Head support device for acquiring near-infrared signals of subject in MRI environment

Abstract

The utility model provides a head supporting device for collecting near-infrared signals of a subject in an MRI environment, and belongs to the technical field of medical auxiliary instruments. In an MRI environment, a head cap is worn on the head of a subject, the subject is arranged on a lower seat of a nuclear magnetic coil of MRI equipment in an upward manner, and the head supporting device comprises an occipital supporting part and a neck supporting part; the lower portion of the occipital supporting part is formed into an inner surface of a lower seat matched with a nuclear magnetic coil, a three-dimensional concave-convex wave array is formed on the upper portion of the occipital supporting part to support the head of a subject, at least the upper portion of the occipital supporting part is made of an elastic body, and wave crests and wave troughs in the concave-convex wave array are alternately arranged. Under the condition that the near-infrared probe arranged on the head cap is inserted into the wave trough, the wave crests on the periphery of the wave trough gather together to support the head of a subject; the neck supporting part is used for supporting the neck of a subject. The head supporting device can provide adaptive and comfortable support for the neck and the occipital part of a subject, and the signal acquisition quality is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of medical auxiliary equipment, and in particular relates to a head support device for collecting near-infrared signals of an examinee in an MRI environment. Background Art

[0002] Functional near-infrared brain imaging (fNIRS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices, when used in conjunction, can provide doctors with more comprehensive diagnostic information. Specifically, fNIRS involves the subject wearing a headgear 5 equipped with several probes 6. The fNIRS device uses near-infrared light emitted by the probes 6 to penetrate the skull and brain tissue, inferring changes in cerebral blood flow and oxygenation levels by measuring light absorption and scattering. MRI, on the other hand, uses strong magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses to detect the magnetic resonance of hydrogen nuclei to acquire images of brain structure and function.

[0003] During the MRI imaging process, the patient needs to lie on the treatment bed continuously, with the fNIRS device cap 5 placed in the narrow space of the lower seat 4 of the nuclear magnetic coil. Figure 1 As shown, the lower seat 4 of the nuclear magnetic coil provides a pad 7 to support the subject's head, but the probe 6 on the subject's head cap 5 is protruding, so the end of the probe 6 will rest on the pad 7 for up to tens of minutes. Since the material of the pad 7 is not soft enough, during the MRI imaging process, the subject's head is still subjected to great pressure and discomfort. The subject's slight movement may also cause displacement of the occipital probe, resulting in poor signal quality. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, the purpose of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a head support device for collecting near-infrared signals from a subject in an MRI environment. The head support device can provide an adaptive and comfortable support for the subject's neck and occipital region, thereby improving the quality of signal acquisition.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in the embodiment of the utility model is:

[0006] A head support device for collecting near-infrared signals from a subject in an MRI environment. In the MRI environment, the subject's head is placed with a head cap on its back on the lower seat of a nuclear magnetic coil of the MRI device. The head support device includes an occipital support portion and a neck support portion.

[0007] The lower portion of the occipital support portion is formed to fit the inner surface of the lower seat of the nuclear magnetic coil, and the upper portion forms a three-dimensional concave-convex wave array to support the subject's head. At least the upper portion of the occipital support portion is made of an elastomer. The crests and troughs in the concave-convex wave array are alternately arranged. When the trough is inserted into the near-infrared probe installed on the head cap, the crests around the trough gather to support the subject's head.

[0008] The neck support portion is used to support the neck of the subject.

[0009] Furthermore, the pillow supporting portion is integrally formed with sponge.

[0010] Furthermore, the spacing between adjacent troughs is one to two times the spacing between adjacent near-infrared probes.

[0011] Furthermore, the head support device further includes a connecting member;

[0012] The connecting member connects the pillow support portion and the neck support portion, and the connecting member is configured to adjust a distance between the pillow support portion and the neck support portion.

[0013] Furthermore, the connecting member is a Velcro or a snap tape.

[0014] Furthermore, restraints are provided on both sides of the neck support portion to respectively restrain the cable bundles of the near-infrared probes mounted on the head cap gathered at both sides of the subject's head.

[0015] Furthermore, the hardness of the neck supporting portion is greater than the hardness of the upper portion of the pillow supporting portion.

