MRI patient bed

Abstract

A magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, medical bed comprising: a bed top having a lower surface and an upper surface for a patient to lie on; a base for holding the bed top above a floor during use, the base comprising an single sided MRI system for imaging the patient, the MRI system facing the lower surface of the bed top to define an imaging volume above the upper surface of the bed top; and one or more attachment devices protruding from one or more sides of the bed top for supporting medical equipment.

Description

[0001] MRI patient bed

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In particular, the invention relates to the use of MRI scanners in medical facilities.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] MRI is an imaging technique, which enables real-time viewing of the anatomy and physiological processes occurring inside the body. MRI does not involve the use of X-rays or ionizing radiation and thus enables longer imaging times compared to, for example, computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET).

[0006] MRI is widely used in medical facilities, such as hospitals and clinics, for medical diagnosis, staging and follow-up of diseases. Compared to CT, MRI provides better contrast of soft tissues (e.g. in the brain or abdomen).

[0007] However, MRI scanners are typically costly, large and often require the use of dedicated spaces or rooms for the MRI scanners. Because of these requirements, the number of MRI scanners available in hospitals and clinics is often limited.

[0008] Thus, there is a need to improve MRI scanners to enable the use of more MRI scanners in hospitals and clinics.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] According to an embodiment there is provided a magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, medical bed comprising: a bed top having a lower surface and an upper surface for a patient to lie on; a base for holding the bed top above a floor during use, the base comprising an single sided MRI system for imaging the patient, the MRI system facing the lower surface of the bed top to define an imaging volume above the upper surface of the bed top; and one or more attachment devices protruding from one or more sides of the bed top for supporting medical equipment.

[0011] The MRI system is a single sided MRI system that comprises all components required for generating static magnetic fields and RF transmit fields required in performing MRI imaging on one side of the volume of interest only. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, driving components, such as RF transmit chains or drivers for a resistive BO coil may nevertheless be provided at a distance from RF coils and / or the resistive Bo coil. By placing all components required for generating static magnetic fields and RF transmit fields required in performing MRI imaging on one side of the volume of interest only, access to patients during MRI imaging is not impeded. A onesided MRI system may comprise other components, such as the mentioned driving components, that may be placed remotely, without compromising such patient access or indeed the one-sided nature of the MRI system. Nevertheless, a one-sided MRI system may include local receive coils that are placed proximate to a patient on a side of the patient other than the side of the patient at which the Bo and RF transmit field generating components of the MRI system are located.

[0012] In an embodiment the upper surface is cushioned to allow a patient to rest for prolonged periods of time, when compared to a shorter period of time associated with magnetic resonance measurement.

[0013] In an embodiment, the one or more attachment devices comprise one or more medical equipment rails.

[0014] Medical equipment rails are standardized rails designed to support medical equipment such as surgical instruments, monitors, lights etc. For example, the European Union, medical equipment rails are all standardized to a size of approximately 10 x 25mm. Similarly, in the US, the medical equipment rails are all standardized to a size of approximately %” x 1 ! ”.

[0015] In an embodiment, the one or more medical equipment rails are positioned outside an area of the bed top below which the MRI system is positioned.

[0016] In an embodiment, the MRI medical bed further comprises a secondary coil comprising an opening through its centre, wherein the secondary coil is detachably attachable to the bed top.

[0017] In an embodiment, the secondary coil is adapted to be immovably relative to the bed top when the secondary coil is attached to the bed top (102).

[0018] In an embodiment, the secondary coil further comprising a biopsy guidance grid. The biopsy guidance grid maybe detachably attachable to the secondary coil. In one embodiment, the biopsy guidance grid is located in an opening of the secondary coil.

[0019] When the secondary coil is immovably fixed to the bed top, the biopsy guidance grid is also immovably fixed to the bed top. Thus, the position of the biopsy guidance grid is known relative to any MRI images acquired using the secondary grid. This enables the determination of which hole on the biopsy guidance grid to use for the biopsy based on the MRI images.

[0020] In an embodiment, the MRI medical bed further comprising a processing system configured to: display, on a display, an MRI image obtained using the secondary coil to a user; receive a position in the MRI image from the user indicative of tissue to biopsy; and determine a hole of the biopsy guidance grid and / or a depth for biopsy based on the received position in the MRI image and a known position of the biopsy guidance grid relative to the secondary coil.

