CN115836853A - Magnetic resonance supplementary unit and magnetic resonance equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is based on a magnetic resonance supplementary unit which is designed to be arranged on a patient support of a magnetic resonance system, comprising: a support unit configured to support a head of a patient; a housing unit at least partially enclosing the support unit; and a fastening unit for fastening the magnetic resonance supplementary unit to the patient support apparatus, wherein the magnetic resonance supplementary unit has a patient communication unit which comprises at least one acoustic communication element and a data transmission element for transmitting acoustic data. Furthermore, the invention relates to a magnetic resonance system.

Description

Magnetic resonance supplementary unit and magnetic resonance equipment

Technical Field

The invention relates to a magnetic resonance supplementary unit, which is designed to be arranged on a patient support device of a magnetic resonance system, comprising: a support unit configured to support a head of a patient; a housing unit at least partially enclosing the support unit; and a fastening unit for fastening the magnetic resonance attachment unit to the patient support device.

Background

Magnetic resonance examinations of a patient have a relatively long examination time. During the examination time, the patient, in particular the region of the patient to be examined, is located in a patient receiving region of the magnetic resonance apparatus. Therefore, there is generally a necessity to: the patient is informed of information and/or instructions, for example breathing instructions and/or remaining examination time, during the duration of the magnetic resonance examination. Furthermore, it may also be desirable to play music for the patient in the patient accommodation region during the magnetic resonance examination in order to calm and/or relax the patient and/or in order to increase patient comfort.

Heretofore, patient headphones have been provided to patients during magnetic resonance examinations for patient communication and/or patient entertainment. However, such patient headsets are typically very space consuming and may produce a narrow feeling and/or discomfort at the patient. Furthermore, in performing a head examination of a patient, the patient's head is positioned within a local head radio frequency coil, which often makes it difficult and/or prevents patient headphones from being additionally positioned at the patient. In addition, in-ear headphones for magnetic resonance examinations are also known. However, such in-ear headphones are not perceived as comfortable by all patients and are generally rejected by the patient.

Furthermore, it is known for patient communication to provide a microphone in the patient receiving area for detecting voice information of the patient. However, the microphones are typically disposed at the housing and/or the baffle surrounding the patient receiving area and are thus not disposed directly at and/or near the patient. Therefore, when detecting the speech signal of a patient, undesirable interference noise is often also detected, which has a negative effect on the signal quality, in particular on the quality of the speech signal of the patient.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is based on the object, inter alia, of providing a patient communication unit which has a high patient comfort and a high signal quality in the detected and/or output speech signal. The object is achieved by the features of the invention. Advantageous embodiments are described in the following description.

The invention is based on a magnetic resonance supplementary unit which is designed to be arranged on a patient support of a magnetic resonance system, comprising: a support unit configured to support a head of a patient; a housing unit at least partially enclosing the support unit; and a fastening unit for fastening the magnetic resonance apparatus to the patient support apparatus. According to the invention, the magnetic resonance supplementary unit has a patient communication unit, wherein the patient communication unit comprises at least one acoustic communication element and a data transmission element for transmitting acoustic data.

The magnetic resonance system preferably comprises a medical and/or diagnostic magnetic resonance system which is designed and/or designed for recording medical and/or diagnostic image data, in particular medical and/or diagnostic magnetic resonance image data, of a patient. For this purpose, the magnetic resonance apparatus comprises a scanner unit. The scanner unit of the magnetic resonance apparatus preferably comprises a detector unit, in particular a magnet unit, for detecting medical and/or diagnostic image data. The scanner unit, in particular the magnet unit, here advantageously comprises a basic magnet, a gradient coil unit and a radio-frequency antenna unit.

For performing a magnetic resonance examination, a patient, in particular a region of the patient to be examined, is introduced into a patient receiving region of a magnetic resonance apparatus and is positioned there in the isocenter and/or in a Field of View (FOV). The FOV preferably comprises an examination region of the magnetic resonance apparatus, in which examination region conditions, for example a homogeneous basic magnetic field, exist for the examination of medical image data, in particular magnetic resonance image data. The isocenter of the magnetic resonance apparatus preferably comprises a region and/or point within the magnetic resonance apparatus having optimal and/or ideal conditions for detecting medical image data, in particular magnetic resonance image data. The isocenter comprises in particular the region of the most homogeneous magnetic field within the magnetic resonance apparatus.

The patient receiving region is designed and/or designed for receiving a patient, in particular a region of the patient to be examined, for performing a medical magnetic resonance examination. For this purpose, the patient receiving region is formed, for example, cylindrically and/or is surrounded cylindrically by the scanner unit. The patient support apparatus is designed for positioning and/or supporting a patient in a patient receiving region for a magnetic resonance examination. The patient support device may comprise an examination table which is designed in such a way that it can be moved into the patient accommodation region. For performing a magnetic resonance examination, the patient is positioned on the table such that, after positioning the table in the patient receiving area, the area to be examined is arranged and/or positioned in the isocenter of the patient receiving area.

The magnetic resonance attachment unit is designed for arrangement on a patient support device. The magnetic resonance supplementary unit is designed in particular for removable arrangement on a patient support device, in particular on an examination table. For this purpose, the patient support device, in particular the examination table, has at least one receiving region for receiving and/or positioning the magnetic resonance attachment unit. The at least one receiving region is preferably arranged at a defined and/or specific position on the examination table. At least one receiving region for receiving the magnetic resonance supplementary unit is arranged in particular in a front region and/or a rear region of the examination table, and thus preferably in a positioning region for positioning the head of the patient.

