TWM547371U - Positioning apparatus for head and neck assessment or intervention - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a positioning apparatus for head and neck assessment comprising a base, a head fixation assembly including a main body, a guide and an ear aligning member, a first connector pivotally connected to a lateral end of the main body, a first light transmitter, and a holder assembly including an adjustable first stand secured to the base and a holder for holding a medical device for the assessment or intervention, pivotally connected to the first stand.

Description

Positioning device for head and neck assessment or interventional therapy

The present invention relates to a positioning device for head and neck assessment or interventional therapy, and more particularly to a positioning device that can refer to more than one desired reference plane of a patient to fix the position of the patient's head.

U.S. Patent No. 6,425,865 discloses a system for medical ultrasound, wherein the ultrasonic probe is positioned by a robotic arm under the shared control of the ultrasonic operator and the computer.

US 2015/0297176 A1 discloses a head frame configured for a medical patient's head, comprising a probe support configured for imaging, treatment, or both imaging and treatment; and a rigid support one of the neck supports The neck support is configured to contact to provide a rigid support for the neck of the patient.

The present invention provides a positioning device for an individual head and neck assessment or interventional treatment, comprising: a base; a head fixation assembly comprising (i) a body attached to the base, the body having an upward extension Two side ends; (ii) a guide member representing a first reference plane of the individual, the guide member extending upwardly and inwardly from each of the side ends; and (iii) an ear alignment member disposed at An inner side of each of the side ends for aligning the ear canal opening of the individual; a first connector having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end being pivotally connected to the first pivot point a first light emitter is disposed at a second end of the first connector for projecting a first light beam such that the first light beam defines a second pass through the first pivot point a reference plane; and a holder assembly including an adjustable first stand fixed to the base; and a holder pivotally coupled to the first stand for holding for the evaluation Or a medical device for interventional therapy.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the positioning device further includes a second stand fixed to the base and extending upward to the upper end; a second connector having a first end and an opposite second end, The first end is pivotally connected to the upper end of the second stand at a second pivot point; and a second light emitter is disposed at the second end of the second connector for projecting the second light beam, The second beam is defined to pass through a third reference plane of the second pivot point.

In some embodiments of the present work, the guide includes a line that represents the first reference plane. In some embodiments, the guide includes a transparent substrate that extends upwardly from each of the side ends and extends slightly inwardly. According to a particular embodiment of one of the present works, the transparent substrate is marked with a line representing the first reference plane. In another embodiment, the transparent substrate projects a beam of light that acts as a line representing the first reference plane.

According to some embodiments of the present creation, the ear alignment member has a protruding portion for mounting into the ear canal of the individual. Preferably, the first pivot point is located on a longitudinal axis of the protruding portion of the ear alignment member. In some other specific embodiments, the ear alignment member includes a third light emitter that projects a linear beam of light (eg, a laser emitter that projects linear laser light) for aligning the individual ear canal. Preferably, the first pivot point is located on an imaginary line extending from the linear beam.

Preferably, the head fixation assembly includes two ear alignment members. Alternatively, the head fixing assembly can be configured with a first light emitter or two first light emitters disposed on the two side ends that are symmetric to the body.

According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first reference plane is the Frankfort horizontal plane of the individual.

Preferably, the first light emitter is a laser emitter that projects linear laser light, and/or the second light emitter is a laser emitter that projects linear laser light.

According to some embodiments of the present creation, the body of the head fixing assembly is slidably attached to the base.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the head fixing assembly further includes a pillow member for supporting the head of the individual, the pillow member being disposed between the side ends of the body. Preferably, the pillow member is adapted to adjust the angle of inclination of the head of the individual relative to a lateral plane of the individual.

