APPARATUS FOR NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE THERAPY

Abstract

An apparatus for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy comprises a bed, two opposing sweep coils, as well as an upper coil and a lower coil for generating an alternating magnetic field.

Claims

1. An apparatus for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy, comprising a bed, coils that are arranged laterally of the bed, with a space between the coils defining a treatment volume, and further comprising a first further coil arranged below the bed, for generating a magnetic field, characterized in that a second further coil is arranged above the treatment volume, for generating a magnetic field.

2. The apparatus for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second further coil is adapted for being pivoted upwards or for being raised.

3. The apparatus for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least the second further coil is arranged in a ring-type casing having an inner opening and a substantially rectangular shape when seen in a plan view.

4. The apparatus for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy as claimed in claim 1, wherein two coils are mounted above the treatment volume to an angular part that can be pivoted upwards.

5. The apparatus for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy as claimed in claim 4, wherein the angular part is coupled to the rest of the apparatus via a pivot joint.

6. The apparatus for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy as claimed in claim 5, wherein the angular part is adapted for being pivoted upwards about an angle of at least 50?.

7. The apparatus for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy as claimed in claim 4, wherein the angular part comprises at least one operating unit.

8. The apparatus for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy as claimed in claim 4, wherein the angular part is adapted for being held in an upwardly pivoted position by at least one traction gas spring.

9. The apparatus for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one coil is embedded in a potting compound.

10. The apparatus for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy as claimed in claim 2, wherein the apparatus comprises a detecting device for detecting whether the second further coil is in an upwardly pivoted or raised position.

11. The apparatus for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a control unit which is used to measure an amperage of one of the coils or a frequency of an alternating field generated by at least one of the coils, at least upon start-up of the apparatus.

12. The apparatus for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy as claimed in claim 1, wherein the treatment volume has a length between 1.4 and 2.5 m, a width between 0.4 and 1 m, and a height between 0.4 and 1 m.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] The subject-matter of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings of FIGS. 1 through 16.

[0078] FIGS. 1 through 7 shows a first embodiment of the invention, in which two coils are arranged in an angular part that can be pivoted upwards.

[0079] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are perspective views of an apparatus for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy.

[0080] FIG. 3 is a wireframe view of a detail.

[0081] FIG. 4 shows the apparatus without housing.

[0082] FIG. 5 is a view of a detail of FIG. 4.

[0083] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the pivot joint of the apparatus.

[0084] FIG. 7 is a perspective view in which the apparatus is illustrated in its open state.

[0085] With reference to FIGS. 8 through 16, a further embodiment of the invention will be illustrated, in which one side part is configured for being lowered.

[0086] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an apparatus for magnetic resonance therapy.

[0087] FIG. 9 shows a further perspective view of an apparatus for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy in a wireframe view in which even hidden edges can be seen.

[0088] FIG. 10 shows the apparatus for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy of FIG. 9 with the upper coil for generating an alternating magnetic field pivoted upwards.

[0089] FIGS. 11 and 12 show two further perspective views of an apparatus for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy.

[0090] FIG. 13 is a view of a sweep coil.

[0091] FIG. 14 shows the coil casing of a coil for generating the alternating magnetic field.

[0092] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a module comprising the bed.

[0093] FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the apparatus for magnetic resonance therapy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus 1 for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy.

[0095] The apparatus 1 for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy of this embodiment comprises a bed 20 with a bed surface 2, on which a user can lie down.

[0096] The bed 20 is disposed on a pedestal 21.

[0097] Adjacent to the bed 20, coil casings 23a, 23b are arranged, which in this exemplary embodiment comprise coils that are used to generate the sweep field.

[0098] Coil casings 23a, 23b have a substantially rectangular central portion with longitudinal edges of the casings 23b, 23b extending in parallel to one another. On the narrow sides, casing 23a, 23b have a curved design, in the present embodiment in the form of a circular arc.

[0099] In this manner it is possible to provide coil casings 23a and 23b which have substantially the same length as the bed surface 2 and which allow to provide a large treatment volume.

