Protective Device for a Magnetic Resonance Tomography Apparatus

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention is a protective shield device designed to attach to the patient table or guide rail of an MRI scanner. It features one or more flat, largely closed shielding panels connected to the attachment point via articulated joints that allow rotational adjustment, preferably around two perpendicular axes. This flexibility lets the shield be precisely positioned to protect specific body parts or areas of the patient during an MRI scan. The device effectively blocks or reduces unwanted exposure or interference in a targeted, adjustable manner.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Shielding sensitive or implant-bearing body regions of a patient from RF or gradient fields during routine MRI examinations.
• Protecting pediatric patients by positioning the shield to cover areas not being imaged, reducing unnecessary field exposure.
• Adapting the shield orientation for different patient positions (e.g., prone vs. supine) without removing or replacing the device.
• Securing the protective panel to the MRI patient table guide rail so it moves with the table during patient positioning, maintaining consistent coverage.
• Using the two-axis articulation to fine-tune shield angle for patients with non-standard anatomy or positioning requirements.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• The articulated joint with two perpendicular rotation axes allows precise, flexible repositioning of the shield to match a wide variety of patient anatomies and scan protocols.
• Coupling directly to the patient table or guide rail ensures the shield moves in sync with the patient, eliminating the need for repeated manual readjustment.
• The substantially closed shielding surface provides effective, uniform coverage in the normal direction, minimizing gaps that could reduce protection.
• A single device design can serve multiple use cases by simply adjusting the joint angles, reducing the need for multiple specialized shields.
• Mechanical attachment to existing MRI table infrastructure means no modifications to the scanner itself are required for installation.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a protective device (20) for a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus (1), comprising a connection section (30) which is configured and provided to be coupled in an intended state of use with a patient couch (12) and/or a guide rail (10) for the patient couch (12) of the magnetic resonance tomography apparatus (1), at least one area-extending screen section (40, 74) which forms a substantially closed screen surface at least in a viewing direction normal to its extension surface, and at least one joint section (50, 76) which is arranged between the screen section (40) and the connection section (30) or a further section (74) and which is configured and provided to enable a rotational adjustment of the screen section (40) or the further section (74), preferably about two mutually perpendicular joint axes.