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the second stand is fixed to the base at a fixed point through which the line of the head fixing assembly passes. In such embodiments, the third reference plane can be a median plane of the individual.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first stand includes a first arm extending upwardly from the base to an upper end, and a second arm connected at a right angle to the upper end of the first arm and parallel to a direction of a line in the head fixing assembly extending to a rear end; a third arm connected at a right angle to a rear end of the second arm and extending in a direction perpendicular to a line parallel to the head fixing assembly To the middle end; and a fourth arm connected to the middle end of the third arm at a right angle and extending downward to the lower end. Preferably, the length of each arm is adjustable. In a specific embodiment, the holder is pivotally coupled to the lower end of the fourth arm. In some embodiments, the head fixing assembly further includes a pillow member disposed between the side ends of the body for supporting the head of the individual, the pillow member being adapted to be opposite to the One of the individual's transverse planes adjusts the angle of inclination of the individual's head.

The positioning device of the present invention may further comprise a computer module adapted to detect and memorize the length of the arms, and/or to detect and memorize the position of the pillow member, the position corresponding to the individual's head relative to the individual The angle of inclination of the transverse plane.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the holder assembly further includes a motor for rotating the holder relative to the first stand.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the holder assembly further includes a cushioning member for cushioning movement of the medical device relative to the holder.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the holder includes a frame member and a clamping member pivotally coupled to the first stand, the clamping member being pivotally coupled to the frame member and adapted to retain the Medical device. In a specific embodiment, the holder further includes a motor for rotating the clamping member relative to the frame member. In another embodiment, the gripping member includes a cushioning member for cushioning movement of the medical device relative to the gripping member.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the positioning device is used for ultrasound imaging assessment of individual obstructive sleep apnea. In such embodiments, the second reference plane can be a hyoid-external auditory meatus plane of the individual.

According to the present creation, the positioning device can also be used in at least the following evaluation or interventional treatments: ultrasound guided interventional procedures (eg, puncture, injection, biopsy, and nerve block), as well as the neck, carotid artery, and neck. Ultrasound imaging of the surrounding arteries and veins of the lymph nodes, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland or parotid gland.

The aspects and other aspects of the present invention are understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those understood by those skilled in the art.

As used herein, the singular forms "a", "the" Thus, for example, reference to "the same" includes a plurality of such samples and equivalents thereof as understood by those skilled in the art.

The present invention provides a positioning device for individual head and neck assessment or interventional therapy. The positioning device comprises a base, a head fixing assembly, a first connector, a first light emitter and a holder assembly. The head fixing assembly includes a body; a guide member representing a first reference plane of the individual; and an ear alignment member. The body is attached to the base and has two side ends that extend upward. The guide extends upwardly from each of the side ends and extends slightly inward. The ear alignment member will align with the individual's ear canal opening. The ear alignment member is disposed on an inner side of each of the side ends. The first connector has a first end and an opposite second end. The first end is pivotally connected to the outer side of the side end of the body at the first pivot point. Thus, the first connector is rotatable relative to the first pivot point. The first light emitter is capable of projecting a first light beam and is disposed at a second end of the first connector such that the first light beam defines a second reference plane that passes through the first pivot point. The holder assembly includes an adjustable first stand; and a holder for holding a medical device for the evaluation or interventional treatment. The first stand is fixed to the base, and the holder is pivotally connected to the first stand.

The positioning device of the present invention is generally designed for head and neck evaluation or interventional treatment in which the individual is lying down or leaning backwards. Therefore, the base of the positioning device is preferably a plate-shaped base adapted to be placed against and/or fixed to the bed. According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the base is provided on its side with one or more straps that can be used to secure the base to the bed.

According to some embodiments of the present creation, the ear alignment member has a protruding portion for mounting into the ear canal of the individual. Preferably, the first pivot point is located on a longitudinal axis of the protruding portion of the ear alignment member. In some other specific embodiments, the ear alignment member includes a third light emitter that projects a linear beam of light (eg, a laser emitter that projects linear laser light) for aligning the individual ear canal. Preferably, the first pivot point is located on an imaginary line extending from the linear beam.

According to some embodiments of the present creation, the body of the head fixing assembly is slidably attached to the base.

