SE2251201A1

SE2251201A1 - Method and compression device for use with medical imaging

Info

Publication number: SE2251201A1
Application number: SE2251201A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Caroline Hutchins; Bolminger Hanna Hebelka; Helena Brisby; John Hutchins; Kerstin Lagerstrand
Original assignee: Dynaspine Diagnostics Ab
Priority date: 2022-10-13
Filing date: 2022-10-13
Publication date: 2024-04-14
Also published as: WO2024080914A1; SE546488C2

Abstract

A force controlling system (10) for applying a pressure to a patient while being subjected to medical imaging using a MRI scanning device is provided. The force controlling system (10) comprises a positioning device (100) comprising a first stabilizing member (110) comprising a first body connection piece (112) configured to stabilize a first portion (2a) of the patient’s body (2), and a force applying portion (140) configured to receive a force from at least one force generating device (151) and apply said force to the first body connection piece (112), and a second stabilizing member (120) configured to stabilize a second portion (2b) of the patient’s body (2). At least the force applying portion (140) is in operative communication with a control system (150), comprising said at least one force generating device (151) that is configured to control the amount of pressure being applied.

Description

METHOD AND COMPRESSION DEVICE FOR USE WITH MEDICAL IMAGING TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a method and a device for applying a pressure to a patient While being subjected to medical imaging.

BACKGROUND A plurality of different medical imaging systems exists that allow a physician to examine a patient°s intemal organs, tissues and bone structure arranged beneath the surface of the skin. Some examples of such medical imaging systems includes traditional X-rays, tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. A tomograph is a device that moves an X-ray source so as to create imaging by sectioning. The most common tomography system used in clinical setting is a computerized tomography (CT) scan Which is used to obtain high resolution cross sectional images of the body.

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner utilizes a different kind of imaging technique. During an MRI scan, the patient is placed in a spatially varying magnetic field and is subjected to a radiofrequence pulse. The resulting magnetic resonance signal is then reconstructed to give cross-sectional images.

The above diagnostic methods alloWs the physician to gain a detailed and very precise image of the patient°s body, Which increases the ratio of giving the accurate diagnosis and hopefully a quicker recovery.

In clinical Whole body MRI scanners, the patient is positioned in a supine position in Which the biodynamical forces applied to the body differs as compared to standing position. This limits the characterization of medical conditions in Which patients experience positional related pain. MRI scanners do exits that offers examinations in standing position, HoWever, such scanners provide lower image quality as Well as being more expensive, thus not easy accessible for the patients. Additionally, such scanners do not always offer the possibility to examine the spine also in an unloaded state, for comparison.

Clinical MRI protocols for examination of nerve root compression, usually includes stacks of T2-Weighted images that are angulated, relatively to the symmetry axis of the spine, approximately +45 respectively -45 degrees to show the right and left sided nerve roots "en face" in their respective foramina. As the imaging technique is based on tWo-dimensional imaging, it is limited by resolution in the slice direction and by scan time to enable individual adjustment of the image angulation for each nerve root for more reliable evaluation. The object of the present invention is to overcome one or several of the problems discussed above.

SUMMARY An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution overcoming the disadvantages of prior art. More specifically, the present invention provides a solution Where the forces applied to a portion of a patient°s body can be controlled With a very high precision. Moreover, the present invention provides a system Which can be evaluated more efficient and reliably using a new scan approach.

In a first aspect, a force controlling system for applying a pressure to a patient While being subjected to medical imaging using a MRI scanning device is provided. The force controlling system comprises a positioning device comprising a first stabilizing member comprising a first body connection piece configured to stabilize a first portion a of the patient°s body, and a force applying portion conf1gured to receive a force from at least one force generating device and apply said force to the first body connection piece, a second stabilizing member configured to stabilize a second portion b of the patient°s body. The at least the force applying portion is in operative communication With a control system, comprising said at least one force generating device, that is configured to control the amount of pressure being applied, and Wherein the parts of the positioning device is being made of non-ferromagnetic materials.