[0100] The treatment volume is defined by the volume between coil casings 23a and 23b and the area between bed surface 2 and coil casing 24.

[0101] The bed 20 accommodates a coil for generating an alternating magnetic field.

[0102] A further coil for generating an alternating magnetic field is located in coil casing 24, which is arranged above coil casings 23a and 23b.

[0103] Coil casing 24 also has an elongated shape with rounded narrow sides.

[0104] The bed 20 likewise has rounded narrow sides, and the bed accommodates a coil (not illustrated herein) with a shape that corresponds substantially to the coil in the coil casing.

[0105] The coil in coil casing 24 is also used to generate an alternating magnetic field.

[0106] The coil in bed 20 and the coil in coil casing 24 are arranged in a Helmholtz configuration, and an alternating magnetic field of homogeneous field strength is generated within the treatment volume.

[0107] In this way, whole-body treatment of a user is made possible in a simple manner.

[0108] All coil cases 23a, 23b, 24 have an opening 36 which in particular is intended to counteract claustrophobia of the user during the treatment.

[0109] In order to be able to get into the apparatus, the apparatus 1 of this exemplary embodiment comprises an angular part 22 which is arranged substantially centrally and which can be pivoted upwards about pivot joint 25 provided in the form of a hinge.

[0110] Mounted to the angular part 22 is the coil casing 24 of the upper coil above the treatment volume and the coil casing 23b of a sweep coil on the front side thereof.

[0111] When the angular part 22 is being pivoted upwards, both the coil casing 23b and the coil casing 24 will simultaneously be pivoted upwards and the user can easily reach the bed surface 2.

[0112] A handle 37 is provided in the lower portion of angular part 22 to allow to easily open and close the apparatus 1.

[0113] Angular part 22 extends only across a portion of the opening 36.

[0114] A screen 26 is located at an upper corner of the angular part 22 and is preferably designed as a touch screen. The control unit (not shown) may also be located in the angular part.

[0115] The screen or surface of the screen 26 is inclined relative to a vertical plane at an angle of 30? to 70? in order to enable to easily reach the screen, which is preferably provided in the form of a touch screen.

[0116] Other control components such as a card reader may also be arranged in this area.

[0117] The bed surface 2 may be removed and exchanged for another bed surface (not illustrated) which comprises further treatment components.

[0118] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear side of the apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0119] As can be seen in particular in this view, the apparatus 1 comprises a rear part 27 connected to the pedestal 21, and mounted to the rear part is coil casing 23a on the one hand, and pivot joint 25 on the other hand.

[0120] Rear part 27 extends centrally upwards in this embodiment, as a type of column.

[0121] It will be understood that control components of the apparatus 1 may be arranged in the rear part 27 as well.

[0122] FIG. 3 is a perspective wireframe view which in particular illustrates the hinge 25.

[0123] Angular part 22 consists of a housing in which beams 30 are embedded, preferably metal beams 30.

[0124] These beams 30 are pivotally mounted to pivot joint 25.

[0125] On the side of the pivotal axis opposite to beam 30, a respective arm 28a, 28b is provided.

[0126] Each of arms 28a and 28b is connected to two traction gas springs 29a, 29b, and 29c, 29d, respectively.

[0127] Traction gas springs 29a-29d allow the angular part 22 to be easily pivoted upwards. Due to the pivoting downwards of the arms 28a and 28b associated therewith, the lever arm is extended so that in the fully opened state the traction gas springs 29a-29d exert a higher force than in the closed state of the apparatus and the apparatus will remain open automatically.

[0128] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view in which all housing components and parts of the bed have been omitted.

[0129] Thus, coils 9 and 10 can be seen, which are arranged in a Helmholtz configuration and serve to generate the sweep field.

[0130] Coil 10a arranged below the bed and coil 10b arranged above the bed are used to irradiate an alternating field, that extends perpendicularly to the sweep field.

[0131] Beams 30 can be seen, which are of angular shape and are mounted to pivot joint 25.

[0132] Below pivot joint 25, a rod 34 is mounted, and the opposite ends of the traction gas springs are mounted to this rod thus defining a further pivot joint 31.