[0021] In an embodiment, the MRI medical bed further comprises a foot pedal below the bed top configured to initiate an MRI imaging routine when activated by a user.

[0022] In an embodiment, at least one of: the bed top is moveable in a horizontal plane relative to the MRI system, the bed top is moveable in a vertical direction relative to the base, or the bed top is adapted to tilt relative to the base.

[0023] In an embodiment the MRI system is adapted to move in the vertical direction by substantially the same amount as the bed top when the bed top is moved in the vertical direction.

[0024] In an embodiment the MRI system is adapted to tilt substantially with the bed top when the bed top is tilted.

[0025] In an embodiment, the MRI medical bed of any preceding claim, further comprises a plurality of wheels attached to the base for freely moving the MRI medical bed.

[0026] In an embodiment, the bed top comprises a plurality of independently moveable sections.

[0027] According to another embodiment there is provided a magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, medical bed comprising: a bed top having a lower surface and an upper surface for a patient to lie on; a base for holding the bed top above a floor during use, the base comprising an single sided MRI system for imaging the patient, the MRI system facing the lower surface of the bed top to define an imaging volume above the upper surface of the bed top; a secondary coil that is detachably attachable to the bed top.

[0028] In an embodiment, the secondary coil is immovable relative to the bed top when the secondary coil is attached to the bed top.

[0029] In an embodiment, the secondary coil further comprises a biopsy guidance grid. In an embodiment, the MRI medical bed further comprises a processing system configured to: display, on a display (108), an MRI image obtained using the secondary coil to a user; receive a position in the MRI image from the user indicative of tissue to biopsy; and determine a hole of the biopsy guidance grid and / or a depth for biopsy based on the received position in the MRI image and a known position of the biopsy guidance grid relative to the secondary coil.

[0030] According to another embodiment there is provided a magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, medical bed comprising: a bed top having a lower surface and an upper surface for a patient to lie on; a base for holding the bed top above a floor during use, the base comprising an single sided MRI system for imaging the patient, the MRI system facing the lower surface of the bed top to define an imaging volume above the upper surface of the bed top, wherein: the bed top is moveable in a horizontal plane relative to the MRI system, the bed top is moveable in a vertical direction relative to the base, and / or the bed top is adapted to tilt relative to the base.

[0031] In an embodiment, the upper surface is cushioned to allow a patient to rest for prolonged periods of time when compared to a shorter period of time associated with magnetic resonance measurement.

[0032] In an embodiment, the MRI system is adapted to move in the vertical direction by substantially the same amount as the bed top when the bed top is moved in the vertical direction.

[0033] In an embodiment, the MRI system is adapted to tilt by substantially the same amount as the bed top when the bed top is tilted.

[0034] In an embodiment, the MRI medical bed further comprises a plurality of wheels attached to the base for freely moving the MRI medical bed.

[0035] In an embodiment, the bed top comprises a plurality of independently moveable sections.

[0036] According to another embodiment there is provided a magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, medical bed comprising: a bed top having a lower surface and an upper surface for a patient to lie on; a base for holding the bed top above a floor during use, the base comprising an single sided MRI system for imaging the patient, the MRI system facing the lower surface of the bed top to define an imaging volume above the upper surface of the bed top, wherein the bed top comprises a plurality of independently moveable sections.

[0037] According to another embodiment there is provided a the upper surface is cushioned to allow a patient to rest for prolonged periods of time when compared to a shorter period of time associated with magnetic resonance measurement.

[0038] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0039] Figure 1 shows an exemplary MRI medical bed;

[0040] Figures 2 and 3 show the exemplary MRI medical bed of Figure 1 in use;

[0041] Figure 4 shows the exemplary MRI medical bed of Figure 1 with medical equipment rails;

[0042] Figure 5 shows the exemplary MRI medical bed of Figure 1 with a foot pedal;

[0043] Figures 6 show a secondary coil and a biopsy guidance grid;

[0044] Figure 7 shows a flow chart of a procedure for preparing for a biopsy using the MRI system; and

[0045] Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary MRI system for use with an MRI medical bed.

