MRI compatible motor and positioning system
First Claim
1. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible apparatus for moving a thermal therapy applicator within a patient, comprising:
- a mechanical platform that supports said thermal therapy applicator;
a plurality of translators for translation of said thermal therapy applicator along a corresponding plurality of axes so as to position an ultrasound energy source of said thermal therapy applicator proximal to a diseased tissue region within said patient; and
a motor that provides a rotational drive capability to rotate said thermal therapy applicator about an axis of said applicator so as to orient said ultrasound energy source of said thermal therapy applicator about said axis of said applicator, said motor comprising materials adapted for use in or proximal to a magnetic environment of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system.
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Abstract
A thermal therapy system is provided. The system includes an applicator and a device for supporting and moving the applicator within a patient'"'"'s body during therapy. Some embodiments include an elongated ultrasound energy applicator that is positioned using a plurality of positioners along a corresponding plurality of axes. Also, a rotational driver or motor is provided to rotate the thermal therapy applicator in the patient'"'"'s body during treatment. The apparatus is constructed of magnetically-compatible materials and has a design to avoid or minimize interference between the drive components of the apparatus and a MRI imaging system in use during the treatment.
75 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible apparatus for moving a thermal therapy applicator within a patient, comprising:
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a mechanical platform that supports said thermal therapy applicator; a plurality of translators for translation of said thermal therapy applicator along a corresponding plurality of axes so as to position an ultrasound energy source of said thermal therapy applicator proximal to a diseased tissue region within said patient; and a motor that provides a rotational drive capability to rotate said thermal therapy applicator about an axis of said applicator so as to orient said ultrasound energy source of said thermal therapy applicator about said axis of said applicator, said motor comprising materials adapted for use in or proximal to a magnetic environment of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A thermal therapy system for applying a thermal therapy to a patient, comprising:
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an ultrasonic energy source disposed proximal to a first end of an elongated thermal therapy applicator; a base portion of said thermal therapy applicator proximal to a second end of said thermal therapy applicator; a cradle that supports said base portion, said cradle allowing for rotation of said thermal therapy applicator about an axis of said elongated thermal therapy applicator so that said ultrasonic energy source can be directed towards a programmed direction about said axis; and a motor comprising magnetically-compatible materials for rotating said thermal therapy applicator about said axis substantially without interference between said motor and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system in use on said patient.
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Specification