MRI Antenna Support for Unobstructed Surgical Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems restrict access for medical personnel during procedures, limiting the ability to perform surgeries or medical procedures with real-time visual feedback from MRI images.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance imaging system with a patient support apparatus that allows medical personnel to access the patient and includes an antenna coil assembly for acquiring real-time MRI images during surgical procedures, enabling unobstructed access and visualization of the surgical site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the patient is positioned inside a conventional MRI apparatus, then MRI images can be acquired, but access for medical personnel is restricted and unobstructed access is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The MRI apparatus is divided into separate functional zones: a first region for the magnet and imaging components, and a second region for medical personnel and surgical equipment. This segmentation allows MRI scanning to occur while maintaining unobstructed access for surgical procedures in the adjacent second region.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single confined space to a multi-region spatial arrangement. The patient can be positioned in the first region for imaging while medical personnel operate in the second region, creating a three-dimensional workflow that eliminates access restrictions while maintaining imaging capability.
2Measurement precision
If the patient is positioned inside the MRI apparatus, then MRI images can be acquired, but direct visual feedback during surgery is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time or near-real-time MRI imaging capability that provides continuous visual feedback to the surgical team. Images acquired during the procedure are immediately available for review, allowing surgeons to adjust their approach based on current anatomical information without leaving the operating area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary imaging and display system that bridges the gap between the MRI scanner and the surgical field. The MRI apparatus acts as an intermediary that captures anatomical information and translates it into visual feedback that can be immediately utilized during the surgical procedure.
3Ease of operation
If medical personnel reach into the apparatus from outside, then some access is provided, but components of the apparatus still obstruct access
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is segmented into distinct functional regions with the patient support apparatus positioned to allow access from multiple directions. The first region contains the magnet and imaging components while the second region provides an unobstructed workspace for medical personnel, eliminating the need to reach through or around obstructing components.
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
Facilitates real-time MRI-assisted surgery by providing medical personnel with direct visual feedback and enhanced access, allowing for more precise and efficient surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an object to be imaged as, for example, a body of a human subject is exposed to a strong, substantially constant static magnetic field. The static magnetic field causes the spin vectors of certain atomic nuclei within the body to randomly rotate or 'precess' around an axis parallel to the direction of the static magnetic field.
Implementation Method 2
Radio frequency excitation energy is applied to the body, and this energy causes the nuclei to 'precess' in phase and in an excited state. As the precessing atomic nuclei relax, weak radio frequency signals are emitted
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for magnetic resonance imaging assisted surgery. The system includes an antenna support assembly (110) and an antenna (316) that are used to acquire real time images of the surgical site that may be used by a surgeon to more accurately perform the surgical procedure. The antenna support assembly (110) adjustably attaches to a frame (138). The method comprises acquiring real time images of the surgical site and feeding back the images to a surgeon performing the surgical procedure.