[0046] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Herein is provided a medical bed with an integrated MRI system. The MRI medical bed is a dual-purpose medical bed, which can be used as an MRI scanner and a medical bed configured to allow a patient to rest for prolonged periods of time when compared to a shorter period of time associated with magnetic resonance measurement. It is noted that a medical bed may be a hospital bed, an emergency room (ER) bed, an operating room (OR bed) and / or an intensive care unit (ICU) bed.

[0048] The MRI medical bed has a bed top on which the patient lies. An upper surface of the bed top, on which the patient lies, may be cushioned so that a patient can comfortably lie on the bed top for relatively long period of time (e.g., days), in a similar manner as typical hospital patient beds.

[0049] An MRI system is integrated within the MRI medical bed. The MRI system faces upwards towards the bed top to define an imaging volume above the bed top. Thus, when a patient lies on the bed top of the MRI medical bed, MRI images of the portion of the patient inside the imaging volume can be obtained. In an embodiment the MRI system is a single sided system that includes substantially all components, such as coils, required for defining the imaging volume and for transmitting and receiving radiomagnetic signals on only one side of the patient, in the example below the patient / hospital bed. In this manner the bed can be used in a conventional way in medium to long-term care of patients without parts of the MRI scan impeding access to the patient in the bed for non-MRI related care activities.

[0050] This enables medical procedures to be performed on the patient lying on the bed top whilst the MRI provides real-time imaging of the patient.

[0051] When MRI imaging is not necessary, the MRI medical bed can be used as a conventional patient bed (e.g., a hospital, ICU, ER and / or OR bed).

[0052] Additionally, the MRI medical bed can be used for patients which require occasional MRI imaging. In these cases, the MRI medical bed can be used as a conventional patient bed for the patient and, when needed, MRI imaging can be performed on the patient without the need to move the patient from the patient bed to a dedicated MRI scanner. This is advantageous, as a medical procedure that requires the patient to be present in a form of medical / patient bed, such as an ICU bed or a standard patient bed, can be undertaken whilst the MRI scan takes place and without need to move a patient from the bed onto a hospital trolley or a standard patient table of, for example, a whole-body MRI scanner.

[0053] The MRI medical bed may comprise a base portion housing the MRI system. Wheels may be provided on the base portion to enable the MRI medical bed to be freely moved around hospitals and clinics like typical hospital beds.

[0054] Figure 1 shows an exemplary MRI medical bed 100. The MRI medical bed 100 comprises a bed top 102 and a base 104 housing the MRI system (not shown). Wheels 106 are provided on the base 104 to enable the MRI medical bed 100 to freely move. The MRI medical bed 100 can be connected to monitor 108 to display the MRI images from the MRI system. In another embodiment the monitor 108 may comprise a touch screen and the MRI system may be configured to display a user interface on the monitor 108 that allows the user to choose MRI parameters that govern a next MRI acquisition using the touchscreen functionality. Additionally or alternatively, the system 100 may comprise conventional input devices, such as a keyboard and / or a device for moving a cursor on the monitor 108, to enable a user to input and / or select desired MRI parameters.

[0055] Figures 2 and 3 show the exemplary MRI medical bed 100 of Figure 1 in use. In this case, a patient 202 is lying on the bed top 102 for a medical procedure performed by a clinician 204. Leg positioners / stirrups 206 are attached to the bed top 102 to hold the legs of the patient 202 in a desired position for the medical procedure. Here, the patient is lying above the MRI system of the MRI medical bed 100 and within the imaging volume such that, whilst the clinician 204 is performing the medical procedure, the patient 202, specifically, in the illustrated non-limiting example, the patient’s prostate, can be imaged by the MRI system 100 in real-time. The images obtained via the MRI system can be viewed by the clinician 204 from the screen 108.

[0056] The MRI medical bed 100 may also comprise standard medical equipment rails such that medical instruments and accessories can be fixed to the MRI medical bed 100. This enables the medical equipment to more easily be used / accessed by clinicians during medical procedures, whilst real-time MRI imaging is also occurring.

[0057] Standard medical equipment rails have a predetermined size which may differfor different jurisdictions. For example, in the European Union, the standard size of the medical equipment rails is 10 x 25mm.

[0058] Figure 4 shows the exemplary MRI medical bed 100 of Figure 1 with medical equipment rails 402. The medical equipment rails 402 are mounted on one or more sides of the bed top 102. For example, in Figure 4, a holder for a medical table roll 406 is attached to the medical equipment rails 402.

