Patent ID: 8548569
Filing Date: 2013-10-01
Classification: A61B,G01R

Abstract:
1. A head fixation assembly for holding the head of a patient during a medical procedure, comprising: a base; a head fixation frame attached to the base, the head fixation frame comprising a pair of upwardly extending spaced-apart arms defining a free space therebetween; a head coil apparatus secured to the base, at least a portion of the head coil apparatus extending inside the free space of the head fixation frame, the head coil apparatus comprising at least one RF coil and configured to surround at least a portion of a patient's head, the head coil apparatus further comprising a plurality of spaced-apart access windows; a plurality of upper head fixation members, at least one extending from each of the respective arms of the head fixation frame and through a respective access window of the head coil apparatus, wherein the upper head fixation members are adjustable relative to the head fixation frame and adapted to engage a patient's head within the free space of the head fixation frame; a plurality of lower head fixation members extending from the head fixation frame between the pair of arms, wherein each lower head fixation member is adjustable relative to the head fixation frame and adapted to engage an underside of the patient's head within the free space of the head fixation frame; and at least one drive mechanism in communication with the lower head fixation members, wherein the at least one drive mechanism is externally accessible so as to allow a user to be able to directly or indirectly (i) advance or retract or (ii) advance and retract the lower head fixation members while the patient's head resides in the free space of the head fixation frame.