Disposable MRI Breast Coil Draping System for Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for draping MRI equipment, such as sheets and pillowcases, are inadequate in protecting both the equipment and patients from bodily contaminants and fluids, particularly in breast MRI procedures, leading to concerns about sterilization, patient comfort, and procedural efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A draping system for MRI breast coils that includes a barrier with adjustable openings and flaps, made of pliable and absorbent materials, which can be securely positioned over the MRI apparatus to prevent cross-contamination and provide comfort, accommodating various breast sizes and equipment configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If sheets and pillowcases are used to cover MRI equipment, then patient and equipment protection from fluids is improved, but the protection is inadequate because sheets fail to protect porous equipment padding that retains body dirt, sweat, and bodily fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable plastic wrap or disposable drape materials that are discarded after single use, eliminating the problem of porous padding retaining contaminants. These disposable barriers provide complete fluid protection without the absorption and retention issues of reusable porous materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible plastic wrap and thin film drape materials that conform to the MRI equipment surfaces while providing impermeable barriers against bodily fluids and contaminants. These thin films create complete coverage without the porosity problems of traditional fabric sheets.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If complete sterilization of padding or equipment is performed, then patient protection is improved, but the process is costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies disposable barriers and drapes to the equipment before each patient procedure, providing immediate protection without requiring time-consuming sterilization cycles. The preliminary placement of impermeable barriers eliminates the need for post-use sterilization of porous materials.
Solution Approach 2:
By using disposable barriers instead of reusable porous padding, the system eliminates the need for expensive and time-consuming sterilization processes. The disposable nature allows for rapid replacement rather than lengthy cleaning and sterilization cycles.
3Ease of operation
If manufacturer's coil padding is removed for breast access, then patient accessibility is improved, but patient protection is compromised with no protection available inside and over the outside of the coils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the protection system into multiple segments: disposable barriers on the equipment surface, removable drape portions for breast access, and flaps that can be positioned inside and outside the coil aperture. This segmentation allows simultaneous protection and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic drape configurations with movable flaps and adjustable openings that can be repositioned during the procedure. The draping system adapts to provide protection both inside and outside the coil while maintaining breast accessibility, changing configuration as needed during the procedure.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If flaps are positioned inside the aperture, then cross-contamination is reduced, but the draping system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the drape into separate functional segments including flaps that can be independently positioned inside the aperture. This segmentation allows the flaps to be placed only where needed for contamination prevention while keeping the rest of the drape simple and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A draping provides at least partial and preferably complete coverage of MRI coils, an MRI table and an MRI support system thereby protecting a patient and the equipment. Draping notch fold down flaps may be pushed into shaped apertures of an MRI apparatus by the patient's breast due to the design of the draping. This offers a barrier between the patient and the equipment pad providing the patient with warmth, comfort and protection from infectious diseases such as Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The draping reduces the clean up and improves the procedure turnaround time for the technologist.