 34b has a mechanism for setting the mechanical resistance (not shown) of the joint 34b.1 and / or 34b.2. Such a mechanism can, for example, include a screw mechanism that adjusts the friction between the movable parts of the joint 34b.1 and / or 34b.2.

[0180] The connecting element 34b can furthermore comprise a positioning unit 33 (not shown) or be designed as part of the positioning unit 33. The positioning unit 33 can, for example, comprise a drive which is designed to move the joints 34b.1 and / or 34b.2 depending on the application. It is conceivable that the joints 34b.1 and / or 34b.2 have transmission elements which are designed to be driven by means of a motor integrated into the patient chair 31 or an external motor. However, the positioning unit 33 can also be designed to move the struts 34b.3 and 34b.4 relative to one another by means of tie rods, pistons or the like. With the aid of one or more positioning units 33, the patient chair 31 can be brought into the desired configuration partially or fully automatically.

[0181] Regardless of whether the positioning unit 33 is present, the patient chair 31 according to the present invention can be configured to move the body area of ​​the patient 15, in particular the head, along the front-to-back direction and the up-down direction of the upper body of the patient 15. Figure 7 In the example shown, this corresponds to the Y direction. Conversely, the up-down direction corresponds to the Z direction. It is also conceivable that the head support 31c, but also the backrest 31b, can be pivoted about an axis oriented parallel to the fork direction by means of correspondingly designed connecting elements 34 and / or positioning units 33.

[0182] exist Figure 7The example of the patient chair 31 shown in FIG has a locking element 61 which is designed to limit the degree of relative orientation of the head support 31 c relative to the backrest 31 b in order to avoid a collision between the patient chair 31 and / or a patient 15 positioned on the patient chair 31 depending on the application and a housing section of the housing 30 of the magnetic resonance device 10. For example, the locking element 61 can be designed to limit an excessive reclining of the patient 15 on the patient chair 31 so that, as in Figure 8 As shown, a collision of the patient chair 31 with the housing 30 is avoided.

[0183] The locking element 61 comprises a plurality of stop elements, in particular pins or bolts. The stop elements are designed to limit an angle α between the two struts 34b.4 and 34b.3, which can be set by means of the joint 34b.1. For example, the stop elements can form fixed stop points for the struts 34b.4 and 34b.3 or limit the opening angle α of the joint 34b.1.

[0184] Obviously, the joint 34 b . 2 or the connecting element 34 b . 3 (not shown) which mechanically connects the seat surface 31 a to the backrest 31 b can also have a locking element 61 .

[0185] Figure 8 An embodiment 10 of a magnetic resonance system according to the invention is shown having a locking mechanism 60 .

[0186] The locking mechanism 60a comprises a funnel or cone 60 with a cylindrical recess 60b and a coupling element 60c with a spherical end. The cone 60a and the coupling element 60c are designed to complement each other and are configured to mechanically engage with each other. The coupling element 60c is currently mechanically connected to the patient chair 31, in particular the head support or connecting element 34b. The cone 60a is arranged in the patient accommodation area 14 and is mechanically connected to the magnet holding structure 70 of the magnetic resonance device 10.

[0187] The locking mechanism 60 is designed to limit the movement of a section of the patient chair 31 along a spatial direction. For example, when the coupling element 60c strikes a wall in the cylindrical recess 60b, the locking mechanism 60 prevents the movement of the end of the patient chair 31 having the locking mechanism 60 toward the patient accommodation area 14. In addition, the free space for movement of the spherical end of the coupling element 60c in the Y direction can be limited by the side surface of the cylindrical recess 60b. However, the coupling element 60b can be fastened to the section 31 of the patient chair by means of a joint, so that the head support and / or backrest of the patient chair can be positioned in a limited manner along the Y direction by means of the connecting elements 34b and / or 34a. In addition, the spherical end of the coupling element 60c can be rotatably supported in the cylindrical recess 60b to achieve a limited positioning of the head support and / or backrest of the patient chair along the Y direction. The rotation of the spherical end of the coupling element 60c can be limited by the opening angle of the cone 60a.

[0188] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment shown in , the locking mechanism 60 is designed passively. Therefore, basically, the coupling element 60c is engaged in the conical 60a and / or cylindrical recess 60b by the movement of the patient chair 31 along the Z direction by means of the drive unit 31 and / or the positioning unit 33.

[0189] However, it is also conceivable that the cone 60a and the cylindrical recess 60b and / or the coupling element 60c are coupled to a drive designed to move the two components of the locking mechanism 60 toward each other. For example, the coupling element 60c can have a screw-shaped rod that positions the spherical end in the Z direction by means of a transmission. In another example, the patient chair 31 can have a hydraulic or pneumatic drive, such as a piston. Such a drive can be designed to deflect the coupling element 60c in the Z direction. However, it is also conceivable that the cone 60a can be positioned in the Z direction and / or the Y direction by means of a suitable drive.

[0190] Figure 4 to Figure 8 The patient 15 is shown positioned according to the application on the patient chair 31 according to the present invention. However, the example described here should not be understood as limiting with respect to the application-specific position of the patient 15. For example, the position and / or body posture of the patient 15 can differ from the example shown depending on the structure and / or design of the patient chair 31, but still apply to the application-specific position of the patient 15 on the patient chair 31.

[0191] Although the details of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail by means of preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. In particular, features of individual embodiments can be combined with features of other embodiments, as long as such combinations are not explicitly excluded in the description.

