A neck support device to assist head treatment in MR

Abstract

This invention discloses a neck support device for assisting head treatment in MRI, comprising a suspended neck brace, an inflatable neck brace, and a fixation frame assembly. The inflatable neck brace is connected to the suspended neck brace, which is in turn connected to the fixation frame assembly. The fixation frame assembly is used to fix the patient's head, and the suspended neck brace provides a support platform for the air cushion. The inflatable neck brace is placed on the patient's neck to support the neck and provide comfort. This neck support device for assisting head treatment in MRI is suitable for various interventional treatments and long-term imaging scans in an MRI environment. It not only has good MRI compatibility, ensuring stable operation in a strong magnetic field environment, but also possesses high adjustability and comfort to adapt to the individualized needs of different patients. Furthermore, it is easy to install and disassemble quickly, adapting to confined equipment spaces and improving the overall convenience and efficiency of operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of magnetic resonance imaging equipment, and more particularly to a neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR. Background Technology

[0002] Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), a non-invasive, high-resolution medical imaging technique, is widely used in clinical diagnosis and various treatments due to its excellent soft tissue contrast and multi-planar imaging capabilities. In recent years, with the rapid development of MRI-guided interventional therapies (such as MRI-guided radiotherapy, MRI-guided surgery, and MRIgHIFU), these techniques combine the real-time imaging advantages of MRI, providing precise, effective, and reusable solutions for the treatment of complex diseases, significantly improving treatment outcomes and reducing patient trauma and recovery time.

[0003] In clinical practice, MRI-guided interventional procedures and prolonged imaging scans often require patients to maintain a static posture for extended periods within the confined space of the MRI machine to ensure image clarity and treatment accuracy. However, this prolonged static posture places a significant burden on the patient's neck and head, leading to discomfort, pain, and even muscle fatigue, severely impacting patient compliance and the overall treatment experience.

[0004] Existing neck support methods mostly use simple foam pads, disposable materials, or fixed support devices. These methods have the following main problems:

[0005] 1. Unstable support: Traditional sponge pads are difficult to integrate effectively with fixation frames and cranial screw systems, and are prone to displacement during treatment, affecting the accuracy and safety of the treatment.

[0006] 2. Difficulty in adjustment: Due to the large differences in neck size and shape among patients, existing support methods are difficult to provide personalized adjustments and cannot meet the needs of different patients for comfort and support strength.

[0007] 3. Insufficient comfort: During long-term treatment, traditional support methods often fail to provide sufficient comfort, leading to neck fatigue, tenderness, or even nerve discomfort, which affects the treatment experience.

[0008] 4. Material incompatibility: Some traditional support materials may be interfered with in a strong magnetic field environment, affecting the normal operation of MRI equipment and even causing safety hazards, such as material magnetization leading to equipment damage or magnetic attraction injury to patients. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In view of the aforementioned deficiencies in the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by this invention is the existence of problems such as unstable support, difficulty in adjustment, insufficient comfort, and material incompatibility in existing neck supports in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) environment. This invention provides a neck support device for assisting head treatment in MRI, suitable for various interventional treatments and long-term imaging scans in the MRI environment. It not only has good MRI compatibility, ensuring stable operation in a strong magnetic field environment, but also possesses high adjustability and comfort to adapt to the individualized needs of different patients. Furthermore, it is easy to install and disassemble quickly, adapting to confined equipment spaces and improving the overall convenience and efficiency of operation.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR, including a suspended neck brace, an inflatable neck brace, and a fixation frame assembly. The inflatable neck brace is connected to the suspended neck brace, and the suspended neck brace is connected to the fixation frame assembly. The fixation frame assembly is used to fix the patient's head, the suspended neck brace is used to provide a support platform for the air cushion, and the inflatable neck brace is placed on the patient's neck to support the neck and provide comfort.

[0011] Furthermore, the suspension neck brace includes a suspension neck brace slot and a neck conformal surface, with the suspension neck brace slot located on both sides of the neck conformal surface.

[0012] Furthermore, the inflatable neck brace includes a double-layer air cushion, an air tube, a handheld airbag, and a one-way valve. The handheld airbag is connected to the double-layer air cushion via the air tube, and the one-way valve is located on the side of the air tube near the handheld airbag.

