CEPHALIC STABILIZING DEVICE WITH VOICE COMMUNICATION MEANS

3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION:

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed: 4. DESCRIPTION:

Field of the Invention:

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of Head and Neck radiography systems, and more particularly relates to a cephalic stabilizing device incorporated with an inflatable cushion aids in angulating and providing support for any type of patient during oral radiography. The device further incorporates a voice communication unit that aids in performing multiple operations during radiography.

Background of the Invention:

[0002] Now-a-days, the diagnosis of finding hidden or defective dental structures such as malignant or benign masses, bone loss and cavities are determined based on radiography. The accuracy of diagnosis mainly depends on the quality of the image obtained by radiography. In order to obtain accurate enhanced radiographic images, the patient needs to be in a stable position while capturing the radiography snapshot.

[0003] The head and neck radiography is an imaging technique that uses X-ray radiation which penetrates dental and skull structures at different levels. The visibility of dental and skull structures depends upon the absorption of X-rays. The radiograph appears lighter because less radiation penetrates through them and other radiolucent structures appear darker since a high amount of radiation passes through them.

[0004] Generally, certain sequential or individual X-ray examinations are required for the patient to be angulated in various positions. For instance, when the patient's jaw or skull requires to be scanned, the technician will recommend the patient to lean the head backward to enhance the quality of the radiographic image. However, patients may feel discomfort to hold the head in the required position for a longer time.

[0005] For instance, in the case of a chest X-ray, the patient must expand the arms upwards and inflate the lungs. However, some patients due to their age or other factors such as weakness, illness, fear or bruises are not able to stay in a stable position during the radiographic evaluation thereby leading to the high exposure of radiations.

[0006] Conventionally, in FR patent number 2847461, an attempt has been made to provide a patient seat during X-radiology which includes stabilizing straps and arm supports. The stabilizing straps and arm supports are made up of material such as radiation transparent material, or any other material that allows the radiation to pass through it. The seat is adjustable according to the height of the patient. However, the patient may feel discomfort during radiographic imaging since radiation is directly absorbed by the supporting material which thereby raises the temperature of the supporting material.

[0007] Further, in US patent number 201660184044, an attempt has been made to provide a head, body, and neck stabilizing unit with a support portion for the comfort of the patient. Occipital support is provided to support the back of the head and to block movement towards the rear side of the head. Glass ear rods are provided to stabilize the head for the radiographic imaging. However, the children or mental disorder patients may get scared and requires reassurance from parents or technician while radiography. The instructions received by the technicians may not be heard by the patients from a longer distance while performing radiographic imaging.

[0008] Therefore, there exists a need for a cephalic stabilizing device incorporated with an inflatable cushion which angulates and provides support for any type of patient during oral radiography. Such a system must have the ability to incorporate a voice communication unit that helps in performing multiple operations during radiography. There is a need for a cephalic stabilizing device which holds the patient or kids tightly using Velcro strips thereby increasing the patient compliance. There is a need for a smart customizable stabilizing device that can be operated in all postures. There is a need for an elevating seat option that helps in separating the stabilizing units in stabilizing device while using for CT scan and MRI scan. Objectives of the invention:

[0009] The primary objective of the invention is to provide a cephalic and body stabilizing, positioning and immobilization device incorporated with an inflatable cushion aids in angulating and providing support for any type of patient during oral and skull radiography.

[0010] Another objective of the invention is to incorporate a voice communication means that helps in providing communication between the patients, the technician and the parent to perform multiple operations during radiography imaging.

[0011] Further objective of the invention is to perform multiple operations such as receiving instructions by technician, reassurance to the child or patient by technician or parent and playing pleasant audio music, which will also help to avoid the sounds produced during MRI.

[0012] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a cephalic stabilizing device which looks familiar & friendly but holds the patient or kids tightly using Velcro strips thereby increasing the patient compliance.

[0013] Further objective of the invention is to provide a retrofit height adjustable chair which is best suitable for any age group of patients during radiography imaging.

[0014] The other objective of the invention is to provide a smart customizable stabilizing device that can be operated in all postures.

[0015] Another objective of the invention is to provide an elevating seat option that helps in separating the stabilizing units in stabilizing device while using for CT scan and MRI scan.

[0016] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a cephalic stabilizing device which is mainly used for infants, kids, unstable patients or mental disorder patients and thereof. Summary of the Invention:

[0017] The disclosure proposes a stabilization positioning and immobilization for cranium and body. The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0018] In order to overcome the above deficiencies of the prior art, the present disclosure is to solve the technical problem to provide a cephalic stabilizing device incorporated with an inflatable cushion that aids in angulating and providing support for any type of patient during oral radiography. The device further incorporates a voice communication unit that aids in performing multiple operations during radiography.

[0019] According to an aspect, the disclosure proposes a stabilization positioning and immobilization for cranium and body. The stabilizing device comprises a head stabilizing means, a chin stabilizing means, and a pair of ear rods.