The support unit of the magnetic resonance attachment unit comprises a support region for supporting the head of the patient during the magnetic resonance examination. The support unit preferably also comprises a support cushion, for example a foam cushion, for supporting the head of the patient. The housing unit of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit can advantageously surround the bearing unit at least in a shell-like manner. It is also possible for the housing unit to comprise only a fixed base for the support unit. The fastening unit of the magnetic resonance attachment unit is designed to arrange and/or fasten, in particular detachably, the magnetic resonance attachment unit on a patient support device, in particular an examination table. The fastening unit is preferably provided for this purpose at a side of the housing unit facing away from the bearing unit. The patient support apparatus can also comprise a fastening unit cooperating with the fastening unit of the magnetic resonance attachment unit for fastening the magnetic resonance attachment unit.

The magnetic resonance supplementary unit can be designed here as a support aid and/or positioning aid only for the head of the patient. However, the magnetic resonance supplementary unit is particularly advantageously designed as a local radio-frequency coil, in particular as a local head radio-frequency coil.

In order to exchange information between the patient and the medical operator during the magnetic resonance examination, the magnetic resonance supplementary unit has a patient communication unit. The patient communication unit is arranged and/or integrated in the magnetic resonance supplementary unit. The patient communication unit is preferably arranged and/or integrated in the magnetic resonance attachment unit.

The patient communication unit has at least one acoustic communication element. The at least one acoustic communication element may comprise an acoustic input element, such as a microphone, and/or an acoustic output element, such as a speaker. Furthermore, the patient communication unit comprises a data transmission element for transmitting acoustic data to the at least one acoustic communication element and/or for transmitting data detected by means of the at least one acoustic communication element, for example voice data and/or voice signals. The data transmission element may comprise a data line and/or may also comprise a module and/or an element for wireless data transmission.

For communication with a user, in particular a medical operator, a communication unit, in particular a user communication unit, may also be provided on the user side, in particular in a control room, in which the medical operator stays during the magnetic resonance examination. The subscriber communication unit comprises at least one communication element, in particular at least one acoustic communication element. The at least one acoustic communication element of the user communication unit preferably comprises an acoustic input element, such as a microphone, and/or an acoustic output element, such as a loudspeaker.

The invention has the following advantages: a close arrangement of the patient communication unit, in particular of the at least one acoustic communication element, to the patient can be achieved. In this way, undesired detection of interference noise can be suppressed and/or reduced, so that a high signal quality of the communication between the patient and the medical operator can also be achieved. Furthermore, since the patient communication unit is arranged and/or integrated at and/or in the magnetic resonance supplementary unit, a direct arrangement of the patient communication unit at the patient, for example carrying a patient headset, can be prevented, so that a high level of comfort can also be provided for the patient during the magnetic resonance examination. Furthermore, simple patient preparation can be advantageously achieved by the invention, since careful positioning of the patient headset at the patient and/or of the signal lines of the patient headset, in particular of the plastic hose, is dispensed with. This makes it possible in particular to achieve a time-saving patient preparation for the medical operator.

In an advantageous development of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit according to the invention, it can be provided that the magnetic resonance supplementary unit has a plug contact, wherein the plug contact is arranged on a side of the housing unit facing the patient support device, wherein the plug contact forms a plug connection for mating with a mating plug contact of the patient support device, and wherein the data transmission element is connected to the plug contact. The data transmission element can be connected directly to the plug contact or can also be connected indirectly to the plug contact, for example via an additional intermediate component. The data transmission element is preferably connected to the plug contact in terms of data exchange, in particular the exchange of acoustic data and/or acoustic signals. Furthermore, the electrical contact of the patient communication unit is also ensured by means of the plug contact. For example, the magnetic resonance supplementary unit, in particular the patient communication unit, can be supplied with electrical energy in the plugged-in position with the patient support apparatus by means of the plug-in contact.

The plug-in contact of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit can also be integrated in the fastening unit, or the fastening unit of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit and the plug-in contact of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit can be at least partially formed in one piece and/or in one piece.

The design scheme of the invention has the following advantages: the data transmission for the acoustic signals and/or data takes place directly via the magnetic resonance attachment unit and the patient support apparatus. Cables for data transmission, in particular exposed cables, can be dispensed with, so that the risk of cable jamming during movement of the patient support device, in particular of the examination table, is advantageously reduced and/or prevented.

In an advantageous development of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit according to the invention, it can be provided that the magnetic resonance supplementary unit comprises a local head radio frequency coil comprising a lower coil part and an upper coil part, wherein the lower coil part comprises the fastening unit, the support unit, the housing unit and the patient communication unit.

For performing magnetic resonance examinations, local radio frequency coils are arranged and/or positioned around a region of a patient to be examined for detecting magnetic resonance signals. Different local radio frequency coils are also provided for different body regions of the patient, wherein the different local radio frequency coils can be molded and/or matched to the body region to be examined. A local head radio frequency coil is provided for head examination and/or neck examination of a patient. The local head radio frequency coil includes a lower coil part and an upper coil part. A defined and/or specific position on the patient support apparatus is provided for the coil lower part. After positioning and/or arranging the head of the patient in and/or on the lower coil part, in particular in and/or on the support unit of the lower coil part, the upper coil part is positioned on the lower coil part. The lower coil part together with the upper coil part surrounds the head of the patient and/or the receiving region of the local head radio-frequency coil in a helmet-like manner.

Furthermore, due to the arrangement and/or integration of the patient communication unit at and/or within the local head radio frequency coil, a direct positioning of the patient communication unit, for example a patient headset, at the patient can be avoided, so that an uncomfortable wearing sensation and/or a narrow feeling of the patient during the magnetic resonance examination can be prevented. Furthermore, a high patient comfort can also be achieved by providing the patient communication unit within the magnetic resonance supplementary unit. Another advantage is that due to the arrangement of the patient communication unit of the local head radio frequency coil, a close to the patient and protected arrangement of the patient communication unit can be achieved.

