Sound Imaging's
MRI Visor
Members: Blake Iwaisako, Isaac Kim, Ryan McKinney, Kevin Nouneh, Ibrahim Shalwani
Objective
To develop a headset that can be worn by a patient receiving an MRI. This product would help make the patient much more comfortable and relaxed during the procedure. Calmer patients would aid in consistent clear results and faster scans.
Background
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) procedures can be stressful and uncomfortable experiences that are typically associated with feelings of claustrophobia and with loud noises. The procedures can last anywhere from 45 minutes up to 2 hours. As such, there have been many previous attempts to alleviate some of these discomforts, but these products are typically costly and lack mobility, while also relying on age-old technology (i.e. DVDs) for content.
Sound Imaging, an MRI-specialty company located in San Diego (and our sponsor), has made advancements towards internal display technology and is seeking our assistance in designing, modifying, and implementing housing for internal components of an MRI visor (the likes of which include interpupillary and eyeglass adjustments). This MRI visor is aimed to have high mobility (able to move from room to room, and adjust from one patient to another), and will have the freedom to display a wide variety of content from the internet (via VGA cable). This project will prioritize product durability, mobility, patient comfort, and functional requirements (described below).
The functional requirements of the MRI visor are critical in ensuring its effectiveness and safety in an environment where MRI procedures are regularly performed. We must consider the accurate and precise mounting of the displays to the lenses, deflection of EMI (electromagnetic interference) from the MRI machine, and maintaining an appropriate distance between the visor and the MRI machine. In regards to the fitting of the visor, we must also consider using MRI-compatible materials that are easily sanitized, and are comfortable and safe enough for patients to wear for extended periods of time. These functional requirements must be addressed so as to ensure that the visor has high reliability during repeated use during MRI scans.
MRI Visor V1
Executive Summary
The Problem
Patient comfort is a high concern when performing an MRI scan. The imaging procedure is understandably an uncomfortable experience for patients due to the confined space, loud noises, and the need to lie still for an extended period of time. The MRI Visor aims to distract patients from this agitating process by giving them an isolated entertainment experience they can enjoy focusing on.
The MRI visor is highly mobile and able to display a variety of content via VGA cable, while also addressing critical functional requirements such as accurate and precise display mounting, EMI deflection, and appropriate distance between the visor and the MRI machine. MRI-compatible materials are used to ensure patient safety, comfort, and ease of sanitation. The development of an affordable, portable, modern, and user-friendly MRI visor would be a significant contribution to the MRI industry and patient comfort during MRI scans.
The Solution
To create the MRI Visor, we needed to select a template media visor whose manufacturers and design files we had permission to access. We decided that the Fatshark Dominator V3 was an excellent option to iterate from (Figure 1). With this design as our starting point, we modified the internal components to accommodate the MRI-safe analog electronics provided by our sponsor and replaced any ferrous hardware with non-ferrous alternatives. Then, we redesigned the housing to be as slim as possible to the face so that a wearer’s head can fit into as many MRI setups as possible. Material selection for the housing was particularly demanding, as the inside of the housing will be coated with an EMI shielding copper mesh to prevent distortions in the MRI image but the housing itself will be exposed to the scan. After material testing, we decided that flexible silicone would be the best choice. With a head strap and foam padding around the eyes, the MRI visor then is ready to be plugged into a technician’s computer and stream entertainment to the patient (Figure 2).
The Opportunity
Enhanced patient cooperation significantly improves scan quality and in turn the quality of the care they receive. When patients are comfortable and relaxed, they are more likely to remain still during the scan which will reduce the presence of motion artifacts and the need for repeat scans. The MRI visor simultaneously removes a known source of error in a medical environment, improves the patient’s experience, and accelerates workflow, making it an invaluable addition to any MRI facility.
A positive patient experience is also vital for the reputation of healthcare providers. By prioritizing patient comfort with the use of an MRI Visor, medical facilities can improve patient satisfaction and the overall perception of their services. Patients who have a more comfortable and enjoyable experience are more likely to recommend the facility to others, enhance the reputation of the provider, and feel more at ease during future MRI scans.
Figure 2: Rendered Model of MRI Visor without eye padding or head strap
Figure 1: Rendered Model of Fatshark Dominator V3 without eye padding or head strap