Diagnostic container for optimized medical imaging

Abstract

The invention relates to a diagnostic container for hermetically enclosing a patient during imaging with a medical imaging system. The container includes a gas-tight housing configured to provide a gas-tight enclosure to the patient, and the gas-tight housing includes at least one recess extending into an interior volume of the gas-tight housing, where the recess is configured to secure the gas-tight enclosure. The recess is further configured to receive a component of a medical device and to allow the component to be positioned in close proximity to the patient without direct contact with the patient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a diagnostic container for sealingly surrounding a patient during imaging using a medical imaging system, and to the use of such a container in a medical imaging system. Background Art

[0002] In a hospital environment, patients need to be transported safely between different clinical departments, such as imaging centers and cancer treatment centers. Patients undergoing cancer treatment and burn victims are sensitive to airborne pathogens, and on the other hand, infected patients need to be transported safely without the risk of infecting staff or other patients. With the advent of wide-bore (bore diameter of 80 cm or even larger) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners, patients can be imaged even if they are located in a diagnostic shell. In addition, MRI systems with low field strengths of approximately 0.6 Tesla are available on the market, which reduces the need for acoustic noise protection. Computed tomography (CT) scanning using large-bore CT scanners also has similar options. After the imaging session, there is no need to disinfect the diagnostic scanner used to image highly infectious patients in the diagnostic shell. The workflow can be optimized in terms of time and cost, and it can be ensured that the diagnostic scanner can remain operational without long service times.

[0003] Transporting with a diagnostic sphere allows diagnostic operators and staff to prevent infection without wearing full protective clothing and equipment. The diagnostic sphere can be configured to protect the surrounding environment from the patient, or to protect the patient from the surrounding environment. There is no need to disinfect the MRI scanner, radio frequency (RF) equipment or patient preparation room. The diagnostic sphere helps in safe diagnostic imaging and transporting infectious patients infected with diseases such as Ebola, SARS, gastroenteritis outbreaks (such as norovirus), Middle East respiratory syndrome, and coronavirus pneumonia. In addition, a restricted and protected environment can help patients stay away from frightening technical equipment, and a virtual environment can be generated by implementing virtual reality. Various transport solutions have been developed to transport infectious patients using single-use or multiple-use versions of the diagnostic shell.

[0004] In addition to transporting infectious patients in a hospital environment, an additional problem is diagnostic imaging in MRI, CT or X-ray systems. For MRI, the local coil needs to be placed close to the patient, while for CT and X-ray imaging, the local coil needs to be removed.

[0005] WO 2021 / 212118 A1 discloses a patient isolation unit for use with a medical imaging system, the patient isolation unit comprising an enclosure comprised of a pathogen-impermeable material.

[0006] Therefore, the inventors of the present invention have discovered that it would be advantageous to have an improved diagnostic receptacle for transport and imaging of infectious patients that allows medical equipment, such as an RF coil of a magnetic resonance imaging system, to be easily positioned close to the patient. Summary of the invention

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a diagnostic container for sealingly surrounding a patient during imaging with a medical imaging system, which diagnostic container allows safe and optimized imaging of the patient while maintaining an airtight enclosure of the patient.

[0008] The objects of the invention are solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims, wherein further embodiments are contained in the dependent claims.

[0009] The described embodiments similarly relate to diagnostic containers for sealing around a patient during imaging with a medical imaging system, and to the use of such containers in a medical imaging system.Although they may not be described in detail, different combinations of the embodiments may produce synergistic effects.

[0010] In addition, it should be noted that all embodiments of the present invention regarding the method may be performed in the order of steps described, however, this is not the only and necessary order of the steps of the method. Without departing from the corresponding method embodiment, another order of the disclosed steps can be used to perform the method proposed herein, unless otherwise explicitly mentioned below.

