MRI Head Coil Adaptor with Threaded Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MRI imaging procedures for neurosurgery and neurological radiosurgery face challenges in maintaining the stability and compatibility of stereotactic frames with different MRI head coils, leading to potential movement of the patient's head and inaccurate image mapping due to the use of cumbersome padding or incompatible frames.
Innovation Solution
An MRI head coil adaptor with a height-adjustable design that attaches directly to a stereotactic frame or head fixation pin, ensuring stability and compatibility with various MRI head coils through a threaded arrangement and non-conductive, non-metallic materials, allowing for secure fixation and adjustable height adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a stereotactic frame is used to ensure stable frame of reference, then imaging accuracy is improved, but head movement stability during imaging deteriorates due to incompatible frames with different MRI head coils
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor acts as an intermediary component between the stereotactic frame and the MRI head coil. It attaches to the stereotactic frame's attachment portion and provides a standardized interface for different MRI head coils, mediating the connection and ensuring both imaging accuracy and head stability are maintained across different coil types.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor is designed with height-adjustability to provide universal compatibility with various MRI head coil types. The second part can be adjusted to different heights relative to the attachment portion, allowing a single adaptor design to work with multiple different MRI head coil configurations while maintaining the stereotactic frame's stability and imaging accuracy.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed stereotactic frame is used for accurate mapping, then frame of reference stability is improved, but compatibility with various MRI head coils deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor introduces dynamic adjustability to the otherwise fixed stereotactic frame system. The second part of the adaptor is height-adjustable relative to the attachment portion, allowing the system to adapt to different MRI head coil configurations while the stereotactic frame itself remains stable and fixed, thus resolving the contradiction between frame stability and coil compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor is segmented into two distinct parts: a first part with an attachment portion that connects to the stereotactic frame, and a second part that interfaces with the MRI head coil. This segmentation allows the first part to maintain the stable frame of reference while the second part provides the necessary adaptability through height adjustment to accommodate various MRI head coil types.
3Reliability
If padding is used to prevent head movement, then head stability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome setup
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the head stabilization function from the auxiliary padding method and integrates it directly into the adaptor structure. The adaptor itself provides the mechanical means to secure the head and maintain stability during imaging, eliminating the need for separate padding materials and simplifying the overall setup procedure while maintaining head stability.
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
The adaptor provides improved stability and compatibility, ensuring accurate image mapping by preventing head movement during MRI imaging, enhancing the precision of neurosurgical treatments.
Implementation Method 1
The height-adjustability may be achieved by a threaded arrangement. For example, the second part may be threaded onto the first part, such that the height of the second part relative to the attachment portion is adjustable by rotating the second part relative to the first part.
Data Source
AI summary
An MRI head coil adaptor for a stereotactic frame can include a first part comprising an attachment portion configured for attachment to at least one of a stereotactic frame or a head fixation pin for a stereotactic frame. The adaptor can also include a second part coupled to the first part. The second part can be height-adjustable relative to the attachment portion. The height-adjustability may be achieved through a threaded arrangement between the first and second parts.