MR-Compatible Head Frame for Non-Invasive MRgFUS Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stereotactic frames used in Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) procedures are invasive, uncomfortable, and pose risks such as scalp hematoma and infection, limiting their applicability, especially for non-ablative applications and patients who cannot cooperate, like pediatrics or those with dental issues.
Innovation Solution
An MR-compatible, adjustable frame that encircles the head without scalp penetration, featuring a pinless design with adjustable components, a hinged assembly for easy placement, and a locking mechanism, constructed from non-magnetic materials like aluminum and Nylon to ensure patient comfort and safety during MRI procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional stereotactic frame with pins is used to stabilize the patient's head, then head stabilization precision is improved, but patient comfort and safety deteriorate due to invasive scalp penetration causing pain, hematoma, and infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the invasive pin component from the stereotactic frame system, extracting the harmful element while retaining the essential function of head stabilization through alternative non-invasive contact points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (non-invasive contact points with positioning elements) that mediates between the need for precise head stabilization and the requirement to avoid scalp penetration, providing a buffer that achieves fixation without direct invasive contact
2Measurement precision
If a stereotactic frame is used to ensure head stability during MRgFUS procedures, then treatment precision is improved, but patient anxiety and discomfort increase due to the invasive placement process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the invasive pin insertion step from the frame placement process, eliminating the source of patient anxiety and discomfort while preserving the stabilizing function through non-invasive contact points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary positioning of the frame using non-invasive contact points before any potential intervention is needed, allowing the frame to be placed and adjusted without causing patient distress during the critical placement phase
3Reliability
If a traditional stereotactic frame is used for MRgFUS procedures, then head fixation reliability is improved, but adaptability to different patient populations deteriorates due to inability to use in pediatric, unconscious, or non-cooperative patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the frame with universal non-invasive contact points that can accommodate various patient populations including pediatric, unconscious, and non-cooperative patients, making the system multi-functional across different clinical scenarios without requiring modification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable positioning elements that allow dynamic adaptation of the frame to different patient head sizes, shapes, and levels of cooperation, enabling reliable fixation across diverse patient populations through flexible positioning rather than fixed invasive points
4Measurement precision
If a stereotactic head frame is used to prevent subject motion during sonication, then treatment accuracy is improved, but procedure complexity and patient preparation time increase due to shaving and invasive affixation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for scalp shaving and invasive affixation from the patient preparation process, extracting these complex preparatory steps while maintaining treatment accuracy through non-invasive contact point stabilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive pin insertion system with a non-invasive contact point system that achieves equivalent stabilization without requiring surgical preparation, substituting a simpler mechanical arrangement that eliminates complex patient preparation steps
Data Source
AI summary
An MR-compatible frame is configured for use in Magnetic Resonance (MR) guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) procedures. The frame is constructed from non-magnetic materials to ensure compatibility with MRI environments and to avoid interference with imaging quality and patient safety. The frame includes a hinge mechanism that allows for transitioning of the frame between open and closed states to enable quick and comfortable setup and removal around a patient's head. Adjustable components, including an adjustable back rest and adjustable, swivel-mounted front cushions enable customization to fit various head sizes and shapes to ensure a secure and stable positioning of the patient's head during procedures.