[0133] A frame 32 comprises support beams for both the rear part and the bed.

[0134] Beams 30 which are connected to one another and hinged to the frame 32 form a bulge 33 at the front side, behind of which an upper portion of the coil 10 extends.

[0135] The metal parts of the frame 32 and of the beams 30 may be electrically isolated from each other to minimize induction of currents, as is suggested according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0136] FIG. 5 shows a detail of FIG. 4, in which the region of pivot joint 25 is clearly visible now, seen from the rear side.

[0137] In particular the rear arms 28a and 28b opposite beams 30 can be seen, to which the traction gas springs 29a-29d are mounted.

[0138] Furthermore, the rotatable rod 34 can be seen, which serves as a counter bearing for the lower ends of gas springs 29a-29d.

[0139] It will be understood that instead of a rotatable rod it is likewise possible, as an alternative, that each lower end of a traction gas spring 29a-29d is rotatably mounted on the rod.

[0140] Two traction gas springs are provided for each arm 28a, 28b. The use of a plurality of traction gas springs is particularly advantageous, since even in the case of failure of a traction gas spring, the angular part cannot come down with its entire weight, which could otherwise entail a risk of injury.

[0141] FIG. 6 is a wireframe view of the region of pivot joint 25.

[0142] The housing part 35 of angular part 22 can be seen extending around the beams 30. Pivot joint 25 is shown in the open state in this view.

[0143] Housing part 35 has a circular cylindrical shape in the region of pivot joint 25 and rotates in a corresponding recess of rear part 27.

[0144] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus 1 for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy in its opened state.

[0145] As can be seen, the angular part 22 which carries two coils has been pivoted upwards about almost 90?. This ensures that the treatment volume is easily accessible.

[0146] According to one embodiment of the invention, provisions may be made for adjustment of the opening angle by the operator of the apparatus 1, for example to be able to adjust the maximum height of the handle 37 for different operators.

[0147] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the angular part 22 comprises opposing light strips 38. Only one light strip 38 can be seen in this view. An opposite light strip is disposed above the bed surface on the other side of the angular part 22. Light strips 38 are preferably designed as LED lighting of variable color.

[0148] Light strips 38 may serve to mark the treatment volume and may also indicate whether the apparatus 1 is in operation. For example, upon start-up of the apparatus 1 the light color may change.

[0149] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of an apparatus 1 for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy.

[0150] The apparatus 1 for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy comprises a bed 2 which is arranged horizontally in this embodiment and on which a patient to be treated (not shown) can lie down with his entire body.

[0151] Bed 2 is part of a module comprising the housing 3. Adjacent to the bed 2 and adjacent to the housing 3, side walls 5 and 6 are arranged. The side walls 5 and 6 accommodate the sweep coils, as will be shown in detail below.

[0152] Furthermore, the outer housing 7 can be seen in this view, which is part of the housing which receives the side wall 6.

[0153] A coil casing 8 for generating an alternating magnetic field is arranged above side walls 5, 6.

[0154] A further coil for generating an alternating magnetic field, which cannot be seen here, is located below bed 2.

[0155] Furthermore, the module comprising the bed includes a control unit 4 which is arranged at the front end of this module.

[0156] FIG. 9 is a wireframe view of the apparatus 1 for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy shown in FIG. 8, where hidden edges, i.e. the interior of the apparatus 1 for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy, can now be seen in the manner of an X-ray image.

[0157] Now, the two sweep coils 9 and 10 arranged within side walls 5, 6 can be seen.

[0158] Furthermore, this view illustrates that the side wall 6 is located between two columns 16, 17 and can be moved downwards so that the sweep coil 10 will then be in the position 10a.

[0159] For moving down, i.e. lowering the side part, various technical options are conceivable. For example, manual lowering is conceivable. For this purpose, the side part may run in rails and may be coupled with a counterweight, via a cable and a pulley. The counterweight prevents the side part from coming down and allows to easily raise and lower it manually.

