Non-magnetic IV pole
An IV pole is made from a substantially non-magnetic material to enable it to be used in the setting of an IV scanner.
The present invention is directed to an intravenous (IV) pole and, more particularly, to a non-magnetic IV pole that is usable in connection with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIV poles are widely used, such as in hospital settings, for holding IV bags. IV bags contain fluids and are connected intravenously through IV lines to a patient, enabling the gravity feed of such fluids, and delivery of medicines intravenously through such lines to the patient.
Multiple different IV poles exist in the art. Most include a pole, at the top of which is located a hanging or holding element from which an IV bag is hung or held. A known IV pole is shown for example in
Another known IV pole is shown in
Another known IV pole is shown in
Prior art IV poles are made from metal, such as stainless steel, and are magnetic.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a radiographic technique that involves scanning a body portion of a patient of interest and enables the reproduction of an image representing the inner anatomy of the portion of the patient scanned. MRI has revolutionized radiology in the past two decades as it provides for viewing portions of a patient's inner anatomy previously unrealizable. It was introduced clinically in approximately 1991 for the scanning of bone and non-bone anatomy. It enables diagnostic imaging of internal organs and bones with precision and high resolution, but without the use of radiation, with which morbidity is associated.
A typical MRI scanner includes a large magnet formed with two poles. A typical scanner also includes a movable surface on which a patient is placed for moving the patient between the poles during a scanning procedure. A high magnetic field is used between the poles to scan the patient.
Numerous approaches toward MRI scanning are known in the art. One such approach is illustrated in
Another more basic approach is illustrated in
An even further approach is illustrated in
Because a high magnetic field is utilized during an MRI scan, it is a modality which is contraindicated in patients in whom a feric metal has been implanted for various ancillary medical reasons, such a pacemaker for arrhythmia, vascular clips for an aneurysm and metallic fixation devices for bony surgery.
Patients in a hospital and who are receiving IV fluids or medication, who would benefit from MRI, require the removal of the IV pole before undergoing an MRI scan. This is so because the IV pole is metal and therefore magnetic. The powerful magnet used in an MRI attracts metallic magnetic devices, such as IV poles, to such a degree as it would constitute a significant danger to the patient. Removing IV lines and bags from an IV pole, in order to scan a patient using MRI, can be difficult and time consuming. Additionally, some patients, such as those critically ill and /or under intensive care, require ongoing intravenous medication and/or fluids making MRI examination enormously difficult or risky.
SUMMARYApplicant herein has recognized the extreme value MRI imaging has in terms of diagnosing patients, particularly in patients who are quite ill, involved in critical care, and are in hospital stay. Applicant herein also has recognized the significant limitation the use of IV poles places on the ability to scan such patients with MRI.
As a result, Applicant herein has invented an IV pole made from a non-magnetic material. Such an IV pole can be of any known physical arrangement or design. The material from which to manufacture the IV pole can be a fiber and/or graphite-based material, including, but not limited to, a composite material, so long as that material is non-magnetic or has a sufficiently low magnetic component so as to enable it to be used safely in the setting of an MRI scanner. Such materials also must be of sufficient strength to enable it to support IV bags and be used durably in hospital settings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONAn embodiment of the invention is directed to an IV pole made from a non-magnetic material. The material must be strong enough to act as an IV pole and support IV fluid bags, but must be non-magnetic or have only a limited amount of magnetism so as to be used safely in the setting of an MRI scanner. The materials from which such an IV pole may be made include any now-known or later developed non-magnetic materials such as, but not limited to, titanium, fiber, and/or graphite-based composite materials, or any combination of these and other materials. Composite materials are known in the sporting goods industry and in the explosives industry. It is shown to be of sufficient weight, durability and reasonably priced when compared to titanium.
Claims
1. An IV pole made from a substantially non-magnetic material.
2. The IV pole as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material includes titanium.
3. The IV pole as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material includes a fiber-based material.
4. The IV pole as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material includes a graphite-based composite material.
5. An IV pole made from a substantially non-magnetic material which enables it to be used safely in the setting of an MRI scanner.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 19, 2006
Publication Date: Apr 3, 2008
Inventor: Hillel Skoff (Brookline, MA)
Application Number: 11/455,606
International Classification: A47B 96/00 (20060101);