MRI-Compatible Head Fixation with Rotatable Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI-guided surgical systems lack a secure and adjustable head fixation mechanism that can accommodate various patient head sizes and shapes, and provide stability during procedures without interfering with other components or physician access.
Innovation Solution
An MRI-compatible head fixation assembly with an elongated base and rotatable head support frame, allowing for adjustable positioning and immobilization of the patient's head across the gantry width, featuring MRI-compatible materials and components that can be sterilized and reused.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed head fixation system is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate various patient head sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The head fixation system employs dynamic, adjustable components including rotatable head support frames and movable positioning mechanisms that allow the device to adapt to various patient head sizes and shapes while maintaining a relatively simple base structure. The rotatable frame and adjustable arms provide versatility without requiring multiple fixed fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different types of head support frames and fixation devices. The standardized base structure with adjustable components serves multiple functions: supporting various head sizes, allowing rotational positioning, and providing stable fixation, thereby reducing the need for multiple specialized fixtures.
2Ease of operation
If the head support frame is fixed in position, then the structure is stable, but it cannot be adjusted for different positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The head support frame incorporates movable components with adjustment mechanisms that allow repositioning before the procedure, while the base provides a stable, fixed foundation. The system transitions from a static to a dynamically adjustable state during setup, then returns to a stable fixed state during the actual procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation system is divided into separate functional modules: a stable fixed base and an adjustable head support frame. This segmentation allows the base to provide reliable stability while the frame portion remains adjustable for different positioning requirements. The modular design enables independent optimization of each component's function.
3Reliability
If MRI-compatible materials are used throughout, then the system is safe for MRI procedures, but the material selection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The base and head support frame utilize MRI-compatible composite materials or combinations of MRI-compatible materials that provide both the required magnetic safety and sufficient mechanical strength. The system employs materials such as specific polymers or metal alloys that are non-ferromagnetic yet structurally adequate for head fixation during MRI procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An MRI-compatible base is configured to support an MRI-compatible head support frame. The base is configured to be secured to a gantry associated with an MRI scanner, and to extend across a width of the gantry. The base allows the head support frame to be moved to any of a plurality of locations across the width of the gantry, and allows the head support frame to rotate about two orthogonal axes so as to be positioned at any of a plurality of angles relative to the gantry.