In an advantageous development of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit according to the invention, it can be provided that the coil lower part comprises a coil plug-in unit, wherein the coil plug-in unit comprises a plug-in contact. The local head radio frequency coil, in particular the coil plug unit of the coil lower part, is preferably designed to cooperate with a coil plug unit of the patient support device. Furthermore, the coil plug-in unit forms a data transmission, for example a data transmission of the detected magnetic resonance data and/or control data, and/or an electrical contact for the local head radio-frequency coil. Furthermore, the coil plug-in unit can also be formed integrally and/or monolithically with a fastening unit for fastening the local head radio frequency coil to a patient support device, in particular an examination couch.

The design scheme of the invention has the following advantages: for data transmission, the patient communication unit is provided with a coil plug unit and it is not necessary to provide the patient communication unit with a separate audio terminal. In this way, a particularly cost-effective and component-saving additional magnetic resonance unit, in particular a head radio-frequency coil, can also be provided with a patient communication unit. In this case, in particular cables for data transmission, in particular exposed cables, can be dispensed with, so that the risk of cable jamming during movement of the patient support device, in particular of the examination table, can be advantageously reduced and/or prevented.

In an advantageous development of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit according to the invention, it can be provided that the housing unit comprises a conically designed end region with a guide channel, wherein a sub-region of the data transmission element is guided in the guide channel. The guide channel is preferably an opening in the conical end region of the housing unit, wherein the opening leads from an inner region, in particular a bearing region, of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit to a region surrounding the magnetic resonance supplementary unit. The size, in particular the cross section and/or the diameter, of the guide channel is adapted to the cross section and/or the diameter of the partial region of the data transmission element guided in the guide channel. The design has the following advantages: the connection of the data transmission element to the plug contact can be carried out on the outside of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit, so that it is protected against damage caused by the movement of the patient and/or against the ingress of liquid and/or against contamination caused by the patient. The guide channel is preferably integrated in the upper edge region, so that a simple introduction of the data transmission element can be achieved. In addition, in the embodiment of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit as a local head radio-frequency coil, the guide channel is integrated in the lower coil part, so that the local head radio-frequency coil can be opened by removing the upper coil part, and the patient communication unit can remain completely in the lower coil part.

In an advantageous development of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit according to the invention, it can be provided that the data transmission element has a strain relief, wherein the strain relief of the data transmission element is arranged in a subregion of the data transmission element which is guided in the guide channel. The strain relief means is preferably constructed in a fixed manner with the cable sheath of the data transmission element, for example by thermoforming. Furthermore, the strain relief device can be designed such that the data transmission element is arranged in the guide channel of the housing unit in the region of the strain relief device in a form-fitting manner. This makes it possible to achieve a protected arrangement of the data transmission element within the guide channel.

In an advantageous development of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit according to the invention, it can be provided that the housing unit has a plug element on the outside, in particular in the region of the lower edge of the outside, and the data transmission element has a plug element which cooperates with the plug element of the housing unit. For example, the plug element of the housing unit is designed as a socket and the plug element of the data transmission element which cooperates therewith is designed as a plug which cooperates with the socket. By means of the two plug elements, the patient communication unit, in particular the at least one acoustic patient communication element, is electrically connected and/or connected in terms of data exchange to a plug contact of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit, for example a coil plug unit of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit, which is designed as a local head radio frequency coil. The plug element of the housing unit is preferably arranged outside the conically shaped end region of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit, in particular below the guide channel of the housing unit. This advantageously protects the plug element against damage, for example caused by the movement of the patient, and/or against the ingress of liquid and/or against contamination by the patient.

In an advantageous development of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit according to the invention, it can be provided that the at least one acoustic communication element is arranged in the bearing unit and the data transmission element is arranged at least partially in the bearing unit. In this case, not only acoustic output elements, for example loudspeakers, but also acoustic communication elements, for example microphones, which are designed as acoustic input elements, for example microphones, can be arranged in the carrier unit. This makes it possible to achieve an advantageously protected arrangement and/or positioning of the at least one acoustic communication element. In particular, a simple cleaning and/or disinfection of the support unit can be achieved, while liquids, in particular cleaning liquids and/or body fluids, etc., cannot reach the at least one acoustic communication element and/or the data transmission element. In addition, a particularly protected arrangement of the data transmission element can thus also be achieved, so that damage to the data transmission element, for example a data transmission cable, can also be advantageously prevented.

Another advantage is that a high degree of comfort can be provided to the patient, since the space provided for the patient is not limited by additional structural units, such as earphones and/or microphones and/or cables. At the same time, however, the arrangement of at least one acoustic communication element, in particular a microphone and/or a loudspeaker, can be provided in close proximity to the patient, so that the influence of interfering signals on the speech output and/or the speech detection is minimized.

In an advantageous further development of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit according to the invention, it can be provided that the at least one acoustic communication element comprises an acoustic input element which comprises a microphone and a protective element surrounding the microphone. The protective element surrounding the microphone comprises a material which is preferably easy to clean and/or insensitive to contact by the patient. The material of the protective element may comprise, for example, a foam material, in particular a solid foam material. The acoustic output element, in particular the microphone, is preferably arranged and/or integrated in the protective element. The acoustic output element can be arranged and/or integrated in a protective element, in particular a protective element made of a solid foam material, by means of known thermal methods. Furthermore, the protective element surrounding the microphone may at least partially comprise an elastic material. The design scheme of the invention has the following advantages: a robust and damage insensitive microphone may be provided in the vicinity of the patient for the patient to communicate with the medical operator during the magnetic resonance examination.

In an advantageous development of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit according to the invention, it can be provided that the bearing unit comprises a bearing surface and that the acoustic input element is arranged next to the bearing surface in a front region of the bearing unit. The front region of the support unit comprises a region which is open to the outside and/or faces the middle of the patient when the patient is positioned on the support unit. The support surface of the support unit preferably comprises the surface of the support unit on which the patient, in particular the head of the patient, rests. This arrangement makes it possible to achieve an advantageous positioning of the acoustic input element, in particular of the microphone, close to the patient, without this being arranged directly on the patient. Furthermore, due to the arrangement of the acoustic input element, in particular the microphone, close to the patient, undesired interference noise can be reduced when acoustic patient data are detected, so that the speech quality of the detected data can be improved.