[0011] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a diagnostic container for sealingly surrounding a patient during imaging with a medical imaging system. The container comprises an airtight housing configured to provide an airtight enclosure for the patient, wherein the airtight housing comprises at least one recess extending into an interior volume of the airtight housing. The recess is configured to ensure the airtight enclosure, and the recess is further configured to receive a component of a medical device and allow the component to be positioned in close proximity to the patient without direct contact with the patient.

[0012] Therefore, the container and the airtight housing are configured to surround the patient and provide a protective housing that prevents air and pathogens from freely circulating between the inside and outside of the container. The container is configured to be arranged inside the bore of a medical imaging system, wherein the patient is in the container. The container is provided with at least one special recess that can be formed into an opening for connection, which allows, for example, an RF coil (such as a body coil or a sensor) to be positioned without directly contacting the patient. The medical equipment located in the recess can be an active device or a passive device (for example, an MRI coil, a device for life sensing, a therapeutic device, or a radiation protection device). The recess extends into the internal volume of the diagnostic container, so the coil or sensor is positioned close to the patient inside the container. However, since the recess can be part of the airtight housing, the recess also prevents air and pathogens from circulating between the inside and outside of the container. Except for the inlet side, the recess is formed into a bag-like shape with airtight and closed walls on each side. Alternatively, the recess can be formed into a passage or tunnel similar to the entire internal volume of the diagnostic container.

[0013] Thus, for example, a body coil, a sensor, or another medical treatment device can be positioned to be flexibly close to the patient from the outside of the airtight housing so that the coil, sensor, or device extends into the interior volume of the container without damaging the airtight enclosure. This is guaranteed because the airtight wall of the recess remains between the device inserted into the recess and the patient. The airtight housing or airtight enclosure can be configured to have more than one recess. For example, an MRI coil can be positioned in a first recess, and a vital sign monitor can be positioned in a second recess.

[0014] Thus, the MRI-compatible diagnostic container according to the present invention allows RF coils and sensors to be safely positioned on or near a patient but not in direct contact with the patient, and does not allow pathogens to contaminate the coils or sensors. The opening or recess can be configured as an insertion window with different lengths and widths suitable for a dedicated coil applied to a patient by the recess. The container can include multiple recesses located at different locations of the container and / or having different sizes. The recess can be configured to open and close using a zipper or shutter.

[0015] Components installed in the diagnostic container (such as respiratory support components, monitoring components, etc.) are preferably constructed and installed in a manner that does not interfere with imaging. For example, these components can be installed outside the field of view of the medical imaging system.

[0016] The diagnostic container according to the invention can overcome the disadvantage of low imaging quality of systems with an integrated body coil, since it allows the dedicated RF coil to be located on or close to the patient, even in combination with an airtight enclosure. Since the coil is not in direct contact with the patient, the patient can be protected from infection. The transport container can be compatible with different imaging systems (such as CT, X-ray or MRI) and it is no longer necessary to sterilize the diagnostic imaging system after each patient. The airtight housing providing the enclosure can be made of soft materials, but can also be combined with and / or supported by a mechanical or pneumatic modular support, so that the housing can be formed and allows supporting the sensor and RF coil located above the patient.

[0017] Additionally, communication and monitoring between the patient and local or remote operators can preferably be performed via the diagnostic container.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, the container comprises a patient bed configured to receive the patient, and the patient bed is arranged inside the airtight housing.

[0019] Thus, a patient bed for receiving a patient can be arranged inside the volume defined by the diagnostic container. For example, one recess can be located above the patient bed and the patient, and one recess can be located below the patient. In this embodiment, the container is provided with a patient bed and connected openings to allow free positioning of RF coils and therapeutic devices for, for example, ablation or thermal therapy. One recess can be arranged to position medical devices and / or sensors (such as a thin vital sign sensor mattress, an MRI coil, an antenna sheet or a radar sensor) inside the patient bed.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, the container comprises a patient bed, wherein the airtight housing is configured to be connected to the patient bed, and the airtight enclosure of the patient is provided by the airtight housing in combination with the patient bed.