In some embodiments of the present work, the guide includes a line that represents the first reference plane. In some embodiments, the guide includes a transparent substrate that extends upwardly from each of the side ends and extends slightly inwardly. According to a particular embodiment of one of the present works, the transparent substrate is marked with a line representing the first reference plane. In another embodiment, the transparent substrate projects a beam of light that acts as a line representing the first reference plane.

According to the present creation, the guide member is preferably retractable in length. For example, the transparent substrate can be strip-shaped and adapted to slide in and out of the body such that the guide can be partially pushed into the side end of the body to facilitate placement of the head of the individual on the sides of the body Between the ends, and later pulled out to align the end of the line with a reference point on the head of the individual when the operator adjusts the head position of the individual with reference to the line of the guide .

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the ear alignment member and the first connector are coaxially coupled to the body such that the first pivot point (ie, the first connector pivots to a side end of the body) Positioned on the longitudinal axis of the protruding portion of the ear alignment member. In some embodiments, the ear alignment member and the first connector are slidable synchronously with respect to a side end of the body, allowing an operator to adjust the position of the ear alignment member to the ear A protruding portion of the alignment member is mounted into the ear canal of the individual.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the head fixing assembly further includes a pillow member for supporting the head of the individual. The pillow member is disposed between the side ends of the body. Preferably, the pillow member is adapted to adjust the angle of inclination of the head of the individual relative to the transverse plane of the individual. Additionally, the pillow member can be replaceable.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the guide is configured such that a line representing the first reference plane is orthogonal to both the longitudinal axis of the protruding portion of the ear alignment member and the base. In other words, the first reference plane passes through the first pivot point and thus also through the opening of the individual ear canal. According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first reference plane is the Frankfurter's water level of the individual. The Frankfurter water level can be defined as the line drawn from the outer ear canal (above) to the lowest point of the infraorbital rim. Thus, in such embodiments, the operator can mount the (the) protruding portion of the (the) ear alignment member into the (the) ear canal of the individual, and then The end of the line of the guide is aligned with the lowermost edge of the lower edge of the individual, and the guide is used to assist in locating the head of the individual to the individual The head adjustment (e.g., using the pillow member to adjust the angle of inclination of the head) to the position of the individual Frankfurter's water level orthogonal to the base.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first stand includes a first arm extending upwardly from the base to an upper end, and a second arm coupled to the upper end of the first arm at a right angle and along Parallel to a direction of a line in the head fixing assembly extending to a rear end; a third arm connected to the rear end of the second arm at a right angle and along a fixing assembly perpendicular to the head The direction of the center line extends to a center end; and a fourth arm that is coupled at a right angle to the center end of the third arm and extends downward to the lower end. Preferably, the length of each arm is adjustable. In a specific embodiment, the holder is pivotally coupled to the lower end of the fourth arm. According to some embodiments of the present creation, the holder is customized or adjustable for different evaluation/interventional treatment purposes. For example, some grippers are suitable for "lateral ultrasonic scanning" while other grippers are suitable for "longitudinal ultrasonic scanning". Or, for example, the holder can be rotated relative to the fourth arm to switch between a "lateral ultrasonic scanning" mode and a "longitudinal ultrasonic scanning" mode.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ear alignment member is adjustable in view of individual differences, i.e., its distance from the ear of the individual is adjustable.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the positioning device further includes a second light emitter. The second light emitter is capable of projecting a second light beam defining a third reference plane. In some preferred embodiments, the third reference plane represents a median plane of the individual. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the second light emitter is disposed on a fourth arm of the first stand on a side facing the head fixing assembly.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the positioning device further includes a second stand, a second connector, and a second light emitter. The second stand is fixed to the base and extends upward to an upper end. The second connector has a first end and an opposite second end. The first end of the second connector is pivotally connected to the upper end of the second stand at a second pivot point such that the second connector is rotatable relative to the second pivot point. The second light emitter is capable of projecting a second light beam and is disposed at a second end of the second connector such that the second light beam defines a third reference plane that passes through the second pivot point. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the second stand is fixed to the base at a fixed point through which the line of the head fixing assembly passes. In such embodiments, the third reference plane can be a median plane of the individual.