In one example, the force controlling system further comprises a control system comprising a controller and at least one force generating device.

In one example, the controller is configured to control the pressure generated by the at least one force generating device.

In one example, the at least one force generating device comprises a hydraulic system.

In one example, the at least one force generating device comprises at least one reciprocating pump.

In one example, the at least one force generating device further comprises a drive unit configured to drive said at least one reciprocating pump.

In one example, the at least one force generating device is connected to the force applying portion by a tube configured to receive ﬂuid.

In one example, the controller is configured to detect the applied force and determine if said applied force is above a threshold value, Wherein if said applied force is above a threshold value, the controller is configured to instruct the at least one force generating device to decrease or stop the applied force.

In one example, the first stabilizing member and the second stabilizing member are connected to each other using connecting means.

In one example, the second stabilizing member is movably arranged relative the first stabilizing member.

In one example, movement is controlled by the control system.

In one example, the second stabilizing member comprises a lockable portion Which locks its position in relation to the first stabilizing member.

In one example, the first portion a of the patient°s body is the head and the second portion b of the patient°s body is the legs, the hip, or the feet.

In one example, the force controlling system according to any preceding claim, further comprising an elongated base plate arranged to accommodate the body of a patient.

In a further aspect, a positioning device configured to be used in a force controlling system is provided. The positioning device comprises a first stabilizing member comprising a first body connection piece configured to stabilize a first portion a of the patient°s body, a second stabilizing member configured to stabilize a second portion b of the patient"s body, Wherein said first stabilizing member further comprises a force applying portion configured to receive a force from at least one force generating device, Wherein said force applying portion is configured to apply said force to the first body connection piece, and Wherein the parts of the positioning device is being made of non-ferromagnetic materials.

The present invention thus solves the problem of being able to apply controlled forces on parts of a patient, for example the neck region, When the patient is subjected to medical imaging and to characterize nerve compression effectively and reliably. Additionally, the system provides for image based technique for diagnosis of dynamic root impingement. In this Way, it is possible to simulate a physiological force on the region of the patient, and to manipulate the region of the patient to be in different directions With different forces during the medical imaging session. Additionally, the solution provides a Way to apply forces in a precise manner at special clinical tests.

In prior art solutions, Where the patient is in a supine position, the neck of the patient is extended and in a resting position. This results in a loss of information that could help improve the diagnostic of the patient. The present solutions provides a cheap and user-friendly device that is able to convert ordinary imaging machines, such as a MRI scanner, into a more sophisticated machine that can add forces on the neck of the patient in a controlled manner during diagnostic evaluation.

The present invention further provides the benefits of being adaptable to different body types of the patient as Well as being very ergonomic. Moreover, the solution is portable and can be moved between examination rooms in a hospital, The present invention thus solves the problem of being able to apply controlled forces on parts of a patient, for example the neck region, When the patient is subjected to medical imaging. In this Way, it is possible to simulate a physiological force on the region of the patient, and to manipulate the region of the patient in different directions With different forces during the medical imaging session. Using the proposed solution, a large volume of the cervical spine With high contrast and resolution can be collected in a short period of time for retrospective reconstruction of angulated images and evaluation of nerve root impingement preceding the patient examination. Present solution, thus, solves the problem of being limited by resolution in the slice direction and by scan time for individual adjustment of the image angulation for each nerve root for more reliable evaluation.

Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the [device, component, etc.]" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said device, component, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise.

As used herein, the term "comprising" and Variations of that terrn are not intended to exclude other components, integers, steps or materials.

Other objectives, features and advantages of the present inVention will appear from the following detailed disclosure, from the attached claims, as well as from the drawings. It is noted that the inVention relates to all possible combinations of features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the inVention will be described in the following description of the present inVention; reference being made to the appended drawings which illustrate non-limiting examples of how the inventive concept can be reduced into practice.

