DE202012104183U1 - A protective cover for MRI device - Google Patents

Abstract

A protective cover for an open-bore magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, the cover being characterized in that a. it has a semi-permeable barrier device, an MRI shield and a physical shield; b. it is at least partially transparent; and c. it has fluid connection means for providing fluid communication between an inner open bore of the open-bore MRI device and an external environment relative to this open-bore MRI device.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, and more particularly to shield coverage of an MRI port during an MRI system operation.

Background of the invention

Therefore, there remains a long-felt and unmet need to provide a device with an MRI shield for MRI devices to prevent the introduction of objects into the magnetic field of an MRI device.

Summary of the invention

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a protective cover for an open-bore magnetic resonance (MRI) device, the cover being characterized in that: (a) it comprises a semi-permeable barrier device, an MRI shield and a physical shield ; (b) it is at least partially transparent; and (c) it has fluid connection means for providing fluid communication between an inner open bore of the open-bore MRI device and an external environment relative to this open-bore MRI device.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cover as defined above, wherein the semipermeable barrier device is at least partially formed of connected strands of a flexible or ductile material.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cover as defined above, wherein the flexible or ductile material comprises metal or fibers.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cover as defined above, wherein the semipermeable barrier device is constructed of a material comprising copper, paramagnetic materials, ferromagnetic materials, or any combination thereof.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cover as defined above, wherein the semipermeable barrier device has the structure of a braid, a fabric or a net.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cover as defined above, wherein the cover is transparent.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cover as defined above, wherein the MRI shield is of the radio-frequency (RF) shield type.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cover as defined above, wherein the cover is configured such that when the cover is placed, an opening of the open-bore MRI apparatus is completely covered by the cover.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a cover as defined above, the cover comprising attachment means which mate with corresponding attachment means on the open-bore MRI device and thereby serve as a door for opening and closing the open-bore MRI device. Act device.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cover as defined above, wherein the attachment means are configured such that the cover remains attached to the open-bore MRI device upon opening.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cover as defined above, wherein the cover has a tubular, conical, cup-shaped, cylindrical, sleeve-like or hollow shape with a circumference designed to fit onto the bore of the open bore MRI device fits, or has an inner shape that is designed so that an object fits into it.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cover as defined above, wherein the cover has a shape that mates with an incubator within the open-bore MRI device.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cover as defined above, the cover further comprising a ring frame has, which is arranged around the circumference of the cover around.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cover as defined above, wherein the magnetic shield extends over an area at least equal to an open area of the open bore.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cover as defined above, wherein the cover is rotatable.

Short description

In order to understand the invention and to discern how it may be put into practice, some preferred embodiments will now be described in a non-limitative, exemplary manner with reference to the figures, in which:

1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, provides a protective cover of an open-bore MRI device in its open configuration;

2 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a protective cover of an open-bore MRI device in its closed configuration when no imaging is performed;

3 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, provides a protective cover of an open-bore MRI device in its closed configuration during imaging;

4 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, provides a protective cover of an open-bore MRI device with an incubator in its open configuration;

5 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a protective cover of an open-bore MRI device with an incubator in its closed configuration when no imaging is performed;

6 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an open-bore MRI device having an incubator in its closed configuration during imaging; and

7 According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, protective cover structures and positions.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to use the invention, and explains the best modes contemplated by the inventor for carrying out this invention. Various modifications will, however, remain apparent to those skilled in the art, as the general principles of the present invention have been specifically defined to provide an apparatus for covering an MRI port.

As used herein, the terms "magnetic resonance device" (MRD), "magnetic resonance imaging" (MRI) or "magnetic resonance system" refer to any magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, any nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscope [0008] NMR spectroscopy, any electron spin resonance spectroscopy (ESR), any nuclear quadruple resonance (NQR) spectroscopy, or any combination thereof. The terms in this invention also refer to any other analysis or imaging device that has a volume of interest, such as computed tomography (CT), ultrasound (US), etc. The magnetic resonance device disclosed herein is optionally a portable MRI device such as that of FIG ASPECT-MR Ltd. commercially available devices or a commercially available, non-portable device. Moreover, the term "magnetic resonance device" (MRD) generally refers to any non-incubatory medical device that at least temporarily accommodates the neonate.

As used herein, the term "incubator" may include isolation-type devices that are self-contained incubator units that provide a controlled heat, moisture and oxygen microenvironment for isolation and treatment of premature babies and low birth weight infants. This apparatus is often made of a clear plastic material and has a wide door and hatches for easy access to the child with a minimum of heat and oxygen loss. A servo control mechanism constantly monitors the temperature of the child and controls the heat within the unit. The incubator can also be mounted on a mobile cart or the like.

