Height-Adjustable MRI Head Coil Adaptor for Stereotactic Frames

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for securing a stereotactic frame to an MRI head coil during neurosurgery and neurological radiosurgery face challenges such as compatibility issues with different MRI head coils, instability due to padding, and potential dislocation of fiducial frames, leading to inaccurate imaging.

Innovation Solution

An MRI head coil adaptor with a height-adjustable design that attaches directly to a stereotactic frame or head fixation pin, ensuring stability and compatibility with various MRI head coils through a threaded arrangement and non-conductive, non-metallic materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If padding is used to secure the patient's head to the MRI head coil, then the patient's head is stabilized, but the stereotactic frame may become dislocated and the patient experiences discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of patient's headVSAvoidattachment reliability of stereotactic frame

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adaptor acts as an intermediary component between the stereotactic frame and the MRI head coil. It features a first portion that attaches to the stereotactic frame and a second portion that contacts the MRI head coil, thereby mediating the connection and eliminating the need for padding that causes dislocation and discomfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptor is divided into distinct segments: a first portion for attaching to the stereotactic frame and a second portion for contacting the MRI head coil. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function, providing stable attachment without compromising the stereotactic frame's position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single stereotactic frame design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but compatibility with different MRI head coils is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with MRI head coilsVSAvoidcomplexity of stereotactic frame system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adaptor incorporates adjustability features that allow it to adapt to different MRI head coil configurations. The dynamic nature of the adaptor enables a single stereotactic frame design to work with multiple coil types, enhancing versatility without requiring multiple specialized frames

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptor serves multiple functions: it attaches to the stereotactic frame, contacts different types of MRI head coils, and provides stable positioning. This multi-functionality allows a single stereotactic frame system to be universally compatible with various MRI head coils

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4624969A1MRI head coil adaptor, a kit comprising the MRI head coil adapter and method of securing a patients's head relative to an MRI head coil.

Publication Date: 2025.10.01 ELEKTA INSTRUMENT AB

Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an MRI head coil adaptor for a stereotactic frame. The MRI head coil adaptor comprising: a first part comprising an attachment portion, the attachment portion configured for attachment to a stereotactic frame or to a head fixation pin for a stereotactic frame; and a second part coupled to the first part, the second part being height-adjustable relative to the attachment portion.