Patent ID: 7937132
Filing Date: 2011-05-03
Classification: A61B,G01S

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for substantially immobilizing an anatomy of interest of a patient during MRI imaging of the anatomy of interest using a MRI scanner having a bore and during ultrasound imaging of the anatomy of interest, the apparatus comprising: a patient support structure including a superior section and an inferior section, the inferior section being offset horizontally a distance from the superior section to define an opening therebetween, the inferior section connected to the superior section by a connection member lateral to the opening; a transporter having a base and a pedestal, the pedestal supporting the patient support structure and the patient support structure horizontally translatable relative to the transporter between an extended and retracted position to allow the patient support structure to be positioned into the bore of the MRI scanner in the extended position, at least a portion of the opening extending beyond the pedestal in a horizontal direction providing medial, lateral and anterior access to the anatomy of interest in the retracted position; an immobilization device coupled to the patient support structure, the immobilization device having a membrane support frame defining an open area and a deformable membrane configured to constrain the anatomy of interest within the opening in a selected position and conformation during both of a MRI imaging exam and an ultrasound imaging exam; and the deformable membrane being coupled to the membrane support frame and covering at least a portion of the open area, and the deformable membrane constructed from a non-magnetic and substantially ultrasound-transparent material, wherein a portion of the first deformable membrane is adjacent to the anatomy of interest when the anatomy of interest is constrained by the immobilization device.