In an advantageous development of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit according to the invention, it can be provided that the bearing unit comprises at least one lateral stabilizing element and the at least one acoustic communication element comprises an acoustic output element, wherein the acoustic output element is arranged in the at least one lateral stabilizing element. The support unit preferably has two lateral stabilizing elements which are arranged at opposite sides of the support unit. The lateral stabilizing element is preferably designed to fix the position of the head of the patient during the magnetic resonance examination, in particular in the transverse direction, so that the head of the patient can perform as little movements as possible during the magnetic resonance examination. The two lateral stabilizing elements can thus also rest against the ear or in the vicinity of the ear on the patient when the patient is positioned on the magnetic resonance attachment unit, in particular on the support unit of the magnetic resonance attachment unit. Preferably, the patient communication unit also has two acoustic output elements, for example loudspeakers, wherein an acoustic output element is arranged in each of the lateral stabilizing elements. The acoustic output element may, for example, comprise a piezoelectric module comprising a piezoelectric element arranged at the acoustically radiating surface element. Further, the acoustic output element may include only a piezoelectric element. The acoustic output element, in particular the piezo element, and its supply line, in particular the data transmission element, can be arranged in the carrier unit, for example, by means of known thermal methods. The lateral stabilizing element may comprise a foam material.

The design scheme of the invention has the following advantages: by means of such an arrangement of at least one acoustic output element, in particular a loudspeaker, a protected arrangement of the at least one acoustic output element, in particular a loudspeaker, can be achieved. In particular, a simple cleaning and/or disinfection of the support unit can be achieved, while in this case no liquid, in particular cleaning liquid and/or body fluid or the like, can reach the at least one acoustic output element. Another advantage is that by arranging at least one acoustic output element near the patient, in particular near the ear, damage caused by disturbing noise can be minimized.

In an advantageous further development of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit according to the invention, it can be provided that the at least one acoustic communication element comprises an acoustic output element, which is arranged on the housing unit. The acoustic output element can be arranged here at a housing element facing the support region for supporting the head of the patient and/or at a housing hood of the housing element facing the support region for supporting the head of the patient. A protected arrangement of the at least one acoustic output element can be achieved by this arrangement of the at least one acoustic output element. In particular, a simple cleaning and/or disinfection of the support unit can be achieved, while in this case no liquid, in particular cleaning liquid and/or body fluid or the like, can reach the at least one acoustic output element.

In an advantageous development of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit according to the invention, it can be provided that the acoustic output element is arranged in a lateral region of the housing unit, wherein the lateral region of the housing unit laterally surrounds the bearing unit. The lateral region of the housing unit is preferably arranged laterally next to a support region of the support unit for supporting the head of the patient. This may enable the at least one acoustic output element to be arranged near the patient, in particular near and/or beside the ear of the patient.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the housing unit, in particular a lateral region of the housing unit, has a receiving element which is designed to receive at least one acoustic output element, in particular a loudspeaker element. For example, if the at least one acoustic output element comprises a piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric element can be arranged particularly simply at the housing unit by means of the receiving element.

In an advantageous development of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit according to the invention, it can be provided that the bearing unit comprises at least one lateral stabilizing element, and that the lateral stabilizing element has a recess in the region of the acoustic output element. In this way, an unimpeded sound transmission from the at least one acoustic output element to the patient, in particular to the ear of the patient, can take place. Furthermore, the head of the patient can also be positioned on the support unit such that the ears of the patient are arranged at least partially and/or positioned in the cutouts, such that the lateral stabilizing element together with the acoustic output element comprises an earphone type for the ears. This makes it possible to advantageously shield the patient's ear from undesired interfering noise, for example loud operating noise of the magnetic resonance system. The lateral stabilizing elements preferably have a sound-insulating material, for example a sound-insulating foam material.

In an advantageous development of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit according to the invention, it can be provided that the at least one acoustic output element comprises a piezoelectric element. A surface of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit, in particular an acoustic output surface, can be excited into oscillation by means of a piezoelectric element for emitting and/or outputting acoustic signals. The at least one acoustic output element, in particular the piezo element, is here preferably arranged at the acoustic output surface near the head of the patient. In this way, a particularly compact and light acoustic output element can be provided. Furthermore, a simple arrangement of the acoustic output element can also be provided, since the piezoelectric element can be arranged, for example, by adhesive bonding at a housing wall of the housing unit.

Furthermore, the invention is based on a magnetic resonance system having a patient support and a magnetic resonance supplementary unit designed for arrangement on the patient support of the magnetic resonance system, the patient support having at least one receiving region for receiving the magnetic resonance supplementary unit, wherein the magnetic resonance supplementary unit comprises: a support unit configured to support a head of a patient; a housing unit at least partially enclosing the support unit; a fastening unit for fastening the magnetic resonance attachment unit to the patient support apparatus; and a patient communication unit, wherein the patient communication unit comprises at least one acoustic communication element and a data transmission element for transmitting acoustic data.

The patient support device preferably comprises a table which is movable in a patient accommodation region of the magnetic resonance device and which comprises at least one accommodation region for accommodating the magnetic resonance add-on unit. The at least one receiving region for receiving the magnetic resonance supplementary unit preferably comprises a receiving region for receiving a local head radio frequency coil and is arranged in a front region of the examination table. The receiving region comprises a coil plug-in unit, which is designed both for fastening the local head radio-frequency coil and for electrically contacting the local head radio-frequency coil. The magnetic resonance attachment unit here preferably comprises plug contacts equivalent to the local head radio frequency coil, which plug contacts likewise form both a fastening for the magnetic resonance attachment unit and an electrical contact for the magnetic resonance attachment unit.

