MRI Compatible Robotic Positioning System for FUS Transducer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI-guided focused ultrasound (FUS) robotic systems are specialized for individual organs, lack repeatability and reliability, and are uncomfortable for patients due to the prone position required during treatment, which limits their versatility and patient comfort.
Innovation Solution
A robotic positioning system using MRI-compatible materials like piezoelectric motors and ABS plastic, designed to move a FUS transducer in four axes with a jack screw gear mechanism, allowing for flexible access to multiple organs (fibroid, abdominal, breast, and brain) from various angles, and is lightweight for portability, maintaining high accuracy and compatibility with all MRI scanners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic positioning systems are used in MRI guided FUS robotic systems, then the system can achieve positioning function, but the repeatability and reliability deteriorate due to interference with MRI and placement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the hydraulic positioning system from the MRI guided FUS robotic system, replacing it with a simplified mechanical positioning system that does not interfere with MRI operations. This eliminates the reliability issues associated with hydraulic systems while maintaining the essential positioning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with a pure mechanical positioning system using motors and mechanical linkages. This substitution eliminates the interference problems with MRI while achieving the required positioning accuracy and reliability for FUS treatment.
2Manufacturing precision
If piezoelectric motors are used to move the transducer, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the system becomes less versatile due to specialized design for specific organs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal robotic positioning system with a standardized mechanical interface and multi-axis movement capability that can accommodate different FUS transducers for treating various organs including brain, prostate, liver, and breast. The system achieves organ versatility through programmable motion paths while maintaining positioning precision through motor control and mechanical design.
3Ease of operation
If patient is placed in prone position for treatment, then access to certain organs is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to prolonged treatment duration of 3-4 hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic robotic positioning system that can adapt its approach angle and patient positioning requirements based on the specific treatment target and organ location. The system uses computer-controlled multi-axis movement to achieve optimal acoustic access while allowing patients to be positioned in more comfortable orientations, reducing discomfort during prolonged 3-4 hour treatments.
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
Enables accurate and comfortable treatment of multiple organs with improved repeatability and reliability, allowing for universal use across different MRI scanners and providing flexible access options, enhancing patient comfort and treatment efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A robotic positioning system using MRI-compatible materials like piezoelectric motors and ABS plastic, designed to move a FUS transducer in four axes
Implementation Method 2
designed to move a FUS transducer in four axes with a jack screw gear mechanism
Implementation Method 3
Focused ultrasound (FUS) at high intensity and sufficient duration induces thermal changes in tissue. FUS is utilized to selectively heat biological tissues for oncological applications.
Implementation Method 4
MRI offers superior contrast among tissues than ultrasound. Additionally MRI can effectively monitor the temperature changes produced by FUS.
Data Source
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AI summary
The current invention relates to an MRI compatible positioning system which is capable of carrying a FUS transducer 41 in order to treat diseases of the fibroid, abdominal, breast and brain. The positioning system employs only MRI compatible materials such as piezoelectric motors 33, 22, 10 and ABS plastic. The robotic system moves the transducer in 4 axes. The rotational motion of the piezoelectric motors is coupled to a jack screw gear mechanism. The positioning device is placed on the table of the MRI scanner and access of ultrasound to the abdominal, breast and brain is achieved from bottom to top. Sideway access to the brain is also possible. For fibroid the coupling can be a top to bottom approach. Top to bottom coupling can be applied also for breast. This is the first system that provides access to targets top to bottom, bottom to top and sideways.