Neonate imaging sub-system

• US 20050113668A1
• Filed: 11/24/2004
• Published: 05/26/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/26/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Advanced Imaging Research, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Advanced Imaging Research, Inc.
• Inventors: Srinivasan, Ravi
• Granted Patent: US 8,147,396 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/411
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/055 involving electronic [EMR] or nuclear [NMR] magnetic resonance, e.g. magnetic resonance imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/416 the spleen
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/704 Tables

Abstract

A radiographic imaging sub-system for treating neonates is disclosed. The subsystem includes a radiographic compatible incubator for providing a controlled environment for a neonate, a radiographic compatible RF coil selectively coupled to the incubator for providing radiographic imaging of the neonate, and a radiographic compatible trolley for transporting the incubator and the RF coil. Additionally, the sub-system can include a radiographic MR compatible vital signs monitor, a radiographic compatible infusion pump, a radiographic compatible injector, a radiographic compatible ventilator, a radiographic compatible blender, radiographic compatible intravenous pole, tanks, pressure reducers/gauges and flow pipes.

Claims

1. A radiographic imaging sub-system for treating neonates, comprising:

a radiographic compatible incubator for providing a controlled environment for a neonate;

a radiographic compatible RF coil selectively coupled to the incubator for providing radiographic imaging of the neonate; and

a radiographic compatible trolley for transporting the incubator and the RF coil.

2. The sub-system of claim 1, further comprising at least one radiographic device selected from the group consisting of a radiographic compatible vital signs monitor, a radiographic compatible infusion pump, a radiographic compatible injector, a radiographic compatible ventilator a radiographic compatible blender, and a radiographic compatible intravenous pole.

3. The sub-system of claim 2, further comprising:

a radiographic compatible camera coupled to the incubator; and

a radiographic compatible display, wherein images captured by the camera are viewable on the display.

4. The sub-system of claim 2, wherein at least one radiographic compatible device is modular, thereby facilitating installation and removal of each component to/from the sub-system.

5. The sub-system of claim 2, wherein the blender is a pneumatic blender.

6. The sub-system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the incubator, the coil or the trolley is modular, thereby facilitating installation and removal of each of the incubator, coil or trolley to/from the sub-system.

7. The sub-system of claim 1, further comprising:

a radiographic compatible camera operatively coupled to the incubator; and

a radiographic compatible display, wherein images captured by the camera are viewable on the display.

8. The sub-system of claim 7, wherein the camera is a fiber optic camera.

9. The sub-system of claim 7, wherein the display is remotely located relative to the camera.

10. The sub-system of claim 1, further comprising at least one retaining mechanism coupled to the incubator for retaining at least one of a life sustaining line or a life monitoring line to the sub-system.

11. The sub-system of claim 10, wherein the retaining mechanism is a semicircular flap coupled to at least one of the incubator, the trolley or the coil.

12. The sub-system of claim 1, further comprising means for retaining at least one of a life sustaining line or a life monitoring line to the sub-system.

13. The sub-system of claim 1, further comprising a moveable patient table operatively coupled to the incubator, said movable patient table facilitating quick access to a patient in the incubator.

14. The sub-system of claim 13, wherein the moveable patient table is retained by a quick release latch.

15. The sub-system of claim 1, wherein the incubator, trolley and coil are fabricated from the group consisting of aluminum, virgin brass, phosphor-bronze, silver and plastic.

16. The sub-system of claim 1, wherein the incubator includes a flap, and the RF coil can be inserted into the incubator and removed from the incubator through the flap.

17. The sub-system of claim 1, wherein the sub-system receives power from an external source.

18. The sub-system of claim 1, wherein the subsystem receives power from an onboard source.

19. The sub-system of claim 18, wherein the onboard source is a battery pack.

20. The sub-system of claim 1, further comprising:

a radiographic compatible vital signs monitor;

at least one radiographic compatible oxygen/air tank;

at least one radiographic compatible pressure reducer operatively coupled to the at least one oxygen/air tank; and

at least one radiographic compatible intravenous pole.

21. The sub-system of claim 20, further comprising:

a radiographic compatible ventilator;

at least one radiographic compatible ventilator monitor;

at least one radiographic compatible blender;

a radiographic compatible infusion pump; and

a radiographic compatible injector.

22. The sub-system of claim 1, wherein the radiographic medium is at least one of magnetic resonance imaging, computer tomography imaging, flouroscopic imaging, and x-ray imaging.