A fixing device for magnetic resonance imaging of the head

Abstract

This invention provides a fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The fixation device includes an outer plate, sandbags, and an inflation assembly. The outer plate includes a base plate and side plates. The cross-section of the base plate is bulb-shaped, including rectangular and circular segments. The side plates are vertically disposed at the edges of the base plate. Sandbags are provided on the inner surfaces of both the base plate and the side plates. The inflation assembly includes an air bladder, a connecting tube, and an inflatable balloon. The air bladder is disposed on the side plate and connected to the inflatable balloon through the connecting tube. This invention provides a new fixation device for cranial MRI examination that is more adaptable, has a better fixation effect, and can assist in the removal of artifacts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging, belonging to the field of medical testing instrument technology. Background Technology

[0002] Magnetic resonance refers to the phenomenon of spin magnetic resonance. Its meaning is broad, encompassing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), or electron spin resonance (ESR). Furthermore, the magnetic resonance commonly referred to in everyday life refers to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an imaging device used for medical examinations that utilizes the nuclear magnetic resonance phenomenon.

[0003] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a safe, non-invasive, and radiation-free imaging technique. It uses strong magnetic fields and radio frequency pulses to image internal tissues of the human body. By detecting the resonance signals of hydrogen nuclei, MRI can generate high-resolution anatomical images, making it particularly suitable for detailed examination of soft tissues, the nervous system, and blood vessels.

[0004] In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head, motion artifacts are easily generated due to the long imaging time for some functions and the patient's head movement. This is especially true for patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, whose cognitive decline or limited motor control makes it difficult for them to keep their heads still during the examination, making motion artifacts more common and difficult to avoid. Consequently, image quality is difficult to guarantee. This problem not only affects diagnostic accuracy but may also lead to repeated scans, increasing the burden on patients. Therefore, developing an efficient and comfortable head immobilization device to fix the patient's head during MRI to reduce motion artifacts and improve image quality is of great significance.

[0005] Existing adult cranial MRI fixation devices mainly include a head support, a fixation plate, and a matching head cover or pillow. However, existing adult cranial MRI fixation devices still have shortcomings. For example, the fixation effect is not ideal, patient comfort is poor, adjustability is limited, and some materials may affect the homogeneity of the MRI magnetic field, causing artifacts and reducing imaging quality.

[0006] In conclusion, there is an urgent need to design a fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging that is more adaptable, has better fixation effect, and can help remove artifacts, so as to improve imaging accuracy and patient comfort. Utility Model Content

[0007] This invention provides a new fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging examination that is more adaptable, has a better fixation effect, and can help remove artifacts.

[0008] To achieve this objective, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0009] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging, comprising an outer plate, sandbags, and an inflation assembly. The outer plate includes a base plate and side plates. The cross-section of the base plate is bulb-shaped, including rectangular and circular segments. The side plates are vertically disposed at the edge of the base plate. Sandbags are provided on the inner surfaces of both the base plate and the side plates. The inflation assembly includes an air bladder, a connecting tube, and an inflatable balloon. The air bladder is disposed on the side plate and connected to the inflatable balloon via the connecting tube.

[0010] Preferably, the outer panel is made of an elastic, shrinkable material.

[0011] In this invention, the elastic shrinkable material includes, but is not limited to, the following materials in the prior art: 1) Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE): TPE has good insulation, is lightweight, recyclable, and antistatic properties, and has unique soft, elastic, fleshy feel and temperature-sensitive properties, making it a mainstream biomimetic skin material. Currently, many companies on the market use TPE materials to produce the outer shell skin of biomimetic robots and the anti-torsion TPE low-voltage power cables in robot arms. 2) Polyurethane elastic fiber (spandex): Spandex is mainly composed of polyurethane and has good elasticity and resilience. Its molecular structure, consisting of a block copolymer network structure composed of "soft" and "hard" segments, gives it excellent elasticity. Spandex is the earliest developed and most widely used elastic fiber, and its production technology is the most mature. Polyether ester elastic fiber: It is made by melt spinning polyester and polyether copolymer, and has similar structural characteristics to polyurethane elastic fiber, as well as "segmented" structural characteristics, exhibiting good softness and elongation deformation ability. Nanoparticle-polymer composites: These materials have attracted much attention due to their large deformation capacity, metal-like conductivity, and good piezoresistive properties. The van der Waals forces of nanoparticles have a significant impact on the mechanical and electrical properties of the materials, especially in the research of nanoparticle-matrix interfaces, where significant progress has been made.

[0012] In this invention, the sandbag is filled with fine sand. The fluidity of the fine sand allows it to automatically adjust according to the size and position of the head, thereby achieving better fit and higher fixation effect, reducing motion artifacts and air artifacts, and optimizing imaging quality.

[0013] In this invention, the combination of the airbag, the connecting tube, and the inflatable airbag is the same as in the prior art. The airbag can be inflated and deflated using the inflatable airbag.