[0016] Furthermore, the head support device further comprises an outer cover, which detachably wraps the neck support portion, and the restraint member is provided on the outer cover.

[0017] Furthermore, the outer cover is made of leather fabric, or moisture-absorbent, breathable and quick-drying fabric.

[0018] Furthermore, the neck support portion and the pillow support portion are both made of antistatic materials.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention are:

[0020] When a subject lies down wearing a head cap, the head cap's probe can be inserted into the troughs of the concave-convex wave array, with the surrounding peaks converging to provide close support for the scalp around the probe. This not only provides more reasonable pressure on the subject's entire occipital region, but also relieves pressure on the bottom of the probe below, resulting in greater comfort and stability. This head cap provides adaptable and comfortable support for the subject's neck and occipital region, improving the quality of signal acquisition. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, the same reference numerals may describe similar components in different views. The drawings illustrate various embodiments generally by way of example and not limitation, and together with the description and claims, serve to illustrate the embodiments of the invention. Where appropriate, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in which the head of a subject wearing a head cap is placed in the lower seat of the nuclear magnetic coil in an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is an axonometric diagram of a head support device for collecting near-infrared signals of a subject in an MRI environment according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a top view of a head support device for collecting near-infrared signals of a subject in an MRI environment according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a left side view of a head support device for collecting near-infrared signals of a subject in an MRI environment according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0026] In the figure: 1. Occipital support; 10. Concave and convex wave array; 100. Wave crest; 101. Wave trough; 2. Neck support; 20. Restraint; 3. Connecting member; 4. Lower seat; 5. Head cap; 6. Probe; 7. Pad. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the described embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this utility model shall have the usual meanings understood by persons of ordinary skill in the field to which this utility model belongs. The words "first", "second" and similar terms used in this utility model do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Words such as "include" or "comprise" mean that the elements or objects appearing before the word include the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Words such as "connect" or "connected" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0029] In order to keep the following description of the embodiments of the present invention clear and concise, the present invention omits detailed descriptions of known functions and known components.

[0030] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a head support device for collecting near-infrared signals of a subject in an MRI environment, wherein the head support device mainly comprises an occipital support portion 1 and a neck support portion 2. The occipital support portion 1 is mainly used to support the subject's head, and the neck support portion 2 is mainly used to support the subject's neck.

[0031] The lower part of the pillow support part 1 is formed to adapt to the inner surface of the lower seat 4 of the nuclear magnetic coil. When the pillow support part 1 is placed on the lower seat 4 of the nuclear magnetic coil, the lower surface of the pillow support part 1 fits with the inner surface of the nuclear magnetic coil, thereby ensuring the stability of the pillow support part 1 placed on the lower seat 4.

[0032] The upper portion of the occipital support portion 1 forms a three-dimensional concave-convex wave array 10 to support the subject's head. At least the upper portion of the occipital support portion 1 is made of an elastic body, and the crests 100 and troughs 101 in the concave-convex wave array 10 are alternately arranged.

[0033] The concave-convex wave array 10 here can be understood as a plurality of flexible protrusions on the pillow support portion 1, with grooves formed between two adjacent flexible protrusions, wherein the flexible protrusions form wave crests 100 and the grooves form wave crests 100.

[0034] When the subject's head is placed on the occipital support 1, the near-infrared probe 6 installed on the subject's head cap can be inserted into the trough 101 of the concave-convex wave array 10. Since the concave-convex wave array 10 has the function of elastic deformation, the peaks 100 around the trough 101 will gather together to support the subject's head.

[0035] When a subject lies down wearing a head cap, the head cap's probe 6 can be inserted into the troughs 101 of the concave-convex wave array, with the surrounding peaks 100 converging to provide close support for the scalp around the probe 6. This not only provides more reasonable pressure on the subject's entire occipital region, but also relieves pressure on the bottom of the probe 6, resulting in greater comfort and stability. This head cap provides adaptable and comfortable support for the subject's neck and occipital region, improving the quality of signal acquisition.

[0036] In some embodiments, a supporting groove for placing the subject's head is formed on the lower seat 4 of the nuclear magnetic coil, and the inner surface of the supporting groove forms the inner surface of the lower seat 4 .