[0059] The MRI medical bed 100 may also comprise foldable flaps 404 on an MRI portion of MRI medical bed 100 comprising the MRI system. In the embodiment, the flaps 404 are made of a ferrite material compound and can be used to reduce fringe magnetic fields from interacting with and / or affecting other devices (e.g., computer, screens etc.) outside the imaging volume during procedure. Other materials with a high magnetic permeability could also be used for the flaps 404. Alternatively, a flap or other type of guide rail that solely serves the purpose of preventing the patient falling out of the bed I used. Such an alternative flap is made without magnetic material or, more generally, material that can influence the magnetic fringe field. In this case, the medical equipment rails 402 can be positioned outside the MRI portion of the bed top 102 (i.e., the portion of the bed top 102 above the MRI system) such that the flaps can be freely switched between an upward position, during use of the MRI system, and a downwards position when the MRI system is not in use.

[0060] The MRI medical bed 100 may also comprise a foot pedal for controlling the MRI system, specifically for initiating an MRI measurement. It will be understood that the imaging parameter for the measurement may be input, in one embodiment, using a touch screen element of the display 108, if present, and / or standard user input equipment as discussed above, to input into / select from imaging parameters.

[0061] Figure 5 shows the exemplary MRI medical bed 100 of Figure 1 with a foot pedal 502. The foot pedal 502 may be positioned at a lower portion of the base 104 of the MRI medical bed 100, where an upper portion of the base 104 is closer to the bed top 102 than the lower portion of the base 104. Additionally or alternatively, an external foot pedal that is not mounted to the MRI medical bed 100 but that is connected to the system 100 through a flexible cable is used. The foot pedal 502 enables the clinician 204 to activate and deactivate the MRI system without the need to use their hands. As such, the clinician 204 can continue performing a medical procedure with both of their hands whilst also being able to operate the MRI system.

[0062] In one embodiment the MRI medical bed 100 is also adjustable.

[0063] For example, the bed top 102 may be able to move in a horizontal plane independent of (i.e. relative to) the MRI system. Here the horizontal plane can generally be defined by the floor and by the bed top when it is not tilted. For example, in Figure 1 , the horizontal plane would be the x-y plane. Horizontal motion of the bed top would enable the region of interest of the patient to be placed within the imaging volume.

[0064] Additionally, the bed top 102 may also be able to move vertically up and down relative to the base (in a direction substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane) to enable improved positioning of the patient and adjusting the height for different clinicians (e.g., multiple surgeons). For example, in Figure 1 , the vertical direction is in the z axis. In this case, the MRI system may also be moved with the bed top 102 such that the imaging volume stays at a constant height relative to the bed top 102.

[0065] The bed top 102 may also be able to tilt, relative to horizontal plane, to improve the positioning of the patient for certain medical procedures. For example, the clinician 204 may want blood to rush to a certain part of the patient (e.g., the head) for a particular medical procedure. Similarly, during brain surgery, it is preferable to tilt the MRI medical bed 100 so that the head of the patient is above their legs. In this case, the MRI system may also tilt the same amount as the bed top 102 such that the imaging volume stays at constant rotation relative to the bed top 102.

[0066] The bed top 102 of the MRI medical bed 100 may also be modular. For example, the bed top 102 may comprise a plurality of independently moveable sections, each section having a cushioned upper surface. Each independently moveable section may be able to be rotated and / or translated relative to the other sections. Each section may have a side connected to a side of another section. A modular bed top can improve the comfort of the patient by providing an ergonomic shape to the bed top (e.g., for multi-day monitoring).

[0067] Additionally, some medical procedures may require a specific body part to be in a particular position. For example, during a lumber puncture, a specific spine angle positioning is used. Thus, a modular bed top can be used during such medical procedures.

[0068] When using a modular bed top, the MRI system may be linked to one of the independently moveable sections such that the height and rotation of the imaging volume stays constant relative to the section to which the MRI system is attached to.

[0069] The adjustment of the bed top (or the sections of a modular bed top) may be manual or motorized.

