Subject Positioning Apparatus for Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning subjects during medical procedures, such as brain surgery and transcranial ultrasound, are invasive and lack the necessary precision, especially for non-invasive brain stimulation techniques like magnetic brain stimulation and ultrasound stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A subject positioning apparatus comprising two parts that contact and conform to different regions of the head and neck, providing a fixed position with high accuracy (less than 5 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm) relative to the neurocranium, using mating flanges and fasteners for secure engagement, and optionally incorporating 3D printing for customization and comfort features like eye holes and mirrors for visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a stereotactic frame is used to position the subject's head, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the procedure becomes invasive requiring secure attachment to the cranium
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning apparatus is divided into multiple separate components including a forehead rest, side rests, and a chin rest, each contacting different regions of the head. These segmented parts work together to achieve stable positioning without requiring invasive attachment to the cranium, thus maintaining accuracy while reducing invasiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning apparatus introduces intermediary contact points (forehead rest, side rests, chin rest) that mediate between the subject's head and the imaging apparatus. These intermediaries distribute contact forces across multiple anatomical landmarks without penetrating or securing to the cranium, achieving positioning accuracy through mechanical constraint rather than invasive attachment.
2Measurement precision
If a customised positioning device is created for each patient, then positioning accuracy and comfort are improved, but manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning apparatus applies local quality by creating patient-specific conformal surfaces only at the contact regions (forehead, sides, chin) while keeping the overall structure standardized. This allows customization where it matters most for accuracy and comfort, while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized components that can be produced using methods like 3D printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates preliminary action by pre-shaping the positioning surfaces to match the patient's anatomy before the procedure. Through preliminary scanning and customization of contact surfaces, the device is prepared in advance to fit the patient's specific head geometry, ensuring accurate positioning without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A subject positioning apparatus (10) is disclosed comprising a first part (200) and a second part (100). The first part (200) is configured to contact and conform with a first region of the subject's head and/or neck and to engage with and couple to the second part (100). The first and second part (200, 100) together hold the subject in a fixed position relative to the apparatus (10). The first and second part (200, 100) each further comprising a portion of a seal flange, the seal flange (201, 101) of the first and second part (200, 100) together configured to clamp to further medical equipment so that a region of the subject's head above the seal flange (201, 101) is received in the further medical equipment.