[0013] Furthermore, the neck-conforming surface of the suspension neck brace includes an air duct opening, and a double-layer air cushion is set on the inner side of the neck-conforming surface. The air duct passes through the air duct opening, so that the handheld airbag inflates the double-layer air cushion on the outer side of the suspension neck brace.

[0014] Furthermore, the double-layer air cushion is connected to the neck-conforming surface of the suspension neck brace via Velcro.

[0015] Furthermore, the fixation frame assembly includes a base, a fixation frame, a neck guide rod, a telescopic rod, and a skull nail. The fixation frame is connected to the base via a positioning pin. There are two neck guide rods located at the bottom of the fixation frame. The telescopic rod is located at the top of the fixation frame and is slidably connected to the fixation frame. The skull nail is located at the top of the telescopic rod and the neck guide rod.

[0016] Furthermore, the suspension neck brace engages with the neck guide rod via a suspension neck brace slot.

[0017] Furthermore, the suspension neck brace slot includes a set screw hole. The suspension neck brace first engages with the neck guide rod through the suspension neck brace slot to be adjusted to a suitable position, and then is secured to the neck guide rod through the set screw hole to ensure stability.

[0018] Furthermore, the double-layer air cushion includes an upper air cushion, a lower air inlet, a lower air cushion, an upper air inlet, and a middle partition. The middle partition is disposed between the upper air cushion and the lower air cushion. The lower air inlet is disposed at the bottom of the lower air cushion, and the upper air inlet is disposed on the middle partition.

[0019] Furthermore, the total opening area of ​​the upper air inlet accounts for 30% to 50% of the partition area.

[0020] Technical effect

[0021] The neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR provided by this utility model has the following advantages:

[0022] 1. High stability: The cervical collar and the fixation frame are firmly connected. The fixation frame assembly, through the precise fit between the cervical collar slot and the telescopic rod, combined with the cranial nail to fix the patient's head, ensures the stability of the device during treatment and avoids any displacement from affecting the accuracy of treatment.

[0023] 2. Highly Adjustable: The inflatable neck pad design allows for pressure adjustment via a handheld airbag, enabling continuous adjustment of height and support strength to adapt to different patients' neck shapes and comfort needs. It also prevents gas leakage, ensuring stable and durable support. The combination of the telescopic rod and inflatable neck pad allows for continuous adjustment of neck support height and strength, meeting the personalized requirements of different patients and treatment needs.

[0024] 3. Superior Comfort: The double-layer air cushion structure and neck-conforming design provide even support distribution, reduce local pressure points, improve patient comfort, and alleviate discomfort caused by prolonged fixed postures. The inflatable neck cushion uses a double-layer air cushion structure, with independent air inlets and air tubes connecting the upper and lower layers, to achieve precise air pressure adjustment, providing more even and comfortable support to adapt to different patients' neck shapes and support needs.

[0025] 4. Magnetic Resonance Compatibility: The device uses highly magnetic resonance compatible materials such as PEEK (neck brace) and TPU (air cushion) to ensure that it will not cause interference in a strong magnetic field environment, thus avoiding any impact on the normal operation of the MRI equipment and ensuring patient safety.

[0026] 5. Easy to operate: The modular design makes the device easy to install and disassemble quickly. The suspension neck brace, inflatable neck pad, and fixation frame components are modularly designed, which facilitates quick installation and disassembly, adapts to different clinical needs and limited equipment space, and improves the convenience and efficiency of operation.

[0027] The following will further explain the concept, specific structure and technical effects of this utility model in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, so as to fully understand the purpose, features and effects of this utility model. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a side view schematic diagram of a neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR, which is a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR, comprising a suspended neck brace and an inflatable neck pad, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR, comprising a suspended neck brace and an inflatable neck pad, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a double-layer air cushion of a neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6-1 This is a cross-sectional view of a double-layer air cushion of a neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a side view of a telescopic rod of a neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a rear view of a telescopic rod of a neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a rear view of a neck guide rod of a neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a rear view of a neck guide rod of a neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR, which is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0040] like Figure 1-10 As shown, this utility model provides a neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR, including a suspended neck brace 100, an inflatable neck brace 200, and a fixation frame assembly 300. The inflatable neck brace 200 is connected to the suspended neck brace 100, and the suspended neck brace 100 is connected to the fixation frame assembly 300. The fixation frame assembly 300 is used to fix the patient's head, and the suspended neck brace 100 is used to provide a support platform for the inflatable neck brace 200. The inflatable neck brace 200 is placed on the patient's neck to support the neck and provide comfort.