[0070] Figures 6 show a secondary coil 602 and a biopsy guidance grid 604. The secondary coil 602 may be a local receive coil. The secondary coil 602 may be detachably attachable to the bed top of the MRI bed. When the secondary coil 602 is attached to the bed top, it may be immovably fixed to the bed top of the MRI medical bed such that, during a medical procedure, the patient can be abutted against the secondary coil 602. In this manner, the spatial relationship between the components of the MRI system below the bed top and the secondary coil 602 remains constant, greatly improving MRI data acquisition and image reconstruction. Moreover, the risk of the patient moving during a medical procedure is reduced.

[0071] The secondary coil 602 may be attached to the bed top via the attachment rails and / or other attachment devices on the bed top. In one embodiment, an electrical connection between the secondary coil 602 and the system 100 is established through the attachment rails and / or other attachment devices on the bed top.

[0072] The secondary coil 602 may comprise an opening through its centre where a biopsy guidance grid 604 can be placed. The biopsy guidance grid 604 may slide into the opening of the secondary coil 602 and be securely attached to the secondary coil 602. For example the biopsy guidance grid 604 may comprise one or more rails and the secondary coil 602 may comprise one or more corresponding indents around the opening to enable the rails of the biopsy guidance grid 604 to slide into the opening of the secondary coil 602. The biopsy guidance grid 604 comprises a labelled / grid of holes of a size that can allow a biopsy needle to pass through it. The holes of the grid 604 are sized such that a biopsy needle of a predetermined size can pass through the hole in a substantially friction free manner but also so that the needle is guided by the hole in the grid 604 in a manner that ensures that the needle adopts a predetermined direction of movement relative to the grid. For example, the holes of the grid 604 may fit the biopsy needle such that the needle is forced to move along a longitudinal direction of the hole. The holes may be perpendicular to an outer surface of the grid 604. In this manner the user gains certainty of the location in the patients’ tissue that will be made the subject of the biopsy. The position of each of the holes of the grid 604 relative to the secondary coil 602 is known.

[0073] For example, during a prostate biopsy, the opening of the secondary coil 602 can be placed adjacent the perineum of the patient such that the grid 604 is placed against the perineum during the MRI imaging. Thus, during imaging, the positions of each of the holes of the grid 604, relative to the prostate of the patient, are known and remain fixed, once the patient has been placed against the secondary coil 602.

[0074] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the system 100 is configured to display a user interface to the user on display 108. The user interface displays an MRI image of a patient and is configured to allow the user to indicate, in an MRI image acquired in step S10, which position in a patient’s tissue is to be biopsied. Based on the location information received from the user via the user interface in step S12, the system 100 is configured to then determine, based on the coordinates of the received user input in the previously acquired MRI images and the known geometric relationship between imaged tissue and the biopsy grid 604 / secondary coil 602, which hole of the grid 604 should be used in performing the biopsy and to which depth (expressed, for example, relative to the user facing side of the biopsy grid 604) the biopsy needle is to be advanced to take a biopsy at the location indicated by the user through the user interface. Either or both of the location of the hole on the grid 604 and the determined biopsy depth is then displayed in step S16 to the user on display 108.

[0075] In one embodiment, the progress of the biopsy needle in the patient’s tissue is tracked by ongoing MRI imaging, and progress of the biopsy needle may be displayed on the display 108 to give continuous feedback to the user.

[0076] Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary MRI system 700 for use with the MRI medical bed described herein. The MRI system 700 comprises a dual use coil 710 for creating a static magnetic field, . The dual use coil 710 can be energised and de- energised so that the field Bn , . can be activated and deactivated accordingly.

[0077] The MRI system 700 further comprises two coils 720 and 730. Coil 720 also generates a static magnetic field, ’ Bn^measurement As can be seen from Fig. 7, ’ this field extends substantially7orthog0onally to the field Bnprepol ,an .se . As is the case for dual use coil

[0078] 710, coil 720 can be energised and de-energised so that the field Bn tcan be activated and deactivated accordingly.

[0079] The coil 730 creates a B1radio frequency (RF) magnetic field at the precession freq ~uency7generated by7the field Bn^measurement The B.1field extends substantially7 orthogonally to as well as to the field As is also the case for known MRI RF coils, the field can be activated and deactivated.

[0080] The dual use coil 710 and the two coils 720 and 730 are configured so that the magnetic fields and B. are generated in the imaging volume 740, where the patient can be placed.