The magnetic resonance supplementary unit can be designed as a local head radio-frequency coil for performing a head examination of the patient. Alternatively, the magnetic resonance supplementary unit can also be designed as a support unit only, which is used for supporting and communicating the patient during the magnetic resonance examination for examinations that do not require a local head radio-frequency coil.

Furthermore, it is also possible for the patient support device, in particular the examination table, to also have more than one receiving region for receiving additional magnetic resonance units, for example for the following examinations: in the examination, the patient is moved with his feet forward into the patient receiving region, so that the head of the patient is not positioned in the front region of the examination table. The examination table preferably also has a further receiving region in the end region for receiving the additional magnetic resonance unit. The further receiving region can also comprise a coil plug-in unit for contacting and/or fastening the magnetic resonance supplementary unit.

The advantages of the magnetic resonance system according to the invention correspond substantially to the advantages of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit according to the invention described in detail above. Features, advantages, or alternative embodiments mentioned herein may be equally applied to other claimed subject matter, and vice versa.

Drawings

Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the figures.

The figures show:

figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a magnetic resonance system with a patient support system and a magnetic resonance supplementary unit,

figure 2 shows a configuration of the magnetic resonance attachment unit as a local head radio frequency coil,

figure 3 shows a first embodiment of a patient communication unit in a magnetic resonance attachment unit in a first view,

figure 4 shows the first embodiment of the patient communication unit in a second view,

figure 5 shows the first embodiment of the patient communication unit in a third view,

figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the patient communication unit within the magnetic resonance attachment unit in a first view,

fig. 7 shows a second embodiment of the patient communication unit in a second view, an

Fig. 8 shows a second embodiment of the patient communication unit in a third view.

Detailed Description

A magnetic resonance apparatus 10 is schematically shown in fig. 1. The magnetic resonance apparatus 10 comprises a scanner unit 11 formed by a magnet unit. Furthermore, the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 has a patient receiving region 12 for receiving a patient 13. The patient receiving region 12 in the present exemplary embodiment is cylindrical and is surrounded in the circumferential direction by the scanner unit 11, in particular the magnet unit, in a cylindrical manner. In principle, however, different configurations of the patient receiving region 12 are conceivable at any time. The patient 13 can be pushed and/or moved into the patient receiving region 12 by means of the patient support 14 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 10. For this purpose, the patient support device 14 has an examination table 15 which is designed so as to be movable within the patient accommodation region 12. In particular, the table 15 is mounted so as to be movable in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the patient receiving region 12 and/or in the z direction.

The scanner unit 11, in particular the magnet unit, comprises a superconducting basic magnet 16 for generating a strong and in particular constant basic magnetic field 17. Furthermore, the scanner unit 11, in particular the magnet unit, has a gradient coil unit 18 for generating magnetic field gradients for spatial encoding during imaging. The gradient coil unit 18 is controlled by means of a gradient control unit 19 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 10. The scanner unit 11, in particular the magnet unit, further comprises a radio frequency antenna unit 20 for exciting the polarization, which occurs in the basic magnetic field 17 generated by the basic magnet 16. The radio-frequency antenna unit 20 is controlled by a radio-frequency antenna control unit 21 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 and injects radio-frequency magnetic resonance sequences into the patient accommodation region 12 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 10.

In order to detect magnetic resonance signals during a magnetic resonance examination of the patient 13, the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 has a local radio frequency coil which is arranged around the patient 13, in particular around a region of the patient 13 to be examined. The local radio frequency coils are preferably adapted to different body regions of the patient 13 to be examined. In the present embodiment, the local radio frequency coil comprises a local head radio frequency coil 22. For performing a head examination, the local head radio frequency coil 22 is positioned and/or set in a defined position on the examination couch 15 of the patient support apparatus 14. The patient support device 14, in particular the examination couch 15, has for this purpose a defined receiving region 23 for receiving the local head radio-frequency coil 22. The local head radio frequency coil 22 has a coil plug unit 24, which coil plug unit 24 is designed to cooperate with a coil plug unit 25 of the patient support device 14, in particular of the examination table 15. A coil plug unit 25 of the patient support device 14, in particular of the examination table 15, is arranged in the receiving region 23 for receiving the local head radio frequency coil 22. The local head radio frequency coil 22 is electrically connected with the examination couch 15 and/or the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 by means of coil connector units 24, 25.

For controlling the basic magnet 16, the gradient control unit 19 and for controlling the radio-frequency antenna control unit 21, the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 has a system control unit 26. The system control unit 26 centrally controls the magnetic resonance apparatus 10, for example, to execute a predetermined imaging gradient echo sequence. Furthermore, the system control unit 26 comprises an evaluation unit, not shown in detail, for evaluating medical image data detected during the magnetic resonance examination.

Furthermore, the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 comprises a user interface 27 which is connected to the system control unit 26. The control information, e.g. the imaging parameters, and the reconstructed magnetic resonance image may be displayed for the medical operator on a display unit 28 of the user interface 27, e.g. on at least one monitor. Furthermore, the user interface 28 has an input unit 29, by means of which input unit 29 information and/or parameters can be input by a medical operator during the measurement procedure.

The scanner unit 11 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 is arranged together with the patient support apparatus 14 in an examination room 30. Instead, the system control unit 26 is provided in the control room 31 together with the user interface 27. The control chamber 31 is formed separately from the inspection chamber 30. The examination room 30 is shielded from the control room 31, in particular with respect to radio frequency radiation. During a magnetic resonance examination, the patient 13 is in the examination room 30 and the medical operator is in the control room 31.

The illustrated magnetic resonance apparatus 10 may of course comprise further components which are typical of the magnetic resonance apparatus 10. Furthermore, the general manner of operation of the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 is known to the person skilled in the art, so that a detailed description of the other components is dispensed with.