However, in some other specific embodiments of the present creation, the second stand is constructed as a separate module from the positioning device, rather than being fixed to the base, thereby allowing the operator to place the second stand and the The second light emitter is positioned at a desired location such that the second beam is properly projected onto the individual to depict a third reference plane.

Still alternatively, the second light emitter can be disposed on the fourth arm of the first stand described above (eg, at a side facing the head securing assembly). Preferably, the second light emitter is adjustable relative to the fourth arm to allow an operator to adjust a third reference plane defined by the second beam.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the length of the first connector and/or the second connector is retractable so that an operator can adjust the first light emitter and/or the second light emitter to The location you need.

Preferably, the first light emitter is a laser emitter that projects linear laser light, and/or the second light emitter is a laser light emitter that projects a linear laser beam.

According to the present creation, a first beam defining the second reference plane and a second beam defining the third reference plane can form an intersection on the individual that represents an ideal point for performing the assessment or interventional therapy. For example, an operator can use the adjustable first stand of the gripper assembly to move the medical device to the aforementioned intersection for a particular assessment or interventional treatment.

Accordingly, the first stand preferably provides some degree of freedom of movement of the medical device such that the operator can move the medical device to a suitable location via a computer control system or manually to perform the assessment or interventional therapy.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the holder assembly further includes a motor for rotating the holder relative to the first stand. Such embodiments are particularly useful in 3D ultrasound imaging where a scan range is required. The movement/rotation type of the holder can be controlled by a computer program.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the holder includes a frame member and a clamping member pivotally connected to the first stand, the clamping member being pivotally coupled to the frame member and adapted to hold the Medical device. In a specific embodiment, the holder further includes a motor for rotating the clamping member relative to the frame member such that the front end of the medical device can face an upward direction and/or a downward direction of the individual. mobile. Further, in the case of ultrasonic scanning, the holding member can be rotated coaxially with respect to the frame member for switching between the "lateral ultrasonic scanning" mode and the "longitudinal ultrasonic scanning" mode, but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the gripping member includes a cushioning member for cushioning movement of the medical device relative to the gripping member.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the holder assembly further includes a cushioning member for cushioning movement of the medical device relative to the holder. This allows the medical device to reduce discomfort to the individual when it is desired to remain close and against the assessment area of the individual and/or move around it.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the positioning device is used for ultrasound imaging assessment of obstructive sleep apnea. In such embodiments, the second reference plane can be one of the individual's hyoid-outer canal planes, and the third reference plane can be one of the individual's median planes.

According to the present creation, the positioning device can also be used in at least the following evaluation or interventional treatments: ultrasound guided interventional procedures (eg, puncture, injection, biopsy, and nerve block), as well as cervical, carotid, and cervical lymph nodes. Ultrasound imaging of the arteries and veins around the thyroid, parathyroid or parotid gland.

Some preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below.

Referring to Figures 1 through 3, a positioning device 100 for an individual head and neck assessment or interventional therapy is provided. The positioning device 100 includes a base 10, a head fixing assembly 20, a first connector 30, a first light emitter 40, a holder assembly 50, a second stand 60, and a second connection. The device 70, and a second light emitter 80. The head restraint assembly 20 includes a body 21; a guide member 24 that represents the first reference plane 92 of the individual; and an ear alignment member 26. The body 21 is attached to the base 10 and has two side ends 22 that extend upward. Guide members 24 extend upwardly from each of the side ends 22 and extend slightly inwardly. An ear alignment member 26 is disposed on the inner side 222 of each of the side ends 22 and has a protruding portion 262 for incorporation into the ear canal of the individual. The head restraint assembly 20 can further include a pillow member 28 for supporting the head of the individual, the pillow member 28 being disposed between the side ends 22 on the body 21. Preferably, the pillow member 28 is adapted to adjust the angle of inclination of the individual's head relative to the lateral plane of the individual.