[0081] During imaging, the dual use coil 710 is energised so that the Bn , . field is generated. The duration for applying the field Bn , . can be chosen to accommodate desired imaging parameters. For example, if generating T1 contrast is to be avoided, then the field may be applied for a duration that exceeds the longest T1 expected in a sample to be investigated. If T1 contrast between different spin species is to be generated then is applied for a duration that is smaller than the T1 relaxation time of one spin species but larger than the T1 relaxation time of the other spin species. As is well known, a static magnetic field applied to spin species causes magnetisation to form. The dual use coil 710 can then be deactivated and the coil 720 can be activated. As discussed above, the respective static magnetic fields and created by the dual use coil 710 and the coil 720 extend substantially orthogonally to each other. The deactivation of the dual use coil 710 and the activation of the coil 720 take place in a short timeframe, in particular in a time t« Tltwherein 1 is the shortest longitudinal relaxation time associated with either Bn

[0082] (as T1 is a function of field intensity), so that the polarisation generated by the field is transferred to the horizontal plane in alignment with The switch of the magnetisation from alignment with the field to alignment with the field B ^nmeasurementt takes p rlace without p rrecessing o, ’ so that the constituents forming the net magnetisations remain in phase with each other. This is known as an adiabatic pulse / transfer / switch.

[0083] As the dual use coil 710 is de-energised, it can now be switched to a receive mode. Once the dual use coil 710 is in receive mode, the RF B field can be applied. This tilts the magnetisation vectors towards a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the direction of the field Bn with magnetisation precessing about the direction of the field Bn^measurement As the dual use coil 710 has created a field in a vertical direction ’, the dual use coil 710 is sensitive to the precessing magnetisation vectors so that the dual use coil 710 can be used to detect the magnetic resonance signal generated in this manner. By using an electromagnet for generating the Bn , . field, the intensity, direction and duration of the prepolarising field can be altered by changing the current applied to the dual use coil. This allows measuring different T1 weighted MR signals in combination with gradients, providing images that have an intensity variation corresponding to the longitudinal relaxation time T1 of the tissue that gives rise to the magnetic resonance signal. The prepolarising field may be applied for a time that exceeds the expected T1 in the tissue, so that the acguired signal is maximised. Conversely, the prepolarising field may be applied for a shorter period of time. This comes at the cost of signal intensity but also reduces the time reguired for longitudinal relaxation, providing the ability to perform subseguent prepolarisation and associated imaging steps more rapidly than would be possible if the prepolarising field was activated for longer than T1.

[0084] Bnprepol ,ari .se mayJvaryJbetween about 50 mT and about 300 mT within the imag oing volume 140. B ^nmeasurementtmayJbe about 1 mT within the imag oing o volume 740. may be about 2 mT within the imaging volume.

[0085] Whilst a particular configuration of the MRI system 700 is shown in Fig. 7, the spatial arrangements of the magnet and coils shown in Fig. 7 is not essential. In Figure 7, the generated magnetic fields are substantially mutually orthogonal to each other. However, it will be appreciated that the directions of the two fields could be aligned. It will egually be understood that, whilst dual use coil 710 and coils 720 and 730 are illustrated in Fig. 7 as being spaced apart by gaps, theses gaps are only shown for illustrative purposes and that any or all gaps shown may be omitted in a physical implementation of the illustrated MRI system 700 or that some or all of the dual use coil 710 and coils 720 and 730 may instead be provided in a single unit. In one example, the coils 720 and 730 may form part of a single printed circuit board (PCB).

[0086] While certain arrangements have been described, the arrangements have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection. The inventive concepts described herein may be implemented in a variety of other forms. In addition, various omissions, substitutions and changes to the specific implementations described herein may be made without departing from the scope of protection defined in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, medical bed (100) comprising: a bed top (102) having a lower surface and an upper surface for a patient (202) to lie on; a base (104) for holding the bed top (102) above a floor during use, the base (104) comprising an single sided MRI system (700) for imaging the patient (202), the MRI system (700) facing the lower surface of the bed top (102) to define an imaging volume (740) above the upper surface of the bed top (102); and one or more attachment devices protruding from one or more sides of the bed top (102) for supporting medical equipment (206, 406, 602).

2. The MRI medical bed of claim 1 , wherein the upper surface is cushioned to allow a patient to rest for prolonged periods of time, when compared to a shorter period of time associated with magnetic resonance measurement.