[0041] The neck brace 100 includes a neck brace slot 102 and a neck-conforming curved surface 103, with the neck brace slot 102 located on both sides of the neck-conforming curved surface 103. The neck-conforming curved surface 103 is arc-shaped. The neck brace 100 avoids interference during the wearing and installation process when the patient wears the fixation frame 301 and the fixation frame 301 is installed on the base. By adjusting the position of the neck guide rod, it can also adapt to the support points required for different neck lengths, and it also allows for quick installation and removal.

[0042] The inflatable neck brace 200 includes a double-layer air cushion 201, an air tube 202, a handheld airbag 203, and a one-way valve 204. The handheld airbag 203 is connected to the double-layer air cushion 201 through the air tube 202. The one-way valve 204 is located on the side of the air tube near the handheld airbag and is used to deflate.

[0043] The neck support 100 has a neck contour surface 103 including an air duct opening 104. A double-layer air cushion 201 is disposed on the inner side of the neck contour surface 103, and an air tube 202 passes through the air duct opening 104, allowing the handheld airbag 203 to inflate the double-layer air cushion from the outer side of the neck support. The double-layer air cushion 201 is connected to the neck contour surface 103 of the neck support 100 by Velcro.

[0044] The double-layer air cushion 201 includes a lower air cushion 2011, a lower air inlet 2012, an upper air cushion 2013, an upper air inlet 2014, and a middle partition 2015. The bottom of the lower air cushion 2011 is arc-shaped, matching the arc-shaped surface of the neck conformal surface 103. The top of the upper air cushion 2013 is also arc-shaped, matching the curvature of the human neck. The upper air inlet is located on the middle partition 2015 of the upper air cushion 2013. The lower air inlet 2012 is located at the bottom of the lower air cushion. The middle partition 2015 is located between the upper and lower air cushions to increase the stability of the overall air cushion structure. The middle partition is made of reinforced TPU material. The upper air inlet is relatively large, with the total opening area accounting for 30% to 50% of the partition area, achieving uniform flow distribution of gas from the lower layer to the upper layer; and the evenly distributed openings ensure uniform force distribution during inflation. The openings in the middle partition plate are consistent with the openings in the upper air inlet. In another preferred embodiment of this utility model, the upper air inlet can also be designed as a honeycomb type opening, provided that the total area of ​​the openings and the uniform distribution of the openings are guaranteed. Figure 6-1 As shown.

[0045] The diameter of the lower air inlet is equal to the diameter of the trachea. A small air intake ensures that during inflation, excessive air intake will not cause the air cushion to suddenly lift the head, resulting in excessive pressure on the skull from the cranial nails and potential injury. Because the opening area of ​​the upper air inlet is large enough, air intake and exhaust from both the upper and lower air cushions occur simultaneously during inflation and deflation. During use, the inflation volume needs to be judged and controlled by the patient's own senses and should be confirmed in real-time with the doctor.

[0046] The fixation frame assembly 300 includes a base 305, a fixation frame 301, a neck guide rod 309, a telescopic rod 302, and a skull nail 303. The fixation frame 301 is connected to the base 305 via a positioning pin 306. Two neck guide rods 309 are provided at the bottom of the fixation frame 301. The telescopic rod 302 is provided at the top of the fixation frame and is slidably connected to the fixation frame 301. The skull nail 303 is provided at the top of the telescopic rod 302. The top of the telescopic rod 302 is arc-shaped. The neck guide rod 309 includes a skull nail mounting hole 3091, a neck guide rod slide rail 3092, a neck guide rod scale 3093, and a neck guide rod groove 3094. The cross-section of the neck guide rod is convex. The neck guide rod groove is located in the middle of the neck guide rod and is a through hole. The neck guide rod scale is located at the upper part of the neck guide rod. The neck guide rod slide rail is located at the lower part of the neck guide rod and its width is smaller than that of the upper part of the neck guide rod. The neck brace slot 102 and the neck guide rod slide rail 3092 are connected by a sliding groove and secured with screws. The neck guide rod slide rail 3092 is connected to the slot of the fixing frame 301. The neck guide rod slide groove 3094 can be embedded with a slider nut. The fixing frame 301 and the neck guide rod 309 are connected by screws. The neck guide rod is frame-shaped and arc-shaped to match the conformal curvature of the neck of the neck brace. In this embodiment of the invention, the cranial nail installed on the neck guide rod 309 provides support for the back of the patient's head.