For the communication of the patient 13 with the medical operator during the magnetic resonance examination and/or for the entertainment of the patient 13 during the magnetic resonance examination, the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 has a communication unit 32. The communication unit 32 comprises a user communication unit 33 arranged on the user side, in particular in the control room 31, and a patient communication unit 34 arranged on the patient side, in particular in the examination room 30 and/or at the scanner unit 11.

Further, the communication unit 32 has a data transmission unit 35 and a communication control unit 45. The communication control unit 45 is designed to control the communication between the patient 13 and the user, in particular between the user communication unit 33 and the patient communication unit 34. The communication control unit 45 has corresponding control logic and/or control software for this purpose. The data transmission unit 35 is designed for transmitting communication data between the user communication unit 33 and the patient communication unit 34, in particular between the examination room 30 and the control room 31. The data transmission unit 35 of the communication unit 32 can in this case have a module for wireless and/or wireless data transmission or can also be designed for wired data transmission.

The user communication unit 33 preferably comprises an acoustic user communication unit with an acoustic input element 36 and an acoustic output element 37. The acoustic input element 36 of the user communication unit 33 comprises, for example, a microphone. The acoustic output element 37 of the user communication unit 33 comprises, for example, a loudspeaker. Furthermore, the user communication unit 33 may also comprise other input elements and/or output elements, for example visual input elements and/or visual output elements.

The patient communication unit 34 includes at least one acoustic communication element 38. The at least one acoustic communication element 38 can be designed as an acoustic input element and/or an acoustic output element. The patient communication unit 34 further comprises a data transmission element 46, the data transmission element 46 being designed to transmit acoustic data from the at least one acoustic communication element 38 and/or acoustic data to the at least one acoustic communication element 38.

The patient communication unit 34 is comprised by the magnetic resonance attachment unit 41 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 10. The magnetic resonance attachment unit 41 is designed for arrangement on the patient support 14, in particular on the examination table 15. The magnetic resonance supplementary unit 41 is designed in particular for arrangement in a receiving region 23 for receiving the local head radio-frequency coil 22 of the examination table 15. In the present exemplary embodiment, the magnetic resonance attachment unit 41 is designed as a local head radio frequency coil 22, so that the local head radio frequency coil 22 comprises the patient communication unit 34.

The magnetic resonance attachment unit 41, in particular the local head radio frequency coil 22, comprises a support unit 42, which support unit 42 forms a head support for the patient 13. The support unit 42 can comprise a support mat, for example a foam mat or the like. Furthermore, the magnetic resonance attachment unit 41, in particular the local head radio frequency coil 22, comprises a housing unit 43, which housing unit 43 at least partially encloses the bearing unit 42. The housing unit 43 preferably encloses the support unit 42 in a shell-like manner. Furthermore, the magnetic resonance attachment unit 41, in particular the local head radio frequency coil 22, has a fastening unit 44 for fastening the magnetic resonance attachment unit 41, in particular the local head radio frequency coil, to the patient support device 14, in particular the examination couch 15.

In an alternative embodiment of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit 41, the magnetic resonance supplementary unit 41 may also be designed as a support aid and/or a positioning aid for the head of the patient 13 only, and may comprise a support unit, a housing unit, a fastening unit and the patient communication unit 34.

Furthermore, the magnetic resonance attachment unit 41 comprises a plug-in contact 47, which plug-in contact 47 is arranged on the side of the housing unit 44 facing the patient support device 14, in particular the examination couch 15. The plug-in contact 47 forms a plug-in connection for the magnetic resonance supplementary unit 41 with a plug-in contact 48 of the patient support apparatus 14, in particular of the examination table 15, which is assigned to the plug-in contact 47. The data transmission element 46 of the patient communication unit 34 is connected here to the plug contact 47, so that the electrical contacting of the patient communication unit 34 takes place via the plug contact 47.

The magnetic resonance attachment unit 41, in particular the local head radio frequency coil 22, comprises an upper coil part 49 and a lower coil part 50. The coil lower part 50 here comprises a fastening unit 44, a support unit 42, a housing unit 43 and the patient communication unit 34 (fig. 2). The coil lower part 50 comprises the coil plug-in unit 24, wherein the coil plug-in unit 24 comprises the plug-in contact 47 of the magnetic resonance attachment unit 41.

The magnetic resonance supplementary unit 41, in particular the local head radio frequency coil 22, is shown in detail from the outside in fig. 2. The local head radio frequency coil 22 includes an upper coil part 49 and a lower coil part 50.

A first embodiment of the patient communication unit 34 within the magnetic resonance attachment unit 41, in particular the local head radio frequency coil 22, is shown in detail in fig. 3 to 5. Fig. 3 and 5 show the lower coil part 50 of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit 41, in particular of the local head radio frequency coil 22, with the support unit 42, the housing unit 43 and the patient communication unit 34. The support unit 42 is shown in fig. 4 together with the patient communication unit 34.

The patient communication unit 34 includes at least one acoustic communication element 38, wherein the at least one acoustic communication element 38 is disposed within the support unit 42. In the present exemplary embodiment, the patient communication unit 34 has a first acoustic communication element 38, which first acoustic communication element 38 is designed as an acoustic input element 39 and is arranged in a support unit 42. In the present embodiment, the acoustic input element 39 includes a microphone and a protective element 52 (fig. 3 and 4) surrounding the microphone. The bearing unit 42 comprises a bearing surface 51, wherein the acoustic input element 39, in particular the microphone, is arranged in a front region of the bearing unit 42 next to the bearing surface 51. Preferably, the protective element 52 surrounding the microphone comprises a material that is preferably easy to clean and/or insensitive to contact by the patient 13. The material of the protective element 52 may comprise, for example, a foam material, in particular a solid foam material. In this case, the acoustic input element 39, in particular a microphone, can be integrated in the protective element 52, in particular the protective element 52 made of a solid foam material, for example by means of known thermal methods.