[0160] Furthermore, motorized actuation is conceivable as well, for example using a spindle drive.

[0161] The sweep coils 9 and 10 are arranged opposed to each other in a Helmholtz configuration and cover a large part of the length of the bed surface.

[0162] Coil casing 8 also extends over a large part of the length of the bed and almost across the entire width of the bed.

[0163] FIG. 10 shows the apparatus 1 for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, now with the upper coil casing 8 including a coil for generating an alternating magnetic field pivoted upwards. For this purpose, the coil casing 8 is hinged on side wall 5.

[0164] When the side wall 6 is lowered now, the user 11 can easily get into the apparatus for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy.

[0165] FIG. 11 shows a further perspective view of an apparatus for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy, in which the bed surface of the housing 3 which is configured as a module has been removed.

[0166] Now, it can be seen that a coil 12 for generating an alternating magnetic field is arranged below the bed surface as well. This coil is synchronized with the upper coil for generating an alternating magnetic field in a Helmholtz configuration.

[0167] Now, an alternating magnetic field with quite homogeneous field strength is achieved in the treatment volume, which vertically superimposes the field of the sweep coils arranged in the side parts.

[0168] FIG. 12 is a view of an apparatus 1 for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy, in which now the sweep coils 9 and 10 can be seen, between which the treatment volume is defined on bed 2.

[0169] FIG. 13 shows the configuration of the sweep coils.

[0170] They have the shape of a segmental arc window, that is to say they have a rectilinear lower portion and a curved upper portion, and between the arc and the lower portion the coils have a straight portion.

[0171] However, it is likewise conceivable to design the coil as a segmental arc and/or at least to round off the angular areas.

[0172] FIG. 14 shows the coil casing 8, 15 of the upper and/or lower coils for generating an alternating magnetic field.

[0173] The coil casing has a ring-type shape with a substantially rectangular geometry and is substantially adapted to the shape of the bed surface. The housing with central opening accommodates the coil 12 for generating the alternating magnetic field.

[0174] FIG. 15 shows the housing 3 of the bed surface module, which comprises a headrest 13 and, on the opposite end, a receiving slot 14 for the control unit (4 in FIG. 8).

[0175] This module may be turned around about 180? so that the control unit will be located at the desired side.

[0176] FIG. 16 shows a sectional view of an apparatus 1 for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy 1. Here, the coil casing 15 arranged below the bed surface can be seen, which accommodates the lower coil for generating an alternating magnetic field. Also, a side wall 5 can be seen, in which a sweep coil is located.

[0177] The treatment volume extends from the coil 15 to above the bed and is located between the side walls.

[0178] In addition, it should be noted that in an alternative embodiment variant which is not shown in the drawings, the side wall designated by reference numeral 6 is coupled to the upper coil casing (reference numeral 8) and can be pivoted upwards therewith.

[0179] The invention permitted to provide an apparatus for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy which allows to achieve large treatment areas, and which in particular enables a whole-body treatment and provides simplified access for the patient.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0180] 1 Apparatus for nuclear magnetic resonance therapy [0181] 2 Bed surface [0182] 3 Housing [0183] 4 Control unit [0184] 5 Sidewall [0185] 6 Sidewall [0186] 7 Outer housing [0187] 8 Coil casing [0188] 9 Sweep coil [0189] 10, 10a-b Sweep coil [0190] 11 User [0191] 12 Coil [0192] 13 Headrest [0193] 14 Receiving slot [0194] 15 Coil casing [0195] 16 Column [0196] 17 Column [0197] 20 Bed [0198] 21 Pedestal [0199] 22 Angular part [0200] 23a, 23b Coil casing [0201] 24 Coil casing [0202] 25 Pivot joint [0203] 26 Screen [0204] 27 Rear part [0205] 28a, 28b Arm [0206] 29a-29d Traction gas spring [0207] 30 Beam [0208] 31 Pivot joint [0209] 32 Frame [0210] 33 Bulge [0211] 34 Rod [0212] 35 Housing part [0213] 36 Opening [0214] 37 Handle [0215] 38 Light strips