The first connector 30 has a first end 302 and a second end 304 opposite the first end 302. The first end 302 is pivotally coupled to the side end 22 of the body 21 on the outer side 224 at a first pivot point 306 on the longitudinal axis 2622 (see FIG. 2) of the protruding portion 262 of the ear alignment member 26. The first light emitter 40 can project a first beam and is disposed at the second end 304 of the first connector 30 such that the first beam defines a second reference plane 94 that passes through the first pivot point 306 (see Figure 2). . The holder assembly 50 includes an adjustable first stand 52 and a holder 54. The holder 54 is used to hold the medical device 55 for this evaluation or interventional treatment (see Figures 1 and 3). The first stand 52 is fixed to the base 10 and the holder 54 is pivotally connected to the first stand 52. The second stand 60 is fixed to the base 10 and extends upward to the upper end 62. The second connector 70 has a first end 702 and a second end 704 opposite the first end 702. The first end 702 of the second connector 70 is pivotally coupled to the upper end 62 of the second stand 60 at a second pivot point 706. The second light emitter 80 can project a second light beam and is disposed at the second end 704 of the second connector 70 such that the second light beam defines a third reference plane 96 that passes through the second pivot point 706. In this particular embodiment, the second stand 60 is secured to the base 10 at a fixed point 64 through which the line 29 of the head restraint assembly 20 passes. As such, if the second connector 70 is in the upright position, the third reference plane 96 can be a median plane of the individual. In addition, the first stand 52 includes a first arm 522 extending upwardly from the base 10 to the upper end 5222; a second arm 524 coupled at right angles to the upper end 5222 of the first arm 522 and parallel to the head The direction of the line 29 in the fixed assembly 20 extends to the rear end 5242; a third arm 526 that is coupled at right angles to the rear end 5242 of the second arm 524 and along a line 29 that is perpendicular to the head assembly 20 The direction extends to the mid-end 5262; and a fourth arm 528 that is coupled at right angles to the intermediate end 5262 of the third arm 526 and extends downwardly to the lower end 5282. The holder 54 includes a frame member 542 and a clamping member 544. The frame member 542 is pivotally coupled to the lower end 5282 of the fourth arm 528 of the first stand 52. The clamping member 544 is pivotally coupled to the frame member 542 and is adapted to hold the medical device 55 (see Figure 3). The holder 54 further includes a motor 5422 for rotating the clamping member 544 relative to the frame member 542. The gripping member 544 includes a cushioning member 5442 for cushioning movement of the medical device 55 relative to the gripping member 544.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the use of a positioning device according to the present invention in an ultrasound imaging evaluation illustrating an individual with obstructive sleep apnea. Referring to Figure 4 in conjunction with Figures 1 through 2, the individual lies down and places his/her head in the head restraint assembly 20 on the pillow member 28, and the two ear alignment members 26 are such After the position is adjusted to align with the corresponding opening of the individual ear canal, the angle of inclination of the individual's head can first be adjusted by the pillow member 28 by means of the guide 24 such that the individual's Frankfurt water level (by the first reference plane) 92 is shown parallel to the normal direction of the base (and thus perpendicular to the surface of the bed (not shown)). Thereafter, the operator can manually identify the position of the individual's hyoid bone and adjust the first connector 30 accordingly such that the second reference plane 94 defined by the first beam from the first light emitter 40 represents the individual The external canal plane of the hyoid bone, and the first beam of light depicts a first line 942 (through the identified position of the hyoid bone) on the surface of the individual. Also, the second connector 70 can be adjusted to an upright position such that a third reference plane 96 defined by the second beam from the second light emitter 80 represents the median plane of the individual and the second beam is depicted at the individual The second line 962 on the surface. The first line 942 and the second line 962 will intersect at point C on the surface of the individual. The operator can then adjust the adjustable first stand 52 to direct the front end of the ultrasonic probe to point C to scan the individual's retroglossal region and retrolataltal region. In another example, for examination of the thyroid gland, the operator can discern the location of the individual thyroid cartilage and adjust the first connector 30 accordingly such that it is defined by the first beam from the first light emitter 40. The second reference plane 94 represents the thyroid cartilage-outer ear canal plane of the individual, and the first beam of light depicts a first line 942 (by the location of the identified thyroid cartilage) on the surface of the individual. As such, the point C at which the first line 942 and the second line 962 intersect represents the center point of the individual thyroid cartilage, and the operator can adjust the adjustable first stand 52 toward the front end of the ultrasonic probe. Thyroid examination.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the holder assembly further includes a cushioning member for cushioning movement of the medical device relative to the holder. This allows the medical device to reduce the discomfort of the individual when it is desired to remain close to and against the assessment area on and/or in the vicinity of the individual.