Fig. la is a top View of a patient being arranged in a force controlling system according to one embodiment.

Fig. lb is a side View of a patient being arranged in a force controlling system according to one embodiment.

Fig. lc is a schematic illustration of a force controlling system according to one embodiment.

Fig. 2a is an isometric View of a part of a force controlling system according to one embodiment.

Fig. 2b is a side View of a part of a force controlling system according to one embodiment.

Fig. Sa is an isometric View of a part of a force controlling system according to one embodiment.

Fig. 3b is a side View of a part of a force controlling system according to one embodiment.

Fig. 4 is an isometric View of a part of a force controlling system according to one embodiment.

Figs. 5a-d are isometric Views of a part of a force controlling system according to one embodiment.

Fig. 6 is an isometric view of a part of a force controlling system according to one embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of a force controlling system according to one embodiment.

Fig. 8a is a schematic illustration of a force controlling system according to one embodiment.

Fig. 8b is a schematic illustration of a part of a force controlling system according to one embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of a part of a force controlling system according to one embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a schematic illustration of a method using a force controlling system according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION An idea of the present invention is to provide a system and a method that improves diagnostic medical imaging by allowing the system to apply forces to a portion of a patient"s body, such as for example the neck region, with a very high precision. For this, a force controlling system is provided.

The force controlling system described herein is arranged to be applied to any suitable medical imaging system. In a preferred embodiment, the force controlling system is used together with a nuclear magnetic resonance imaging machine (MRT). If the force controlling system is intended to be used for MRI, it is preferred if the material(s) of the different parts are such that it can be used in a magnetic resonance camera - hence for example the material(s) used should not be ferromagnetic.

Figs. 1a-b show two views of a force controlling system 10 according to one embodiment. The system 10 comprises a positioning device 100 comprising a first stabilizing member 110, a second stabilizing member 120 and connecting means 104. The positioning device may be arranged on a base plate 102. A schematic illustration of one embodiment of the positioning device 100 is shown in Fig. 1c.

The base plate 102 is an elongated structure arranged to accommodate the body of a patient 2. The base plate 102 may be in the form of a sled pad that slides into the imaging machine. The first stabilizing member 110, the second stabilizing member 120 and the connecting means 104 are preferably arranged above, distally, the base plate 102. The base plate 102 is preferably made of a flexible material. The base plate 102 is preferably at least in part adaptable to different MRI scanners, and/or that it is adaptable to the person that is to be placed thereon.

The first stabilizing member 110 is configured to stabilize a first portion 2a of the patient°s body 2. The first portion 2a of the patient°s body may for example be the shoulders of a patient, the neck, or the head of a patient 2. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1a-b, the first portion 2a of the patient 2 is the head and the first stabilizing member 110 is thus configured to stabilize the patient°s head 2a. Details of the first stabilizing member 110 will be described more in detail with reference to Figs. 3-5.

The second stabilizing member 120 is configured to stabilize a second portion 2b of the patient°s body 2. The second portion 2b of the patient°s body may for example be the legs of a patient, the hip, or the feet of a patient 2. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1a-b, the second portion 2b of the patient 2 is the feet and the second stabilizing member 120 is thus configured to stabilize the patient°s feet 2b. Details of the second stabilizing member 110 will be described more in detail with reference to Figs. 2a-b.

The first and second stabilizing members 120 are connected to each other by connecting means 104. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1a-b the connecting means 104 comprises a plurality of rods extending between the first and second stabilizing members 120. In the embodiment shown two rods are used, however it should be noted that other numbers of rods, such as one, three, four, etc. also could be used. The rods may be made of a material that provides a light and strong structure. In one embodiment the rods are made of glass fiber. It is preferred if the rods are rounded, as this eases the movement of the first and second stabilizing members 120 when adapting the system for the length of the user.

In one embodiment, not shown, the connecting means 104 forms part of the base plate 102.

In one embodiment the position of the second stabilizing members 120 may be altered along the length of the connecting means 104, as will be described more with reference to Figs. 2a-b.

