MR Coil Frame Air-Operated Patient Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient fixation methods for MRI-guided radiation therapy are uncomfortable and complicated, often strapping patients, which can lead to movement during treatment and unintentional irradiation of healthy tissue.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance (MR) coil frame with a non-conductive frame structure that supports RF coils and incorporates air-operated, variable shape body-fixation means to stabilize and immobilize patients, providing a comfortable and secure fixation while minimizing distortion of the magnetic field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vacuum-assisted fixation means with mouthpiece is used, then patient fixation is achieved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to position and material
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the mouthpiece component from the fixation system entirely, extracting the uncomfortable element while retaining the vacuum-assisted fixation function through headrest contours and positioning elements that secure the patient's head and body without oral appliances
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fixation approach from rigid strapping and mouthpieces to a more compliant system using contoured headrests and positioning elements that adapt to patient anatomy, improving comfort while maintaining fixation reliability
2Reliability
If belt-like fixation means with clamp mechanisms is used, then patient fixation is achieved, but device complexity increases due to multiple mechanical steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex belt-like structure with clamp mechanisms entirely, extracting the unnecessary mechanical complexity while achieving fixation through simpler contoured headrests and positioning elements that work with the MR coil frame structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical belt-and-clamp system with a positioning system based on contoured surfaces and geometric fitting, eliminating multiple mechanical steps and reducing device complexity while maintaining fixation reliability
3Reliability
If belt-like fixation means is used, then patient fixation is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to strapping discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the strapping elements entirely, extracting the source of patient discomfort while maintaining fixation through contoured headrests and positioning elements that secure the patient without tight straps or belts
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes from rigid strapping to a more compliant positioning system using contoured surfaces that adapt to patient anatomy, improving comfort while maintaining fixation reliability
4Measurement precision
If local RF coil is used, then image quality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in use with belt fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the belt-like fixation structure that obstructed RF coil placement, extracting the barrier to easy coil application while maintaining patient fixation through contoured headrests and positioning elements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention designs the MR coil frame with integrated positioning elements that serve multiple functions: maintaining frame position, securing the patient, and providing clear access for RF coil placement, thereby improving ease of operation without compromising image quality
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The MR coil frame effectively stabilizes and immobilizes patients, reducing movement and discomfort, while maintaining high-quality imaging and minimizing the risk of irradiating healthy tissue, with adjustable body-fixation means that can be customized for individual patients.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first air-operated, preferably vacuum-operated, body-fixation means (134a-d) having a variable shape and/or volume
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance coil frame includes a frame structure, forming in between a receiving space for at least a body portion of a recumbent patient located in a lying plane, wherein at least a first air-operated body-fixation means having a variable shape for immobilizing the body portion is arranged outside the lying plane at a side of the frame structure facing the receiving space. Thus, immobilizing a patient during magnetic resonance imaging and/or treatment can be improved.