It is believed that those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to apply the present invention to the widest extent without further elaboration. Therefore, it should be understood that the description and claims are intended to be illustrative only and not in any way limiting the scope of the invention.

10‧‧‧Base
12‧‧‧ side
14‧‧‧Band
20‧‧‧ head fixed assembly
21‧‧‧ Subject
22‧‧‧ side
222‧‧‧ inside
224‧‧‧ outside
24‧‧‧Guide
242‧‧‧Transparent substrate
246‧‧‧ lines
26‧‧‧ Ear Alignment Member
262‧‧‧ highlight
2622‧‧‧ vertical axis
28‧‧‧Pillow components
29‧‧‧ midline
30‧‧‧First connector
302‧‧‧ first end
304‧‧‧ opposite second end; second end
306‧‧‧First pivot point
40‧‧‧First light emitter
50‧‧‧ gripper assembly
52‧‧‧Adjustable first stand; first stand
522‧‧‧First arm
5222‧‧‧ upper end
524‧‧‧second arm
5242‧‧‧ Backend
526‧‧‧ third arm
5262‧‧‧ mid-end
528‧‧‧fourth arm
5282‧‧‧Bottom
54‧‧‧Clamps
542‧‧‧Frame parts
5422‧‧‧Motor
544‧‧‧Clamping parts
5442‧‧‧ cushioning element
55‧‧‧ medical devices
60‧‧‧Second stand
62‧‧‧Upper
64‧‧‧fixed point
70‧‧‧Second connector
702‧‧‧ first end
704‧‧‧second end
706‧‧‧Second pivot point
80‧‧‧Second light emitter
92‧‧‧First reference plane
94‧‧‧second reference plane
942‧‧‧First line
96‧‧‧ third reference plane
962‧‧‧ second line
100‧‧‧ Positioning device

The above descriptions and the detailed description of the following creations are better understood when reading with the accompanying drawings. In the schema:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a positioning device of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of the first, second and third reference planes.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the holder of a positioning device of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates the evaluation of an individual with obstructive sleep apnea by using the proposed positioning device by ultrasound imaging.

10‧‧‧Base

12‧‧‧ side

14‧‧‧Band

20‧‧‧ head fixed assembly

21‧‧‧ Subject

22‧‧‧ side

222‧‧‧ inside

224‧‧‧ outside

24‧‧‧Guide

242‧‧‧Transparent substrate

246‧‧‧ lines

26‧‧‧ Ear Alignment Member

262‧‧‧ highlight

28‧‧‧Pillow components

29‧‧‧ midline

30‧‧‧First connector

302‧‧‧ first end

304‧‧‧ opposite second end; second end

306‧‧‧First pivot point

40‧‧‧First light emitter

50‧‧‧ gripper assembly

52‧‧‧Adjustable first stand; first stand

522‧‧‧First arm

5222‧‧‧ upper end

524‧‧‧second arm

5242‧‧‧ Backend

526‧‧‧ third arm

5262‧‧‧ mid-end

528‧‧‧fourth arm

5282‧‧‧Bottom

54‧‧‧Clamps

60‧‧‧Second stand

62‧‧‧Upper

64‧‧‧fixed point

70‧‧‧Second connector

702‧‧‧ first end

704‧‧‧second end

706‧‧‧Second pivot point

80‧‧‧Second light emitter

100‧‧‧ Positioning device

Claims (15)

