A body positioning support device for MRI examination of pregnant women
By designing a body positioning support device for pregnant women undergoing MRI examinations, the problems of fetal hypoxia and leg compression during the examination were solved, resulting in improved comfort and image quality.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FOURTH MILITARY MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-31
AI Technical Summary
During MRI scans in the mid-to-late stages of pregnancy, the supine position can lead to fetal hypoxia and poor image quality, while the left lateral decubitus position is difficult to maintain for a long time and causes discomfort due to leg compression. The lack of effective support devices also affects the safety and comfort of the examination.
Design a postural support device for pregnant women undergoing magnetic resonance imaging examinations, including a head pillow, an arc-shaped back support, an abdominal support, and a leg support. Together with a support plate, it supports the pregnant woman's neck, back, abdomen, and legs, maintains a left lateral position, reduces fetal movement, and relieves leg pressure.
To improve the comfort of pregnant women during examinations, reduce fetal movement, shorten examination time, improve image quality, and enhance the pregnant woman's tolerance and examination experience.
Smart Images
Figure CN224572744U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of medical device technology, specifically relating to a body positioning support device for pregnant women undergoing magnetic resonance imaging examinations. Background Technology
[0002] In the field of prenatal medical examinations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an important tool for pregnant women in the second and third trimesters to screen for fetal developmental abnormalities and assess maternal health due to its advantages of being radiation-free and having high soft tissue resolution. During this stage, the pregnant woman's abdomen is significantly distended, and the choice of position during the examination not only directly affects the mother's comfort but also has a crucial impact on fetal blood flow and the quality of MRI image acquisition. Therefore, proper positioning plays an indispensable role in MRI examinations during the second and third trimesters.
[0003] Currently, most MRI scans for pregnant women in the mid-to-late stages of pregnancy are performed in a supine position. However, this position has significant drawbacks: Firstly, the enlarged abdomen of the pregnant woman makes it easy for the pregnant uterus to compress the abdominal aorta, resulting in insufficient placental blood perfusion, causing fetal hypoxia, and leading to frequent fetal movements. Frequent fetal movements not only prolong the examination time (requiring waiting for the fetal movements to stabilize before re-acquiring images), but also increase image artifacts due to changes in fetal position, seriously affecting the image quality required for diagnosis. Secondly, compression of the abdominal aorta can also affect the pregnant woman's own blood circulation, causing discomfort symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing, reducing her tolerance to the examination. Although studies have shown that the left lateral decubitus position can improve the above-mentioned problems, this position can reduce the pressure of the pregnant uterus on the aorta and iliac arteries, maintain normal uterine artery blood flow to ensure placental blood supply, reduce fetal movement, and increase the amount of blood returning to the heart and kidneys, improve blood supply to the uterus, placenta and brain tissue, and improve the comfort of pregnant women, pregnant women cannot maintain the left lateral decubitus position for a long time on their own. Muscle fatigue can easily cause discomfort again, leading to frequent fetal movements and affecting the examination results. In addition, leg edema is common during pregnancy. When lying on the left side, the right leg presses on the left leg for a long time, which will aggravate the local pressure on the left leg, causing pain and discomfort, and further reducing the examination experience. In summary, during current MRI examinations in the mid-to-late stages of pregnancy, the supine position easily causes discomfort for both mother and baby and affects image quality. While the left lateral decubitus position has advantages, it is difficult to apply effectively due to the pregnant woman's limited ability to maintain the position and leg compression issues. Currently, there is a lack of dedicated devices that can help pregnant women maintain a stable left lateral decubitus position and relieve leg compression, which restricts the safety, comfort, and image acquisition quality of MRI examinations for pregnant women. There is an urgent need for a targeted positional assistance device to solve the above-mentioned technical pain points. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a body positioning support device for pregnant women undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. The device supports the pregnant woman's neck, left back, and abdomen through a head pillow, an arc-shaped back support, and an abdominal support surface, allowing the pregnant woman to maintain a left lateral position during the MRI examination. At the same time, the leg support end and the support plate work together to support the pregnant woman's right leg and provide protection for the left leg, thereby improving the comfort of the pregnant woman during the MRI examination.