It is preferred if the material(s) of the connecting means 104 is such that it can be used in a magnetic resonance camera - hence for example the material(s) used should not be ferromagnetic. In one embodiment the connecting means 104 are made of glass f1bers. In an altemative embodiment the connecting means 104 are made of a plastic material. The plastic material,may for example be a therrnoplastic aliphatic polyester such as for example polylactic acid (PLA). However, it should be noted that other non- ferromagnetic materials could be used.

Figs. 2a-b show two different views of an embodiment of the second stabilizing member 120. The second stabilizing member 120 comprises a stabilizing portion 122 and at least one lockable portion 124. The lockable portion 124 is configured to lock the stabilizing portion 122 in a position on the stabilizing means 104. In the embodiment where the stabilizing means 104 are one or more rods, the lockable portion 124 is configured to be slidable on the stabilizing means when in an unlocked position and being fixed when in a locked position. Hence, the lockable portion 124 and thus the second stabilizing member 120 may be arranged in a locked and an unlocked position.

Once the patient has been arranged in between the first and second stabilizing members 110, 120, the second stabilizing member 120, while being in an unlocked position, is moved so as to precisely fit the patient°s body 2. Once the position is correct, the lockable portion 124 of the second stabilizing member 120 is locked so that the position is fixed.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 2a-b, the second stabilizing member 120 is arranged to stabilize the feet 2b of the patient 2. The stabilizing portion 122 is thus arranged to accommodate for a patient°s feet. The stabilizing portion 122 is preferably arranged in a shape that accommodates the patient°s feet. For this the stabilizing portion 122 may be arranged with two recesses each suitable to receive a foot. In one embodiment, the maj ority of the foot sole is resting onto the stabilizing portion 122.

It is preferred if the material(s) of the second stabilizing member 120 is such that it can be used in a magnetic resonance camera - hence for example the material(s) used should not be ferromagnetic. In one embodiment the second stabilizing member 120 comprises a plastic material. The plastic material may for example be a therrnoplastic aliphatic polyester such as for example polylactic acid (PLA).

Now turning to Figs. 3-6 where the first stabilizing member 110 is shown in more detail. The first stabilizing member 110 comprises a first body connection piece 112. In one embodiment, the first body connection piece 112 is at least partly in direct contact with the body of the patient 2. In the embodiment where the first stabilizing member 110 is configured to stabilize the head 2a of the person 2, the first body connection piece 112 has a portion 130 that is adapted to be placed on a persons head. The portion may be in the form of a helmet or hat. Hence, at least a portion 130 of the first body connection piece 112 has a form that is suitable to be placed on and around a person°s head 2a. As best seen in Figs. 4 and 5, first body connection piece 112 may comprise a plurality of sections, such as two side sections l32a, l32b, a neck section 134 and a forehead section 136. The first body connection piece 112 is preferably adjustable to fit the person°s head 2a, for example using manually controlled straps etc.

In one embodiment, the first body connection piece 112 further comprises locking means (not shown). The locking means may be arranged to keep the first body connection piece 112 in place, for example firrnly arranged on the head of a person. The locking means may comprise hook-and-loop-fasteners, such as Velcro. Additionally or altematively, the locking means may be in the form of a quick release buckle design.

It is preferred if the material(s) of the first stabilizing member 110 is such that it can be used in a magnetic resonance camera. For example, the material(s) used should not be ferromagnetic. In one embodiment the first stabilizing member 110 comprises a plastic material. The plastic material may for example be a therrnoplastic aliphatic polyester such as for example polylactic acid (PLA). Additionally or altematively, the first body connection piece 112 may comprise a textile material. The textile material may for example comprise cotton, nylon, rayon and/or polyester.

In yet one embodiment the first body connection piece 112 is connected to a second body connection piece 130. Here, the second body connection piece 130 is a separate part of the first body connection piece 112 and can be removed and attached.