The patient communication unit 34 has two further acoustic communication elements 38, which two further acoustic communication elements 38 are each formed by an acoustic output element 40. Each acoustic output element 40 includes a piezoelectric element (fig. 3 and 4) disposed within a support unit 42. The surface, in particular the sound output surface, can be excited into oscillation by means of a piezoelectric element for emitting and/or outputting an acoustic signal. In this case, the acoustic output element 40 may also comprise, for example, a piezo module, which comprises an acoustically radiating surface element and a piezo element, wherein the piezo element is arranged on the acoustically radiating surface element.

For supporting the head of the patient 13, the support unit 42 comprises lateral stabilizing elements 53, wherein the lateral stabilizing elements 53 are arranged on both sides next to the support area and/or the support surface 51 of the support unit 42. The lateral stabilizing elements 53 are arranged on the support unit 42 in such a way that the lateral stabilizing elements 53 cover the ears of the patient 13 when the patient 13 is positioned on the support unit 42. In each of the lateral stabilizing elements 53, an acoustic output element 42, in particular a piezoelectric element, is mounted and/or arranged in each case, so that the lateral stabilizing element 53 acts as a loudspeaker. In this case, the acoustic output element 40, in particular a piezo element, can be arranged in the bearing unit 42, for example, by means of known thermal methods.

The data transmission element 35 of the patient communication unit 34 is likewise arranged at least partially within the support unit 42. The data transmission element 35 can be arranged in the support unit 42, for example, likewise by means of known thermal methods. Since the acoustic communication element 38, in particular the acoustic output element 40 and the acoustic input element 39, and the data transmission element 35 are arranged in the bearing unit 42, the acoustic communication element 38 and the data transmission element 35 are only indicated by dashed lines.

At the conically formed end region 54 of the housing unit 43, the data transmission element 35 is guided out of the bearing unit 42. The data transmission element 35 is arranged in a protected manner in the bearing unit 42 up to the conically formed end region 54 of the housing unit 43. Furthermore, the data transmission element 35 is guided out of the region enclosed by the housing unit 43 at the conically configured end region 54 of the housing unit 43. For this purpose, the housing unit 43 has a guide channel 55 (fig. 3 and 5) at the conically embodied end region 54 for guiding a subregion of the data transmission element 35. The guide channel 55 is preferably integrated in the upper edge region of the housing unit 43, in particular of the lower coil part 50, so that a simple insertion of the data transmission element 35 is possible. For fastening the data transmission element 35, the data transmission element 35 has a strain relief 56, wherein the strain relief 56 of the data transmission element 35 is arranged in a subregion of the data transmission element 35 which is guided in the guide channel 55 (fig. 3 and 4). The strain relief means 56 is preferably formed in a fixed manner with the cable sheath of the data transmission element 35, for example by thermal forming. Furthermore, the strain relief device 56 can be designed such that the data transmission element 35 is arranged in the guide channel 55 of the housing unit 43 in the region of the strain relief device 56 in a form-fitting manner, so that a slip-proof arrangement of the data transmission element 35 in the guide channel 55 is provided.

At an outer side 57 of the housing unit 43, the housing unit 43 has a plug element, in particular a socket 58 (fig. 3 and 4). The data transmission element 35 has a plug element, in particular a plug connector 59 (fig. 5), which interacts with a plug element, in particular a plug receptacle 58, of the housing unit 43. The plug elements, in particular the sockets 58, are arranged below the guide channel 55 on the outer side 57 of the housing unit 43. Furthermore, plug elements, in particular sockets 58, are arranged in the lower edge region of the outer side 57 of the housing unit 43. The data transmission element 35 is thereby guided from the outside to the magnetic resonance attachment unit 41, in particular to the plug contact 47 of the local head radio frequency coil 22. In this case, the connection of the data transmission element 35 to the plug contact 47 is arranged in particular in a protected manner with respect to liquids and/or other contaminants outside the bearing region of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit 41, in particular of the local head radio frequency coil 22.

A second embodiment of a patient communication unit 100 is shown in fig. 6 and 7. Components, features and functions which remain substantially the same are in principle numbered with the same reference numerals. The following description is essentially limited to the differences from the exemplary embodiment in fig. 1 to 5, reference being made to the description of the exemplary embodiment in fig. 1 to 5 with regard to components, features and functions which remain the same.

A second embodiment of the patient communication unit 100 within the magnetic resonance attachment unit 41, in particular the local head radio frequency coil 22, is shown in detail in fig. 6 and 7. The magnetic resonance supplementary unit 41, in particular the local head radio frequency coil 22, likewise has an upper coil part and a lower coil part 50, wherein in fig. 6 only the lower coil part 50 and the support unit 42 are shown, in fig. 7 only the support unit 42 and the patient communication unit 100 are shown, and in fig. 8 the lower coil part 50 is shown in a view from below.

The patient communication unit 100 has at least one acoustic communication element 101, which acoustic communication element 101 is arranged at the housing unit 43 (fig. 6 and 7). In the present exemplary embodiment, the patient communication unit 100 has two acoustic communication elements 101, which acoustic communication elements 101 each comprise an acoustic output element 102 (only indicated by dashed lines in fig. 6) and are each arranged on the housing unit 43. The housing unit 43 has two lateral regions 103, which lateral regions 103 laterally enclose the support unit 42. The two lateral regions 103 of the housing unit 43 are arranged in particular on opposite sides of the bearing unit 42. In each of the two lateral regions 103, an acoustic output element 102 of the patient communication unit 100 is arranged.