3. The MRI medical bed (100) of claims 1 or 2, wherein the one or more attachment devices comprise one or more medical equipment rails (402).

4. The MRI medical bed (100) of claim 3, wherein the one or more medical equipment rails (402) are positioned outside an area of the bed top below which the MRI system (700) is positioned.

5. The MRI medical bed (100) of any of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a secondary coil (602) comprising an opening through its centre, wherein the secondary coil (602) is detachably attachable to the bed top (102).

6. The MRI medical bed (100) of claim 5, wherein the secondary coil (602) is adapted to be immovably relative to the bed top (102) when the secondary coil (602) is attached to the bed top (102).

7. The MRI medical bed (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising a foot pedal (502) below the bed top (102) configured to initiate an MRI imaging routine when activated by a user.

8. The MRI medical bed (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of wheels (106) attached to the base (104) for freely moving the MRI medical bed (100).

9. The MRI medical bed (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the bed top (102) comprises a plurality of independently moveable sections.

10. A magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, medical bed (100) comprising: a bed top (102) having a lower surface and an upper surface for a patient (202) to lie on; a base (104) for holding the bed top (102) above a floor during use, the base (104) comprising an single sided MRI system (700) for imaging the patient (202), the MRI system (700) facing the lower surface of the bed top (102) to define an imaging volume (740) above the upper surface of the bed top (102); a secondary coil (602) that is detachably attachable to the bed top (102).

11. The MRI medical bed (100) of claim 10, wherein the secondary coil (602) is immovable relative to the bed top (102) when the secondary coil (602) is attached to the bed top (102).

12. The MRI medical bed (100) of claim 10 or 11 , the secondary coil (602) further comprising a biopsy guidance grid (604).

13. The MRI medical bed (100) of claim 12, further comprising a processing system configured to: display, on a display (108), an MRI image obtained using the secondary coil (602) to a user (204); receive a position in the MRI image from the user (204) indicative of tissue to biopsy; and determine a hole of the biopsy guidance grid (604) and / or a depth for biopsy based on the received position in the MRI image and a known position of the biopsy guidance grid (604) relative to the secondary coil (602).

14. A magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, medical bed (100) comprising: a bed top (102) having a lower surface and an upper surface for a patient (202) to lie on;a base (104) for holding the bed top (102) above a floor during use, the base (104) comprising an single sided MRI system (700) for imaging the patient (202), the MRI system (700) facing the lower surface of the bed top (102) to define an imaging volume (740) above the upper surface of the bed top (102), wherein: the bed top (102) is moveable in a horizontal plane relative to the MRI system (700), the bed top (102) is moveable in a vertical direction relative to the base (104), and / or the bed top (102) is adapted to tilt relative to the base (104).

15. The MRI medical bed of claim 14, wherein the upper surface is cushioned to allow a patient to rest for prolonged periods of time when compared to a shorter period of time associated with magnetic resonance measurement.

16. The MRI medical bed (100) of claims 14 or 15, wherein the MRI system (700) is adapted to move in the vertical direction by substantially the same amount as the bed top (102) when the bed top (102) is moved in the vertical direction.

17. The MRI medical bed (100) of any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the MRI system (700) is adapted to tilt by substantially the same amount as the bed top (102) when the bed top (102) is tilted.

18. The MRI medical bed (100) of any of claims 14 to 17, further comprising a plurality of wheels (106) attached to the base (104) for freely moving the MRI medical bed (100).

19. The MRI medical bed (100) of any of claims 14 to 18, wherein the bed top (102) comprises a plurality of independently moveable sections.

20. A magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, medical bed (100) comprising: a bed top (102) having a lower surface and an upper surface for a patient (202) to lie on; a base (104) for holding the bed top (102) above a floor during use, the base (104) comprising an single sided MRI system (700) for imaging the patient (202), theMRI system (700) facing the lower surface of the bed top (102) to define an imaging volume (740) above the upper surface of the bed top (102), wherein the bed top (102) comprises a plurality of independently moveable sections.21 . The MRI medical bed of claim 20, wherein the upper surface is cushioned to allow a patient to rest for prolonged periods of time when compared to a shorter period of time associated with magnetic resonance measurement.

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