The second body connection piece 130 may also be seen as an inner body connection piece 130. The inner body connection piece 130 is at least partly arranged inside the first body connection piece 112, and is the body connection piece 130 that is in direct contact with the body of the patient 2. In the embodiment where the first stabilizing member 110 is configured to stabilize the head 2a of the person 2, the inner body connection piece 130 is in the forrn of a helmet or hat. Hence, the inner body connection piece 130 has a forrn that is suitable to be placed on and around a person°s head 2a. As best seen in Figs. 4 and 5, the inner body connection piece 130 may comprise a plurality of sections, such as two side sections 132a, 132b, a neck section 134 and a forehead section 136. The inner body connection piece 130 is preferably adjustable to fit the person"s head 2a, for example using manually controlled straps etc.

The first stabilizing member 110 has a force applying portion 140. The force applying portion 140 is configured to receive the force generated by the force generating device 151, which will soon be described more in detail, and then apply said force to the first stabilizing member 110. The force applying portion 140 is arranged such that the force, or pressure, on the first body connection piece 112 of the first stabilizing member 110 can be controlled.

The force applying portion 140 comprises at least one first receiVing portion 146. Preferably, the number of first receiving portion 146 corresponds to the number of force generating devices 151. The first receiVing portion 146 comprises a first end 146a and a second end 146b (as illustrated in Fig. 6). The first end 146a is configured to be connected to a tube 170 (as shown in Fig. 7a-b). The first receiving portion 146 can thus be referred to as a tube receiving portion 146.

In one embodiment, the second end 146b of the first receiving portion 146 is connected to the first body connection piece 112 of the first stabilizing member 110. The connection may be direct (not shown) or indirect. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 3-6, the at least one first receiVing portion 146 is connected to a base portion 119. The base portion 119 may be a base plate.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 3-6, the second end 146b of the first receiving portion 146 is connected to a second receiving portion 116.

In the connection between the first receiving portion 146 and second receiving portion 116 a joint 142 may be arranged. The joint 142, if present, is preferably ll arranged on the base portion 119. The joint 142 may be a ball and socket joint. The joint 142 is preferably arranged such that it allows the second receiving portion 116 to take different directions when the first body connection piece 112 takes different angles.

The second receiving portion 116 (if present, otherwise the second end 146b of the first receiving portion 146) is connected to the first body connection piece 112. For this, the first body connection piece 112 preferably comprises at least one attachment means 114. Hence, the at least one attachment means 114 is configured to be connected to the first receiving portion 146 or second receiving portion 116 in order to apply the generated force to the body part arranged in the first body connection piece 112.

The attachment means 114 may be in the forrn of a plurality of protrusions 114. In one embodiment, the first body connection piece 112 is arranged with four protrusions. However, in other embodiments the number of protrusions could be different, for example one, two, three, five or six protrusions. Each protrusion 114 is configured to receive one first receiving portion 146 or second receiving portion 116.

If the force generating device 151 is a hydraulic system, the force applying portion 140 is configured to receive pressurized ﬂuid. In one embodiment, as shown in Figs. 3-6, the force applying portion 140 is configured to receive ﬂuid. Hence, the first receiving portion 146 and second receiving portion 116 (if present) may be hydraulic pistons. The ﬂuid may be any ﬂuid that can be used as a hydraulic ﬂuid. The ﬂuid may be water.

In one embodiment, the pressure device 10 is in operative communication with a control system 150 that is configured to control the amount of pressure being applied to the patient. This will now be described with reference to Fig. 7 and 8.

Fig. 7 illustrates a control system 150 being in operative communication with the first stabilizing member 110. In one embodiment, the control system 150 is in operative communication with the force applying portion 140. The control system 150 comprises a force generating system 151. An example of a force generating system 151 will be described with reference to Figs. 8a-b.

