MRI-Compatible Patient Support for Precise Thermal Therapy Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support systems are not optimized or compatible for use with MRI-guided ultrasonic thermal therapy, lacking considerations for patient comfort, system performance, and logistics.
Innovation Solution
A patient support system constructed of MRI-compatible materials, featuring adjustable platforms and supports for therapeutic applicators and cooling devices, allowing for precise positioning and secure attachment within an MRI environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing patient support systems are used, then basic patient support is provided, but they are not compatible or optimized for MRI-guided ultrasonic thermal therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support system is designed to serve multiple functions: supporting the patient during MRI scanning, positioning therapeutic applicators, mounting cooling devices, and facilitating ultrasonic thermal therapy. The frame structure with multiple platforms and attachment points enables a single system to perform diverse roles required for MRI-guided thermal therapy, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is divided into separate functional modules: a patient support platform, a therapeutic applicator positioning system with its own support structure, and a cooling device support. Each module can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing the system to adapt to MRI-guided thermal therapy requirements while maintaining reliable performance of each component.
2Measurement precision
If therapeutic applicators and cooling devices are positioned precisely, then system performance is optimized, but the complexity of positioning and securing mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary positioning structures: a therapeutic applicator positioning system that acts as a mediator between the frame and the applicator, and a cooling device support that mediates between the second platform and the cooling device. These intermediaries simplify the positioning task by providing standardized interfaces and adjustment mechanisms, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning systems for both therapeutic applicators and cooling devices incorporate adjustable and repositionable features. The second platform can be moved along the frame, and the cooling device support can be repositioned on the second platform. This dynamic capability allows precise positioning without requiring complex fixed positioning mechanisms for each component.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An MRI-compatible system for supporting a patient during a medical procedure includes a frame, first and second platforms, a cooling device support, a therapeutic-applicator-positioning-system support, and a pair of leg rests. The first platform is configured to support the patient. The second platform is disposed between the foot end of the frame and the first platform. The cooling device support and the therapeutic-applicator-positioning-system support are mounted on the second platform. The cooling device support positions and releasably secures a cooling device. The therapeutic-applicator-positioning-system support releasably secures a therapeutic applicator positioning system. Each leg rest includes a leg support and a foot support. The leg rests are disposed on the frame and are configured to be slidably positioned towards the head end or towards the foot end of the frame.