Multi-DOF Patient Table Positioning for MRI Isocenter Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance examinations are limited by the inability to position patient tables with more than one degree of freedom within the patient receiving area, which restricts the positioning of target anatomies and regions of interest, especially for obese patients or those with unique anatomy, leading to suboptimal imaging and accessibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enable patient table movement with at least two degrees of freedom within the patient receiving area, utilizing a control unit with computing and processing capabilities to autonomously determine and adjust the table position for optimal alignment of target anatomies and regions of interest relative to the isocenter, allowing for four degrees of freedom including rotational movement, thus improving accessibility and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the patient table is positioned in only one direction (z-direction) within the patient receiving area, then the device complexity is reduced and operation is simplified, but the positioning flexibility and image quality for various anatomies are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patient table is designed with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing it to move dynamically in longitudinal (z-direction), transverse (x-direction), and vertical (y-direction) directions, as well as rotate around the longitudinal axis. This dynamic positioning capability enables adaptation to various anatomies and imaging requirements without requiring multiple fixed-position devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extends the positioning capability from one dimension (z-direction only) to three dimensions by adding transverse (x-direction) and vertical (y-direction) movement capabilities, plus rotational freedom. This multi-dimensional positioning allows the target anatomy to be brought to the isocenter from any direction, significantly improving adaptability for different patient anatomies and examination types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the patient receiving area has a large diameter to accommodate obese patients, then the adaptability improves, but the imaging volume and field of view are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patient table's multi-directional movement capability allows the system to dynamically adjust the positioning of the patient's target anatomy relative to the isocenter. Even with a large bore diameter necessary for obese patients, the table can move the anatomy of interest into the optimal imaging position, effectively utilizing the available imaging volume regardless of patient size.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system separates the patient support function from the imaging function by allowing independent movement of the patient table in multiple directions. This enables the large patient receiving area to accommodate various patient sizes while the table positioning system independently brings the specific target anatomy into the limited imaging volume/field of view.
3Manufacturing precision
If the patient table moves with multiple degrees of freedom, then the positioning precision and image quality improve, but the control complexity and time required for positioning increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses feedback from the determined target anatomy position to automatically calculate and execute the optimal patient table positioning. The system receives input about the anatomy to be imaged and automatically determines the required table position and orientation, then executes the movement to bring that anatomy to the isocenter, minimizing manual adjustment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated control system performs the complex multi-dimensional positioning calculations and executions autonomously based on the target anatomy information. The system self-determines the optimal positioning parameters and self-executes the table movement, eliminating the need for manual positioning by operators and significantly reducing positioning time despite the complexity of multiple degrees of freedom.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for patient table positioning using a patient table of a magnetic resonance device that is movable within a patient receiving area, wherein the patient table has at least two degrees of freedom with respect to its movement within the patient receiving area. Initially, the patient table is positioned within the patient receiving area in a first patient table position and first magnetic resonance data from the patient is captured. The first magnetic resonance data is used to determine a position of a region of interest and to ascertain a second patient table position, wherein in the second patient table position, the region of interest has a minimum possible distance from an isocenter. This is followed by positioning in the second patient table position, wherein at least two degrees of freedom are available to the patient table for movement into the at least one second patient table position.