The control system 150 comprises a controller 156. The controller 156 may be implemented as one or more processors (CPU) or programmable logic circuits (PLC), which is connected to or comprises a memory 159. The memory 159 may be 12 implemented using any commonly known technology for computer-readable memories such as ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM, CMOS, FLASH, DDR, SDRAM or some other memory technology. The controller 156 could for example be a raspberry Pi.

The controller 156 is configured to control the pressure generated by the force generating system. In the exemplified embodiment where the force generating system is a hydraulic system, the force generating system 151, controlled by the controller 156, applies a pressure to the positioning device 100 by causing ﬂuid to move into the positioning device, and thus creating an increased pressure. This will be explained more in detail with reference to Figs. 8a-b.

The controller 156 may further be configured to control the lockable portion 124 of the second stabilizing member 120. Hence, the controller 156 may put the lockable portion 124 in a locked or unlocked position. The instructions to the controller 156 may be transmitted by the user using physical controls (not shown) or using graphical objects on a display 160.

The controller 156 may further be configured to control the position of the second stabilizing member 120 along the stabilizing means 104. The instructions to the controller 156 may be transmitted by the user using physical controls (not shown) or using graphical objects on a display 160.

In one embodiment the control system 150 is connected to or comprises a display 160. The display 160 may be in the form of a touch display having a user-friendly interface or a non-touch display. In one embodiment the display is a touch display configured to display and operate one or more virtual keys on the touch display. The display may be a LED-display. In one embodiment the control system 150 comprises a display 160 being in communication with the controller 156 in order to show information of the applied pressure and/or pressure measurement(s). The information provided at the display will be discussed with reference to Fig. 9.

The control system 150 may further comprise an alarm system 155 for providing urgent feedback to the user controlling the system and/or for stopping the applied force. The alarm system may be activated manually by a stop-button 161 (as shown in Fig. 9) on the display 160 and/or automatically by the control system 150. 13 The automatic control will now be described. If the control system 150 detects that the pressure in the positioning device 100 is too high, a signal is sent to the alarrn system which in turn tums off the applied pressure and/or decreases the applied pressure. Additionally, or altematively, the alarrn system triggers an alarrn to the user controlling the system signaling that the positioning device 100 is in the risk of having to high applied pressure. The alarrn may for example be a loud sound, a blinking lamp, a bright color or the like.

In one embodiment the control system 150 may further comprise a communication interface 157. The communication interface 157 may be used for contacting the user controlling the system with important information and/or for communication data to other devices. Other devices may be a mobile communications terminal such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant, a media player, a location finding device or generally any hand-held, user-carried or user-wom device capable of communicating with other devices. The device could also be a stationary computer.

The communication interface may be a wireless radio frequency interface such as a BluetoothTM or a WiFi (IEEE802.1 lb standard) link. The communication interface 157 may also be a Wired interface. The communication interface 157 may be configured to send an alarrn as a text-message, Bluetooth signal, email or the like to the user inforrning hin1/her of the detected condition. The communication interface 157 may also be configured to save data to a patient file. The communication interface 157 is connected to or in communication with the controller 156.

Fig. 8a-b illustrates the connection between the force applying portion 140 of the first stabilizing member 110 and the force generating device 151 of the control system 1 5 0.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8a, the force generating device 151 comprises at least one reciprocating pump 151. The force generating device 151 may further comprise a drive unit 152 that is configured to affect, directly or indirectly, the reciprocating pump 151 to pump ﬂuid into a tube 170. The tube 170 is connected to a first receiving portion 146 arranged in the force applying portion 140 of the first stabilizing member 110. The drive unit 152 is in communication with the controller 156. 14 The reciprocating pump 151 could be controlled by the drive unit 152 in many different Ways. One example, as will be illustrated further in Fig. 8b, is to connect the drive unit to a movable rod 153 which moves in relation to an end piece 154. The end piece 154 is in connection to the reciprocating pump 151.