[0021] In this example, the patient can lie on a patient bed, and the airtight housing surrounds the patient and is connected to the patient bed to provide a protective enclosure. The container can be positioned on the patient bed and connected via a seal and a spring adapter to achieve close mechanical contact. The container can have recesses on both sides of the container that can be mechanically interconnected via a flexible material to allow the planar flexible coil to be positioned on the patient.

[0022] Alternatively, the container can be configured so that it fits an MRI patient bed. In this embodiment, the patient can be arranged inside the diagnostic container, and the container together with the patient inside it can be placed on a standard MRI bed.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, the airtight housing comprises an access port, wherein the access port comprises an opening and a seal, wherein the access port is configured to allow a head coil of the medical imaging system to be inserted through the opening to position the head coil in close proximity to the patient's head, and wherein the seal is configured to ensure the airtight enclosure.

[0024] Thus, the container can be configured so that the head coil of the MRI system can be displaced onto the patient via the seal. Thus, the container can include an opening adjacent to the patient's head, and a seal is provided around the opening so that an airtight enclosure is ensured in combination with the head coil inserted through the opening. This configuration preferably allows the coil to be moved linearly in a direction towards the patient to adjust the optimal distance to the patient's head. The distance of the head coil from the patient's head is preferably in the range of 5 mm to 10 cm.

[0025] In an embodiment of the invention, the medical imaging system is a magnetic resonance imaging system and the component of the medical device is a body coil of the magnetic resonance imaging system, or the medical imaging system is an X-ray system.

[0026] The container can be configured to be compatible with a magnetic resonance imaging system and an X-ray or CT system, so that the patient can be imaged in both systems continuously without changing or opening the container. Thus, the patient can be scanned using X-rays, and in a second session the RF coil can be applied to prepare the container for the MRI examination. The container can also be compatible with MRI and a therapeutic system (e.g., a thermal therapy system). The recess can be used to apply an RF MRI coil, but can also be used to apply a thermal therapy applicator or apply a thermal therapy applicator at the same time.

[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the container comprises an interface configured to connect the container to the medical imaging system to provide power supply, ventilation and / or data transmission between the container and the medical imaging system.

[0028] This interface between the diagnostic scanner and the container can provide AC or DC power supply, identification of the container, power supply to the RF coil using RF signals, and / or communication regarding patient vital sign monitoring. The diagnostic system can be loaded with a configuration file for compatibility in terms of identification, communication, and system tuning.

[0029] An interface connection to the MRI system for ventilation, power supply and / or communication can be provided via the integrated connector.An electronic monitoring and management system of the diagnostic container can be connected to the diagnostic scanner via an interface.

[0030] Individual diagnostic containers may need to be controlled, distributed, and collected by a software management system. Individual diagnostic containers may need to be properly labeled, positioned, sterilized, stored, etc. Position detection in a hospital environment can be achieved using ultra-wideband radar (UWB) or 5G telecommunications networks, preferably controlled by a health kit (such as a cloud-based shared software program). Further acoustic noise reduction can be achieved by a foam pad between the diagnostic container and the patient's bed. The diagnostic container can preferably apply passive acoustic noise reduction. An active noise cancellation system can use distributed non-magnetic piezoelectric sensing for acoustic vibrations and mechanical vibrations. In addition, headphones can be applied via a recess, or headphones can be applied before the patient is located in the diagnostic container.

[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the airtight housing is a mechanical hard cover or a sliding tent roof.

[0032] The airtight shell as a fairing can be constructed as a mechanical hard cover or a sliding tent top, which is preferably suitable for the specifications of the imaging modality. The opening and closing of the diagnostic container can be achieved by a fully automatic control system, so that the risk of infection can be controlled. The output of different sensors (such as the open or closed state of the container, the state of the MRI or X-ray system, or the compatibility with the diagnostic system, etc.) can be fed to a trained neural network, which can be configured to control the risk of infection by clear monitoring and alarm signals to the operator. The output of the trained network can also be a risk assessment level indicator. In addition, guidance and / or instructions can be provided to the staff to inform him / her what operations need to be modified or added to reduce the risk level. The trained network hardware and software can be located in the module of the diagnostic container.