A positioning device for an individual head and neck evaluation or interventional treatment, comprising: a base; a head fixing assembly comprising: a body attached to the base, the body having two side ends extending upward; a guide member representing one of the first reference planes of the individual, the guide member extending upwardly and inwardly from each of the side ends; and an ear alignment member disposed on an inner side of each of the side ends for Aligning the ear canal opening of the individual; a first connector having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end being pivotally connected to a side of the side of the body at a first pivot point a first light emitter disposed at the second end of the first connector for projecting a first light beam such that the first light beam defines a second reference through the first pivot point And a holder assembly comprising: an adjustable first stand secured to the base; and a holder pivotally coupled to the first stand for retention for the evaluation Or a medical device for interventional therapy. The positioning device of claim 1, further comprising: a second stand fixed to the base and extending upward to an upper end; a second connector having a first end and an opposite second The first end is pivotally connected to the upper end of the second stand at a second pivot point; and a second light emitter is disposed at the second end of the second connector for projecting a second beam such that the second beam defines a third reference plane through the second pivot point. The positioning device of claim 1, wherein the guide member comprises a line representing the first reference plane, or wherein the guide member comprises a transparent substrate extending upwardly from each of the side ends and extending slightly inwardly. A positioning device according to claim 3, wherein the transparent substrate is marked with a line representing the first reference plane or projected with a light beam as a line representing the first reference plane. The positioning device of claim 1, wherein the first light emitter is a laser emitter that projects a linear laser light, and/or wherein the second light emitter is a lightning beam that projects a linear laser light. Shoot the emitter. The positioning device of claim 1, wherein the body of the head fixing assembly is slidably attached to the base. The positioning device of claim 1, wherein the head fixing assembly further comprises a pillow member disposed between the side ends of the body for supporting the head of the individual. The positioning device of claim 7, wherein the pillow member is adapted to adjust a tilt angle of the head of the individual relative to a lateral plane of the individual. The positioning device of claim 1, wherein the first stand comprises: a first arm extending upward from the base to an upper end; and a second arm connected to the first arm at a right angle The upper end extends in a direction parallel to the line of the head fixing assembly to a rear end; a third arm connected to the rear end of the second arm at a right angle and perpendicular to a direction of a line in the head fixing assembly extending to a middle end; and a fourth arm connected to the middle end of the third arm at a right angle and extending downward to a lower end, wherein the clamping The device is pivotally connected to the lower end of the fourth arm. The positioning device of claim 1, wherein the holder assembly further comprises a motor for rotating the holder relative to the first stand, and/or wherein the holder assembly is further A cushioning element is included to cushion movement of the medical device relative to the holder. The positioning device of claim 1, wherein the holder comprises a frame member; a clamping member; and a motor for rotating the clamping member relative to the frame member, the frame member being pivotally connected to The first stand, the clamping member is pivotally coupled to the frame member and adapted to hold the medical device. The positioning device of claim 11, wherein the holder further comprises a motor for rotating the clamping member relative to the frame member, and/or wherein the clamping member comprises a cushioning member for use To cushion the movement of the medical device relative to the clamping member. A positioning device as claimed in claim 1 for use in ultrasound imaging assessment of obstructive sleep apnea. The positioning device of claim 9, wherein the length of each of the arms is adjustable, and/or wherein the head fixing assembly further comprises a pillow member disposed between the side ends of the body To support the head of the individual, the pillow member is adapted to adjust a tilt angle of the head of the individual relative to a lateral plane of the individual. The positioning device of claim 14 further includes a computer module adapted to detect and memorize the length of each arm and/or detect and memorize the position of the pillow member, which corresponds to the head of the individual The angle of inclination of the portion relative to one of the lateral planes of the individual.