Tuming to Fig. 8b, one embodiment of a force generating device 151 is shown. In this embodiment, the force generating device 151 comprises a plurality of reciprocating pumps 151. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8b, four reciprocating pumps 151 are present. However, the number of reciprocating pumps 151 could for example be one single pump, or two, three, five or six pumps. As shown in Fig. 8b, the reciprocating pumps 151 may be in the form of a syringe. The syringe 151 comprises two ends, a first end 15 la and a second end 15 lb. The first end 15 la is the needle adapter or needle tip. The first end 15 la is configured to be attached to a tube 170 (as shown in Fig. 8a).

The second end 15 lb is attached to a to an end piece 154. The end piece 154 is arranged in communication with a rod 153. The rod 153 is preferably movable between different positons, so as to affect the end piece 154. The rod 153 is moved by a drive unit 152. The drive unit 152 may be a motor. In one embodiment the drive unit 152 is a linear motor.

The drive unit 152 is controlled by the controller 156, which in tum thus controls the pressure applied by the syringe 151. The syringe controls the amount of ﬂuid ﬂowing through the tube 170 towards the first stabilizing member 110. Thus, the pressure applied to the first stabilizing member 110 can be controlled. The instructions relating to the applied force may be transmitted by the user to the system 150 using physical controls (not shown) or using graphical objects on a display 160.

In one embodiment the end piece is a metal alloy that is calibrated to give different conductance depending on the force applied. The metal is bent and it provides different resistances for a signal current that is sent through it. Altematively, the end piece 154 may be a sensor 154 for measure force. In one embodiment the sensor 154 is a force gauge.

In Fig. 8b, the controller 156 is in communication with several sub-controllers 158a-d. The sub-controllers 158a-d may be in communication with a respective drive unit 152a-d. For example, the sub-controller 158a may be in communication with the drive unit 152a that is controlling the syringe 151a.

In the embodiments shown in Figs. 8a-b, the force generating device 151 and the force applying portion 140 is a hydraulic system. However, it should be noted that other force applying systems are possible within the teachings herein.

Fig. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of an interface of a display 160. The interface of the display 160 preferably comprises a plurality of graphical objects representing information and adjustable controls.

In one embodiment the display comprises a stop-button 161 that automatically stops the applied pressure to the system.

The display may further comprise graphical objects representing the direction 162 of the applied pressure. The choice of direction can be to compress or to extend the body of the patient.

The interface of the display may be divided into four sections, the left posterior, the right posterior, the left anterior and the right anterior. For the different sections, different settings can be set. The settings may be seen as threshold values, for example the maximum position, the minimum position and/or the maximum force.

The interface of the display may further show output data. The output data may for example relate to the current and/or to the applied force.

The applied force may for example be adapted using a slidable control.

Tuming to Figure 10, a method of using the pressure device 10 will be described. Before the examination of the patient is evaluated by a physician. The portion of the patient that is causing most pain is established. The stating position is set so that the first body connection piece 112 is set so that it is in the shortest possible position, so as to allow for maximum compression.

The patient is placed 210 on the base plate 102. The head of the patient is placed 220 in the first body connection piece 112 of the first stabilizing member 110. The length of the system is then adapted to fit the length of the patient. The length is adapted by moving 230 the second stabilizing member 120 in a position towards the first stabilizing member 110. The device 10 is the right position when the feet of the patient is touching the stabilizing portion 122 of the second stabilizing member 120. 16 In a next step, a series of pictures are taken in the MRI camera 240. These images are taken without adding any applied pressure. These images are used for references.

In a further step, pressure is applied 250. The amount of pressure that is applied may vary. In one embodiment, the applied pressure and movement of the device l0 follows a pre-defined pattem. The device l0 may be configured to be moved in a pre- defined movement pattem, thus causing predeterrnined forces and angles. In one embodiment, the medical imaging device takes 260 continuous images throughout the movement. In one altemative embodiment, the images are taken 260 at the final position.