Claims

1. A patient chair (31) for supporting a patient (15) during a magnetic resonance examination, the patient chair (31) comprising: a first section (31a; 31b; 31c); a second section (31a; 31b; 31c); a connecting element (34); a radio frequency unit (51) having at least one antenna element (50); and a drive unit (32), wherein the first section (31a; 31b; 31c) and the second section (31a; 31b; 31c) form portions of a receiving surface for the patient (15), wherein the connecting element (34) mechanically connects the first section (31a; 31b; 31c) to the second section (31a; 31b; 31c) and is designed to enable a variable relative movement between the first section (31a; 31b; 31c) and the second section (31a; 31b; 31c), wherein the at least one antenna element (50) of the radio frequency unit (51) is configured to receive signals in a power and frequency range for magnetic resonance examinations, and The drive unit (32) is designed to move the patient chair (31) variably along a spatial direction.

2. The patient chair (31) according to claim 1 has a positioning unit (33), which is configured to automatically and variably position the first section (31a; 31b; 31c) relative to the second section (31a; 31b; 31c).

3. A patient chair (31) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drive unit (32) is configured to variably position the patient chair (31) along a first spatial direction and a second spatial direction oriented orthogonal to the first spatial direction.

4. A patient chair (31) according to any one of the above claims, wherein the patient chair (31) also has a head support (31c) and another connecting element (34), wherein the other connecting element (34) is configured to enable the head support (31c) to be variably positioned relative to the first section (31a; 31b) and / or the second section (31a; 31b), and wherein the radio frequency unit (51) is arranged on the head support (31c).

5. A patient chair (31) according to claim 4, wherein the other connecting element (34) is configured to achieve variable positioning of the head support (31c) substantially parallel to the front-to-back direction and / or the upper-to-lower direction of the upper body of the patient (15) positioned on the patient chair (31) according to the application.

6. A patient chair (31) according to any one of the above claims, wherein the connecting element (34) is configured to enable the first section (31a; 31b; 31c) to move variably relative to the second section (31a; 31b; 31c) so that the relative position of the head of the patient (15) positioned on the patient chair (31) and the section (31b; 31c) of the patient chair (31) remains essentially unchanged.

7. A patient chair (31) according to any one of the above claims, wherein the radio frequency unit (51) has a guide element (53), and wherein the guide element (53) is configured to enable the at least one antenna element (50) to move variably relative to a section (31a; 31b; 31c) of the patient chair (31).

8. A patient chair (31) according to any one of the above claims, wherein the radio frequency unit (51) has a pivot mechanism (52), which is configured to pivot the at least one antenna element (50) around an axis oriented substantially parallel to the inner side direction of the patient (15) when the patient (15) is positioned on the patient chair (31) according to the application.

9. A magnetic resonance device (10) for performing a magnetic resonance examination of a patient (15) arranged in a patient accommodation area (14) of the magnetic resonance device (10), having a patient chair (31) according to any of the above claims, wherein the drive unit (32) is configured to cause the patient chair (31) to move variably relative to the patient accommodation area (14) of the magnetic resonance device (10) at least along a spatial direction.

10. The magnetic resonance device (10) according to claim 9 has a locking element (61), which is configured to limit the degree of relative orientation of the first section (31a; 31b; 31c) relative to the second section (31a; 31b; 31c) so as to avoid a collision between the patient chair (31) and / or the patient (15) positioned on the patient chair (31) according to the application and a shell section of the magnetic resonance device (10).

11. A magnetic resonance device (10) according to claim 9 or 10 having a patient chair (31) according to claim 2, wherein the drive unit (32) and the positioning unit (33) are configured to transport the patient chair (31) along the spatial direction to the patient accommodation area (14) of the magnetic resonance device (10) and simultaneously to move the first section (31a; 31b; 31c) variably relative to the second section (31a; 31b; 31c).

12. A magnetic resonance device (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 11 having a patient chair (31) according to claim 2, wherein the drive unit (32) and / or the positioning unit (33) is configured to automatically position a diagnostically important body region of a patient (15) positioned on the patient chair (31) according to the application in an imaging volume (35) of the magnetic resonance device (10) at least along a first spatial direction and a second spatial direction oriented orthogonal to the first spatial direction.

13. The magnetic resonance device (10) according to claim 12, wherein the magnetic resonance device (10) has a sensor (40), which is configured to determine information about the relative spatial setting of the at least one antenna element relative to a section (31a; 31b; 31c) of the patient chair (31), wherein the drive unit (32) and / or the positioning unit (33) of the patient chair (31) is configured to position a diagnostically important body region of the patient (15) in the imaging volume (35) based on the information about the relative spatial setting of the at least one antenna element (50) relative to the section (31a; 31b; 31c).

14. A magnetic resonance device (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the magnetic resonance device (10) has a stop mechanism (60), the stop mechanism having a first part and a second part, wherein the first part and the second part are designed to complement each other and are configured to mechanically engage with each other, wherein the second part is mechanically connected to the patient chair (31), and wherein the first part is arranged in the patient accommodation area (14) and is mechanically connected to a shell section of the magnetic resonance device (10), wherein the stop mechanism (60) is configured to limit the movement of a section (31a; 31b; 31c) of the patient chair (31) along a spatial direction.

15. A magnetic resonance device (10) according to claim 14, wherein the stop mechanism (60) has a drive, which is configured to cause the first part and the second part to engage with each other according to an activation signal when the patient chair (31) is in an application-dependent position relative to the patient accommodation area (14) to perform the magnetic resonance examination.

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