[0037] Furthermore, the lower part of the pillow support part 1 completely covers the bottom of the supporting groove, and the outer peripheral edge of the pillow support part 1 has a skirt portion extending upward and fitting with the side wall of the supporting groove, which can further improve the stability of the pillow support part 1 in the lower seat 4 and avoid shaking in the supporting groove.

[0038] Preferably, the skirt portion of the pillow support portion 1 does not need to be aligned with the upper surface of the lower seat 4 , that is, the height of the skirt portion is less than the height of the side wall cotton of the supporting groove, thereby reducing the material cost of the pillow support portion 1 .

[0039] In addition, the lower surface of the pillow supporting portion 1 can be a frosted surface or other rough surface, so as to increase the friction between it and the inner surface of the lower seat 4.

[0040] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the lower portion of the neck support portion 2 can also adapt to the inner surface of the lower seat 4 of the nuclear magnetic coil, thereby ensuring the stability of the neck support portion 2 on the lower seat 4.

[0041] Preferably, a plurality of flexible protrusions may be provided on the inner surface of the upper portion of the neck support portion 2 along its extension direction to jointly support the neck of the subject, thereby improving the comfort of the subject.

[0042] In addition, the upper portion or the entire neck support portion 2 may be configured in a U-shape, so as to better support the neck of the examinee.

[0043] In some embodiments, the entire pillow support portion 1 can be formed integrally from a sponge. Specifically, a soft and resilient sponge material can be used. For example, a sponge made of polyester fiber, also known as egg cotton, can be used. This sponge is light and soft, with good elasticity and breathability. Another example is a sponge made of polyurethane foam, also known as a wave sponge, which is highly elastic and durable.

[0044] The pillow support part 1 made of sponge material is not only low in cost and easy to process, but also can provide soft support for the subject.

[0045] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the upper portion of the pillow support portion 1 is supported by a sponge material, and the lower portion is made of a material less soft than the sponge. The two materials on the pillow support portion 1 can be glued together.

[0046] In some embodiments, the concave-convex wavy array on the upper portion of the occipital support portion 1 can provide appropriate spacing between troughs 101 based on actual needs. Preferably, the spacing between adjacent troughs 101 is one to two times the spacing between adjacent near-infrared probes 6 on the head cap 5. This allows the multiple probes 6 on the head cap to be inserted into the corresponding troughs 101 when the subject lies down and presses against this surface, allowing the surrounding scalp to receive coordinated support from the sponge's multiple peaks 100 in multiple directions.

[0047] In some embodiments, as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the head support device further includes a connecting member 3 for connecting the occipital support portion 1 and the neck support portion 2. The connecting member 3 is configured to adjust the distance between the occipital support portion 1 and the neck support portion 2. This not only ensures the stability of the neck support portion 2 during the examination, but also provides targeted individual support for the examinee by adjusting the distance between the occipital support portion 1 and the neck support portion 2 according to the different head and neck structures of the examinee, making the examinee experience more comfortable.

[0048] The structure of the connecting member 3 is not specifically limited in this application. It can be a Velcro or a snap fastener. For example, at least two connecting straps are provided on opposite sides of the neck support portion 2 and the pillow support portion 1. The connecting straps of the neck support portion 2 and the pillow support portion 1 can be connected by Velcro or a snap fastener.

[0049] Of course, in some other embodiments, the occipital support portion 1 and the neck support portion 2 may be two independent components, and the two may not be connected by the connecting member 3. After the subject lies on his back, the distance between the neck support portion 2 and the occipital support portion 1 can be adjusted at any time according to the subject's head and neck structure.

[0050] Considering that the number of probes 6 on the head cap 5 worn by the subject is relatively large, when the subject lies supinely on the occipital support 1 , the number of cables connecting the probes 6 is also relatively large, thus affecting monitoring.

[0051] Therefore, in some embodiments, restraints 20 are provided on both sides of the neck support portion 2, and the restraints 20 can respectively restrain the cable bundles of the near-infrared probe 6 installed on the head cap on both sides of the subject's head, thereby protecting and buffering the cables and reducing the possibility of crushing.

[0052] As an example, the optical fiber cable extending from the probe 6 is divided into two bundles, one on each side, leading out from the gap between the head and the lower base of the MRI coil. Because the three-dimensional concave-convex wave array 10 is formed on the upper portion of the occipital support portion 1, when the subject's head is pressed against the concave-convex wave array 10 while wearing a head cap, an adaptive path for the optical fiber cable to be led out is provided.

