Patient infusion system for use with MRI

Abstract

This invention relates generally to the field of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems for generating diagnostic images of a patient's internal organs and more particularly, this invention relates to improved MRI systems with decreased interference between the magnetic field used for producing diagnostic images and the magnetic fields generated by the electric motors used for driving the pistons of the contrast media injectors. Additionally, the system employs an improved communication link between an externally located system controller and the injection head control unit located within the electromagnetic isolation barrier which defines the magnetic imaging room.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the InventionThis invention relates generally to the field of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems for generating diagnostic images of a patient's internal organs and more particularly, this invention relates to improved MRI systems exhibiting decreased interference between the magnetic field used for producing diagnostic images and spurious magnetic fields created by ancillary equipment, such as the electric motors used for driving the pistons of the contrast media injectors. Additionally, the system employs an improved communication link between an externally located system controller and the injection head control unit which is located within the electromagnetic isolation barrier of the magnetic imaging suite.2. Description of the Related ArtIt has become recognized that MRI systems require isolation from external sources of electromagnetic fields, if optimum image quality is to be obtained from MRI diagnostic procedures. Conventional MR...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

FIG. 1 illustrates an improved magnetic resonance imaging system according to the present invention and is shown generally at 10. The MRI system includes a system controller 12 which incorporates a computer 14 and a battery charging unit 16. The system controller 12 is located externally of the imaging room 17, the imaging room being shielded from electromagnetic interference by a shield 18. Isolation can be achieved by completely enclosing the room with copper sheet material or some other suitable, conductive layer such as wire mesh. Communication line 20, connects the system controller 12 with an external infrared / optical communications transceiver 22. The shielded imaging room 17 also incorporates a patient viewing window 24 in the shield 18 which allows an observer to view the room without breaching the electromagnetic shield 18. The window 24 can be formed by sandwiching a wire mesh material (not shown) between sheets of glass or coating the window with a thin coating of conduc...

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the InventionThis invention relates generally to the field of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems for generating diagnostic images of a patient's internal organs and more particularly, this invention relates to improved MRI systems exhibiting decreased interference between the magnetic field used for producing diagnostic images and spurious magnetic fields created by ancillary equipment, such as the electric motors used for driving the pistons of the contrast media injectors. Additionally, the system employs an improved communication link between an externally located system controller and the injection head control unit which is located within the electromagnetic isolation barrier of the magnetic imaging suite.2. Description of the Related ArtIt has become recognized that MRI systems require isolation from external sources of electromagnetic fields, if optimum image quality is to be obtained from MRI diagnostic procedures. Conventional MR...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

FIG. 1 illustrates an improved magnetic resonance imaging system according to the present invention and is shown generally at 10. The MRI system includes a system controller 12 which incorporates a computer 14 and a battery charging unit 16. The system controller 12 is located externally of the imaging room 17, the imaging room being shielded from electromagnetic interference by a shield 18. Isolation can be achieved by completely enclosing the room with copper sheet material or some other suitable, conductive layer such as wire mesh. Communication line 20, connects the system controller 12 with an external infrared / optical communications transceiver 22. The shielded imaging room 17 also incorporates a patient viewing window 24 in the shield 18 which allows an observer to view the room without breaching the electromagnetic shield 18. The window 24 can be formed by sandwiching a wire mesh material (not shown) between sheets of glass or coating the window with a thin coating of conduc...

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