[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the interface is arranged at an end of the container corresponding to the head or feet of the patient.

[0034] Electronic communication electronics (such as interfaces) are preferably located on the front or back side of the container to prevent imaging artifacts. Distributed sensing electronics inside the diagnostic container can be implemented via optical or wireless communication. For wired communications, high impedance RF filtering may be required. A ventilation system that can be connected to a diagnostic scanner allows for overpressure or underpressure air to be provided. Ventilation can be implemented by a dockable ventilation system with a cannula and / or plug-and-play to achieve sufficient distance for locations that are incompatible with medical imaging systems.

[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the container comprises an optical window configured for camera-based monitoring of vital signs of the patient through the optical window.

[0036] Vital signs (e.g., breathing and heartbeat) can be monitored by a camera, which is particularly advantageous for infectious patients. For example, breathing can be monitored via motion detection, and heartbeat can be detected by remote photoplethysmography of the face. Therefore, an optically compatible window is added to the diagnostic container to allow monitoring of the patient's vital signs via an external camera. The window is preferably positioned and oriented to achieve minimal reflection. An integrated reflector can further provide an optical path to the patient's surface.

[0037] In an embodiment of the invention, the container comprises a feedthrough for an optical fiber configured to be attached to the patient's body via a skin patch.

[0038] For a single-use diagnostic container including a transparent foil and an opaque foil, respiratory movement detection may be possible, but remote photoplethysmography of the face through the foil may be difficult, because any slight movement of the foil may destroy the signal. Therefore, a single-use optical adhesive patch can be integrated into a single-use diagnostic container, for example, attached to the patient's temple or neck from the inside. An optical window for optical fiber access for camera-based vital sign monitoring can be added to the container. Plastic optical fibers that are very cheap for single use can be used to illuminate the skin and the reflected light is guided to the outside through the feedthrough of the container. Outside, the optical fiber can be adapted with a plug that fits the camera housing of the imaging system. The camera can then see color changes in the skin in a certain peripheral area of ​​its field of view. For irradiation, if the light source is separated from the camera, another optical fiber can be inserted into the light source.

[0039] In an embodiment of the invention, the airtight housing is made of a material with low X-ray absorption and / or low absorption for radiation used for tumor therapy treatment. Additionally or alternatively, the airtight housing can be made of a material that is substantially transparent for radiation to be detected in PET imaging.

[0040] The diagnostic container compatible with X-ray and CT preferably has an X-ray transparent material with low absorption for X-rays for the housing, and preferably all elements in the field of view of the diagnostic scanner include low X-ray absorption material. Additionally or alternatively, the container can include an X-ray transparent window for a dedicated zone in the field of view of the scanner. Thus, the dedicated zone of the diagnostic container can be made of low X-ray absorption and / or low scattering material to allow good three-dimensional CT image quality to be obtained using the transmission path at a dedicated patient position. In addition, the container can be at least partially made of a material with low absorption for radiation that can be used for tumor treatment treatment, such as radiation from a linear accelerator or synchrotron (such as proton radiation).

[0041] In an embodiment of the invention, the container comprises markings configured to provide an indication of the position of the patient relative to the medical imaging system.

[0042] Thus, local markings can be located on the container for improved positioning of the patient inside a diagnostic scanner and / or for improved positioning of the container inside a medical imaging system.

[0043] In an embodiment of the invention, the airtight housing comprises a plurality of modules, wherein the modules are configured to be connected to each other so as to provide the airtight enclosure and / or wherein the modules comprise communication links that are communicatively connected to each other.