[0047] The base 305 is designed with a cuboid base, with two vertical columns on each side of the cuboid forming a base support. Two notches are located at the top of the two columns for securing the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket 301 is a hexagonal shape with a non-continuous top and an arc-shaped bottom. Fixing blocks are located on both sides of the mounting bracket, each with a locating pin guide groove and threaded holes. The mounting bracket engages with the locating pins 306 in the notches of the base columns via the fixing blocks, and a hand-tightened bolt connects the upper notch of the base to the fixing blocks of the mounting bracket. Through holes are located in the middle of the columns on both sides of the base, and threaded holes are also located on both sides of the mounting bracket. Hand-tightened bolts are used to connect the columns to the mounting bracket, ensuring the stability of the device during use. The locating pins 306 are non-magnetic.

[0048] The neck guide rod 309 mates with the slot of the fixing frame 301, and the suspension neck brace 100 mates with the neck guide rod 309 through the suspension neck brace slot 102. The suspension neck brace slot 102 includes a set screw hole 101. The suspension neck brace is first adjusted to a suitable position by mates with the neck guide rod through the suspension neck brace slot, and then secured to the neck guide rod through the set screw hole to ensure stability. The suspension neck brace 100 is coupled to the neck guide rod 309 through an adjustable neck guide rod slide groove. By adjusting the position of the neck guide rod, it can adapt to the support points required for different neck lengths.

[0049] The telescopic rod 302 has slide rails on both sides that cooperate with the fixing frame, and fixing holes are provided at corresponding positions on the fixing frame. In use, after extending the cranial nail 303 at the top of the telescopic rod 302 to a suitable position on the patient's head, a T-shaped slider nut is embedded in the telescopic rod slide groove 3025 and adjusted to align with the fixing holes on the fixing frame. The telescopic rod is then fixed with screws. After positioning, the cranial nail assists in fixing the patient's head. The telescopic rod 302 includes a second cranial nail mounting hole 3021, a third cranial nail mounting hole 3022, a telescopic rod slide rail 3023, a telescopic rod scale 3024, and a telescopic rod slide groove 3025. The second and third cranial nail mounting holes 3021 and 3022 are two pairs of cranial nail mounting holes with different spacing to accommodate patients with different skull widths. The telescopic rod slide rail 3023 and the slot of the fixing frame 301 form a slide rail slot fit; the telescopic rod scale 3024 is used to read and adjust the telescopic displacement of the telescopic rod 302; the telescopic rod slide groove is used to install the slider nut, which is connected through the fixing hole on the fixing frame 301 to fix the telescopic rod 302.

[0050] In this embodiment of the invention, the fixation frame assembly is made of titanium alloy, which has magnetic compatibility properties. Furthermore, it uses high magnetic resonance compatibility materials such as PEEK (neck brace) and TPU (air cushion) to ensure that the device will not cause interference in a strong magnetic field environment, thus avoiding any impact on the normal operation of the MRI equipment and ensuring the safety of the patient.

[0051] The following will describe in detail the usage process of the neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR provided by this utility model:

[0052] 1. Installation of the base of the mounting bracket assembly

[0053] Choose an installation location: Determine a suitable location on the treatment bed or MRI machine to install the base 305, ensuring it does not interfere with the normal operation of the equipment or the patient's comfort. Securely fix the base 305 in the selected location, using appropriate tools (such as an MRI-compatible screwdriver and wrench) to ensure a secure installation and prevent displacement during treatment. Install the neck guide rod and telescopic rod, attaching them to the mounting bracket and adjusting the length.

[0054] 2. Connect the suspension neck brace. Connect the suspension neck brace slot 102 to the neck guide rod 309 via the slot fit; the suspension neck brace 100 is secured to the neck guide rod 309 via the locking thread hole 101 to ensure its stability during treatment.

[0055] 3. Install the inflatable neck brace. Secure the double-layer air cushion: Secure the double-layer air cushion 201 of the inflatable neck pad 200 to the neck conformal surface 103 of the suspension neck brace 100 using Velcro, ensuring the air cushion evenly covers the patient's neck area. Check the adhesion: Confirm that the adhesion between the air cushion 201 and the suspension neck brace 100 is firm and there is no looseness. Ensure the connection is tight and leak-free, and ensure the one-way valve 204 is functioning properly to prevent gas backflow.