As used herein, the term "open bore" refers to the opening of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system having a diameter configured to receive a patient and into which the patient is inserted to a large diameter to lie cylindrical magnet.

1 shows the representation of a protective cover 120 for an open-bore magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device 110 , The cover is characterized in that: (a) it has a semi-permeable barrier, an MRI shield and a physical shield; (b) it is at least partially transparent; and (c) it has fluid connection means for providing fluid communication between an inner open bore of the open-bore MRI device and an external environment relative to this open-bore MRI device.

It will now be referred to 1 that have an open configuration 100 representing the cover. The cover may be opened in vertical or horizontal orientation in an upper or lower position of the open-bore MRI apparatus.

The cover is located at the front opening of the MRI device. The cover may include attachment means that mate with corresponding attachment means on the open-bore MRI device and thereby act as a door for opening and closing the open-bore MRI device. Furthermore, the attachment means are designed such that the cover remains attached to the open-bore MRI device upon opening.

Further, the cover may be pivotally mounted on at least one of its sides by a pivoting mechanism at a portion of the open-bore MRI apparatus that is coincident with the one opening side.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the cover is configured such that when the cover is placed, an opening of the open-bore MRI device is completely covered by the cover and additionally protects against unwanted magnetic field leakage.

The cover has a tubular, cone-shaped, cup-shaped, cylindrical, sleeve-like or hollow shape with a circumference designed to fit on the bore of the open-bore MRI device, or has an internal shape designed to be an object fits.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a handle (not shown) may be provided on the exterior of the cover. According to this construction, the cover is pivotally movable when the user pulls on the handle to open the opening or presses the handle to close the MRI opening. The cover may also be rotatable.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the cover may be partially made of a transparent material or a transparent fabric so that it can act as a French window. The French window may be made of transparent glass material to provide a high frequency (RF) viewing window of a subject with the highest visibility. The cover may be partially made of glass, which is traversed with copper. Furthermore, the cover can be made entirely of glass. In addition, since the glass provides a complete seal and a constant temperature, a ventilation system can be established.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the cover may be partially formed of a semi-permeable barrier formed of interconnected strands of metal, fibers or other flexible or ductile material. The semi-permeable barrier device has the structure of a braid, a fabric or a mesh with many attached or woven strands. The semipermeable barrier device further comprises copper, paramagnetic materials having a relative magnetic permeability greater than or equal to the magnetic field excited unit, ferromagnetic materials, or combinations thereof. To create a strong magnetic shield, the cover may be partially formed of paramagnetic materials. Paramagnetic materials exhibit at least over a significant temperature range magnetic susceptibilities that follow the Curie or Curie-Weiss laws. In addition, paramagnetic materials have the advantage that they retain no magnetization due to thermal motion that randomizes the spin orientation in the absence of an externally applied magnetic field. The cover may be partially made of ferromagnetic metal or its metal alloys such as Co, Fe, FeOFe ₂ O ₃ , NiOFe ₂ O ₃ , CuOFe ₂ O ₃ , MgOFe ₂ O ₃ , MnBi, MnSb, Ni, MnOFe ₂ O ₃ , Y ₃ Fe ₅ O ₁₂ , CrO ₂ , MnAs, Gd, Dy or EuO be formed. The cover may also be formed from a combination of copper, ferromagnetic metals or paramagnetic metals or the like.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the cover is characterized by a magnetic shield to protect the environment from the MRI magnetic field. The magnetic shield is a radio frequency (RF) ) Shielding, which can consist of almost all kinds of metals. The most distinctive types used for MRI shielding are copper, galvanized steel or aluminum. Other metals are normally not used due to disadvantages such as ease of handling or modification or corrosion. The copper RF shield may be a copper sheet that is wrapped and bolted to form a cover. This type of shielding is lightweight, easily modifiable to the field of application or deviations, and provides durable RF shielding. Another type of RF shielding system may be a pan-shaped shield made entirely of metal. This system is bolted to form the cover. Depending on the preference of the manufacturer of the MRI apparatus, galvanized steel, stainless steel or aluminum may be used for this system. The cover further provides magnetic field shielding and can also prevent projectile action of ferromagnetic objects.

The cover closes the open hole 110 the MRI device 140 in a manner that corresponds to the Faraday shielding. The cover mesh overlaps significantly and is in contact with the open-bore MRI device.

