The Cocoon Open MRI Chair concept is dedicated to spinal exams, focusing on the anatomy of the vertebrae, the disks, the spinal cord and the spaces between the vertebrae. Its design redefines the spine exam, increasing patient comfort and decreasing patient fear. The design uses a shell metaphor, which is associated with a cocoon and provides a welcoming, nonthreatening feeling when patients enter the exam room.

The size of an MRI system is relative to its power. Therefore, improving image quality implies a larger volume, which can hamper patient comfort and increase stress and which consumes more space in the hospital, implying increased cost. Therefore, both the problems of space and stress reduction were correlated in this challenge. The anxiety related to lying inside a tunnel is also due to a patient’s mental perceptions of the system prior to entering. Turning this first impression into a positive experience that reduces patient stress is one of the greatest benefits inherent to this technology.

The Cocoon Open MRI Chair is helpful for examining patients who are fearful of being in a closed space. The system’s reduced footprint is more welcoming to patients; the chair configuration further reduces the perception of mass, so patients will think in terms of space instead of volume. Once patients are placed in the chair, an interior light and openings on each side of the patient provide a safe and open feeling. A video can be projected onto an adjustable, transparent glass to occupy patients during the exam. By reducing patient anxiety, physicians don’t need to prescribe mild sedatives.

The decreased volume of the Cocoon Open MRI Chair concept gives clinicians better access. Being able to position the system in the middle of the room provides more flexibility during the workflow. The user interface, a tablet PC, can be placed on the left or right side of the opening, optimizing the clinician’s access to information. Locating the interface so close to the opening also allows clinicians to focus more of their attention on the patient during the preparation of the exam.

The Cocoon Open MRI Chair concept features a simple, light and welcoming configuration that relieves patient stress, increases value for hospitals, improves interaction for clinicians and contributes to the brand statement of GE Healthcare.

Credits: GE Healthcare, Lionel Wodecki, GE Healthcare and Ludovic Avot, Graphic Designer
Contact: Lionel Wodecki: [email protected]