Each of the two acoustic output elements 102 includes a piezoelectric element provided at the case member and/or the case cover of the case unit 43. The acoustic output element 102, in particular a piezoelectric element, can be arranged here on the side of the housing component and/or the housing shell of the housing unit 43 facing away from the bearing unit 42. A surface of the housing unit 43, in particular of the acoustic output, can be excited into oscillation by means of a piezo element for emitting and/or outputting acoustic signals, so that a loudspeaker can be provided in the magnetic resonance supplementary unit 41, in particular of the local head radio frequency coil 22, in the vicinity of the ear of the patient 13.

In order to arrange the acoustic output element 102, in particular a piezoelectric element, at the housing unit 43, the housing unit 43 has a receiving element 104 at each of the two lateral regions 103. The receiving elements 104 each comprise a receiving region, into which an acoustic output element 102, in particular a piezoelectric element, can be introduced. The receiving element 104, in particular the receiving region, is here only accessible from the underside of the housing unit 43, as can be seen in fig. 8 from a view of the housing unit 43 from below. The acoustic output element 102, in particular a piezoelectric element, can be adhesively bonded to the housing unit 43 for fastening to the housing unit 43. The acoustic output element 102, in particular the piezoelectric element, can be bonded, for example, to the receiving element 104, in particular the receiving region.

Furthermore, the bearing unit 42 has two lateral stabilizing elements 105, the lateral stabilizing elements 105 being arranged adjacent to the lateral regions 103 of the housing unit 43 (fig. 6 and 7). In the region of the acoustic output element 102, in particular the piezoelectric element, the lateral stabilizing elements 105 each have a recess 106. In this way, sound waves, in particular sound waves output by the acoustic output element 102 of the housing unit 43, can directly reach the ear region of the patient 13. Furthermore, the support unit 42, in particular the lateral stabilizing element 105, may comprise a sound-insulating material, for example a sound-insulating foam. When the patient 13 is positioned on the support unit 42, the ear of the patient 13 can be arranged in the recess 106 and the region of the lateral stabilizing element 105 surrounding the recess 106 can surround the ear, so that an acoustic channel exists between the ear of the patient and the acoustic output element 102.

The patient communication unit 100 likewise has a data transmission element 107 (fig. 7). The data transmission element 107 of the patient communication unit 100 is also arranged in the housing unit 43 and/or at the housing unit 43. The data transmission element 107 is arranged here between the acoustic output element 102 and the plug contact 47 (see fig. 1) of the magnetic resonance attachment unit 41.

In an alternative embodiment of the patient communication unit 100, the patient communication unit 100 can also comprise a further acoustic communication element 101, the further acoustic communication element 101 being designed as an acoustic input element. Such an acoustic input element can be formed here corresponding to the embodiments described with reference to fig. 3 to 5.

A further embodiment of the magnetic resonance supplementary unit 41, in particular of the local head radio frequency coil 22, corresponds to the embodiment described with reference to fig. 1 and 2.

While the details of the present invention have been illustrated and described in detail in the preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (16)

1. A magnetic resonance attachment unit which is designed for arrangement on a patient support of a magnetic resonance system, comprising: a support unit configured to support a head of a patient; a housing unit at least partially enclosing the support unit; and a fastening unit for fastening the magnetic resonance attachment unit to the patient support apparatus,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

a patient communication unit is provided, which comprises at least one acoustic communication element and a data transmission element for transmitting acoustic data.

2. The magnetic resonance attachment unit of claim 1,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

a plug contact is provided, which is arranged on a side of the housing unit facing the patient support device, wherein the plug contact forms a plug connection for mating with a mating plug contact of the patient support device, and wherein the data transmission element is connected to the plug contact.

3. The magnetic resonance attachment unit of any one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

a local head radio frequency coil is provided comprising a lower coil part and an upper coil part, wherein the lower coil part comprises the fastening unit, the support unit, the housing unit and the patient communication unit.

4. The magnetic resonance attachment unit of claims 2 and 3,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the coil lower part comprises a coil plug-in unit, wherein the coil plug-in unit comprises the plug-in contact.

5. The magnetic resonance attachment unit of any one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the housing unit comprises a conically embodied end region having a guide channel, wherein a subregion of the data transmission element is guided in the guide channel.

6. The magnetic resonance attachment unit of claim 5,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the data transmission element has a strain relief, wherein the strain relief of the data transmission element is arranged in the partial region of the data transmission element which is guided in the guide channel.

7. The magnetic resonance attachment unit of any one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the housing unit has a plug element on the outside, in particular in the lower edge region of the outside, and the data transmission element has a plug element which cooperates with the plug element of the housing unit.

8. The magnetic resonance attachment unit of any one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the at least one acoustic communication element is disposed within the support unit, and the data transmission element is at least partially disposed within the support unit.

9. The magnetic resonance attachment unit of any one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the at least one acoustic communication element includes an acoustic input element including a microphone and a protective element surrounding the microphone.

10. The magnetic resonance attachment unit of claim 9,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the support unit comprises a support surface and the acoustic input element is arranged next to the support surface in a front region of the support unit.

11. The magnetic resonance attachment unit of any one of claims 8 to 10,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the support unit comprises at least one lateral stabilizing element and the at least one acoustic communication element comprises an acoustic output element, wherein the acoustic output element is arranged in the at least one lateral stabilizing element.

12. The magnetic resonance attachment unit of any one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the at least one acoustic communication element includes an acoustic output element disposed at the housing unit.

13. The magnetic resonance attachment unit of claim 12,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the acoustic output element is arranged in a lateral region of the housing unit, wherein the lateral region of the housing unit laterally surrounds the support unit.

14. The magnetic resonance attachment unit of claim 13,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the support unit comprises at least one lateral stabilizing element, and the lateral stabilizing element has a recess in the region of the acoustic output element.

15. The magnetic resonance attachment unit of any one of claims 11 to 14,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the at least one acoustic output element comprises a piezoelectric element.

16. A magnetic resonance apparatus having a patient support apparatus with at least one receiving region for receiving a magnetic resonance supplementary unit and a magnetic resonance supplementary unit according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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