Head restraint method and apparatus for use in MRI
US5836878A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 11, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 17, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 11, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B6/0421
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus is disclosed for immobilizing a patient's head within an MRI headcoil to avoid the use of imaging enhancements that compensate for patient movement. The apparatus includes a bite plate having a dental impression of the particular patient at one end, and at the other end, the bite plate is attached to a mounting bracket assembly. The mounting bracket assembly is rigidly attached to the MRI headcoil. The mounting bracket assembly includes a main bracket, an intermediary bracket, and a clamping plate. The bite plate is adjustably mounted to the intermediary bracket, which in turn is adjustably mounted to the main bracket to provide both approximate adjustments and precise adjustments, respectively. The clamping plate attaches the mounting bracket assembly to at least one rung of the headcoil. A patient adjustable retainer is provided for locking the bite plate to the intermediary bracket and providing a method of allowing the technician or the patient to perform the precise adjustments so that the patient is most comfortable during a lengthy MRI. Although the device is custom fitted for each patient, aside from the actual dental impression, the device is complet…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.