[0044] Therefore, the container can be divided into multiple modules, which can be connected to each other to provide an airtight enclosure. Additionally or alternatively, each module can include a communication link connecting the module to an adjacent module. For medical imaging or radiation therapy, the container needs to be transparent to the corresponding radiation, and the material of the container is preferably transparent. The modular solution allows the connection and insertion of modules including windows at the corresponding positions, which are transparent for X-ray radiation or therapeutic radiation. The communication link between individual modules for wireless or optical communication can be configured to transmit signals to control the container or provide comfort for the patient. Therefore, the link can control airtightness, mechanical connection via fasteners, weaving or guidance for assembly.

[0045] In an embodiment of the invention, the container comprises an airlock having a membrane, wherein the airlock is configured to allow contact imaging of the patient's body through the membrane.

[0046] The access port can be configured to allow contact imaging (such as ultrasound), because imaging modalities such as ultrasound require contact with the patient. The airlock mechanism allows the execution of such imaging procedures while maintaining sterility and thus ensuring a sealed enclosure. During operation, the port can be adapted with a sock-like membrane. The membrane can be made of latex or silicone or other suitable materials, and can optionally be covered with an impedance matching gel, so it is similar to an isolation glove box in principle. Therefore, through the access port, ultrasonic imaging can be performed while avoiding actual physical contact. The membrane can be sterilizable or disposable. In the latter case, there can be an airlock cover on the inner side or both sides of the port inside the membrane. After closing the airlock, the membrane can be replaced under sterile conditions.

[0047] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of a container according to any one of the aforementioned embodiments in a medical imaging system.

[0048] This method of using a container in a medical imaging system can include the steps of providing a container according to any of the aforementioned embodiments, placing a patient inside the container and sealing the container, arranging the container in a medical imaging system, arranging a component such as a body coil of a magnetic resonance imaging system in a recess of the container, and imaging the patient using the medical imaging system.

[0049] Thus, benefits provided by any one of the above-mentioned aspects are equally applicable to all other aspects, and vice versa.

[0050] In summary, the present invention relates to a diagnostic container for sealingly surrounding a patient during imaging with a medical imaging system. The container comprises an airtight housing configured to provide an airtight enclosure for the patient, and the airtight housing comprises at least one recess extending into an interior volume of the airtight housing, wherein the recess is configured to ensure the airtight enclosure. The recess is further configured to receive a component of a medical device and allow the component to be positioned in close proximity to the patient without bringing the component into direct contact with the patient.

[0051] The above aspects and embodiments will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the exemplary embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the following drawings:

[0053] Figure 1 A schematic arrangement is shown for sealing a diagnostic container surrounding a patient during imaging with a medical imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 2 A schematic arrangement for sealing a diagnostic container surrounding a patient during imaging using a medical imaging system according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0055] Figure 3 A schematic arrangement for sealing a diagnostic container surrounding a patient during imaging using a medical imaging system according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0056] Figure 4 A schematic arrangement for sealing a diagnostic container surrounding a patient during imaging using a medical imaging system according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0057] Figure 5A schematic arrangement for sealing a diagnostic container surrounding a patient during imaging with a medical imaging system including an apparatus for camera-based monitoring of a patient is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 6 A block diagram of a method of using a container according to an embodiment of the present invention in a medical imaging procedure is shown.

[0059] Fig. 7A A schematic arrangement of an interface connection between a medical imaging system and a diagnostic container according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0060] Figure 7B A flow chart showing a software protocol between a medical imaging system and a diagnostic container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Reference numerals list