[0005] The specific technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: A postural support device for MRI examination of pregnant women includes a posterior pillow core, a front pillow core, and a connecting strap. The front pillow core is disposed on one side of the posterior pillow core, and the connecting strap is assembled between the posterior and front pillow cores. A head pillow core is provided at one end of the posterior pillow core, and an arc-shaped connecting section is provided between the posterior and head pillow cores. An arc-shaped support back is obliquely formed on the side of the posterior pillow core near the front pillow core, and the arc-shaped support back is configured to support the back of the pregnant woman. An abdominal support surface is formed on the side of the front pillow core near the posterior pillow core. The cross-sectional shape of the abdominal support surface in the vertical direction is arc-shaped, and the abdominal support surface is configured to support the abdomen of the pregnant woman. A leg support end is formed inside the front pillow core at the end away from the head pillow core and at the end located on the abdominal support surface. The leg support end is configured to support the right leg when the pregnant woman is in a left lateral decubitus position during the examination. An avoidance groove is formed inside the leg support end, and the avoidance groove is configured to place the left leg when the pregnant woman is in a left lateral decubitus position during the examination.
[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, a support plate is fixed inside the clearance groove. Multiple support ribs are provided at the upper end of the support plate, and the multiple support ribs are crisscrossed. Both ends of the support plate are provided with legs. The legs have clearance surfaces inside, and the bottom of the legs and the bottom of the front pillow core are on the same horizontal plane.
[0007] In one embodiment of this utility model, an anti-collision element is fixed inside the support plate.
[0008] In one embodiment of this utility model, the materials of the back pillow core, head pillow core, front pillow core and anti-collision element are any one of the following materials: memory foam, natural latex, cotton, and down.
[0009] In one embodiment of this utility model, the outer sides of the back pillow core and the head pillow core are covered with a first protective sleeve, and the outer sides of the front pillow core are covered with a second protective sleeve. The materials of the first protective sleeve and the second protective sleeve are any one of the following materials: organic cotton fabric, bamboo fiber fabric, and combed cotton fabric.
[0010] In one embodiment of this utility model, a Velcro assembly is fitted between the rear headrest core and the connecting strap, as well as between the front headrest core and the connecting strap.
[0011] In one embodiment of this utility model, the width of the abdominal support surface is denoted as W1, and the width of the leg support end is denoted as W2, where W2 is greater than W1.
[0012] The technical effects achieved by this utility model are as follows: This invention provides support for the pregnant woman's neck, left back, and abdomen through a head pillow core, an arc-shaped back support, and an abdominal support surface, respectively. This allows the pregnant woman to maintain a left lateral position during MRI examination, improving her comfort during the examination, thereby reducing fetal movement, shortening the examination time, and ultimately improving the image quality of the MRI. This invention provides support for the pregnant woman's right leg during an MRI examination while she is lying on her left side. The support plate also provides protection for her left leg, preventing pressure on the left leg caused by maintaining the same sleeping position for an extended period during the examination. This further improves the comfort of the pregnant woman during the MRI examination. Attached Figure Description
[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a rear view of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a top view of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 4 This utility model Figure 3 Structural cross-sectional view at point AA; Figure 5 This utility model Figure 3 Structural cross-sectional view at point BB; Figure 6 This utility model Figure 3 Structural cross-sectional view at point C; Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the internal structure of the front pillow core of this utility model; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the support plate of this utility model.
[0014] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows: 10. Back pillow core; 11. Head pillow core; 12. Arc-shaped back support; 20. Front pillow core; 21. Abdomen support surface; 22. Leg support end; 23. Avoidance groove; 24. Support plate; 25. Support rib; 26. Support leg; 27. Avoidance surface; 28. Anti-collision element; 30. Connecting strap. Detailed Implementation
[0015] To make the objectives and advantages of this utility model clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with embodiments. It should be understood that the following text is merely used to describe one or more specific embodiments of this utility model and does not strictly limit the scope of protection specifically claimed by this utility model.