[0056] 4. Install the patient's head immobilization device. Prepare the patient: Before treatment, have the patient sit in a chair and adjust their position so that their head is directly under the immobilization frame assembly. Then, have the patient wear the immobilization frame.

[0057] 5. Connecting the cranial nail: Place the telescopic rod 302 into the fixation frame 301, align the cranial nail 303 with the appropriate position on the patient's head 304, and gently fix the patient's head on the telescopic rod 302, ensuring a secure connection between the cranial nail and the head without causing discomfort, and ensuring that the head remains stable and does not move during treatment. The patient needs to be seated during the wearing process.

[0058] 6. Final Adjustment. The patient lies down, aligns the fixation frame 301 with the positioning hole on the base 305 and positions it using the positioning pin 306, then secures it to the base 305 using the set nut 307. Check each connection point of the fixation frame assembly 300, the suspension neck brace 100, and the inflatable neck cushion 200 to ensure all components are securely installed. Then inflate the air cushion, allowing the patient to adjust it according to their comfort level. Confirm with the doctor that inflation is complete before starting treatment.

[0059] 7. Air pressure release after treatment. After treatment, operate the one-way valve 204 to slowly release the air pressure, causing the air cushion 201 to gradually soften and release support for the neck.

[0060] 8. Disassembly. Disconnect the connection between the fixation frame 301 and the base 305, and allow the patient to sit up in the chair. Release the cranial screws, and the patient is removed from the fixation frame. Release the connection between the telescopic rod 302 and the fixation frame 301. Remove the inflatable neck cushion 200 from the suspension neck brace 100 for storage, cleaning, or disposal as a disposable consumable. Finally, ensure all components are safely removed and properly stored.

[0061] The preferred embodiments of this utility model have been described in detail above. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications and variations based on the concept of this utility model without creative effort. Therefore, all technical solutions that can be obtained by those skilled in the art based on the concept of this utility model through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation on the basis of existing technology should be within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR, characterized in that, The device includes a suspension neck brace, an inflatable neck brace, and a fixation frame assembly. The inflatable neck brace is connected to the suspension neck brace, and the suspension neck brace is connected to the fixation frame assembly. The fixation frame assembly is used to fix the patient's head. The suspension neck brace is used to provide a support platform for the air cushion. The inflatable neck brace is placed on the patient's neck to support the neck and provide comfort.

2. The neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The suspension neck brace includes a suspension neck brace slot and a neck conformal surface, with the suspension neck brace slot located on both sides of the neck conformal surface.

3. A neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The inflatable neck brace includes a double-layer air cushion, an air tube, a handheld airbag, and a one-way valve. The handheld airbag is connected to the double-layer air cushion through the air tube, and the one-way valve is located on the side of the air tube near the handheld airbag.

4. A neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The neck support includes an air tube opening in its neck conformal surface. The double-layer air cushion is disposed on the inner side of the neck conformal surface. The air tube passes through the air tube opening, allowing the handheld airbag to inflate the double-layer air cushion on the outer side of the neck support.

5. A neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The double-layer air cushion is connected to the neck-conforming surface of the suspension neck brace via Velcro.

6. A neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The fixation frame assembly includes a base, a fixation frame, a neck guide rod, a telescopic rod, and a skull nail. The fixation frame is connected to the base via a positioning pin. There are two neck guide rods located at the bottom of the fixation frame. The telescopic rod is located at the top of the fixation frame and is slidably connected to it. The skull nail is located at the top of the telescopic rod and the neck guide rod.

7. A neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The suspension neck brace engages with the neck guide rod via a suspension neck brace slot.

8. A neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The suspension neck brace slot includes a set screw hole. The suspension neck brace first engages with the neck guide rod through the suspension neck brace slot to be adjusted to a suitable position, and then is secured to the neck guide rod through the set screw hole to ensure stability.

9. A neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The double-layer air cushion includes an upper air cushion, a lower air inlet, a lower air cushion, an upper air inlet, and a middle partition. The middle partition is disposed between the upper air cushion and the lower air cushion. The lower air inlet is disposed at the lower part of the lower air cushion, and the upper air inlet is disposed on the middle partition.

10. A neck support device for assisting head treatment in MR as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The total opening area of ​​the upper air inlet accounts for 30% to 50% of the partition area.

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