[0014] Preferably, the side plate includes a circular segment side plate, a rectangular segment side plate, and a front side plate. The circular segment side plate is arc-shaped and is disposed on the circular segment of the base plate. The rectangular segment side plate is an inwardly concave arc shape and is disposed on the left and right sides of the rectangular segment of the base plate. The upper part of the front side plate is provided with a groove and is disposed on the front side of the rectangular segment of the base plate.

[0015] Preferably, there are two airbags, which are respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the rectangular segment of the base plate.

[0016] In this invention, by inflating the airbag into the airbag, the head can be effectively fixed and horizontal shaking can be prevented, thereby further improving the quality of magnetic resonance imaging.

[0017] Preferably, the sandbag is bowl-shaped.

[0018] In this invention, the sandbag is bowl-shaped. Wrapping the patient's head with the sandbag not only improves comfort but also effectively wraps the head, removes surrounding air artifacts, and improves the quality of magnetic resonance imaging.

[0019] Preferably, the sandbags disposed within the circular segment side plate and the rectangular segment side plate are independent of each other.

[0020] Preferably, the sandbags disposed within the base plate are divided into multiple independent sections.

[0021] In this invention, the sandbag is divided into multiple independent parts, which helps to keep the sandbag independent and prevents the fine sand inside the sandbag from moving to one position.

[0022] The usage method of the fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging of this utility model is summarized as follows:

[0023] Step 1: Place the head MRI fixation device on the head coil of the MRI machine;

[0024] Step 2: The patient's head is placed in a fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging;

[0025] Step 3: Adjust the patient's posture so that the circular side panel covers the patient's head, and the rectangular side panel and the front side panel limit the patient's neck.

[0026] Step 4: Inflate the balloon to add air. One side of the balloon can press against the coil at the head, and the other side can compress the side plate, so that the sandbag inside the side plate presses against the patient's mandible.

[0027] Step 5: Slightly adjust the patient's head so that the sandbag inside the outer plate is completely in contact with the patient's head. At this time, the outer plate can be squeezed outward.

[0028] Step 6: After the patient's examination is completed, the airbag is deflated, causing the sandbag near the airbag to separate from the patient's mandible;

[0029] Step 7: The patient's head is removed, and the outer plate returns to its original position. During the return process, the sandbag can be adjusted to its initial state.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects and significant progress of the technical solution of this utility model are as follows: The fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging of this utility model combines a dual fixation method of sandbag and airbag, which can significantly improve the head fixation accuracy, reduce motion artifacts, and improve the MRI image quality while ensuring patient comfort. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly introduced below.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging according to this utility model;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a side view of a fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a top view of a fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging according to this utility model;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the usage state of a fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging according to this utility model;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a partial view of the use state of a fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging according to this utility model;

[0038] The attached diagram shows the following components: 1. Outer plate; 2. Sandbag; 3. Inflatable assembly; 4. Head coil; 1.1. Base plate; 1.2. Side plate; 1.11. Rectangular segment; 1.12. Circular segment; 1.21. Rectangular segment side plate; 1.22. Circular segment side plate; 1.23. Front side plate; 3.1. Airbag; 3.2. Connecting tube; 3.3. Inflatable airbag. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, beneficial effects and significant advancements of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings provided in the embodiments of this utility model.

[0040] Obviously, all the embodiments described are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments; based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0041] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," and "third" (if present), etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this utility model are only used to distinguish different objects and not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the term "comprising" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0042] What needs to be understood is:

[0043] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection", "fixing" and other such terms should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection or a movable connection, or it can be integrated; it can be a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an invisible signal connection, or even an optical connection; it can be the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited.

[0044] Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0045] It should also be noted that the following specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments.

[0046] The technical solution of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments.

[0047] Example 1

[0048] like Figure 1-3As shown, a fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging includes an outer plate 1, sandbags 2, and an inflation assembly 3. The outer plate 1 includes a base plate 1.1 and a side plate 1.2. The cross-section of the base plate 1.1 is bulb-shaped, including a rectangular segment 1.11 and a circular segment 1.12. The side plate 1.2 is vertically disposed at the edge of the base plate 1.1. Sandbags 2 are provided on the inner surfaces of both the base plate 1.1 and the side plate 1.2. The inflation assembly 3 includes an air bladder 3.1, a connecting tube 3.2, and an inflatable balloon 3.3. The air bladder 3.1 is disposed on the side plate 1.2, and the air bladder 3.1 is connected to the inflatable balloon 3.3 through the connecting tube 3.2.

[0049] In this embodiment, the outer panel 1 is made of an elastic and shrinkable material.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the side plate 1.2 includes a circular segment side plate 1.22, a rectangular segment side plate 1.21, and a front side plate 1.23. The circular segment side plate 1.22 is arc-shaped and is located on the circular segment 1.12 of the base plate 1.1. The rectangular segment side plate 1.21 is an inwardly concave arc shape and is located on the left and right sides of the rectangular segment 1.11 of the base plate 1.1. The front side plate 1.23 has a groove at the top and is located on the front side of the rectangular segment 1.11 of the base plate 1.1.