[0062] 100 Diagnostic Containers

[0063] 110 patients

[0064] 120 Airtight housing

[0065] 130 recess

[0066] 140 Internal volume

[0067] 150 components

[0068] 160 Patient Beds

[0069] 170 Ingress Port

[0070] 171 Opening

[0071] 172 Seals

[0072] 180 Head Coil

[0073] 191 Camera

[0074] 192 Light Source

[0075] 193 Fiber Optic

[0076] 194 Skin Patch DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] Figure 1A schematic arrangement of a diagnostic container 100 for sealingly surrounding a patient 110 during imaging with a medical imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The container comprises an airtight housing 120 surrounding an inner volume 140 of the container. A recess 130 is provided in the airtight housing 120 of the container 100, extending into the inner volume 140 of the container 100. The space inside the recess 130 is separated from the inner volume 140 of the container 100 by the wall of the recess, thereby ensuring an airtight enclosure. A component 150 of a medical system (such as a body coil, a sensor or a treatment device) can be inserted into the recess 130 and can therefore be positioned close to the patient 110 inside the container without the risk of pathogens being transferred from the patient 110 to the component 150 (or vice versa) and without the risk of pathogens leaving or entering the inner volume 140 of the container 100.

[0078] Figure 2 A schematic arrangement of a diagnostic container 100 for sealingly surrounding a patient 110 during imaging with a medical imaging system according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the figure, a component 150 of the medical imaging system, such as a body coil, is inserted into a recess 130 of the container 100. In addition, the container is provided with an access port 170. The access port includes an opening 171 in the airtight housing 120 of the container 100 and a seal 172 surrounding the opening. When a device of the medical imaging system, such as a head coil 180, is inserted into the opening 171 of the access port 170, the seal 172 comes into contact with the head coil and seals the internal volume of the container relative to the outside to ensure an airtight enclosure of the container 100.

[0079] Figure 3 A schematic arrangement of a diagnostic container 100 for sealingly surrounding a patient 110 during imaging with a medical imaging system according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this figure, the container includes a second recess, and the patient 110 lies on a patient bed 160 between two recesses 130. Components 150 of the imaging system can be inserted into one or both recesses 130. In addition, in this embodiment, the container includes an access port adjacent to the head of the patient 110 to receive a head coil 180 of the imaging system positioned close to the head of the patient 110.

[0080] Figure 4A schematic arrangement of a diagnostic container 100 for sealingly surrounding a patient 110 during imaging with a medical imaging system according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the airtight housing 120 of the diagnostic container 100 is connected to a patient bed 160 so that the patient bed 160 and the airtight housing 120 combine to provide an airtight enclosure to prevent the spread of pathogens. The patient 110 is located inside the container 100. The body coil can be inserted into the recess 130 to be positioned close to the patient 110. The MRI patient bed can be provided with a seal to allow the container to be suitable for sealing around the patient. Alternatively, the container 100 including the airtight housing 120 can be arranged on the patient bed 160. The container 100 can be provided with a recess 130 and a sealed opening to allow the RF coil and sensor to be positioned.

[0081] Figure 5 A schematic arrangement of a diagnostic container 100 for sealingly surrounding a patient 110 during imaging with a medical imaging system including an apparatus for camera-based monitoring of a patient is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the diagnostic container 100 is provided with a feedthrough for an optical fiber 193. The optical fiber is connected on one side to a skin patch 194, which is attached to the skin of the patient 110 inside the container. The other side of the optical fiber 193 can be connected to a light source 192 and a camera 191 via a beam splitter, and the light of the light source is transmitted to the skin patch 194 via the optical fiber 193, and the camera 191 receives the light backscattered from the skin of the patient 110. Thus, the container 100 can be provided with an optical fiber connection to direct the photoplethysmographic signal from the skin patch 194 directly into the peripheral field of view of the camera 191, which can also be used to monitor vital signs via the patient's movement (such as respiratory movement). If the light source 192 is separated from the camera 191, a second optical fiber can be connected to the light source 192.

[0082] Figure 6 A block diagram of a method for using a container 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a medical imaging procedure is shown. After providing a container 100 for sealingly surrounding a patient 110 during imaging in step S210, in step S220, the patient 110 is placed inside the container 100 and the container is closed. Then, in step S230, the container 100 with the patient 110 is arranged in a medical imaging system. In step S240, a component 150 of the medical imaging system (such as a body coil of a magnetic resonance imaging system) is arranged in the recess 130 of the container 100. In step S250, when the patient 110 is located inside the diagnostic container 100, the patient 110 is imaged using the medical imaging system.