It will now be referred to 2 and 3 illustrating a closed configuration of the protective cover of an open-bore MRI device. 2 represents a closed configuration 200 when imaging is not performed, whereas 3 a closed configuration 300 during imaging. The cover may be closed in vertical or horizontal orientation in an upper or lower position of the open-bore MRI apparatus.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the cover may further include a ring frame disposed around the periphery of the cover. The frame may have a structure of an annular socket for enclosing the cover as well as providing a better seal in the manner of a bolt to keep the cover fully open or closed. The cover is connected to the MRI device so as to avoid leakage of the magnetic field from the imaging system. Therefore, the magnetic shield extends over an area at least equal to an open area of the open bore.

It will now be referred to 4 that has a protective cover 410 an open-bore MRI device 430 with an incubator with a subject such as a child, baby, or infant in their open configuration 400 represents. The cover has a shape that mates with an incubator within the open-bore MRI device. The cover is characterized in that: (a) it has a semi-permeable barrier, an MRI shield and a physical shield; (b) it is at least partially transparent; and (c) it has fluid connection means for providing fluid communication between an inner open bore of the open-bore MRI device and an external environment relative to this open-bore MRI device.

The cover is located in front of the MRI opening. Further, the cover may be pivotally attached to at least one of its sides by means of a hinge mechanism at a portion of the MRI opening tunnel coincident with the one opening side.

It will now be referred to 5 providing a protective cover of an open-bore MRI device in its closed configuration 500 without representing an incubator with a subject.

It will now be referred to 6 providing a protective cover of an open-bore MRI device in its closed configuration 600 wherein it is an incubator with a subject such as a child, baby or baby.

The cover has a tubular, cone-shaped, cup-shaped, cylindrical, sleeve-like or hollow shape with a circumference designed to fit on the bore of the open-bore MRI device, or has an internal shape designed to be an object fits. The cover may further include a structure protruding from the open bore of the MRI device to cover and shield the exterior of an incubator. Further, the cover may be mounted on the incubator in a portable manner. As in 5 and 6 Moreover, edge of the cover may have a planar structure.

It will now be referred to 7 , which represents a selection of structures that the cover can have and how it can be positioned. The cover may have a curved structure (a), a polygonal structure (b) or a flat structure (c). Furthermore, the cover may have a structure protruding from the outside of the open bore of the MRI device to accommodate the protruding part of the incubator (d).

Further, the cover may be pivotally attached to a portion of the MRI opening tunnel coincident with the one opening side by means of a pivot mechanism on at least one of its sides (e).

Furthermore, the cover can be separated from the open bore of the MRI apparatus. Furthermore, the cover can be positioned in a telescopic structure (f).

Claims (15)

A protective cover for an open-bore magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, the cover being characterized in that a. it has a semi-permeable barrier device, an MRI shield and a physical shield; b. it is at least partially transparent; and c. it has fluid connection means for providing fluid communication between an inner open bore of the open-bore MRI device and an external environment relative to this open-bore MRI device. The cover of claim 1, wherein the semi-permeable barrier is at least partially formed of interconnected strands of a flexible or ductile material. A cover according to claim 2, wherein the flexible or ductile material comprises metal or fibers. The cover of claim 1, wherein the semi-permeable barrier device is constructed of a material comprising copper, paramagnetic materials, ferromagnetic materials, or any combination thereof. A cover according to claim 1, wherein the semipermeable barrier device has the structure of a braid, a fabric or a net. A cover according to claim 1, wherein the cover is transparent. The cover of claim 1, wherein the MRI shield is of radio frequency (RF) shield type. The cover of claim 1, wherein the cover is configured such that, when the cover is placed, an opening of the open-bore MRI device is completely covered by the cover. The cover of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises attachment means which mate with corresponding attachment means on the open-bore MRI device and thereby act as a door for opening and closing the open-bore MRI device. A cover according to claim 9, wherein the attachment means are configured such that the cover remains attached to the open-bore MRI device upon opening. A cover according to claim 1, wherein the cover has a tubular, conical, cup-shaped, cylindrical, sleeve-like or hollow shape with a circumference designed to fit on the bore of the open bore MRI device or an internal shape designed in this way that an object fits in. The cover of claim 1, wherein the cover has a shape that mates with an incubator within the open-bore MRI device. The cover of claim 1, wherein the cover further comprises a ring frame disposed about the periphery of the cover. The cover of claim 1, wherein the magnetic shield extends over a region at least equal to an open area of the open bore. A cover according to claim 1, wherein the cover is rotatable.

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