MRI magnet with enhanced patient entry and positioning
US6414490B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 21, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 21, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/374
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnet in combination with a mobile patient-positioning device, including a patient support and a method of using same for positioning patients for MRI scanning. The patient support is rotatable through a range of orientations from a horizontal to a vertical position, including being lockable at any oblique angle with respect to the horizontal. The patient disposed on the patient-positioning device in a predetermined orientation can then be moved horizontally into and out of a patient-receiving space in the MRI magnet at the predetermined angle or orientation. A preferred embodiment includes a plurality of patient-positioning devices in which a series of patients can be placed in a ready state while one patient is within the patient-receiving space. As an alternative embodiment, the patient may be moved vertically into position for MRI scanning by way of an elevator which is actuatable from the floor below the patient receiving space. This elevator also may be used in combination with the patient-positioning device. Preferred embodiments facilitate MRI guided surgery and other procedures performed while the patient is being imaged.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.