MRI-CT Compatible Micropositioning System for Remote Instrument Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical positioning aids in interventional magnetic resonance tomography (iMRT) lack remote operation and precise angular adjustment capabilities, leading to inefficiencies and stress on operators due to magnetic field exposure and unfavorable ergonomic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A positioning device with a rotary mechanism allowing the instrument holder to rotate orthogonally relative to the patient fastening member, combined with a pivoting and displacement mechanism, enabling precise and reproducible adjustment of the medical instrument's angle and position, and remote-controlled operation using cable pull mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simple mechanical positioning aids are used, then the device structure remains simple, but remote operation and precise angular adjustment capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is divided into multiple independent functional modules: a base unit, an instrument holder, a positioning mechanism with rotary and translational adjustments, and a remote control unit. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve complex positioning capabilities through simple, modular components that can be independently controlled and adjusted.
Solution Approach 2:
A remote control unit is introduced as an intermediary between the operator and the positioning mechanism. This intermediary transmits control signals wirelessly to adjust the instrument holder's position and angle, enabling remote operation without requiring the operator to be physically present at the device, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple mechanical structures.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual positioning is used, then the device complexity remains low, but operator stress due to magnetic field exposure and unfavorable ergonomic conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control unit serves as an intermediary that allows the operator to control the positioning device from a distance, reducing exposure to the magnetic field and improving ergonomic conditions. The wireless communication system transmits control signals without requiring the operator to be in close proximity to the positioning mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical adjustment is replaced with wireless electronic control. The remote control unit communicates with the positioning mechanism through wireless signals, eliminating the need for direct mechanical manipulation by the operator and reducing physical strain and magnetic field exposure.
3Productivity
If non-standardized operative steps are used, then the workflow flexibility is high, but efficiency and ease of entry for inexperienced interventionists decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is designed with universal, standardized functions that can be applied across different intervention scenarios. The remote control unit provides consistent control mechanisms for positioning and angle adjustment, creating a standardized workflow that improves efficiency while maintaining the flexibility to handle various medical instruments and procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a positioning device for positioning a medical instrument relative to a patient, wherein the positioning device has a patient fastening member which is specified to fasten the positioning device to the patient, and has an instrument holder which is specified to hold the medical instrument, wherein the patient fastening member has a patient holding surface for bearing on the patient.