In one embodiment, the pressure is applied by compressing the two rear cylinders to get an extension. This creates anatomically narrower conditions for nerves in the neck. In a next step, the front and rear cylinders are pressed on the side that the patient is in most pain. This process is continued until the patient says stop due to pain. The applied forces are registered and shown on the screen in the control room, and starts the medical imaging scanning to receive images when the patient is in a compressed state.

Once the maximum pressure is achieved, the applied pressure is removed. The patient is released form the device l0 by moving the second stabilizing member l20 away from the first stabilizing member ll0.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the aspects described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure and appended claims. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed aspects for purposes of illustration only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the inventive concepts being set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A force controlling system (10) for applying a pressure to a patient While being subjected to medical imaging using a MRI scanning device, Wherein the force controlling system (10) comprises: a positioning device (100) comprising: a first stabilizing member (110), Wherein the first stabilizing member (1 10) comprises: a first body connection piece (112) configured to stabilize a first portion (2a) of the patient°s body (2), and a force applying portion (140) configured to receive a force from at least one force generating device (151) and apply said force to the first body connection piece (1 12), and a second stabilizing member (120) configured to stabilize a second portion (2b) of the patient”s body (2), Wherein at least the force applying portion (140) is in operative communication With a control system (150) comprising said at least one force generating device (151) that is configured to control the amount of pressure being applied, and Wherein the parts of the positioning device (100) is being made of non- ferromagnetic material(s).

2. The force controlling system (10) according to claim 1, further comprises a control system (150) comprising a controller (156) and at least one force generating device (151).

3. The force controlling system (10) according to claim 2, Wherein the controller (156) is configured to control the pressure generated by the at least one force generating device (151).

4. The force controlling system (10) according to any preceding claims, Wherein the at least one force generating device (151) comprises a hydraulic system.

5. The force controlling system (10) according to claim 4, Wherein the at least one force generating device (151) comprises at least one reciprocating pump (151).

6. The force controlling system (10) according to claim 4, Wherein the at least one force generating device (151) further comprises a drive unit (152) configured to drive said at least one reciprocating pump (151).

7. The force controlling system (10) according to any one of claims 4-6, Wherein the at least one force generating device (151) is connected to the force applying portion (140) by a tube (170) configured to receive ﬂuid.

8. The force controlling system (10) according to any preceding claims, Wherein the controller (156) is configured to detect the applied force and deterrnine if said applied force is above a threshold value, Wherein if said applied force is above a threshold value, the controller (156) is configured to instruct the at least one force generating device (151) to decrease or stop the applied force.

9. The force controlling system (10) according to any preceding claim, Wherein the first stabilizing member (110) and the second stabilizing member (120) are connected to each other using connecting means (104).

10. The force controlling system (10) according to any preceding claim, Wherein the second stabilizing member (120) is movably arranged relative the first stabilizing member (110).

11. The force controlling system (10) according to claim 10, Wherein the movement is controlled by the control system (150).12. The force controlling system (10) according to claim 10 or 11, Wherein the second stabilizing member (120) comprises a lockable portion (124) Which locks its position in relation to the first stabilizing member (110).

12. The force controlling system (10) according to any preceding claim, Wherein the first portion (2a) of the patient°s body (2) is the head and the second portion (2b) of the patient°s body (2) is the legs, the hip, or the feet.

13. The force controlling system (10) according to any preceding claim, further comprising an elongated base plate (102) arranged to accommodate the body of a patient (2).

14. A positioning device (100) configured to be used in a force controlling system (10), said positioning device comprising: a first stabilizing member (110) comprising a first body connection piece (112) conf1gured to stabilize a first portion (2a) of the patient”s body (2), a second stabilizing member (120) conf1gured to stabilize a second portion (2b) of the patient°s body (2), Wherein said first stabilizing member (110) further comprises a force applying portion (140) configured to receive a force from at least one force generating device (151), Wherein said force applying portion (140) is configured to apply said force to the first body connection piece (112), Wherein the parts of the positioning device (100) is being made of non- ferromagnetic material(s).