[0083] Fig. 7AA schematic arrangement of an interface connection between a medical imaging system and a diagnostic container 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The interface connection provides ventilation of the patient 110, power supply of the container, communication of the container with the imaging system, and configuration of the system, and may even provide entertainment features for patient comfort during the imaging procedure.

[0084] Figure 7B A flow chart of a software protocol between a medical imaging system and a diagnostic container 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The software protocol between the imaging system and the diagnostic container 100 controls the safe docking of the container with the workflow. A flow chart for transporting and docking the container 100 to a diagnostic or therapeutic scanner is shown. After docking, communication with a local or remote operator can be established and monitoring of the patient 110 can be initiated. Virtual reality suitable for the patient and his or her specific situation can be initiated. The system identifies the container 100 via the docking interface and can test compatibility with the imaging system. The diagnostic or therapeutic process is then initiated. After successful completion of the process, the container can be disconnected and removed from the medical scanner, and the patient can be transported back to the interior of the container 100.

[0085] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive. The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0086] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the word "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A diagnostic container (100) for sealingly surrounding a patient (110) during imaging using a medical imaging system; the container (100) comprising: An airtight housing (120) configured to provide an airtight enclosure for the patient (110); wherein the airtight housing comprises at least one recess (130) extending into an inner volume (140) of the airtight housing, the recess (130) being configured to ensure the airtight enclosure; The recess (130) is configured to receive a component (150) of a medical device and allow the component (150) to be positioned in close proximity to the patient (110) without bringing the component into direct contact with the patient.

2. The container (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The container comprises a patient bed (160) configured to receive the patient (110), and wherein the patient bed (160) is arranged inside the airtight housing.

3. The container (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The container comprises a patient bed (160), wherein the airtight housing (120) is configured to be connected to the patient bed, and wherein the airtight enclosure of the patient (110) is provided by the airtight housing (120) in combination with the patient bed (160).

4. The container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The airtight housing (120) includes an inlet port, The inlet port (170) includes an opening (171) and a sealing member (172). wherein the access port (170) is configured to allow insertion of a head coil (180) of the medical imaging system through the opening (171) to position the head coil (180) in close proximity to the head of the patient (110), and wherein the seal (172) is configured to ensure the airtight enclosure.

5. The container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The medical imaging system is a magnetic resonance imaging system, and wherein the component (150) of the medical device is a body coil of the magnetic resonance imaging system, or wherein the medical imaging system is an X-ray system.

6. The container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The container comprises an interface configured to connect the container to the medical imaging system to provide power supply, ventilation and / or data transmission between the container (100) and the medical imaging system.

7. The container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The airtight housing (120) is a mechanical hard cover or a sliding tent roof.

8. The container (100) according to claim 6, wherein: The interface is arranged at an end of the container corresponding to the head or foot of the patient (110).

9. The container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The container includes an optical window configured for camera (191) based monitoring of vital signs of the patient (100) through the optical window.

10. The container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The container includes a feedthrough for an optical fiber (193) configured to be attached to the body of the patient (110) via a skin patch (194).

11. The container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The airtight housing (120) is made of a material having a low X-ray absorption rate and / or a low absorption rate for radiation used for tumor therapeutic treatment.

12. The container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The container includes indicia configured to provide an indication of a position of the patient (110) relative to the medical imaging system.

13. The container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The airtight housing (120) comprises a plurality of modules, wherein the modules are configured to be connected to each other so as to provide the airtight enclosure and / or wherein the modules comprise communication links that are communicatively connected to each other.

14. The container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The container includes an airlock having a membrane, wherein the airlock is configured to allow contact imaging of the body of the patient (110) through the membrane.

15. Use of the container (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 in a medical imaging system.

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