[0051] In this embodiment, there are two airbags 3.1, which are respectively disposed on the two rectangular side plates 1.21 on the left and right sides of the rectangular section 1.11 of the base plate 1.1.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, the sandbag 2 is bowl-shaped. The sandbags 2 located within the circular side plate 1.22 and the rectangular side plate 1.21 are independent of each other. The sandbags 2 located within the base plate 1.1 are divided into multiple independent parts.

[0053] Example 2

[0054] A cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination was performed using the fixation device for cranial MRI as described in Example 1. For example... Figure 5-6 As shown, the usage method verification is summarized as follows.

[0055] Step 1: Place the head magnetic resonance imaging fixation device on the head coil 4 of the magnetic resonance imaging instrument;

[0056] Step 2: The patient's head is placed in a fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging;

[0057] Step 3: Adjust the patient's posture so that the circular side plate 1.22 covers the patient's head, and the rectangular side plate 1.21 and the frontal side plate 1.23 limit the patient's neck.

[0058] Step 4: Inflate the airbag 3.3 to inflate the airbag 3.1, and expand the airbag 3.1 as follows. Figure 6As shown, one side of the airbag 3.1 can abut against the head coil 4, and the other side can compress the side plate 1.2, so that the sandbag 2 inside the side plate 1.2 abuts against the patient's mandible;

[0059] Step 5: Slightly adjust the patient's head so that the sandbag 2 inside the outer plate 1 is completely in contact with the patient's head. At this time, the outer plate 1 can be squeezed outward.

[0060] Step 6: After the patient's examination is completed, the airbag 3.1 is deflated, causing the sandbag 2 near the airbag 3.1 to separate from the patient's mandible;

[0061] Step 7: The patient's head leaves the body, and the outer plate 1 returns to its original position. During the return of the outer plate 1, the sandbag 2 can be adjusted to its initial state.

[0062] In summary, the fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging of this invention has the following advantages during use:

[0063] 1. Enhanced head fixation: By combining sandbags and airbags, the fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging of this invention can comprehensively wrap and stabilize the patient's head, prevent shaking during the scanning process, and significantly reduce the generation of motion artifacts.

[0064] 2. Improved imaging quality: The full-coverage design of the sandbag not only fixes the head but also eliminates air artifacts around the head, optimizes the magnetic resonance imaging effect, and improves image clarity and diagnostic accuracy.

[0065] 3. High adaptability: The fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging of this utility model can be precisely adjusted according to the patient's head shape and needs through the inflation adjustment function of the air bag. It is suitable for patients of different body types, and is particularly effective for patients with Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease who cannot remain still for a long time.

[0066] 4. Improve patient comfort: Using soft sandbags to wrap the head avoids the pressure of traditional fixation devices, providing patients with a more comfortable examination experience and enhancing their cooperation. It is especially suitable for long-term scanning.

[0067] 5. Simple and efficient: The device is easy to operate and the inflation adjustment is quick and convenient, which can complete the head fixation in a short time and improve the preparation efficiency before scanning.

[0068] The applicant declares that, in the process of describing the above-mentioned specification:

[0069] The terms "this embodiment," "this utility model embodiment," "as shown," "further," and "further improved technical sub-scheme," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in the embodiment or example that are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms are not necessarily directed at the same embodiment or example, and the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined or combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, without causing contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine or combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of the different embodiments or examples.

[0070] Finally, it should be noted that:

[0071] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it;

[0072] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention. Non-essential improvements, adjustments or substitutions made by those skilled in the art based on the content of this specification are all within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging, characterized in that, The device includes an outer panel, sandbags, and an inflation assembly. The outer panel includes a bottom panel and side panels. The bottom panel has a bulb-shaped cross-section, including rectangular and circular segments. The side panels are vertically disposed at the edge of the bottom panel. Sandbags are provided on the inner surfaces of both the bottom panel and the side panels. The inflation assembly includes an air bladder, a connecting tube, and an inflatable balloon. The air bladder is disposed on the side panel and is connected to the inflatable balloon through the connecting tube.

2. The fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging according to claim 1, wherein The outer panel is made of an elastic, shrinkable material.

3. The fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging according to claim 2, wherein The side plate includes a circular segment side plate, a rectangular segment side plate, and a front side plate. The circular segment side plate is arc-shaped and is disposed on the circular segment of the base plate. The rectangular segment side plate is an inwardly concave arc shape and is disposed on the left and right sides of the rectangular segment of the base plate. The upper part of the front side plate is provided with a groove and is disposed on the front side of the rectangular segment of the base plate.

4. The fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging as described in claim 3, characterized in that, There are two airbags, which are respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the rectangular section of the base plate.

5. The fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging according to claim 3, wherein The sandbags are bowl-shaped.

6. The fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging according to claim 5, wherein The sandbags placed inside the circular and rectangular side plates are independent of each other.

7. The fixation device for cranial magnetic resonance imaging according to claim 5, wherein The sandbags placed inside the base plate are divided into multiple independent sections.

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