[0016] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, a postural support device for pregnant women undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) includes a back pillow core 10, a front pillow core 20, and a connecting strap 30. The front pillow core 20 is disposed on one side of the back pillow core 10, and the connecting strap 30 is fitted between the back pillow core 10 and the front pillow core 20. A head pillow core 11 is provided at one end of the back pillow core 10, and an arc-shaped connecting section is provided between the back pillow core 10 and the head pillow core 11. An arc-shaped support back 12 is obliquely formed on the side of the back pillow core 10 near the front pillow core 20, and the arc-shaped support back 12 is configured to support the back of the pregnant woman. The front pillow core 20 has a support surface 21 on the side near the rear pillow core 10. The cross-sectional shape of the support surface 21 in the vertical direction is arc-shaped. The support surface 21 is configured to support the abdomen of the pregnant woman. The front pillow core 20 has a leg support end 22 at the end away from the head pillow core 11 and at the end of the support surface 21. The leg support end 22 is configured to support the right leg when the pregnant woman is examined in a left lateral position. The leg support end 22 has a relief groove 23 inside. The relief groove 23 is configured to place the left leg when the pregnant woman is examined in a left lateral position.
[0017] Here, the overall outline of this device can be referred to in the prior art for pregnancy pillows or side-sleeping pillows. The structure not described in detail in this application can be referred to in the prior art, and will not be elaborated further here.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figures 7 to 8 As shown, a support plate 24 is fixed inside the clearance groove 23. Multiple support ribs 25 are integrally formed on the upper end of the support plate 24, and the multiple support ribs 25 are crisscrossed. Both ends of the support plate 24 are integrally formed with legs 26. The legs 26 have clearance surfaces 27 inside, and the bottom of the legs 26 and the bottom of the front pillow core 20 are on the same horizontal plane.
[0019] It should be noted that the material of the clearance groove 23 is any one of the following materials: polypropylene (PP, medical grade), high-density polyethylene (HDPE, medical grade), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, medical grade), polyetheretherketone (PEEK, medical grade), or other materials that can provide support and can be applied to magnetic resonance examination scenarios. In this example, the preferred material of the clearance groove 23 is polypropylene (PP, medical grade).
[0020] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the support plate 24 has an anti-collision element 28 fixed inside. The materials of the back pillow core 10, head pillow core 11, front pillow core 20 and anti-collision element 28 are any one of the following materials: memory foam, natural latex, cotton, down or other breathable, resilient materials that can be used in magnetic resonance examination scenarios. In this embodiment, the materials of the back pillow core 10, head pillow core 11, front pillow core 20 and anti-collision element 28 are preferably memory foam.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the outer sides of the back pillow core 10 and the head pillow core 11 are fitted with a first sheath, and the outer side of the front pillow core 20 is fitted with a second sheath. The first and second sheaths are made of any one of the following materials: organic cotton fabric, bamboo fiber fabric, combed cotton fabric, or other materials that are soft, breathable, sweat-absorbent, non-static, and suitable for use in magnetic resonance imaging examinations. In this embodiment, the first and second sheaths are preferably made of organic cotton fabric.
[0022] It should be noted that both the first and second sheaths have detachment openings on their opposite sides. A zipper assembly is fixed inside each detachment opening, allowing for easy detachment and reassembly of the back pillow core 10 and head pillow core 11 inside the first sheath, and the front pillow core 20 inside the second sheath. The zipper assembly does not contain any metal components to avoid interfering with the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. In this embodiment, the zipper assembly is made of polyester. Of course, the zipper assembly can also be made of other materials that do not affect the MRI examination, which is not a specific limitation.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment, a Velcro assembly is fitted between the rear headrest core 10 and the connecting strap 30, and between the front headrest core 20 and the connecting strap 30.
[0024] Specifically, the Velcro assembly includes at least a hook side and a loop side. The bottom of both the first and second sheaths are fixed with hook sides by stitching. The top two sides of the connecting strap 30 are fixed with loop sides by stitching, and the hook sides and loop sides are compatible. The back pillow core 10 and the connecting strap 30, as well as the front pillow core 20 and the connecting strap 30, are connected by the cooperation of the first sheath, the second sheath, and the Velcro assembly.
[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the width of the abdominal support surface 21 is denoted as W1, and the width of the leg support end 22 is denoted as W2, where W2 is greater than W1. Due to the larger range of motion of the legs, the above-mentioned arrangement allows the leg support end 22 to provide support for the pregnant woman's right leg over a wider range, thereby improving the pregnant woman's comfort during the MRI examination.