[0053] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the restraints 20 on both sides of the neck support part 2 can be two straps. When the subject lies on his back on the occipital support part 1, the medical staff divides the cables of all the probes 6 on the head cap into two bundles and gathers them on both sides of the subject's head. The gathered cables can then be tied together by two straps on each side.

[0054] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the structure of the restraining member 20 is not limited to the binding belt in the above embodiment, and may also be other binding members capable of binding cables.

[0055] In some embodiments, the hardness of the neck support portion 2 on the head support portion is greater than the hardness of the upper portion of the occipital support portion 1 , so as to maintain a curvature that conforms to the physiological curvature of the neck and provide good support for the neck.

[0056] In some embodiments, the head support device further comprises an outer cover, which detachably wraps the neck support portion 2, and the restraint 20 is provided on the outer cover, so that the outer cover and the restraint 20 can be conveniently replaced at the same time.

[0057] For example, the outer cover can be made of leather fabric. If the subject also cooperates with EEG testing, there is a need to clean the conductive paste. After each test is completed, medical staff can use alcohol wipes or other disinfectant wipes to wipe the residual conductive paste on the outer cover. This structure is convenient for cleaning.

[0058] Alternatively, the outer cover may be made of moisture-absorbent, breathable and quick-drying fabric to ensure comfort for the examinee. Medical staff may also remove the outer cover from the pillow support portion 1 regularly for cleaning.

[0059] Preferably, when the outer cover is made of leather fabric or moisture-absorbent, breathable and quick-drying fabric, the restraint member 20 can be sewn onto the outer cover to form an integrated structure with the outer cover.

[0060] In some embodiments, both the neck support 2 and the occipital support 1 are made of antistatic materials or treated with antistatic agents to minimize static electricity generation and prevent it from affecting MRI scans. Even slight movements by the subject can cause friction between the probe 6 and the head and the occipital support 1, as well as between the neck and the occipital support 1. The antistatic properties of these materials can reduce static electricity generation during friction, preventing any impact on MRI scans.

[0061] The above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and those skilled in the art may make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the above examples (or one or more of them) may be used in combination with each other, and it is contemplated that these embodiments may be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations.

Claims

1. A head support device for collecting near-infrared signals from a subject in an MRI environment, wherein the subject's head is wearing a head cap and placed on the lower seat of a nuclear magnetic coil of the MRI device, characterized in that: The head support device includes an occipital support portion and a neck support portion; The lower portion of the occipital support portion is formed to fit the inner surface of the lower seat of the nuclear magnetic coil, and the upper portion forms a three-dimensional concave-convex wave array to support the subject's head. At least the upper portion of the occipital support portion is made of an elastomer. The crests and troughs in the concave-convex wave array are alternately arranged. When the trough is inserted into the near-infrared probe installed on the head cap, the crests around the trough gather to support the subject's head. The neck support portion is used to support the neck of the subject.

2. The head support device according to claim 1, wherein The pillow supporting portion is formed integrally with sponge.

3. The head support device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The distance between adjacent troughs is one to two times the distance between adjacent near-infrared probes.

4. The head support device according to claim 1, wherein The head support device further includes a connecting member; The connecting member connects the pillow support portion and the neck support portion, and the connecting member is configured to adjust a distance between the pillow support portion and the neck support portion.

5. The head support device according to claim 4, wherein: The connecting member is a Velcro or a buckle tape.

6. The head support device according to claim 1, wherein: Constraints are provided on both sides of the neck support portion to respectively constrain the cable bundles of the near-infrared probes mounted on the head cap gathered at both sides of the subject's head.

7. The head support device according to claim 1, wherein: The hardness of the neck support portion is greater than the hardness of the upper portion of the head support portion.

8. The head support device according to claim 6, wherein: The head support device further includes an outer cover which detachably wraps the neck support portion, and the restraint member is provided on the outer cover.

9. The head support device according to claim 8, wherein The outer cover is made of leather fabric or moisture-absorbent, breathable and quick-drying fabric.

10. The head support device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The neck support portion and the pillow support portion are both made of antistatic materials.

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