[0020] The head stabilizing means is configured with a first inflatable cushion mounted to support a patient during the movements of head in different directions. The head of the patient is centered in the cephalic stabilizing device which is oriented with the Frankfort plane parallel to the floor and the midsagittal plane vertical and parallel to the cassette. The chin stabilizing means is configured with a second inflatable cushion mounted to support the patient during up and down movement of the chin. The pair of ear rods is configured to determine horizontal positioning of the head during radiography imaging, and wherein said pair of ear rods further comprises a voice communication means which is configured to allow communication between the patient, a technician and parent during radiography imaging. [0021] Specifically, the pair of ear rods are made up of materials such as plexiglass material or any other material which provides clear light and protection against rough weather during radiographic imaging. The voice communication means may include an MRI Safe Pediatric Noise guard Headset or the like that aids in providing communication between the patient, the technician and the parent to perform multiple operations. The multiple operations may include receiving instructions from the technician, providing reassurance to the child or patient by technician or parent, playing pleasant audio music for soothing and entertaining during radiography and thereof.

[0022] Further, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a study of the following portion of the specification, the claims, and the attached drawings.

Detailed description of Drawings:

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary prototype model of a cephalic stabilizing device for radiography imaging in accordance to an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary prototype model of ahead stabilizing unit in accordance to an embodiment of the invention.

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary prototype model of a motorized patient chair in accordance to an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of different types of skull views in skull radiographs.

[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of skull stabilizer cap in accordance to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed invention disclosure:

[0029] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps.

[0030] The present disclosure has been made with a view towards solving the problem with the prior art described above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a cephalic stabilizing device incorporated with an inflatable cushion that aids in angulating and providing support for any type of patient during oral radiography. The device further incorporates a voice communication unit that aids in performing multiple operations during radiography.

[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1 refers to a prototype model of a cephalic stabilizing device 100 for radiography imaging. The device 100 comprises a head stabilizing means 101, a pair of ear rods 102, a chin stabilizing means 103, and a voice communication means 104.

[0032] The head stabilizing means 101 is configured with a first inflatable cushion mounted to support a patient during the movements of the head in different directions. The head of the patient is centered in the cephalic stabilizing device 100 which is oriented with the Frankfort plane parallel to the floor and the midsagittal plane vertical and parallel to the cassette holder. The chin stabilizing means 103 is configured with a second inflatable cushion mounted to support the patient during the up and down movement of chin. The pair of ear rods 102 is configured to determine horizontal positioning of the head during radiography imaging. The pair of ear rods 102 further comprises a voice communication means 104 which is configured to allow communication between the patient, a technician, and parent during radiography imaging as shown in FIG. 1.

[0033] Specifically, the pair of ear rods 102 are made up of materials such as plexiglass material or any other material which allows the radiation to pass through the device during radiographic imaging. The voice communication means 104 may include an MRI Safe Pediatric Noise Guard Headset that aids in providing communication between the patient, the technician and the parent to perform multiple operations. The multiple operations may include receiving instructions from the technician, providing reassurance to the child or patient by technician or parent, playing pleasant audio music for soothing and entertaining during radiography and thereof.

[0034] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 refers to a head stabilizing unit 200. The unit comprises a head stabilizing and positioning apparatus 201, a cassette holder 202, a fixed anti-scatter grid 203, and cassette positioned behind the grid 204, aluminum wedge 205 and a pair of ear rods 206.

[0035] The head stabilizing and positioning apparatus 201 is configured with a first inflatable cushion mounted to support a patient during the movements of the head in different directions. The head of the patient is centered in the cephalic stabilizing device which is oriented with the Frankfort plane parallel to the floor and the midsagittal plane vertical and parallel to the cassette holder 202. The cassette holder 202 is positioned behind the grid 204 and it is welded with aluminum wedge 205. The pair of ear rods 206 is configured to determine horizontal positioning of the head during radiography imaging, and wherein the pair of ear rods 206 further comprises an MRI Safe Pediatric Noise guard Headset that act as speakers for receiving instructions from the technician, providing reassurance to the child or patient by technician or parent, playing pleasant audio music for soothing and entertaining during radiography and thereof.

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 3 refers to a motorized patient chair 300. The patient chair may include a CR- 750/CR-750S motorized patient chair 300 which is best suitable for any age group of patients or kids during radiography imaging. The depressor and elevator switch positioned near the bottom of chair 300 aids in adjusting the height according to the patient's height. The chair 300 arms look like two sets of teddy bear like arms with Velcro straps that help in wrapping tightly around the patient. In specific, one is placed around the middle of the chest and the other is placed around the abdominal part of the patient. The elevatable seat option helps in separating the stabilizing units such as the body, neck and cranial Stabilizer from the device while using it for CT scan and MRI.

[0037] According to another embodiment, the cassette holder will help in film or sensor placement for the skull radiographs. The different types of skull radiographs are depicted in FIG. 4

[0038] According to another embodiment, a skull stabilizer which is made up of plexiglass at a 360° swivel will snugly and tightly fit like a cap for the entire skull thereby helps in positioning the head for different types of skull radiographs as shown in FIG. 5.

[0039] Numerous advantages of the present disclosure may be apparent from the discussion above. In accordance with the present disclosure, a cephalic stabilizing device incorporated with an inflatable cushion aids in angulating and providing support for any type of patient during oral radiography. Such a device must have the ability to incorporate a voice communication means that helps in providing communication between the patients, the technician and the parent to perform multiple operations during radiography imaging. The multiple operations may include receiving instructions by technician, reassurance to the child or patient by technician or parent and playing pleasant audio music during radiography. The device provides an elevating seat option that helps in separating the stabilizing units in stabilizing devices while using for CT scan and MRI scan. The cephalic stabilizing device is mainly used for infants, kids, unstable patients or mental disorder patients and thereof.

[0040] It will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations can be made to the processes described in the foregoing examples without departing from the principles underlying the invention, and all such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application.