[0026] The working principle of this utility model is as follows: The device is placed on the examination table of the MRI machine, with the abdominal support surface 21 and the curved support back 12 close to each other. The pregnant woman lies on her left side between the back pillow core 10 and the front pillow core 20. The positions of the back pillow core 10 and the front pillow core 20 are adjusted using the Velcro assembly so that the pregnant woman's abdomen is on the abdominal support surface 21 and the curved support back 12 is in contact with the pregnant woman's left back. The abdominal support surface 21 supports the pregnant woman's abdomen, the curved support back 12 supports the pregnant woman's left back, and the head pillow core 11 supports the pregnant woman's neck and head, thereby improving the pregnant woman's comfort during the MRI examination. At the same time, with the help of accompanying family members or medical staff, the pregnant woman's left leg is placed inside the relief groove 23 and her right leg is placed on the upper end of the leg support end 22. The leg support end 22 and the relief groove 23 work together to support the pregnant woman's right leg, and the support plate 24 provides protection for the pregnant woman's left leg, preventing discomfort or pain caused by prolonged pressure on the left leg if edema occurs.
[0027] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model. Structures, devices, and operating methods not specifically described or explained in this utility model, unless otherwise specified or limited, shall be implemented using conventional methods in the field.
Claims
1. A body position support device for a pregnant woman in a magnetic resonance examination, characterized by: The device includes a back pillow core (10), a front pillow core (20), and a connecting strap (30). The front pillow core (20) is located on one side of the back pillow core (10), and the connecting strap (30) is fitted between the back pillow core (10) and the front pillow core (20). One end of the back pillow core (10) is provided with a headrest core (11), and one side of the back pillow core (10) is provided with an arc-shaped support backrest (12), which is configured to support the back of the pregnant woman. One side of the front pillow core (20) is provided with a support... The abdominal surface (21) has a circular arc shape in the vertical direction. The abdominal surface (21) is configured to support the abdomen of the pregnant woman. The front pillow core (20) has a leg support end (22) at one end away from the head pillow core (11). The leg support end (22) is configured to support the right leg when the pregnant woman is examined in a left lateral position. The leg support end (22) has an avoidance groove (23) inside. The avoidance groove (23) is configured to place the left leg when the pregnant woman is examined in a left lateral position.
2. The body position support apparatus for a pregnant woman for magnetic resonance examination according to claim 1, characterized in that: The interior of the clearance groove (23) is fixed with a support plate (24). The upper end of the interior of the support plate (24) is provided with multiple support ribs (25), and the multiple support ribs (25) are crisscrossed. Both ends of the support plate (24) are provided with legs (26), and the interior of the legs (26) is provided with clearance surfaces (27).
3. The body positioning support device for pregnant women undergoing magnetic resonance imaging examination according to claim 2, characterized in that: The support plate (24) has an anti-collision element (28) fixed inside.
4. A body positioning support device for pregnant women undergoing magnetic resonance imaging examination according to claim 3, characterized in that: The materials of the back pillow core (10), head pillow core (11), front pillow core (20) and anti-collision element (28) are any one of the following materials: memory foam, natural latex, cotton, down.
5. The body position support apparatus for a magnetic resonance examination of a pregnant woman according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer sides of the back pillow core (10) and the head pillow core (11) are fitted with a first protective sleeve, and the outer side of the front pillow core (20) is fitted with a second protective sleeve. The materials of the first protective sleeve and the second protective sleeve are any one of the following materials: organic cotton fabric, bamboo fiber fabric, and combed cotton fabric.
6. The body position support apparatus for magnetic resonance examination of a pregnant woman according to claim 1, characterized in that: Velcro assemblies are fitted between the rear headrest core (10) and the connecting strap (30), as well as between the front headrest core (20) and the connecting strap (30).
7. A body positioning support device for pregnant women undergoing magnetic resonance imaging examination according to claim 1, characterized in that: The width of the support surface (21) is denoted as W1, and the width of the leg support end (22) is denoted as W2, where W2 is greater than W1.